| Author: | | New Member Registered: September, 2008 Location: New York, NY Posts: 5
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 6, 2011 | Not Recommended | Price: $600.00
| Rating: 6 |
| Pros: | Takes older Pentax lenses, weather sealed, shoots DNG | | Cons: | Image quality only OK compared to Canon, Nikon | |
My first DSLR, I got it because I could use all my old Pentax lenses with it. It's a good camera, not a great one. I deal with professionally shot digital images all the time in my work, and image quality is clearly inferior to Canon or Nikon, but not seriously so. It's hard to review a 4-year-old digital camera, things change so quickly, but I would not recommend a K10d today (2011), it's just too old. By today's standards, it's unnecessarily big and bulky, the low-light performance is only OK, auto-focus and shake-reduction (the weak point of all early Pentax DSLRs) is unimpressive. Color and contrast straight out of the camera is a bit dull, but I don't mind that since I shoot only RAW. That said, if you can pick one up cheap, it's not a bad camera for certain uses. A 10MP camera is perfectly sufficient for copy work, for example. The ability to use older Pentax K-mount lenses, and M42 screw-mount lenses with an adapter, is a definite plus.The decision to allow saving captures as Adobe DNG was a stroke of genius in my opinion.
| | | | | | | Senior Member Registered: May, 2021 Posts: 185
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 7, 2022 | Recommended | Price: $210.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Good image quality | | Cons: | Weight, inaccurate auto-focusing | | Years Owned: 15
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 5
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: Used
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I use this camera for everyday photography with Pentax F, DA zoom lenses and occasionally with M42 lenses. It works great and the only problems I have experienced are the inaccurate/back-focusing AF system and the weight of the camera. Fortunately the AF system can be adjusted in "debug mode" which dramatically improves the focusing accuracy.
Image quality is good enough for my uses, with nice saturated colours and decent sharpness. Although I have noticed the camera has a slight tendency to underexpose by 1/2 to 1 stop. My favourite and most-used photo-taking modes with F and DA lenses are either Hyper-Program or TAv modes with full range (100..1600) of Auto-ISO. The images have some noise at maximum ISO. It's not the best choice for low light photography. But personally I never considered noise to be a problem after some chrominance noise reduction.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: June, 2011 Posts: 485
9 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 19, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $80.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | image quality, price | | Cons: | ISO | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 8
Value: 9
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 7
New or Used: Used
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I've been playing with a lot of older Pentax bodies and it's getting difficult to compare them directly. There's so many options now in the sub $100 range. The good news is they are all good. Here's the ups for the K10D:
The K10D has the last CCD sensor Pentax put in their bodies (pretty sure I have that right, not sure about MF), a 10mp version. That means a lot to some people. Certainly CCD is physically different than CMOS. How noticeable the differences are beyond noise I am not sure, but the images certainly are beautiful in this camera.
The camera also has a totally different body design than other Pentax DSLR lineups, being much wider. Same depth and height just about, just wider. It's almost like a chunky film SLR. For some that is desirable and they really miss this body, for me I prefer the K-7 -> K-3 designs. It's not bad at all, I just am a fan of the narrower body.
This is a good camera, and a great camera if you're looking for a cheap DSLR to play with vintage lenses on and get really cool images. I've had a lot of fun with mine.
I made a video explanation of my thoughts here (with image samples)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QYxbnfEwAE | | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2019 Posts: 20
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 3, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $100.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | LCD sensor | | Cons: | High noise with iso 800-1600 | | Years Owned: 4
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 8
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 7
New or Used: Used
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Made a few shots after not using it for a long time. It still is a great camera! Iso 100-400 is very low noise and the images are very clear and punchy right out of the camera (RAW). Here an image I took, made some adjustments on it in Lightroom:
 | | | | | | | Senior Member Registered: February, 2009 Location: Lévis, Canada (Québec) Posts: 144
5 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 9, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $1,000.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Solid camera with great IQ | | Cons: | AF struggles at times, C-AF | | Years Owned: 11
Ergonomics: 7
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 6
Features: 8
Value: 8
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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Back when I got my K10D, it was more than a match for its closest competitors (like the D200) in terms of image quality, and at a much more interesting price for a camera with weather seals. Since I already had manual focus Pentax lenses, going digital with Pentax made sense. I really loved the camera.
Despite not being made of magnesium alloy, the K10D is a very sturdy body, with metal chassis and solid plastic body. The connector covers were much better designed—with hinged, weather sealed doors—than the rubber ones we find on most cameras today.
