Pentax K10D reviewed by DPReview.com -- interesting camera

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foghorn67

Lifer
Jan 3, 2006
11,883
63
91
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: foghorn67
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Phil's Canon bias is getting too ridiculous to like dpreview anymore. IQ does not deserve a 7.5. High ISO is overrated, and you're a tool if you don't use RAW. Pentax scores better than other dslrs, but it is highly recommended just barely.

Tell all the SI photographers they are tools. :roll:

LOL, you're comparing the Canon bias of Phil to everything like toothbrushes that carries the Canon name, to the 1D/5D series bodies + L glass bias of pro photogs.
A 30 frame buffer helps if you like shooting birds. Hence JPEGs.

 

AndrewR

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,157
0
0
Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
Originally posted by: AndrewR
Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Phil's Canon bias is getting too ridiculous to like dpreview anymore. IQ does not deserve a 7.5. High ISO is overrated, and you're a tool if you don't use RAW. Pentax scores better than other dslrs, but it is highly recommended just barely.

Yeah, the "just barely" thing made me roll my eyes. His main gripe seemed to be the "slightly soft image processing," which is easily fixable in your RAW software or Photoshop.

Crop for crop the K10D actually delivers about the same amount of detail as the D80, the biggest difference is down to the crispness of edge detail which appears softer in the K10D image than the D80. As we speculated earlier this would appear to be down to the type of demosaicing / sharpening algorithms used as the actual detailed delivered by the CCD is higher and can be extracted fully by shooting RAW.

As long as the detail is still in the pictures and can be brought out using RAW, I don't care if the pictures straight from the camera are soft. I sharpen 100% of my pictures and shoot 100% RAW, which are the two things that people who buy this camera SHOULD be doing anyway... the fact that the images straight out of the camera lack sharpening should be a very minor issue.

I'll have to disagree with you. I shoot RAW most of the time, but sometimes I just want good quality JPEGs without monkeying with any post-processing (ie., I won't be making high quality prints with them). I think there are probably more people like me than people like you who shoot exclusively in RAW (well, and most people who don't shoot as well as you either!). The fact that the K10D screws itself in the in-camera processing is a problem but a very stupid one by Pentax. The camera is capable of excellent photos, but they messed it up. It's a shame.

That's true. It's always really depression to see a camera come so close to being awesome but then implement something wrongly.

As for RAW, I actually shoot RAW+JPEG. For me, the only point for the JPEGs to exist is so I can easily go through a folder full of shots in Windows Explorer. Since the JPEGs accompany the RAWs, when I see a JPEG that I like, I edit the RAW. Even when I'm going doing whatever shots, I still shoot RAW. I dunno, I guess I'm weird like that.

I have to shoot RAW+JPEG because my 7D won't zoom in the camera display on a RAW file, which is annoying. So, I have to shoot both to check focus, which costs me about 10-12 shots per 1GB card. I never thought about the Windows Explorer thing though I guess I benefit in that regard as well.
 

dr150

Diamond Member
Sep 18, 2003
6,570
24
81
When you're buying a DSLR, it's all about RAW. Otherwise why go with such a bulky machine.

And in this case, the Pentax excels true to form. The fact that JPEGS show up a little soft (per Pentax's conscious decision to maintain detail for better post processing) is irrrelelevant for medium sized prints. For big prints, the RAW takes over as it should for max mileage.

Also the fact that exceptional Pentax lenses can be bought for cheap with this camera is a no brainer, in addition to the keen pricing and features this model has.

All in all, a win.

And fvck Phil and his bias. That guy won't ever review anything not named Canon highly. He'll always SPIN a review Canon's way.
 

AndrewR

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,157
0
0
When you're buying a DSLR, it's all about RAW. Otherwise why go with such a bulky machine.

Hmm...lens choice, speed, depth of field, less noise from larger sensor, photographic control, external flashes, bright viewfinders (well, except for the Rebels!), manual focus, frame buffers.

