Features

High-quality image reproduction

The K10D features a large, high-performance 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD with 10.2 effective megapixels as its image sensor, assuring the reproduction of true-to-life, rich-gradation images.

PENTAX-original Shake Reduction mechanism for blur-free images

The K10D is equipped with the exclusive, PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system, which effectively reduces camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions. This innovative mechanism shifts the position of the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the shifting speed in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. It offers an outstanding compensation effect equivalent to 2.5 to 4 shutter-speed steps. As a result, it does not require special anti-shake lenses, and can be used with almost all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.*
* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are the PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- are 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.

Newly developed A/D converter for truthful image data conversion

The K10D incorporates a high-performance 22bit A/D converter, which faithfully converts the analog data collected by the CCD image sensor into digital data. It offers a digital-conversion capacity 1,024 times greater than conventional 12-bit, 4,096-gradation A/D converters.

Newly designed PRIME imaging engine

The K10D incorporates the new PRIME (PENTAX Real IMage Engine) as its imaging engine. Designed exclusively for PENTAX digital SLR cameras, this imaging engine produces high-definition, true-to-life images through well-balanced control of CCD signals, including saturation, brightness, white balance, sharpness and contrast. Its new memory (DDR2: Double Data Rate 2) also serves to enhance speedy image processing and high-speed data transfer.

Dust Removal system to keep the CCD surface dust-free

The new Dust Removal (DR) system prevents dust from sticking to the surface of the CCD image sensor (or low-pass filter). The PENTAX-original Super Protect (SP) coating effectively removes dust and stains from the surface. Dust that still remains on the surface will be shaken off when the SR system shifts the CCD at high speed. The dust that is shaken off the CCD will fall onto an adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility of its returning to the CCD surface.

Dust-resistant, weather-resistant construction

The K10D boasts a reliable dust-proof, water-resistant construction, with special seals applied to 72 different parts of the camera body, including the shutter release button and switches/levers/dials, making it possible to use the K10D in the rain or at dusty locations without worries.

Original exposure system for faithful reproduction of creative intentions

Hyper Program function
This function allows the user to instantly switch to the Shutter- Priority AE (Tv) mode or Aperture-Priority AE (Av) mode from the Program AE mode, with a simple turn of the electronic dials on the grip.

Hyper Manual function
When shooting in Manual mode, a single push of the green button allows the user to instantly set the proper exposure for the subject.

Sensitivity-Priority mode
The K10D features a new Sensitivity-Priority AE (Sv) mode, which is designed to automatically select the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted instantly (in 1/2 or 1/3 steps) by turning the electronic dial. This mode eliminates the need to recall a menu screen for sensitivity changes, allowing the photographer to react more quickly to changing photographic conditions.

Shutter & Aperture-Priority mode
Another exposure mode offered by the K10D is Shutter & Aperture-Priority AE (TAv) mode, which is designed to automatically select the most appropriate sensitivity for a user-selected shutter-speed & aperture combination.

Customizable Electronic Dial Functions
This function, assigned to the front and rear electronic dials, can be changed to suit the users preferences, further enhacing the creative control of the image.

Bright, clear viewfinder

Featuring a glass pentaprism, the K10D’s viewfinder offers a 95-percent field of view and a 0.95-times magnification, for easy viewing of the subject and effortless confirmation of focus and composition. Coupled with the acclaimed Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen, it delivers a large, bright subject image.

Auto sensitivity control up to ISO 1600

The K10D’s auto sensitivity control function automatically sets the optimum sensitivity up to ISO 1600, based on such data as the subject’s brightness level and the lens’ focal length. This function allows the use of higher shutter speeds in poor lighting situations (such as indoor sports events and night scenes), helping the photographer to effectively reduce camera shake and prevent blurred images. For specialized applications, the sensitivity can be set manually from ISO 100 to ISO 1600.

Continuous shooting at approximately three images per second

Continuous shooting mode allows the photographer to capture a series of images at a maximum speed of approximately three images per second. In the JPEG recording format, the user is allowed to take as many images in succession as desired, until the capacity of an SD memory card runs out. In RAW and RAW+JPEG recording formats, 10 images and 6 images respctively can be taken before the buffer is filled

11-point wide-frame AF

The K10D’s sophisticated SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off centre. The in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation. Manual focus point selection is possible.

Extra-large, wide-view LCD monitor

The K10D incorporates an extra-large 2.5-inch colour LCD monitor on its back panel. Its wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image from 140 degrees both vertically and horizontally, ensuring effortless image viewing even from a diagonal position. With approximately 210,000 pixels, it also offers digital zooming of playback images up to 20 times for easy confirmation of the image’s focusing status and details. Manual focus point selection is possible.

Powerful rechargeable batteries for extended shooting

The K10D features new, large-capacity lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which can capture approximately 500 images** when fully recharged.
** Under testing conditions prescribed by the CIPA standards (flash illumination used in 50% of images).

Compatibility with supersonic motor-driven lenses

The K10D is designed to be compatible with supersonic motor-driven autofocus lenses (currently under development), which are expected to provide smoother, quieter autofocus operation than conventional lenses.

Other features

Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, centre-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
High-rigidity stainless-steel chassis
32 custom functions to personalize camera operations
Extended bracket function to capture three images of the same subject at different contrast, saturation, sharpness or white-balance levels
Compatibility with conventional SD memory cards and newly introduced SDHC memory cards
Choice of two preview functions (digital/optical)
Simultaneous recording of RAW and JPEG images
Two Raw formats, PENTAX RAW (PEF) and Adobe Digital Negative (DNG) with in camera RAW processing possible
Manual fine adjustment of white balance
Date folder to simplify the arrangement and search of recorded images
Six built-in digital filters (Black-and-white, Sepia, Slim, Soft, Brightness and Colour) for easy editing of recorded images
Remote shutter release from the front and back sides of the camera using optional remote controller
PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3 RAW data processing software and PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3 browser software, included on the accompanying CD-ROM
Compatibility with PictBridge, DPOF, Exif Print and PRINT Image Matching III systems

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Software Updates >
K10D Wins EISA European Camera of the Year 2007-2008 >
K10D Wins 2007 TIPA Award >
K10D Wins 2007 Camera Grand Prix 2007 >