Originally posted by Frjeff I would describe myself as an experienced SLR/DSLR amateur. Currently shoot a Nikon D7200 and a Lumix FZ1000 bridge. My attraction to the K10D comes from reading posts here, reviews and viewing images.
Others speak to the great sensor of the K10D, color accuracy, etc.
I am purposely wanting to reduce the bells and whistles and simplify my photography gear. Want to slow down, spend more time in searching for interesting subjects, composing, physically moving to find lines, textures, etc. Perhaps keep lenses to one or two primes.
A simpler camera kit (like the folks in the 6 Megapixel sub-forum) forces the person behind the camera to rely on their skills rather than super fancy “do everything” gear and hours of post processing at the computer.
Sort of like driving old classic cars, sailing classic boats Of flying vintage aircraft. Fun stuff.
Some here feel that the older CCD sensors have especially vibrant colors compared with CMOS sensors used in subsequent models. Whether more accurate is another matter. I hear you regarding sitting at a computer doing post processing. In fact, the K10D is one design where post processing is especially important. I passed it up in favor of the K200D which uses the same sensor. It was the junior model of the next generation. JPEG images right out of the K10D are a bit soft, as tested in the dpreview report. They were not prejudiced against the camera, in fact they were quite taken with it at the time. But they found it had this issue along with inadequate in-camera control of sharpening, making it clearly a design for shooting RAW images with post processing.
The next generation had the top two being the K20D flagship replacing the K10D. It shared the build, larger size, and controls design, but otherwise had numerous upgrades, including a 14.6mp CMOS sensor. It had more in-camera adjustments for less post processing. The junior K200D, still having the 10mp CCD sensor, has better adjustment features also over the previous K10D, such as for sharpening and highlight protection, but not as extensive as the flagship K20D, which includes custom adjustment of AF to match up with each lens if needed. Both could generate good JPEG images out of the camera. In both cases, for best results out of the camera, go into the Custom Image menus and implement "Fine Sharpening" especially in the most-often used "Bright" image category. This still remains true with current models. The K200D is smaller, lighter, yet very well built with WR construction. It has the less expensive pentamirror VF but still a good one, while the flagship K20D has the more expensive glass pentaprism VF. These cameras tend to underexpose by around 1/2-2/3 stop.
The next generation was headed by the 16mp K-5 series flagships. A whole new design that has been very successful. More compact but with very good ergonomics. Much better low light performance, with exceptional dynamic range and preservation of detail at higher ISO usage. Very good also for out of camera images. I still use and have a high regard for my K-5 IIs. The "s" means it has no AA filter for yet finer detail in images, even right out of the camera.
I now still use it, but mostly the current KP. The KP has been an amazing camera, which I find to be really outstanding for out of camera results. I've had mine for over two years. Accurate color, excellent dynamic range, superb higher ISO performance, accurate metering, really fine imaging. None of the current Pentax cameras have AA filters. They now have a different kind of filter that can be switched on as needed, otherwise none. All now have the pro-quality glass pentaprism VF, now with 100% coverage, and with excellent magnification.
Of course, no matter what you shoot with, your own capabilities are indispensable in determining the end result. It is simply a good thing to have better tools at ones disposal.
And welcome to the forum!