Pentax 19091, K10D - Digital Camera SLR Brochure & Specs

Photography without limits

The PENTAX K10D opens new perspectives to you, the photographer, with maximum speed and maximum performance. This camera produces images more rapidly, more precisely, and more realistically than any other digital SLR in its class. All components and functions are attuned to the highest photographic requirements. The K10D can shoot up to 3 fps – with a resolution of 10 megapixels. Recording delays are virtually non-existent because the new PRIME (PENTAX

Real IMage Engine) image processing system calculates the graphic data with remarkable speed. Brilliance in sharpness and color, as well as simplicity in operation and comfort are always there. Further intelligent systems include supersonic direct-drive technology for ultrafast focusing, “Dust Reduction” (DR) to help eliminate the fine dust particles on the CCD and “Shake

Reduction” for blur-free photographs. All these features allow you to concentrate on what is really important: creative perfection .

Shake Reduction

The PENTAX-developed “Shake Reduction” technology solves one of the oldest photographic problems: blur caused by handheld camera shake. The K10D produces sharp photos in challenging situations without having to use a tripod. Hand-held photography is now possible with long telephoto lenses or when long exposure times are required due to poor lighting.

The PENTAX “Shake Reduction” system is integrated into the camera body and is independent of the lens in use. The principle behind its operation is simple: movement sensors in the body recognize camera shake. The system ensures that at the moment of exposure the compensating movement of the CCD sensor provides blur-free pictures.

The advantage is obvious: you can increase your hand-held shooting by 2.5 to 4 stops.

If you are intentionally moving the camera when shooting – while panning with a Formula 1 race car along the track, for example – you can simply deactivate the “Shake Reduction” system.

PENTAX has filed for over 30 patents for this

SR system, which uses a ball-bearing-mounted oscillator unit with four electromagnets that position the free-floating image sensor. Angular velocity sensors detect camera movement and relay the amount of compensation necessary to the electromagnets that move the sensor to compensate for any shake.

The Shake Reduction unit consists of the rear bearing plate, the central plate containing the CCD and controlling electromagnets, and the front plate containing the permanent magnets.

10 Megapixels

The 23.5 x 15.7mm CCD sensor records photos with a resolution of up to 10 megapixels. This is enough for you to produce truly astounding prints even at 20 x 30 inches or more without difficulty.

22 Bit A/D Converter

Analog information from the K10D’s 10 megapixel CCD is delivered over two channels to the 22 bit analog-to-digital converters, where the image information is transformed from an analog signal to digital data. This new technology affords a substantially higher dynamic range resulting in finer tuning of colors compared to conventional

12 bit converters. With this new technology

PENTAX is again a step ahead of the market.

The photographer is the winner: digital pictures are now virtually indistinguishable from analog film pictures in terms of color and dynamic range.

PRiMe image Processing

The Pentax Real IMage Engine (PRIME) was developed specifically by PENTAX for our cameras in order to meet the performance requirements of a higher resolution CCD sensor.

The PRIME engine converts the digital signal into the image you desire by assuring truer color tones, a wider dynamic range, and natural looking high ISO images. Ultimately

PRIME provides natural results similar to what you would see shooting with film.

The new PRIME processor greatly accelerates the image processing of the PENTAX K10D compared to other current digital SLRs by seamlessly transferring data through the DDR2 memory component. This buffer memory has a read/write rate of 800 MB/sec making it 600% faster than SDRAM and 100% faster than conventional DDR memory.

Not only does the combination of PRIME and DDR2 memory allow you to take images at a faster rate, up to 3 frames per second until the memory card is full with JPEG images, but it also allows you to process RAW images in-camera without the need for a computer. The advanced circuitry frees you to focus on the image and capture the perfect shot.

Weather Resistance

durable K10D body reliably protect the inner components against humidity and the finest dust particles. Other design elements further protect the K10D from the forces of nature. The fiber-reinforced polycarbonate body surrounding the highrigidity, stainless-steel chassis provides plenty of strength for every day use.