You're right -- I guess RAW is the only reason to choose a DSLR... ;)

Incidentally, you can get RAW on high end P&S cameras so it's not a DSLR exclusive anymore.
 

randomlinh

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,846
2
0
linh.wordpress.com
Originally posted by: AndrewR
When you're buying a DSLR, it's all about RAW. Otherwise why go with such a bulky machine.

Hmm...lens choice, speed, depth of field, less noise from larger sensor, photographic control, external flashes, bright viewfinders (well, except for the Rebels!), manual focus, frame buffers.

You're right -- I guess RAW is the only reason to choose a DSLR... ;)

Incidentally, you can get RAW on high end P&S cameras so it's not a DSLR exclusive anymore.

altho, canon as pulled raw off the latest G series.

As for cheap lenses... aren't they all MF?
 

Mrvile

Lifer
Oct 16, 2004
14,066
1
0
Pentax makes some great lenses, and yes, there are a lot of third party lenses for Pentax, but compared to Canon, they are still lacking. It's hard moving from Canon to anything non-Nikon because of this...regardless of how good the other lenses are.
 

yhelothar

Lifer
Dec 11, 2002
18,409
39
91
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Pentax makes some great lenses, and yes, there are a lot of third party lenses for Pentax, but compared to Canon, they are still lacking. It's hard moving from Canon to anything non-Nikon because of this...regardless of how good the other lenses are.

I'm going to ask you again.. What lens does pentax not have that you need?
 

Mrvile

Lifer
Oct 16, 2004
14,066
1
0
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Pentax makes some great lenses, and yes, there are a lot of third party lenses for Pentax, but compared to Canon, they are still lacking. It's hard moving from Canon to anything non-Nikon because of this...regardless of how good the other lenses are.

I'm going to ask you again.. What lens does pentax not have that you need?

Specifically?

150mm macro with HSM muahaha!
 

shuttleboi

Senior member
Jul 5, 2004
669
0
0
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Pentax makes some great lenses, and yes, there are a lot of third party lenses for Pentax, but compared to Canon, they are still lacking. It's hard moving from Canon to anything non-Nikon because of this...regardless of how good the other lenses are.

I'm going to ask you again.. What lens does pentax not have that you need?

Does Pentax have something similar to my Canon 24-105mm F4 L?
 

AndrewR

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,157
0
0
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Pentax makes some great lenses, and yes, there are a lot of third party lenses for Pentax, but compared to Canon, they are still lacking. It's hard moving from Canon to anything non-Nikon because of this...regardless of how good the other lenses are.

I'm going to ask you again.. What lens does pentax not have that you need?

Specifically?

150mm macro with HSM muahaha!

Ok, seriously, in how many circumstances is extremely fast macro focusing important??? Most of my macro work is done with manual focus, not auto.

I agree with virtualgames, the "extensive" lens line-up is a non-issue for most people.

Fine, you want an exclusive lens? NO OTHER lens manufacturer produces a lens like the Minolta and now Sony 135mm f/2.8 STF (Smooth Transition Focus). You want bokeh? There's none better. How about them apples? ;)
 

Mrvile

Lifer
Oct 16, 2004
14,066
1
0
Originally posted by: AndrewR
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Pentax makes some great lenses, and yes, there are a lot of third party lenses for Pentax, but compared to Canon, they are still lacking. It's hard moving from Canon to anything non-Nikon because of this...regardless of how good the other lenses are.

I'm going to ask you again.. What lens does pentax not have that you need?

Specifically?

150mm macro with HSM muahaha!

Ok, seriously, in how many circumstances is extremely fast macro focusing important??? Most of my macro work is done with manual focus, not auto.

I agree with virtualgames, the "extensive" lens line-up is a non-issue for most people.

Fine, you want an exclusive lens? NO OTHER lens manufacturer produces a lens like the Minolta and now Sony 135mm f/2.8 STF (Smooth Transition Focus). You want bokeh? There's none better. How about them apples? ;)

Haha I was actually just kidding about the macro lens...I always use manual anyway. The thing is, it just feels a lot better knowing that Canon will have the lens I need when I go to purchase in the future and that Sigma, Tamron, etc. will continue making their best products for Canon. Especially Sigma...who only provides HSM for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma bodies - maybe not necessary for a macro lens, but extremely important for others. Where's the 120-300/2.8 for Pentax mount?

