Full K10D Review in AP

Regarding the issue of the flashgun used in the review, it reflects badly on either (a) AP for not getting hold of a current flash in order to do a thorough review (strangely I'm sure I remember them using a 360 FGZ when they tested the DL2 - maybe they've lost it), or (b) Pentax/Intro for not ensuring that reviewers get a range of current lenses & flash units. It's not surprising that they think Pentax doesn't have good system back up. One of the photos in the review is taken with a Sigma 10-20mm as Damien Demolder "couldn't get hold of a suitable Pentax lens".

Jonathan

Hi John,

Sorry everyone..this is a little off topic..

re "he did better than Ivor Matanle did when covering older ranges"

I believe that the main research Mr Matanle does for his AP articles is to search the web...so all the incorrect 'facts' and nonsense that are splashed all over the web simply get repeated in his articles. A Contax RTS article by him last year contained so many schoolboy errors I emailed him with the correct 'facts'..he was grateful...

The Damien review also contains non-facts, which is why I hold little faith in any magazine reviews. He slates the Contax N digital, when mentioning it had/has the same sensor due to go into the ill-fated Pentax Full frame, but maybe he should talk to the Contax N fans who still swear by the N digital, who are getting such good results they are willing to still pay £3000 for them..

cheers Steve.

I wouldn't know about the Contax N Digital, other than the reviews of it were not very good. No doubt they made improvements, but it does make the point that cost is not everything.

I would expect the Pentax K10D, for instance, to probably out-perform the Leica M8, and at a much lower cost level. The expertise and the SLR design are definitely in Pentax's favour and Leica seem to be struggling with the limitations of the rangefinder lens design. Some of the compromises, such as providing filters to eliminate unwanted colour problems, are a bit dismal at Leica prices...

Ivor Matanle has, no doubt, a wealth of knowledge on classic cameras, but it's not specific to one make and this is where i feel it falls apart a little. No matter how good the research there is no substitute for familiarity and having actually used the cameras being written about.

I have done Pentax User articles on the Spotmatic, K and M ranges and I have used all those cameras and lenses. Even though I made sure I used them freshly again before I wrote anything, it's no absolute garantee that no errors can creep in.

I caught up with the review yesterday and I have to say that I found it as bland as the semolina soup that they used to serve up as "pudding" when I was at school

I had expected this to be THE definitive review of the K10 - full of hard facts about perfomance and relativity to other models beyond that available in the Pentax press release.

The verdict was complimentary but not given with any enthusiasm.

Perhaps I missed something. I will go back and read it again.

There's also a good review of the K10D in Feb's issue of Professional Photographer. It gets 5 out of 5 in all the categories, except (strangely) features, but I guess this reflects the fact that it's being compared with high end cameras, rather than entry level models. It gets an overall score of 5 out of 5, and they conclude by saying that it's a camera that's "suitable for many forms of professional photography".

Jonathan

Maybe Profesional Photographer is compiled by profesionals who know what their talking about and not by amateurs who think they know.

Just got this months (Feb 07) Digital SLR User where they are comparing Samsung GX-10 and K10D.

4**** verdict for both but Samsung had lower handling rating but they also commented that its bigger buttons helped.

One interesting point is that the Samsung had a lower noise rating - down to the firmware I guess.

All pics were as good as Nickon D80 and Canon EOS300.

Also interesting that they should comapare 2 cameras that are essentially from the same manufacturer

Strange if its essentially the same camera and manufacturer and the noise rating is lower in the Samsung why dont they pass on this information and incorporate it into pentax's firmware for us all to benifit.

I still think that Pentax carrys a better branding than samsung but thats Me

Pete

PS ill be posting a new pic taken this morning with my K10d (AHH winter sceens at last with a bit of frost and sunshine this morning at 8am ) Make the most of it folks get up early and take some pics, with global warming here for sure you wont be getting to many winter sceens in the future.

Pete

I think Pentax have a much better branding

Tried finding a flash for the Samsung - I thought it may be a cheaper alternative to the Pentax one but you can't fine em anywhere.

Also in the mag they said Pentax didn't have much in they way of choice on lenses - UGH I don't have a problem at all getting any I need especially as the old ones work as well

Look forward to your frosty pic - I prefer bed at that time of day

Rog

Morning Roger,

Couple of things yes i agree Pentax have a fantastic old lenses and and they are bringing out new ones soon. The fact the old ones fit the K10d is just brilliant i think.

I was awake the morning really tired but saw the frost and sun and thought sod it ill get up and see what i can take. Unfortunately i live in a urban area so have to go to local parks and commons for photos. Been looking through the photos ther are afew nice ones but probably like most people im just guessing with the settings (total Ametuar) and hoping to get at least a few good shots.

Be posting them on a new thread a little later take a look and send your opinion (s)

Thanks Pete

Thankfully I received my AP and I thought it was a fairly well written article....compared to the one in Practical Pornography...

Steers me to getting K10D, except for those lingering rumours about the K1D

Just get it you wont be dissopointed it a super bit of kit next to full pro camera for me its the best in its class.

Pete

Pete

I am waiting for the DA* 16-50 lens to come out and then doing the calculations.

Besides I am one happy chappy with my *ist D, MZ-S, Z-1p and Z-1....

peter