A complete system: the K10D is protected by 72 seals and the optional battery grip with an additional 38, assuring complete protection against humidity, dust or sand. PENTAX offers the highest level of protection in this class. Durable and solid: the stainless-steel chassis is also impermeable to corrosion and is extremely stable.

Dust Removal

Behind the “Dust Removal” designation lies an entire system unto itself. The surface of the low pass filter is sealed with a nanotechnology based fluorine coating.

This ensures that dust cannot adhere to the sensor surface. Dust that still remains on the surface is shaken off when the SR system shifts the CCD at high speed.

The dust that is shaken off the CCD, then falls onto an adhesive sheet eliminating any possibility of its returning to the CCD surface. Dust flecks are now a thing of the past, along with annoying and time consuming retouching work.

Dust

Removal

Unique exposure Modes

You’ll always get the right exposure and with the settings you want. Shooting with the K10D in the Program Automatic Mode offers a Hyper

Program (Shift Function) to instantly change the shutter speed or aperture. When you change either of these settings, the other exposure parameter automatically changes accordingly for proper exposure. The Hyper Program function is accessible by two ergonomically placed dials on the front and the back of the camera.

The K10D presents multiple options for automatic exposure. The new Sensitivity-Priority AE

(Sv) mode, is designed to automatically select the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. In the

Sv mode you can shift the sensitivity simply by turning a dial. The Shutter-Priority (Tv) mode lets you choose the optimal shutter speed and the Aperture-Priority (Av) mode lets you select the appropriate aperture. Another exposure mode offered by the K10D is Shutter & Aperture-

Priority AE (TAv), which is designed to automatically select the most appropriate sensitivity for a user-selected shutter speed

& aperture combination.

If you are working with PENTAX F,- FA-, DA- or

DFA- series lenses, you can benefit from the MTF data: a microchip in the lens passes information to the camera regarding the optically optimal and lens-specific aperture to use.

The Perfect exposure

16 Segment Metering

The K10D easily handles even the most difficult lighting conditions with its 16 segment metering system.

It can accurately assess the balance between the bright and dark areas within the segments automatically, or, alternatively, you can opt for center weighted or spot metering.

11 Point Autofocus

The K10D uses an 11 point autofocus system. In automatic operation

(AUTO) the camera recognizes which object is nearest and chooses that object as the main focus point. If you want more direct control you can select any of the 11 points individually.

It is also possible to simply select the center of the image as your main point of focus.

With continuous autofocus, the focus adjusts as your subject moves within the frame, or should you prefer more direct control, you can always focus manually.

Sensitivity Range

The K10D operates between ISO

100 and ISO 1600. Naturally, you can select the ISO value manually, or, in automatic operation, you can determine the ISO range in which you want to work. With the new Sensitivity Priority mode (Sv) the ISO can be changed by simply turning the selector wheel.

The Color White

With the K10D you can either specify one of the standard white balance settings, set your color temperature, or manually set the white balance. If that isn’t enough, you can fine-tune color temperatures and preview the results to verify your settings. If you find yourself shooting regularly under certain conditions, you can manually save 3 color temperature settings into memory.

image Capture

Image processing begins in the camera.

With the K10D you can set how you want your pictures to appear. Do you prefer the images to be neutral in color rendition, or would you prefer something a bit more elaborate and colorful?

The K10D can store the preferred parameters for sharpening, contrast and color saturation.

Something entirely new is the RAW converter in the camera. Photos that were taken in RAW can be directly converted to JPEG files in-camera, as they are stored, or you can capture in the Adobe

Standard DNG format.

Finally, with the RAW button, you can quickly change from shooting just JPEG’s to RAW +

JPEG’s on the fly. You don’t have to go through a series of menus, simply press the button and keep on shooting.

in Camera Processing

The world does not always look so rosy. Sometimes you have to work a little extra to make it appear more interesting. One proven and important method for doing this is with a filter. Whether for color photography or for black- and-white, the PENTAX K10D offers a rich selection of digital filters. During processing a mysterious and interesting black-and-white picture may develop from a color shot.