And you want better bokeh than the Sony 135/2.8? Try the 135L. Or better yet, the 85L.
 

AndrewR

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,157
0
0
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: AndrewR
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Pentax makes some great lenses, and yes, there are a lot of third party lenses for Pentax, but compared to Canon, they are still lacking. It's hard moving from Canon to anything non-Nikon because of this...regardless of how good the other lenses are.

I'm going to ask you again.. What lens does pentax not have that you need?

Specifically?

150mm macro with HSM muahaha!

Ok, seriously, in how many circumstances is extremely fast macro focusing important??? Most of my macro work is done with manual focus, not auto.

I agree with virtualgames, the "extensive" lens line-up is a non-issue for most people.

Fine, you want an exclusive lens? NO OTHER lens manufacturer produces a lens like the Minolta and now Sony 135mm f/2.8 STF (Smooth Transition Focus). You want bokeh? There's none better. How about them apples? ;)

Haha I was actually just kidding about the macro lens...I always use manual anyway. The thing is, it just feels a lot better knowing that Canon will have the lens I need when I go to purchase in the future and that Sigma, Tamron, etc. will continue making their best products for Canon. Especially Sigma...who only provides HSM for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma bodies - maybe not necessary for a macro lens, but extremely important for others. Where's the 120-300/2.8 for Pentax mount?

And you want better bokeh than the Sony 135/2.8? Try the 135L. Or better yet, the 85L.

I don't know jack about Pentax' lens lineup. Don't own one, probably never will. However, I'll continue on the Sony thing: Compare Canon's 135L and 85L to the new Zeiss 135mm and 85mm available only for the Alpha. And Zeiss is only just getting started! ;)

Maybe someday when I hit it large at Vegas, I'll be able to afford one of these lenses! I'm debating right now on whether or not to bid near $400 for four Minolta lenses (three nice, one so-so) plus a macro ring flash and a light meter. Shhh -- don't tell the wife!
 

yhelothar

Lifer
Dec 11, 2002
18,409
39
91
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Pentax makes some great lenses, and yes, there are a lot of third party lenses for Pentax, but compared to Canon, they are still lacking. It's hard moving from Canon to anything non-Nikon because of this...regardless of how good the other lenses are.

I'm going to ask you again.. What lens does pentax not have that you need?

Specifically?

150mm macro with HSM muahaha!

HSM is a tricky situation now for pentax. Their previous cameras did not support in-lens focusing motors. But the new K10D has support for it. The new DA* lenses will be the first lenses with HSM like technology built in. I would expect to see a bunch of new lenses with HSM support in the next year.
But as for a 150mm macro, Sigma has a 180mm one for pentax, and you can get the DFA 100mm, which is 150mm effective with crop.

Does Pentax have something similar to my Canon 24-105mm F4 L?
Not quite, but pretty darn close.
24-90mm F/3.5-4.5 AL IF
It's much cheaper than the Canon as it doesn't have built in IS. But the in camera IS covers that. :)
 

Mrvile

Lifer
Oct 16, 2004
14,066
1
0
Originally posted by: AndrewR

I don't know jack about Pentax' lens lineup. Don't own one, probably never will. However, I'll continue on the Sony thing: Compare Canon's 135L and 85L to the new Zeiss 135mm and 85mm available only for the Alpha. And Zeiss is only just getting started! ;)

Maybe someday when I hit it large at Vegas, I'll be able to afford one of these lenses! I'm debating right now on whether or not to bid near $400 for four Minolta lenses (three nice, one so-so) plus a macro ring flash and a light meter. Shhh -- don't tell the wife!

Don't do it. Better off spending the $400 on one decent lens than four crappy ones (unless they're all old manual focus lenses or a 50/1.8, I guarantee you they're below par). It might sound crude but sadly, for our wallets that is, it's the truth.
 

