Pentax or Samsung??

So what is the difference betweent the K10D and the Samsung GX 10 lookalike at £100 cheaper? "Practical Photography" compares them this month and cannot really differentiate between the twoand the lens ranges look identical.
Can anyone explain what is happening to the Pentax brand?

Also, are the soon to be released new lenses "fast motorized focus"?

Neil

(slowly finding my feet in this hobby)

Pentax have an arrangement with Samsung to let them market the Pentax range under the Samsung name. The cameras and lenses have all been made by pentax, but who knows what is planned for the future. Partnerships may be the way forward for smaller companies as these days Big Business seems to be the only way to survive.

The new lenses have motors in the lens for focusing which could add speed and reduce focusing noise. The K10D is compatible with both types of lens.

The K10D has also had two firmware updates since release, which make it distinctly different from the Samsung - it now has, for example, wireless flash capapbilities which the Samsung lacks.

Dan

As I understand it, the Samsung comes with a two year guarantee.

That is a big plus for me as my own experience with modern cameras is that they have a tendency to die just after the guarantee runs out. At least I could expect 25 months usage with the Samsung instead of 13 months

I should point out that I was a Minolta fan where three failed me. My istD is working perfectly so far (tempting fate now)

Pity Pentax do not offer a two year guaranteee - although I thought it was an EU requirement these days. Obviously does not apply to imports.

My main reason for holding off getting the K10D is that I do not want to chuck another £600 down the drain. I will wait a few more months and see how things develop.

Just a note that all Canadian Pentax Digital SLR's have a two year warranty.

Mike

Goods in the UK are offered with a 12 month warranty, if you read the small print below the terms of the warranty it will say something like "this does not affect your statutory rights" have you ever wondered what that means? well basically it means that your camera is "covered" for longer but the retailer doesn't want you to know.

Your statutory rights are the goods must be fit for the purpose etc etc, and a state of the art DSLR that only lasts 13months and breaks down is NOT fit for the purpose it was sold for.

IMHO I think its high time manufacturers put some faith in their products and offered no quibble 5 year warranties. ARE YOU LISTENING PENTAX? this would be a definate way to increase your sales,

"oh do I want the Canon 400D with 12months warranty or do I want the K10D with 60months", I am sure the increased revenue from sales would far out-weigh the cost of replacing or repairing a few more cameras.

But it can be one hell of a fight

We would all agree with that

Perhaps they know something we don't

Graham

I think one place you could buy a K10D with 2 year guarantee is in the Netherlands.......Luchthaven Schiphol... all the stuff I've bought from there has been supplied with a 2-year guarantee....

The camera body is 849 euros, or 949 with lens (18-55), so if you're planning a trip to europe via Amsterdam then call in the electronics shop at the airport.... I'll be doing that on Friday.

2 year guarantee with most everything from spain too.

All Pentax DSLR's have a 2 year warranty in Canada.

Mike

If you search around you will find several companies in the UK offer a two year warranty on cameras. Exceptionally I found one of three years recently..... Shop around.

You could always find your cheapest deal and put some of the saving into a stand alone insurance. If you can't afford to replace your equipment for a long time this is a good option for you.