K10D and CCD SP coating question

Hi

Not posted for some time as been away busy but have just caught up with all the latest posts relating to the K10D.
I recently bought the K10D to go with my film LX (that I still love and use) and the *istds I bought a while back and was most pleased with, plus my large lens selection (new and old).
My question concerns what, if any, affect the Vapor deposited SP flourine compound coating on the CCD may have on image recording on the sensor and subsequent transfer onto a PC?
The reason I ask is that from my limited tests so far with the K10D I am not entirely happy with the image quality produced measured against the *istds in relation to sharpness/definition of the images taken prior to any post processing adjustments. They seem, at least to me, not to have the 'immediate' sharpness I find when I have used the *istds with the same lenses in the same conditions etc... This is most noticeable when taking 10mp JPEG's measured against the 6mp JPEG's on the *istds.
I am of course aware that normally the measure of sharpness of an image is mostly governed by the quality of lens used and not the the recording sensor, but I know the lenses I used to test (Pentax FA* IF 300mm f2.8, Pentax SMC FA 100mm f2.8 macro & SMC Pentax FA 43mm f1.9 Limited) are spot on when it comes to producing razor sharp images, but something (hard to say exactly what) leaves me wanting when using them on the K10D and requires much more post processing trying to correct (for want of a better word). I dislike any form of post processing and always aim to get my shots right at the point of shooting, as was of course necessary using slide film on my LX.
Therefore, could it be that the SP coating effectively reduces the crisp sharpness of an image as surely any added coating that is not primarily to enhance image quality (as was with SMC on lenses) but is there simply to avoid dust sticking could very slightly fog the image recorded, as it would with film if there was an extra barrier added on top of the emulsion?
I may be completely way out here and off the track and simply need to carry on and adapt to the K10D and get used to it, but I would appreciate any feedback and opinions in this regard.
I do also shoot RAW to test and find the same applies and after being a keen photographer for over 30 years I am sure it is not just me, as I have become well accustomed to recognising instantly if there is any hint of an image not being as sharp as it should be from the shooting conditions/equipment used etc..

Apart from this 'niggle' I really like the K10D and am hoping it is merely a matter of settling myself into using it and getting back to the important part of actually being out taking pictures, choosing subjects and enjoying myself without feeling I need to analyse every shot carefully to judge the technical quality produced to ensure all is well. It's a distraction I don't need.

Cheers

Philip

It is more to do with the closer packing of the pixels I think. I know what you mean, but once Unsharp Mask is applied, IMHO with a slightly wider radius of maybe 1.9 and a value of 100% then the image is as sharp as you could possibly wish. And of course there is more detail.

I used to sharpen the *istDS at around a radius of 1 and a value of 50%, so there is a difference in handling.

Digital SLRs do need some post-capture processing and this is really a good thing for image quality. I'd rather have that than overdone in-camera effects.

However, if it suits you better, don't forget you can up the sharpness, saturation, contrast in the camera menus.

From what I've read the coating on the CCD for the K10D is much much smoother in order to prevent dust from sticking, so with a less "porous" surface there would (I imagine) be less chance of "fogging" or minute diffusion on an image from the coating.

John makes a great point about the closer packing of pixels.
But remember too, sharpness is also greatly influenced by contrast. The K10D has a broader range of tones and would make it appear smoother.
If you are shooting JPEGs try out a few with the contrast way up and the sharpness set way up.
Sharpness can sometimes be a product of "perceived sharpness".

Couldn't agree more

I have both the *ist-D and *ist-DS and always shoot RAW. Both were identical in image quality, but my K10D is most definitely sharper, and covers a much wider dynamic range - which may explain some of your experiences. I use far less sharpening in Silkypix when compared the the 6Mp DSLRs and get better results.

Matt

I find I often don't need any sharpening with the K10D, especially when using it with a Limited lens.

I also find the general image quality significantly better than the *ist D. And I had two of those, and the results from both were identical. Both did around 50,000 images (I lost count).

I only shoot RAW.

G

Thanks for the input and replies and, as I said in my original post, it's not so much a 'perceived' fault in the K10D I have come accross from my limited tests, but more of a matter of getting used to it producing notably different results from it's greater pixel count and tone range giving a smoother image.
I intend to get out there and put it through it's paces, use RAW more often and re-think the standard settings I use in Paint Shop Pro for unsharp mask, contrast etc..when having shot JPEG.
I do have the free Silkypix program and may well now get the full version to enable me to get the best from my RAW image conversions. I do however find it all a bit confusing using these programs as I'm not the world's best at all the technical stuff ! LOL.

cheers

Philip

You're not alone! But persevere, and in the fullness of time we may, if we are lucky, and drop enough hints, have the Mattmatic Guide to Silkypix.

One thing I would say is that I almost always find I have to increase the contrast in Silkypix for K10D pictures.

G

[quote="George Lazarette]
You're not alone! But persevere, and in the fullness of time we may, if we are lucky, and drop enough hints, have the Mattmatic Guide to Silkypix.

One thing I would say is that I almost always find I have to increase the contrast in Silkypix for K10D pictures.

G[/quote]Good old George, never miss a chance to bug Matt for that how-to do you? lol

I agree with the contrast thing, I have my 10D set to default to +1 contrast since I often end up bumping it. Not a complaint though, its sooo nice to have that massive dynamic range there when you want it.

I seem to have to make fewer adjustments to the pictures I take with the K10D compared to my DS. There are two possible reasons:-

1) I'm getting better at photography (unlikely!)
2) The K10D's dynamic range and resoloution are more forgiving of my errors (probable!)

And don't forget when you get to my age the anti shake makes a lot of difference