The shutter is a bit louder than on m7 K-7 and K-5. The ergonomics are great, too, although my two other bodies have a much nicer grip. The viewfinder could be brighter and the sensor shake is nowhere near fast enough to shake off dust, but these are minor concerns. Especially given that it was one of the first affordable cameras with an in-body image stabilizer, which meant saving hundreds of dollars on expensive stabilized lenses. Even today, after having switched to Olympus, I still want an in-body IS.
Other than the IS, the Pentax has many other great features (I don't use many of them), like being able to use legacy lenses, including ones without electronic or mechanical contacts, the green button, etc.
Being armed with an old CCD sensor, the K10D produces more noise levels similar to that of cameras $500 more expensive, like the D200. A few of the K10D competitors had CMOS sensors back then, but even then, the difference in image quality wasn't much noticeable below ISO*800. Speaking of which, the old K10D shows its age. It was great back in 2007-2008 when it was released, though. At ISO 100-400, the image quality is very good in RAW (I don't shoot JPEG), and it remains good at ISO*800 and fair at ISO*1600. (Though back then, I thought ISO*1600 was awesome. LOL) Dynamic range is pretty good for such an old camera, but I can recover 1.5 to 2*stops of information in the shadows and half a stop in the highlights. Pretty good for an old CCD DSLR.
All good things said. Regarding the bad things, now, the autofocus often struggles with this camera, especially in low light. Still, even when it hunts, it eventually locks on unless the light is very, very low. I certainly was able to focus on my subjects during stage events, making it slow but still reliable. That's in AF-S, however, and AF-C is no better. It can't put a moving subject in focus unless the said subject is just walking and, even then, I'll get only 2-3 keepers in a burst of ten images. Also, my K10D has a back focusing issue that even the AF micro adjustments can't correct.
Despite being too old to compare to the modern DSLRs and mirrorless ILCs, the K10D is still a good body. I can serve a a nice backup for a main body or can be modified for infrared photography to give it an extended life.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: August, 2012 Posts: 678 | | Review Date: October 25, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $74.55
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Advanced features, solid, weather resistant construction | | Cons: | HEAVY! | | Years Owned: 2 months
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 7
Autofocus: 7
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: Used
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So I picked this camera up on eBay a couple of months ago for the bargain price of $74.55 with its original 18-55mm DA kit lens but no battery grip and no battery charger. It's in great condition and I'm still figuring out a lot of its features. This camera takes things to a whole new level from my Kx and my K2000 and I'm enjoying growing with it. I immediately picked up battery charger and a spare battery for it. I didn't initially think I'd bother with a battery grip but I found a third-party unit brand new for $20 with free shipping so I thought 'why not?'. I'm still trying to decide whether it was a good investment. While it's handy having access to both batteries' power at once, not to mention storage for a spare memory card and an auxiliary shutter button for shooting in portrait mode, it makes the camera very, very heavy. Fortunately, it's easy to remove when I need to lighten my load.
But how does it perform? So far, quite well, although the autofocus occasionally gets a little confused and focuses on nothing. This seems to happen more often in AF-S mode but I can switch to AF-C and everything works fine again. Of course, manual focus is also an option. I haven't had time to do much creative photography with this camera yet. So far, I've used it mainly for shooting items to sell on eBay. For that limited purpose, it is working great, although it's admittedly overkill. I feel like I got a whole lot of camera for what I spent and I am looking forward to challenging myself with it more in the near future.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: August, 2009 Location: Wandering the Streets Posts: 1,411
18 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 23, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $150.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | CCD Image, Shake Reduction, Weatherproof, Lens Compatibility | | Cons: | Size/Weight, ISO Limit, Autofocus Speed | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: Used
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I picked this camera up a while back for the CCD image sensor. I have used the *ist DS and the *ist DL2 for years (still do) and I love the color rendition of their sensors. But there are times when I want a bit more resolution. Short of going out and buying a 645D, this was about the best I could do with Pentax.
I have not been disappointed. I have been told that their should be no quality difference between the CMOS and CCD sensors, but my eyes see it differently. Maybe it was the algorithms that Pentax used but, whatever it is, it is certainly real. The image quality from this camera using RAW, and converting using the latest tools from Adobe, are magnificent. So far I have been using it primarily for macro work but I can easily see me expanding my use.
If you own and use Pentax digital SLR cameras this one will be easy to use. Controls are similarly placed and menu layout is almost identical. In essence, there really are no surprises. The camera can be used in RAW+jpeg if you like. It uses the DNG RAW format so the files are easily opened in most digital imaging programs. All lenses can be used, even those which use SDM or DC focusing motors in the lens. I use the new Pentax DA 18-135 zoom as my kit lens and it focuses it quickly, quietly and accurately.
