THOUGHTS ON THE PENTAX K10D
Pentax created quite a buzz with the recent introduction of its K10D digital slr. From the specs, and the images on the web, it does look to be quite an interesting camera. A 10.2 megapixel sensor, a weather-sealed semi-pro body, a 22-bit digital to analog image processor/converter, dust removal, in-body anti-shake just a few of the many highlights of this potential powerhouse dslr. Oh, did I mention the tons of K-mount lenses available? The AF lens selection may be a little lacking when compared to offerings from Canon, and Nikon, but there is a serious amount of manual vintage, and legacy lenses available in the Pentax K-mount.
Pentax, while not as big a player here in the US as the big two, is a very well respected manufacturer, and major player in the home country of Japan. Pentax medium format gear is a favorite among Japanese professionals.
The K10D looks to be a very competitive offering, not only in specs, but in price.
The camera is slated to sell for $899 USD body only, or $999 with kit lens. While I like many things about this camera, there are a couple of niggles for me, with the 1/180th flash sync being my main gripe. I mean, if you're going to build a killer body with weather seals and all, why go half-ass with the flash sync? That doesn't make sense to me, unless Pentax has plans for an even higher model.
In any event, I wish to see the K10D succeed. Competition is good for all consumers. Olympus was the first out with a dust removal system that worked really well, and proved poplular with its fan base. So well in fact, that now dust removal is becoming a standard feature. Pentax, it would seem, should be out of the game by now in this very competitive arena, the way so many companies have folded in the digital era. Instead, they are still going strong. And if the K10D is a success, it will only strengthen their standing in the digital arena, and perhaps reclaim some of their past glory as one of the truly great names in photography.
Pentax created quite a buzz with the recent introduction of its K10D digital slr. From the specs, and the images on the web, it does look to be quite an interesting camera. A 10.2 megapixel sensor, a weather-sealed semi-pro body, a 22-bit digital to analog image processor/converter, dust removal, in-body anti-shake just a few of the many highlights of this potential powerhouse dslr. Oh, did I mention the tons of K-mount lenses available? The AF lens selection may be a little lacking when compared to offerings from Canon, and Nikon, but there is a serious amount of manual vintage, and legacy lenses available in the Pentax K-mount.
Pentax, while not as big a player here in the US as the big two, is a very well respected manufacturer, and major player in the home country of Japan. Pentax medium format gear is a favorite among Japanese professionals.
The K10D looks to be a very competitive offering, not only in specs, but in price.
The camera is slated to sell for $899 USD body only, or $999 with kit lens. While I like many things about this camera, there are a couple of niggles for me, with the 1/180th flash sync being my main gripe. I mean, if you're going to build a killer body with weather seals and all, why go half-ass with the flash sync? That doesn't make sense to me, unless Pentax has plans for an even higher model.
In any event, I wish to see the K10D succeed. Competition is good for all consumers. Olympus was the first out with a dust removal system that worked really well, and proved poplular with its fan base. So well in fact, that now dust removal is becoming a standard feature. Pentax, it would seem, should be out of the game by now in this very competitive arena, the way so many companies have folded in the digital era. Instead, they are still going strong. And if the K10D is a success, it will only strengthen their standing in the digital arena, and perhaps reclaim some of their past glory as one of the truly great names in photography.
posted by Sam Charupakorn at 1:18 AM
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