For fun effects there is even a filter to make your subject appear to be slimmer – or broader (if you dare!).

The K10D also allows you to develop JPEG images from

RAW files in the camera. It lets you adjust image size, compression, white balance, image tone, saturation, sharpness and contrast. This eliminates the need for a computer and lets you output directly to a printer, or allows you to free up memory.

Pentaprism Viewfinder

The pentaprism viewfinder in the K10D is designed to give you the best view while composing your image. The viewfinder gives a 95% field of view and 0.95x magnification so you see as much of the image as possible before capture.

The viewfinder also gives all the important image information in a concise manner: focus point indicated in red, in-focus indicator, focus mode status, shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, number of images remaining,

Shake Reduction status, and with a press of the

OK button on the back of the camera the current

ISO setting. Additionally, the focusing screen is interchangeable so you can use a PENTAX grid screen or scale screen.

The K10D data always at your fingertips.

Histogram

A Histogram with HotSpot indication is available in the preview mode and can show separate color channels.

Picture Information

All relevant data can be shown for every photograph captured.

Camera Setting Overview

Confirm the camera settings at a glance. When the camera is switched on, or an exposure function is changed the settings are shown on the monitor.

Custom Settings

Individualize your camera. Camera parameters are grouped and color coded. You have access to 32 options with 81 choices in this menu.

“Shake Reduction”

The “Shake Reduction” works fast and reliably up to focal lengths of 800mm. Under normal conditions the camera automatically recognizes the focal length. The focal length of older manual lenses must be entered manually.

Multi Exposure

What photographer doesn’t know about multiple exposures? Up to 5 shots can be taken to produce a single image. The K10D can even calculate the proper exposures for you.

Image Preview

Opt for either digital preview (as test shot function) or for depth-of-field preview. You will always know the result before you shoot.

Battery Selection and Status

You can choose which battery to use first, or let the camera decide. Regardless of the option selected, the battery status is visible on the monitor.

Allocation of e-dials

With so many functions to choose from, you may want to reprogram the e-dials to suit your own style.

PeNTAX Photo Browser

TM

3.1

This software facilitates various post-shooting operations, including the download of recorded images and the filing, browsing, editing, simple revision, and printing of downloaded images on a PC. PENTAX Photo Browser™

3.1 offers fast image-processing speed, simplified image transfer operations, enhanced docketing and protect functions, and a detailed image data display plus the ability to convert files to the Adobe DNG format.

• Speedy transfer of recorded images to a PC

• Thumbnail display in four different sizes

• Instant preview of a selected image

• Detailed image data display, including a

Scene mode name

• A variety of image editing functions

• Extraction and filing of JPEG format

from RAW data

• Data conversion function to Adobe DNG format

• Image-rotation, image magnification and

slide show functions

• Automatic image quality compensation function

• Simple print function

PeNTAX Photo Laboratory

TM

3.1

This software not only processes undeveloped RAW data, but also offers a variety of image-editing functions on a PC. Featuring SILKYPIX (developed by ICHIKAWA SOFT LABORATORY) as its imagedevelopment engine, it assures fast data processing speeds and also performs various image-editing and data-manipulation functions without requiring additional retouching software.

• Display of PENTAX RAW data files

• Development and filing of RAW data in JPEG

and TIFF formats

• Simplified image editing, with sensitivity,

brightness, saturation, contrast and outline controls

• Gradation control using a tone curve

• Histogram display, with over and underexposure

warnings

• White-balance control using a gray point

• Direct printing of RAW data files

• Noise reduction, peripheral brightness control,

distortion compensation and chromatic aberration

compensation functions

• Image compensation for digital shift

Functions

1

VIEWFINDER

The viewfinder provides 0.95x enlargement of the scene and shows precisely the shot that will be stored into memory. It features an integrated diopter control.

