Originally posted by Raptorman So I think I'm fairly sold on the K10D, but from what I read, the only consistent complaint I saw was the camera's autofocus and high noise above 500 iso.
Can someone validate this for me? Just how bad is the noise?
Does the image stabilization interfere with panning shots? (read that the 110d does this) Can the Image Stablilization be turned off?
In regards to the autofocus problems in low light..again how bad..really?
Also in manual mode with an auto lens..I am assuming the front wheel controls apeture and the back wheel is the shutter? I loved this feature on a Nikon D200 I used. I found it a very natural place place to put these controls... it wasn't too big a jump from my film cameras so if this is true with the K10D thats a real plus for me.
Bear in mind that I want a semi-pro/pro camera for a decent price and this one seems to have the best bang for the buck for what I want in a camera. I am not at all interested in scene modes or anything like that..just a solid camera that isn't going to put me in a homeless shelter. I can barely afford to develop film as it is
Really appreciate all the help so far. I just joined this forum and I must say I am really happy that I did so!
Here are some noise samples
At iso 400
At iso 800
At iso 1600
Panning can cause the IS to compensate vertically; it can be turned off.
Pentax DSLR's historcally have trouble focusing in low light. The K7, K2000, and Kx may have improverd AF systems, don't really know.
Mine sometimes wants to HUNT in low light depending on how LOW the light. Mine did fairly of at a wedding recently; at the reception hall, as the light got lower to compenste for the first dance for example, mine got really bad. I had to switch to MF. How bad is up to you; it depends on the light. Mine does fairly well in rooms light with tungsten lighting if the light comes from the ceiling.
On mine, in manual mode the front wheel controlls the shutter and the rear wheel controlls the apeture.
You can change that setting in other modes (Av, Tv, P, and Sv) but not manual. (At least on mine).
The K10D is a feature rich camera that should suit most if not all of your needs and within the price range you specified? (best bang for your buck)? What is your spending limit? Finding one new? I don't know. There are plenty of used ones out there however (I bought mine used). The K20D is a substantial upgrade with a 14 MP CMOS sensor (opposed to the 10MP CCD sensor on the K10D), that includes live view and the ability to shoot at a higher ISO.
Other than that it has all of the features of the K10D and you may have a better chance of getting one new.