Mrvile

Lifer
Oct 16, 2004
14,066
1
0
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Pentax makes some great lenses, and yes, there are a lot of third party lenses for Pentax, but compared to Canon, they are still lacking. It's hard moving from Canon to anything non-Nikon because of this...regardless of how good the other lenses are.

I'm going to ask you again.. What lens does pentax not have that you need?

Specifically?

150mm macro with HSM muahaha!

HSM is a tricky situation now for pentax. Their previous cameras did not support in-lens focusing motors. But the new K10D has support for it. The new DA* lenses will be the first lenses with HSM like technology built in. I would expect to see a bunch of new lenses with HSM support in the next year.
But as for a 150mm macro, Sigma has a 180mm one for pentax, and you can get the DFA 100mm, which is 150mm effective with crop.

Does Pentax have something similar to my Canon 24-105mm F4 L?
Not quite, but pretty darn close.
24-90mm F/3.5-4.5 AL IF
It's much cheaper than the Canon as it doesn't have built in IS. But the in camera IS covers that. :)

Hardly, I'd much rather have lens IS than body IS. Since they're build directly for the lens, they tend to be much more accurate and easier to use (you can see the IS in the viewfinder). The difference is a bit less for a wider lens like the 24-105, but for a 500 or 600, lens IS is crucial. But either way, my wallet would rather have neither :(
 

yhelothar

Lifer
Dec 11, 2002
18,409
39
91
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Pentax makes some great lenses, and yes, there are a lot of third party lenses for Pentax, but compared to Canon, they are still lacking. It's hard moving from Canon to anything non-Nikon because of this...regardless of how good the other lenses are.

I'm going to ask you again.. What lens does pentax not have that you need?

Specifically?

150mm macro with HSM muahaha!

HSM is a tricky situation now for pentax. Their previous cameras did not support in-lens focusing motors. But the new K10D has support for it. The new DA* lenses will be the first lenses with HSM like technology built in. I would expect to see a bunch of new lenses with HSM support in the next year.
But as for a 150mm macro, Sigma has a 180mm one for pentax, and you can get the DFA 100mm, which is 150mm effective with crop.

Does Pentax have something similar to my Canon 24-105mm F4 L?
Not quite, but pretty darn close.
24-90mm F/3.5-4.5 AL IF
It's much cheaper than the Canon as it doesn't have built in IS. But the in camera IS covers that. :)

Hardly, I'd much rather have lens IS than body IS. Since they're build directly for the lens, they tend to be much more accurate and easier to use (you can see the IS in the viewfinder). The difference is a bit less for a wider lens like the 24-105, but for a 500 or 600, lens IS is crucial. But either way, my wallet would rather have neither :(

Lens IS is still better, but not by much, and definitely not worth $500 per lens. I'd take body IS any day. Maybe for a 600mm telephoto, $500 would be worth it for the lens IS.
BTW, since canon has all the lenses, do they have a 10-17mm fisheye?
Do they have a 16-45mm F/4 "L quality" lens for $350?
 

Mrvile

Lifer
Oct 16, 2004
14,066
1
0
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Lens IS is still better, but not by much, and definitely not worth $500 per lens. I'd take body IS any day. Maybe for a 600mm telephoto, $500 would be worth it for the lens IS.
BTW, since canon has all the lenses, do they have a 10-17mm fisheye?
Do they have a 16-45mm F/4 "L quality" lens for $350?

They don't have the fisheye, but there's a Tokina one due really soon. Again, goes to show the third party support.

Does the Pentax 16-45 have weather sealing? Speedy USM focusing? Compatibility with several full frame to APS-C, full pro to consumer bodies? Buttery smooth L colors and that sharp L flava?

I actually don't know, but the thing is, when it comes to cameras in general, everything is subjective and very dependent on what the individual finds important in a camera or lens. So arguing about this is rather a moot point. Virtualgames you enjoy your Pentax and I'll enjoy my Canon...we're better off just going out and shooting instead of sitting here arguing about our gear.

