Why The Pentax K10D in 2021?

Why buy a 2006 vintage digital SLR in 2021?  Why buy another digital camera when I have state-of-the-art mirrorless cameras like the Samsung NX1, Sony A7SII and the FujiFilm XT1?  Well, the short answer is that I am fascinated with the evolution of machine vision as it relates to sensors, color space, processing engines and the technological innovation of these camera companies. I wanted a camera with CCD sensor technology to contrast with the CMOS sensors that now dominate the industry. The follow-on to this camera model was the K20D which began Pentax's shift into CMOS sensors.

Ultimately photographs from each camera model provides its own unique 'imaging' result. And thus it becomes a tool in the toolbox to consider for selection when a photographic opportunity arises.

The Pentax K10D body was originally with priced around $900 with first released, but today you can pick-up this camera body in great condition for the low $100's, or even less than $100!

In addition, I collect vintage lenses and have many with a Pentax 'K' mount. I can also use the classic Pentax 18-55mm auto kit lens off the Pentax KS-1 model digital camera in my collection.

 

PENTAX K10D - CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE

The Pentax K10D was released in 2006 and in my opinion, that's when digital camera technology really started to come into its own with regard to image quality. The K10D when released was targeted at the serious amateur and professional market.  The camera included a stabilized 10-megapixel CCD sensor, a solid weather-sealed body, Pentaprism viewfinder, 2.5-inch LCD, 11-point auto-focus points, DNG RAW files, in-camera RAW development, USB 2.0, Lithium Ion Battery, ISO 1600 max and a well designed and robust body with a clearly extensive range of manual functions and a fairly logical control layout.

A DP Review article in December of 2006 when the camera was released, called the K10D: "..a 'photographic tool' with unique exposure modes are both creatively interesting and useful and a range of options that encourage experimentation..."

So this blog will document MY experimentation with the K10D and the images that will result from both this camera and the range of lenses I plan to employ.

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