Originally posted by Jodokast96 I can't believe I'm agreeing with him, but RH is mostly right. Yes the K10D has a 22-bit ADC, but it only functioned at 12-bit. I can't remember exactly where, but when someone at Pentax was asked about this, the answer was basically since it only ran at 12-bit anyway, what was point of keeping it. It's just I guess, but Pentax probably had some plans for it that just never materialized.
I'd like to see that info. Both cameras output 12bit. Sensors outputs an analog signal. No sense in using a 22bit ADC if you instantly truncate data to 12 bit. I do belioeve some of this depends on the sensor design and can be modified.
still the point is there is a difference between input, processing and output. The k10 was rumored to be eventually supplied w/ a 16bit raw Output firmware. which would be pointless if the adc already trucated data at the source to 12bit.