13

12

11

10

1. Exposure bracketing button

2. Rear e-dial

3. AE-L button

4. +/- button

5. AF button

6. AF point switching dial

7. Card cover unlock lever

8. Shake Reduction switch

9. Fn button

10. Playback button

11. Info button

12. Delete button

13. MENU button

14. Front e-dial

15. Main switch

16. Flash up button

17. Metering mode lever

18. RAW button

19. Focus mode lever

20. Infared remote sensor

21. Built-in flash

22. Green button

23. Shutter release button

20

14 15

21

PROGRAM SELECTION DIAL

Program selector for exposure modes, user settings and flash sync setting.

20 2 3

9 8 7

4

5

6

4-WAY CONTROLLER

Just as you need a mouse to navigate your way around a computer, with the K10D you use a 4-Way Controller. The controller is also used to select

AF functions.

16 17

22 23

19 18

LCD DISPLAY

The upper display can be illuminated to give an overview of important settings such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO value, exposure mode of operation, battery life indication, available memory, exposures remaining and exposure compensation.

Specifications

Type

CCD

Lens Mount

Color Depth

Image Formats/

Resolution

Memory

Viewfinder

Preview

Monitor

Focus

Exposure

Modes

Metering

System

Digital SLR camera with interchangeable lenses

TTL metering and integrated P-TTL automatic flash

Metal chassis with fibre-reinforced polycarbonate body

23.5 x 15.7mm Interline Interlace CCD with primary color filter

10.75 Megapixel – total

10.2 Megapixel – effective

Opto-mechanical sensor with “Shake Reduction” function

K

AF

bayonet, compatible with K , K

AF

-, KA- lens mounts, KAF power zoom function available, K- lens mounts with restrictions, M42 and medium format lenses with adapter subject to restrictions with exposure metering and control

3 x 8 bit in JPEG, 3 x 12 bit in RAW (internal 3 x 22 bit)

Best

Better

Good

RAW (PEF, DNG), JPEG (Exif 2.21), DCF,

RAW (PEF, DNG) + JPEG

RAW JPEG

3,872 x 2,592

237

3,872 x 2,592

804

1371

2366

All capacities with 4 GB memory card

(available optionally)

JPEG

3,008 x 2,000

1340

2277

3892

JPEG

1,824 x 1,216

3657

6034

10057

SD, SDHC card compatible

Built-in pentaprism finder with a 95% field of view and 0.95x magnification (with 50mm

F1.4 lens, infinity, -1m –1 ), with interchangeable “Natural Bright Matt II” focusing screen.

Diopter correction –2.5 – +1 dpt.

Optical depth of field preview, digital preview on LCD monitor

2.5” low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD Monitor with 210,000 pixels, brightness control and wide viewing angle (approx. 140°), single image review with 20x magnification, Hot Spot indicator and Histogram display with RGB channel indicators (also in

Preview function), auto image rotation for orientation viewing

TTL Phase Matching with 11 focus points (SAFOX VIII) with viewfinder indications adjustable between automatic and manual focus point selection, spot focus. Support for lenses with supersonic focusing motors. Manual focus

Program (Green Mode), Hyper Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture

Priority, Shutter and Aperture Priority, Manual (Hyper Manual), Bulb, X-sync,

Shutter speeds 1/4,000 to 30 sec.

TTL open-aperture 16-segment metering coupled with lens and AF information, adjustable between multi-segment, center-weighted and spot metering. Metering range 0 – 21 EV (at

Standard Output Sensitivity 100 with 50mm f/1.4 lens)

Exposure

Drive Modes

Flash

White Balance

Digital Filters

Custom Function

Print Options

Menu Languages

Camera Options

Power

Requirements

Dimensions

Weight

System

Requirements

Connectivity

Standard

Accessories

Exposure compensation: ±2EV (1/3 or 1/2EV steps), Sensitivity: automatic, manually selectable

(ISO 100 – 1,600 in 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV steps)

Single, Continuous (3fps unlimited JPEG, 9 RAW images), Auto Bracketing 3 or 5 frames, Self Timer 12 or 2sec. (with mirror lock up), IR remote control instant or

3sec. delay

Built-in P-TTL Automatic Flash with automatic operation in low light conditions,

Guide number 15.6 at ISO 200, flash coverage 28mm (35mm equivalent) hotshoe on camera top for system flash, flash sync 1/180sec.

