CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
    • All Cameras
    • Cameras by Brand
      • Sony Cameras
      • Canon Cameras
      • Nikon Cameras
      • Pentax Cameras
      • Fujifilm Cameras
      • Olympus Cameras
      • Panasonic Cameras
      • Leica Cameras
      • Samsung Cameras
    • Cameras by Body Type
      • Mirrorless Cameras
      • DSLR Cameras
      • Compact Cameras
      • Bridge Cameras
      • Waterproof Cameras
  • LENSES
    • All Lenses
    • Lenses by Mount
      • Sony E Mount Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF M Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF S Mount Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Lenses
      • Pentax KAF Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm G Mount Lenses
      • Sigma SA Mount Lenses
      • Sony Alpha Mount Lenses
    • Teleconverters
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Pentax K10D Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Pentax K10D

    Select a Camera to Compare

    x
    Add a Camera for comparison

    Main Features

    • 10MP - APS-C CCD Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 1600
    • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
    • 2.50" Fixed Type Screen
    • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
    • 3.0fps continuous shooting
    • 793g. 142 x 101 x 70 mm
    • Weather Sealed Body
    • Replaced by Pentax K20D
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Pentax K10D Overview

    First introduced in December 2006 , Pentax K10D is a 10.0MP Advanced DSLR camera with a APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, weather sealed body and Pentax KAF2 lens mount. Pentax later replaced K10D with K20D. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these cameras:
    Compare Pentax K10D vs Pentax K20D

    Pentax K10D Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Other Features
    9. Photography Type Scores
    10. Alternatives
    11. Popular Comparisons
    12. Frequently Asked Questions
    13. Detailed Specifications

    Pentax K10D is a member of Pentax's Advanced DSLR class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Pentax Advanced DSLR Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Pentax K-3 III
    Compare
    2021 26.0MP - APS-C 12.0 fps 135 x 104 x 74mm 820g
    Pentax K-1 II
    Compare
    2018 36.0MP - Full frame 4.4 fps 137 x 110 x 86mm 1010g
    Pentax KP
    Compare
    2017 24.0MP - APS-C 7.0 fps 132 x 101 x 76mm 703g
    Pentax K-1
    Compare
    2016 36.0MP - Full frame 4.4 fps 137 x 110 x 86mm 1010g
    Pentax K-3 II
    Compare
    2015 24.0MP - APS-C 8.3 fps 131 x 100 x 77mm 800g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Pentax K-3 III vs K-1 Mark II vs KP vs K-1 vs K-3 II

    Alternative Model names found for Pentax K10D: K10 D and K-10D.


    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Related Blog Posts

    Canon EOS R7 and R10 APS-C Camera Rumors
    The Ultimate 24-70mm F2.8 Lens Size Comparison: Sony vs Canon vs Nikon vs Panasonic vs Leica
    Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Mark II vs Mark I Size Comparison
    Nikon Z9 DxO Mark Score Lower than D850 and Z7 II
    Nikon Z 800mm F6.3 vs Canon RF 800mm F5.6 IS USM Size Comparison
    Nikon announces the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S
    Todays Deals: Storage, Mic, Colorchart, Light and more
    Size Comparison: Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G vs Zeiss 16-35mm F4 vs16-35mm F2.8 GM

    Pentax K10D PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Pentax K10D review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    11 Focus Points
    Environmental Sealing
    Top LCD Display
    Flash Sync Port
    Report a correction

    Buy Pentax K10D from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 1.600
    Small LCD Screen ( 2.50")
    Low Screen Resolution ( 210kdots )
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
    Heavy Body: 793g
    Poor Low Light Performance
    No AF Micro Adjustment

    Report a correction


    Pentax K10D Physical Specs
    Pentax K10D weighs 793 g (1.75 lb / 27.97 oz) and has external dimensions of 142 x 101 x 70 mm (5.59 x 3.98 x 2.76″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 773g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 70mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Pentax K10D
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Pentax K10D
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Pentax K10D with the dimensions:

    Pentax K10D Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Pentax K10D Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Pentax K10D, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Pentax K10D Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Pentax K10D Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Pentax K10D with its main competitors:

