Reviews Written by Dolan

This camera is fantastic

Pros: Effective in-body SR, lens compatability, build, speed, viewfinder, ergonomics

Cons: So-so included software, weight, noisy AF

If you're starting out from scratch with no major lens investments, it's hard to beat the K10D for sheer value. The body is fantastic with good controls and a fantastic viewfinder, speedy operation, and weather sealing. Neither the D80, the Sony A100, nor the Canon Rebel XTi can claim all those things. But what really is the icing on the cake is an effective in-body stabilization system that works well (I've used it down to 4 stops under), that stabilizes *every* lens put on the camera. This can't be overstated in terms of usefulness -- I can shoot with fast lenses like a 50/1.4 at four stops under, which means near darkness.

The camera's image quality is quite good, at least on par with its contemporaries or a little better (this is very subjective). Low light performance is decent -- better than the Sony Alpha, not quite up to the Canon, and about on par with the D80. However, due to the in-body SR, you can often shoot at lower ISOs than the others and take advantage of those wonderful Pentax prime lenses.

There are too many good things to write in such a short space, but needless to say, I am really happy with my K10D (I switched from Canon). Try one out and you'll be pleasantly surprised. ...