My typical workflow with a digital SLR is different than my workflow with a film camera. With film I work almost exclusively in manual exposure modes, but with digital I usually use Program Mode with spot metering and exposure lock. Then I make my adjustments using the Exposure Compensation controls. With this camera the Exposure Lock button is very easy to locate and activate. Likewise, the Exposure Compensation button is equally simple to locate and press with my thumb while I manipulate the front control wheel. With an Exposure Compensation of plus or minus 3 stops this is a quick and easy way to adjust for lighting differences. If I need more than that I move to Manual Mode, which is also quick and easy to do.
Ergonomically the camera is easy to handle. My only real complaint in this area is the increased weight and size. For most people this probably doesn't mean a lot but I use the *ist series of Pentax digital cameras a lot, and I love their small size and minimal weight. First, I find it easier to reach certain controls on the *ist series cameras because the cameras are smaller to start with. Additionally the grip size and configuration is a bit different and I am just now coming to grips (pun alert) with that change. The weight is even a bigger change for me. I am no longer young and when I am hiking in the mountains taking macro shots of wild flowers the weight of my equipment is more important than it used to be. But, considering the quality of the image, and the increase in resolution, I will learn to work with the weight and size.
Another possible downside to this camera for some is the noise whenever you increase the ISO sensitivity above 400. This is actually less of an issue for me since I almost always use either a small tripod or a monopod. With these accessories I can shoot at the native ISO sensitivity even though my shutter speeds may be too long to handhold the camera. But, even with film, I rarely ever go over ISO 400. If I need more light I am not afraid of firing up some flash. Obviously there are places where flash is not welcome but if that is going to be a problem I usually bring a different camera.
Finally, I have read a few reviews here where people are concerned with the speed of the camera's autofocus. In comparison to other Pentax cameras from this era I really don't personally see what the problem is. No, the K10D is not as quick as a Pro level Nikon or Canon camera, but it isn't one of those cameras. I will say this, the K10D autofocus is very accurate so I rarely need to fine tune the focus. Low light is where the biggest problem occurs. In this situation I usually use manual focus. I have installed a Katzeye focus screen and I use manual and autofocus lenses interchangeably with relative ease. I have shot film using manual focus cameras for years so switching back and forth between auto and manual focus doesn't really bother me.
To be completely honest, I usually use film cameras, and there are actually very few digital cameras that excite me that much. I have used some nice digital equipment over the past few years and still own several of them. This is the first digital camera I have picked up that has excited me in quite awhile. The image quality of this sensor is exceptional and produces some stunning prints, at some very nice enlargement levels. It reminds me a lot of film and it takes very little post processing for me to get decent output.
I find it interesting that I can use a camera that many consider to be obsolete to produce digital prints that can easily compete head to head with some of the finest cameras out there. Don't misunderstand, this is no Nikon D800, nor is it a Sony A7R. But if you print at or below 16x20 you will find it very, very difficult to tell if you used one of those multi-thousand dollar cameras, or this nice little Pentax that cost less than $200. Attach a nice Pentax Limited prime, DA or FA, and you may just surprise yourself with the quality of your images.
And that my friends is the real story here. Stunning digital images at a terrific value. That is the entire reason that I have rated this 2006 digital camera as a 10, even though it is now 2014.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: October, 2008 Location: Chicago,IL. U.S.A Posts: 147 | | Review Date: December 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $450.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Easy to use, old manual focus lenses pair up nicley. | | Cons: | No weather seal | | Years Owned: 6
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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Easy to learn, great to use. My manual focus lenses mount easily with adapters , the old saying is "press the green button and shoot", that pretty mush does sum it up, the old lenses match up near flawless with this camera. I've used tons of the old M42 screw mount lenses and even mounted Nikon lenses without an adaptor. Pretty amazing little camera. I love it.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: June, 2011 Location: Amarillo Posts: 54 | | Review Date: December 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Dependable, sturdy, versatile, not difficult to learn | | Cons: | not so good with high ISOs | | Years Owned: 4
Ergonomics: 6
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 7
Autofocus: 5
Features: 7
Value: 8
Image Quality: 6
Noise: 5
New or Used: Used
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Bought this gently used from my niece. It is a little more versatile than my k100D and the optional battery grip gives it more heft. I'm an avid amateur and this is more than enough camera for me, at least for now.
| | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2012 Posts: 15 | | Review Date: December 10, 2013 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | colour rendition; simple to operate | | Cons: | slow AF, poor with higher sensitivities. | | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 8
Value: 8
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 7
New or Used: New
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Well, nowadays K10d seems to be outdated camera, but this mind is basically wrong- great colour rendition makes it fine landscape or portrait tool. On 10 Mpix many more lenses has sufficient IQ, files are smaller than these from modern bodies (but still bring enough data to croping or printing larger pictures).