But while we're on the topic, my camera still pwns your camera.
 

n7

Elite Member
Jan 4, 2004
21,281
4
81
I know nothing about Cameras, but my dad bought my sister the Pentax you guys are talking about for Christmas :Q

It's gonna be sooo overkill for her hehe...
 

Mrvile

Lifer
Oct 16, 2004
14,066
1
0
Originally posted by: n7
I know nothing about Cameras, but my dad bought my sister the Pentax you guys are talking about for Christmas :Q

It's gonna be sooo overkill for her hehe...

:eek: lucky girl. How old is she btw?
 

n7

Elite Member
Jan 4, 2004
21,281
4
81
21 in a few weeks.

I don't keep in touch with my family much, so maybe she's more into photography more now, but last time i checked up with her, she was more into it casually.

My father has always liked Pentax though, & while upgrading hardware is something he rarely does, when he does, he tends to go all out.

He came into work to get it from me (as i work in retail) & grabbed that, the extra flash, 3x 2 GB high speed SD cards, battery charger, rechargeables, & a USB 2.0 card & card reader.

But here's the kicker.

My family runs a P3 500 MHz 128 MB PC at home :(

I have tried to explain to my dad that it simply isn't gonna happen, but he's the stubbornist guy i know...
Doesn't really understand technology, & doesn't want to a lot of the time.

So i have offered to build them a PC for Christmas, my gift, but he doesn't want me too lol.

Ah man it's gonna be fun trying to explain why their PC locks up trying to view the new photos from the camera...

 

yhelothar

Lifer
Dec 11, 2002
18,409
39
91
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Lens IS is still better, but not by much, and definitely not worth $500 per lens. I'd take body IS any day. Maybe for a 600mm telephoto, $500 would be worth it for the lens IS.
BTW, since canon has all the lenses, do they have a 10-17mm fisheye?
Do they have a 16-45mm F/4 "L quality" lens for $350?

They don't have the fisheye, but there's a Tokina one due really soon. Again, goes to show the third party support.

Does the Pentax 16-45 have weather sealing? Speedy USM focusing? Compatibility with several full frame to APS-C, full pro to consumer bodies? Buttery smooth L colors and that sharp L flava?

I actually don't know, but the thing is, when it comes to cameras in general, everything is subjective and very dependent on what the individual finds important in a camera or lens. So arguing about this is rather a moot point. Virtualgames you enjoy your Pentax and I'll enjoy my Canon...we're better off just going out and shooting instead of sitting here arguing about our gear.

But while we're on the topic, my camera still pwns your camera.

Fair enough, the 16-45mm doesn't have the weather sealing nor the USM focusing.
But few people need weather sealing, especially considering you need a pro body to even take advantage of it.
The image quality is reputed to be similar. I wouldn't be surprised if the Pentax has better image quality since it's an APS lens.
My point is, Pentax has a much better consumer line. You pay twice the price for the 17-40mm F4L and you don't even get to use a good portion of the lens as it's a FF lens. Pentax, on the other hand, has the 16-45mm custom tailored for non-pros. It's APS cropped, so you end up getting pretty much the same lens for half the price.


 

Mrvile

Lifer
Oct 16, 2004
14,066
1
0
Heh well, it's usually pretty safe when the parent(s) know(s) a thing or two about photography, they provide the best direction and knowledge (and oftentimes fanboyship) of the subject IMO. Unfortunately both my parents knew nothing about photography so I sort of tumbled my way into the hobby, but I think I'm making out ok.

And yes, they'll come crying to you when their computer stops working and they want you to fix it :)
 

Mrvile

Lifer
Oct 16, 2004
14,066
1
0
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Fair enough, the 16-45mm doesn't have the weather sealing nor the USM focusing.
But few people need weather sealing, especially considering you need a pro body to even take advantage of it.
The image quality is reputed to be similar. I wouldn't be surprised if the Pentax has better image quality since it's an APS lens.
My point is, Pentax has a much better consumer line. You pay twice the price for the 17-40mm F4L and you don't even get to use a good portion of the lens as it's a FF lens. Pentax, on the other hand, has the 16-45mm custom tailored for non-pros. It's APS cropped, so you end up getting pretty much the same lens for half the price.