    Pentax K10D Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs K10D Thickness vs K10D
    Pentax K10D Camera Pentax K20D
    Compare
    800g 7g heavier 70mm equal thickness
    Pentax K10D Camera Pentax K200D
    Compare
    690g 103g lighter 74mm 4mm thicker
    Pentax K10D Camera Pentax K100D S
    Compare
    646g 147g lighter 71mm 1mm thicker
    Pentax K10D Camera Pentax K-x
    Compare
    580g 213g lighter 68mm 2mm thinner
    Pentax K10D Camera Pentax K-5
    Compare
    740g 53g lighter 73mm 3mm thicker
    Pentax K10D Camera Nikon D200
    Compare
    920g 127g heavier 74mm 4mm thicker
    Pentax K10D Camera Pentax K-70
    Compare
    688g 105g lighter 74mm 4mm thicker
    Pentax K10D Camera Pentax K-50
    Compare
    650g 143g lighter 71mm 1mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Pentax K10D has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Pentax K10D will serve you well. If you attach one of these Pentax K10D weather Sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

    Pentax K10D Lens Mount and Lenses

    Pentax K10D has a Pentax KAF2 lens mount and currently there are 161 native lenses available for this mount. Pentax K mount has backward compatibility for all the K mount lenses produced since 1975 so Pentax users has access to a large selection of manual era native lenses in addition to the modern AF lenses.

    K10D also has a Sensor based Image Stabilization system which means that all of these lenses will be stabilized when used on K10D. Sensor based image stabilization is one of the most useful features that you can have in an ILC.

    Weather Sealed Lenses for Pentax K10D

    There are 27 lenses with weather sealing for Pentax K10D that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

    Here are some of the most popular Pentax K10D Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Pentax KAF2 Mount Lenses for Pentax K10D
    Model Focal Length equiv. Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Lens Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM
    225-750mm 35mm FF 1780gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW Lens Pentax D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW
    225-675mm 35mm FF 2000gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    HD Pentax  DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR Lens HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR
    82.5-450mm APS-C / DX 466gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW Lens Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW
    24-75mm APS-C / DX 712gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR Lens Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR
    75-300mm APS-C / DX 285gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE Lens Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE
    27-75mm APS-C / DX 158gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
    82.5-450mm APS-C / DX 471gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Pentax smc D-FA 50mm F2.8 Macro Lens Pentax smc D-FA 50mm F2.8 Macro
    75mm 35mm FF 265gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Pentax K10D Lenses page for more detailed lens search.

    Pentax K10D Sensor and Photography Features

    Pentax K10D has a 10.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm ) sized CCD sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 3872 x 2592 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. K10D has a native ISO range of 100 - 1600 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Pentax K10D is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Canon M6 MII with its 33.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Pentax K10D vs Canon M6 MII or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

    Pentax K10D DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Pentax K10D sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 66 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Pentax K10D here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Pentax K10D's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Pentax K10D Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Pentax K10D Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Pentax K10D LCD and Viewfinder

    Pentax K10D has a Fixed Type 2.50-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 210k dots. At only 2.50", the screen is on the smaller side and 210kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.



    Pentax K10D back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Pentax K10D doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best DSLR Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    K10D has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 95% and a magnification ratio of 0.64x. 95% coverage means that what you see in your viewfinder while shooting will slightly be different from the actual image.

    Pentax K10D Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Pentax K10D has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Pentax K10D Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Pentax K10D Camera Pentax K20D
    Compare
    None shots No No No
    Pentax K10D Camera Pentax K200D
    Compare
    None shots No No No
    Pentax K10D Camera Pentax K100D S
    Compare
    None shots No No No
    Pentax K10D Camera Pentax K-x
    Compare
    1280 x 720 1900shots No No No
    Pentax K10D Camera Pentax K-5
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 980shots No No No
    Pentax K10D Camera Nikon D200
    Compare
    None shots No No No
    Pentax K10D Camera Pentax K-70
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 410shots Yes No No
    Pentax K10D Camera Pentax K-50
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 410shots No No No

    Pentax K10D Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Pentax K10D can shoot continuously at max speed of 3 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    K10D has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing

    Pentax K10D features a Phase Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 11 points to choose from.

    What type of Photography is Pentax K10D Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Pentax K10D in 5 different photography areas.