Automatic or manual, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light (W,

D, N), Flash, manual balance, 3 different settings for Kelvin and Mired values with fine adjustments

Black &White (4 choices), Sepia (3 choices), 18 color, special effect, Slim filters and

Playback Brightness

32 custom-programmable functions available

DPOF (Digital Print Order Form),

Print Image Matching III, PictBridge

12 languages, including GB, D, F, E, I

Dust Removal, Shake Reduction, Supersonic Autofocus

Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-Li50 for approx. 500 exposures, Battery Grip D-BG2 for D-Li50 with vertical shutter release, AC mains adapter (available optionally)

141.5 x 101 x 70mm (W x H x D)

710g (without batteries or card),

790g loaded and ready with battery and SD card

PC: Windows 2000, XP Home Edition/XP Professional

Mac: OS x 10.2 or higher

USB 2.0, AV connector (compatible with NTSC or PAL)

AV Cable I-IVC28

USB Cable I-USB17

Shoulder strap O-ST53

Body cap

Eyepiece cap ME

Eye cup FP

Hot shoe cover FK

1 x Li-Ion rechargeable Lithium Ion battery D-LI50

Battery Charger D-BC50

Software S-SW55 includes PENTAX Photo Browser 3, PENTAX Photo Laboratory 3

Accessories

Sold separately

BATTERY GRIP D-BG2

The PENTAX battery grip offers the necessary power to ensure an optimal performance of the K10D camera while it’s in continuous use. The grip uses the D-Li50 Li-Ion battery (sold separately). The battery grip features an additional shutter release, adjusting dial for selecting aperture or shutter speed and other functional controls – particularly practical if shooting vertically. With proven PENTAX ergonomics the camera fits reliably and comfortably in the hand. The battery compartment provides storage space for a memory card and remote control next to the batteries.

REPLACEMENT BATTERY D-Li50

Interchangeable power: with a pre-charged spare battery you’ll never have to stop shooting.

REMOTE CONTROL F

Shutter release without blur: With the infrared remote control you operate the shutter from in front of or behind the camera up to 5 metres away.

VIEWFINDER LOUPE O-ME53

With the Viewfinder Loupe attached the finest details will grab your attention. The 1.2x magnification facilitates the assessment of fine details more accurately.

OPTIONAL FOCUSING SCREENS LL80 AND LI80

PENTAX offers two optional focusing screens for the K10D to replace the standard screen. The AF Divided Matte screen combines the focus area brackets with a grid to assure proper composition. The AF Scale Matte screen provides a scale to verify subject placement for critical applications.

PENTAX has the perfect lens for every shot

The highest quality optical systems have been the goal of PENTAX since 1919. PENTAX has always followed the principle of manufacturing timeless high-quality lenses that will be compatible with future camera models. Regardless of their targeted application the new lenses are noted for being particularly bright, flexible and compact. Whether a zoom for an increased focal length range, a telephoto to bring distant objects near or a macro lens to give life to the smallest subject – The PENTAX lens system offers the range for today’s cameras. smc-DA 14mm/2.8 ED smc-DA 10–17mm f/3.5–4.5 ED (IF)

(15–25.5mm) Fish-Eye smc-DA 12–24mm f/4.0 ED (IF)

(18–36mm) smc-DA 16–45mm f/4.0 ED

(24–67mm) smc P-FA 43mm f/1.9

(33mm) smc-DA 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 AL

(28–83mm) smc-DA 50–200mm f/4.0–5.6 ED

(75–300mm) smc-D FA 50mm f/2.8 Macro

(75mm) smc-D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro

(150mm)

DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited smc-DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited

Premium Lenses: Limited edition

In the time when the rest of the photographic industry was controlled by key words like “budget price, enormous zoom range”, plastic lenses and plastic lens housings, PENTAX embarked on a unique program of producing very special lenses. Very soon the first lenses bearing the designation “Limited Edition” were offered for our 35mm SLR range. These were comprised of high-quality lenses with fixed focal lengths. The first-rate optical quality is underlined through their costly precision lens housings: the f/stop numbers and depth-of-field scales are engraved into the metal lens barrel instead of being screen printed. The lens hood is a rigid component part of the lens construction

– that reflects the beauty and function of the design – and is precisely adapted to the lens. The new 70mm f/2.4 is the latest representative of this acclaimed series.

smc-DA 21mm f/3.2 Limited

And why Limited?

Given these very refined details, it is easily understood that lenses such as these do not roll off the assembly line in great quantities. The daily output may be limited, but the lifetime of the lens most certainly is not.

PENTAX Flash System

Type

Guide number

Compensation

Flash functions

Head

Flash range

Power requirements

Battery life

Compatibility

Dimensions

Weight

Accessories

AF-540 FGZ Electronic flash with zoom head

54 @ 80mm, 45 @ 5 mm (ISO 100)

Flash exposure –3.0 to +1.0 EV , in 0.5 EV steps

P-TTL, A-TTL, Automatic , Manual (7 steps 1/1–1/64), Slave, Wireless, Flash with 1st and

2nd curtain sync, SB function for distance measurement, Contrast Control, High-Speed-

Synchronization

Auto zoom, manual zoom, vertical bounce: -10°, 0°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90° horizontal rotation: right: 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180° / left: 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 135°

0.8–8m at f/ 5.6 / ISO 100

4X AA batteries

Alkali-Manganese (LR6)

Nickel Metal Hydrid

(Ni-MH)

Recycle time approx. 6sec. approx. 6sec.

Digital, 35mm, 645, 67 (medium format)

76x142x107mm (WxHxD)

380g (without batteries)

Soft case, flash stand

No. of flashes approx. 200 approx. 160

Type

Guide number

Compensation

Flash functions

Head

Flash range

Power requirements

Battery life

Compatibility

Dimensions

Weight

Accessories

AF-360 FGZ ELECTRONIC FLASH WITH ZOOM HEAD

36 @ 80mm / 30 @ 50mm (ISO 100)

Flash exposure –3.0 to +1.0 EV , in 0.5 EV steps

P-TTL, A-TTL, Automatic , Manual (6 steps 1/1–1/32), Slave, Wireless, Flash with 1st and

2nd curtain sync, SB function for distance measurement, Contrast Control, High-Speed-

Synchronization

Auto zoom, manual zoom, vertical bounce: -10°, 0°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°

0.7 – 5.4m at f/ 5.6 / ISO 100

4X AA batteries

Alkali-Manganese (LR6)

Nickel Metal Hydrid

(Ni-MH)

Recycle time approx. 6sec. approx. 6sec.

Digital, 35mm, 645, 67 (medium format)

76 x 142 x 107mm (WxHxD)

270g (without batteries)

Soft case

No. of flashes approx. 250 approx. 160

AF-360 FGZ AF-360 FGZ AF-540 FGZ AF-540 FGZ/

500 FTZ

Hot Shoe Adapter FG

Hot Shoe Adapter F

Hot Shoe

Adapter F/FG

There are numerous ways that the PENTAX flash accessory system can be integrated. Shown here is just one example.

Sync Cable F

Essential to the experience.

pentaxslr.com

pentaximaging.com

Photography of France by Katsuhiro Ichikawa ©2006

K10D shown with optional battery grip

PENTAX and smc PENTAX are trademarks for PENTAX corporation. @2006 PENTAX Corporation.

All rights reserved. SD logo and SDHC logo are trademarks

L1013