Of course (almost) "lack" of AF and significant noise above 400 ASA must be accepted. In some conditions not so wide dynamic range might be annoying.
For me "grip" is horribly profiled (more flattened preferred), but I've unappropriate anatomy ;-) (tentacles and other stuff).
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: October, 2009 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 2,030
4 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 16, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $450.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Ergonomics, Build, Quality Of Images | | Cons: | No TTL, Slow AF | | Years Owned: 5
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 8
New or Used: Used
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Overall, I'd have to say the 'Ten' is one of the finest pieces of photographic equipment I've ever owned. It is, quite simply, a joy to use and gets the job done with no fuss or drama.
The build, quality and ergonomics are superb and inspire confidence each time you use it. Mine is outfitted with a D-BG2 grip, KatzEye split prism screen and O-ME53 magnifying eyecup, since I use it primarily for Macro, legacy lenses and scenic work. It excels in those tasks.
There is no question that it's limited in other ways. 10.2 MP is hardly earthshaking by modern standards and the high ISO performance isn't great (max is 1600, but useable high is more like 800), no TTL, LV or video.
But in it's day, 2006-2007, it was the flagship model and the performance, features and innovations like SR, dust removal SDM support, 2 control wheels and top LCD reflect this. I even like the FN button, four of the most-used functions in one place. Others may prefer hard buttons for each function.
And the rendering! Oh, my, shooting in RAW with the CCD sensor produces images and colors that are practically unrivalled to this day. Seeing is believing, just ask any Ten owner. This applies to any lens I've ever tried, so it clearly is the camera making the difference.
Keeping the ISO low, staying within the limits of a 7-year old design and appreciating the many virtues of this advanced (again, for its time) camera results in a confidence in your chosen gear that's hard to match at any price. As an 'extra' body or special-use backup, it's perfect. Sturdy, reliable and a joy to own.
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2008 Location: Escalante, Ut Posts: 13
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 7, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $450.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Dependable, easy to use. | | Cons: | | | Years Owned: 6
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 6
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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This was my first dslr when I switched from slide film to digital. I had resisted the change, but had to due to the high cost of purchasing and developing slide film. I purchased this k10d when it was first released, I have never had to have it serviced, it just works that well and has been that dependable. Only reason I will eventually upgrade is if I want more megapixels or if the camera eventually gives out.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: November, 2010 Location: Tampere/Helsinki Posts: 218
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 17, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $450.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Handling, size, low ISO IQ | | Cons: | High ISO IQ, autofocus so-so | |
The K10D is still one hell of a camera. With ISO ranging in the 100-200 territory it can take stunning pictures, and if used correctly the noise in 800 is still quite bearable. Anything above that and the CCD sensor seems to fall apart. You can still produce some neat B&W images though. The handling is great and the camera is beefy enough to get a good grip of. The top LCD is great, something I would never give up after getting used to it. Also what's nice is that the e-dials can be customized to each shooting mode. However it is done in the slightly tricky menu system as are a lot of other things.
Of course it's an old camera and can't quite keep up with the newer competition, but for me it's still a well working workhorse. However due to it being old there are certain hacks discovered for it (like the service mode). I'll eventually get a new(er) body, but I'll keep my K10D always as a backup since I think there's something on that CCD sensor that the CMOS can't quite duplicate.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: May, 2013 Posts: 111 | | Review Date: October 15, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $800.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | just about everything | | Cons: | high iso performance (at the time it was fine) | | Years Owned: 7
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 7
Features: 9
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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Although I have finally upgraded, I will always think fondly of this camera. It was with me for trips on three continents, countless life events and random excursions, and never once let me down. The pictures have always been great, and the performance was consistent. Just a wonderful machine.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: August, 2007 Location: Thessaloniki, Greece Posts: 74
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 15, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $1,250.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Wonderful quality and feeling of the body, Shake Reduction System In the body, Water proof, Wonderful UI, One of the best camera of that period (if not the best) | | Cons: | Low Pentax support software! They could give much more of this hardware. They prefered to give it from next model. I think that they could give a stronger OS (eg. the ability to focus adjustment etc) | | Years Owned: 6
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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It is one of the best cameras ever made by Pentax. The quality, the weight, the compatibility with all the lenses of the past, the present and the future in conjunction with the SR in the body makes this model still one of the best cameras in the passage of time.
I admire Pentax company and I am one of its best fans, but I would to things from this model:
1. A bit bigger size for the grips (like my Pentax Z1) for my big fingers (and nails, as I am a classical guitarist).
2. A Full Frame Sensor (which I am looking forward since then until today (October 2013) and so on)
Pentax K-10D is still one of my favorite Pentax cameras, which I still use it with great success and happiness. I wish that Pentax will not forget this model and some day give us an enhanced OS!
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