Well that's the thing. Pentax's new body doesn't quite match up with their lens lineup...

Pentax's K10D is the closest we're going to get to a "pro body" at this price range, and like you said their lens lineup is geared either toward the consumer or toward the super elite, and nothing for us in the middle desiring a little better performance than the average, or even above average, consumer lens, who maybe want to take advantage of the K10D's weather sealing (yes, a lot of us wish we had weather sealing, even those of us who use the more expensive 30D), updated focusing system, etc.

A K10D with Canon's or Nikon's lens lineup would be unstoppable.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,544
924
126
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Lens IS is still better, but not by much, and definitely not worth $500 per lens. I'd take body IS any day. Maybe for a 600mm telephoto, $500 would be worth it for the lens IS.
BTW, since canon has all the lenses, do they have a 10-17mm fisheye?
Do they have a 16-45mm F/4 "L quality" lens for $350?

They don't have the fisheye, but there's a Tokina one due really soon. Again, goes to show the third party support.

Does the Pentax 16-45 have weather sealing? Speedy USM focusing? Compatibility with several full frame to APS-C, full pro to consumer bodies? Buttery smooth L colors and that sharp L flava?

I actually don't know, but the thing is, when it comes to cameras in general, everything is subjective and very dependent on what the individual finds important in a camera or lens. So arguing about this is rather a moot point. Virtualgames you enjoy your Pentax and I'll enjoy my Canon...we're better off just going out and shooting instead of sitting here arguing about our gear.

But while we're on the topic, my camera still pwns your camera.

Fair enough, the 16-45mm doesn't have the weather sealing nor the USM focusing.
But few people need weather sealing, especially considering you need a pro body to even take advantage of it.
The image quality is reputed to be similar. I wouldn't be surprised if the Pentax has better image quality since it's an APS lens.
My point is, Pentax has a much better consumer line. You pay twice the price for the 17-40mm F4L and you don't even get to use a good portion of the lens as it's a FF lens. Pentax, on the other hand, has the 16-45mm custom tailored for non-pros. It's APS cropped, so you end up getting pretty much the same lens for half the price.

Personally, I think that's a negative. I'm looking forward to purchasing a FF Canon DSLR camera in a few years and I'll be able to use my 17-40mm lens on it. Oh, and I can use it on my Elan 7 film camera that I have currently.
 

yhelothar

Lifer
Dec 11, 2002
18,409
39
91
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: virtualgames0
Fair enough, the 16-45mm doesn't have the weather sealing nor the USM focusing.
But few people need weather sealing, especially considering you need a pro body to even take advantage of it.
The image quality is reputed to be similar. I wouldn't be surprised if the Pentax has better image quality since it's an APS lens.
My point is, Pentax has a much better consumer line. You pay twice the price for the 17-40mm F4L and you don't even get to use a good portion of the lens as it's a FF lens. Pentax, on the other hand, has the 16-45mm custom tailored for non-pros. It's APS cropped, so you end up getting pretty much the same lens for half the price.

Well that's the thing. Pentax's new body doesn't quite match up with their lens lineup...

Pentax's K10D is the closest we're going to get to a "pro body" at this price range, and like you said their lens lineup is geared either toward the consumer or toward the super elite, and nothing for us in the middle desiring a little better performance than the average, or even above average, consumer lens, who maybe want to take advantage of the K10D's weather sealing (yes, a lot of us wish we had weather sealing, even those of us who use the more expensive 30D), updated focusing system, etc.

A K10D with Canon's or Nikon's lens lineup would be unstoppable.

Yeah, Pentax doesn't have much of the USM/weather sealing lenses.. yet..
But that'll be changed soon with the introduction of DA* lenses that's coming out about three or four months.