Pentax K10D SLR Review

The controls on the grip side of the camera: the Power switch / DOF Preview and Shutter Release button, the "Green" button which resets exposure settings and auto adjusts the appropriate exposure when in Manual mode. The data LCD is illuminated and the current settings can also be seen on the color LCD using the Info button (see next page). Out on the front just below the shutter release button is the front e-dial.

The data LCD display indicates: (1) Shutter speed, (2) Aperture value, (3) Flash mode, (4) Drive mode, (5) EV bar, (6) Auto bracket, (7) Flash exposure compensation, (8) Exposure compensation, (9) Battery level, (10) White balance, (11) ISO warning, (12) RAW capture, (13) RAW+JPEG capture

The Mode Dial has positions for: USER (configurable), Green Program AE, Hyper-Program AE, Sensitivity priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter & Aperture-Priority, Hyper-Manual and Bulb.

Underneath the Mode Dial is the Metering Selector switch with positions for Spot, Center-weighted and Multi-segment options.

The 2.5-inch color LCD is used for accessing the menus and reviewing captured images - it cannot be used as a viewfinder. To the left of the eyelevel finder is the exposure Bracketing button, to the right is the rear e-dial. The AE-Lock button in playback is the image Protect button. Beneath that is the Exposure compensation button which when pressed also illuminates the top data LCD. The AF button forces the auto focus function. The 4-way controller lets you navigate menus and select images during playback. Around it is the AF point switching dial. The Fn button calls up the Function menu (see next page for details). Next to that is the Shake Reduction switch. To the left of the LCD is the MENU button to enable the onscreen menus, the DELETE (trashcan) button is for erasing images, the INFO button in record displays camera and exposure settings, in playback it toggles display of exposure data or histogram. The PLAYBACK (blue arrow) button puts the camera into review mode.

On the front next to the lens is the RAW button that lets you quickly change from JPEG to RAW image capture mode. Below is the Focus Mode selector switch.

Images are stored on Secure Digital (SD) flash memory cards. The K10D can use any capacity SD card up to 2GB, and SDHC cards exceeding 2GB; shown here is the spacious and speedy Sandisk Ultra II 4GB SDHC card.

Approximate storage

Input/Output ports are on the left side, on top is for the CS-205 optional wired release button. The wireless Remote Control F can be used within 5m of the front or back of the camera

Combination USB 2.0 (high-speed) and Video Out (selectable NTSC or PAL format)

Bottom is jack for DC IN from optional D-AC50 power supply.

The K10D is powered by a high-capacity proprietary Pentax D-LI50 7.4v 1620mAh Lithium-ion battery pack. Included is the D-BC50, a compact AC rapid charger that replenishes the battery out of the camera.

The optional D-BG2 Battery Grip (US$190.00 MSRP) has features such as a shutter release button, front e-dial, rear e-dial and AE-L button to accomodate shooting vertically. The grip allows you to double your battery life by using a second D-Li50 battery. With proven PENTAX ergonomics the camera fits reliably and comfortably in the hand. The battery compartment also provides storage space for a memory card and the optional wireless Remote Control F.

When the D-BG2 is attached the Setup menu allows you to select which battery to start with and then automatically switches between them when the first battery goes dead.