    Pentax K10D for Portrait Photography

    Pentax K10D has a score of 54 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    Image Stabilization
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Very Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K10D for Portrait Photography

    Pentax K10D for Street Photography

    Pentax K10D has a score of 67 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    No Live-view
    Large Body

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K10D for Street Photography

    Pentax K10D for Sports Photography

    Pentax K10D has a score of 73 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Environmental Sealings
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    11 Focus Points
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K10D for Sports Photography

    Pentax K10D for Daily Photography

    Pentax K10D has a score of 66 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Environmental Sealings
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    Large Body
    793g
    Body Thickness 70mm

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K10D for Daily Photography

    Pentax K10D for Landscape Photography

    Pentax K10D has a score of 33 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theK10D.
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    Environmental Sealings
    No Live-view
    Very Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax K10D for Landscape Photography
    Pentax K10D Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Pentax K10D compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Pentax K10D alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Pentax K10D

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Pentax K10D amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Pentax K20D
    Pentax K20D
    Compare
    Pentax K200D
    Pentax K200D
    Compare
    Pentax K100D S
    Pentax K100D S
    Compare
    Pentax K-x
    Pentax K-x
    Compare
    Pentax K-5
    Pentax K-5
    Compare
    Nikon D200
    Nikon D200
    Compare
    Pentax K-70
    Pentax K-70
    Compare
    Pentax K-50
    Pentax K-50
    Compare

    Pentax K10D Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Pentax K10D with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Pentax K10D's price range.

    Panasonic G5
    Panasonic G5
    Compare
    Panasonic GX1
    Panasonic GX1
    Compare
    Olympus E-PL1
    Olympus E-PL1
    Compare
    Ricoh GXR P10 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 VC
    Ricoh GXR P10 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 VC
    Compare
    Nikon 1 J3
    Nikon 1 J3
    Compare

    Pentax K10D Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Pentax K10D has an Overall Score of 49/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Pentax K10D is ranked #144 out of 208 in DSLR cameras (Top 20 DSLR), and ranked #501 out of 1240 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #501 out of 1240 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #144 out of 208 in Top Ranking DSLR Cameras
    #63 out of 93 in Top Ranking Advanced DSLR Cameras
    #195 out of 261 in Top Ranking APS-C Sensor Cameras
    #24 out of 33 in Top Ranking Pentax KAF Lens Mount Cameras
    #182 out of 363 in Largest Viewfinder Magnification Cameras (0.64x)
    #111 out of 142 in Lightest DSLR Cameras with APS-C sensor(793g)
    #224 out of 917 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Pentax K10D
    Does the Pentax K10D have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Pentax K10D have RAW support?
    Does the Pentax K10D have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Pentax K10D have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Pentax K10D?
    What is the Sensor Size of Pentax K10D?
    is the Pentax K10D a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Pentax K10D have Touch Screen?
    Does the Pentax K10D have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Pentax K10D?
    What is the Weight of Pentax K10D?
    What are the Dimensions of Pentax K10D?
    Pentax K10D Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Pentax
    Model Pentax K10D
    Announced 2006-12-15
    Body Type Mid-size SLR
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Pentax KAF2
    Number of Lenses 161
    Focal Length Multiplier 1.5�
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 2.50"
    Screen Resolution 210k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.64x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range n/a
    Max Flash Sync 1/180s
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Auto Red Eye
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 66
    DxO Color Depth 22.7
    DxO Dynamic Range 11.6
    DxO Low Light ISO 522
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CCD
    Sensor Size APS-C
    Sensor Dimensions 23.5 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 368.95mm2
    Sensor Resolution 10 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 3872 x 2592
    Max Native ISO 1,600
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 11
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Max Video Resolution None
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 793g
    Physical Dimensions 142 x 101 x 70mm
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 12 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/MMC/SDHC card
    Storage Slots 1


    FOLLOW US


    Most Popular Advanced DSLR Cameras
    Nikon D850
    46 MP | Full frame Sensor| Nikon F Mount
    Nikon D750
    24 MP | Full frame Sensor| Nikon F Mount
    Canon 80D
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor| Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Canon 90D
    33 MP | APS-C Sensor| Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Nikon D7500
    21 MP | APS-C Sensor| Nikon F Mount
    Canon 6D MII
    26 MP | Full frame Sensor| Canon EF Mount
    Nikon D7200
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor| Nikon F Mount
    Nikon D90
    12 MP | APS-C Sensor| Nikon F Mount
    Latest DSLR Cameras
    Pentax K-3 III
    26 MP | APS-C Sensor | Pentax KAF2 Mount
    Canon T8i
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Nikon D6
    21 MP | Full frame Sensor | Nikon F Mount
    Canon 1D X III
    20 MP | Full frame Sensor | Canon EF Mount
    Nikon D780
    25 MP | Full frame Sensor | Nikon F Mount
    Canon 90D
    33 MP | APS-C Sensor | Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Canon SL3
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Canon EF/EF-S Mount
    Nikon D3500
    24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Nikon F Mount
    Copyright © 2022 by CameraDecision
    Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision

    Report a Correction