Labs

Look at the rear of the 10-megapixel K10D and it's clear Pentax couldn't fit any more dials or buttons on if it tried. But if you're looking for a camera with controls readily accessible, you won't be disappointed.

Metering and focus modes are on two separate dials, while the top-most dial offers more exposure modes than most. One is sensitivity priority, where you set the ISO and the camera controls shutter and aperture. In TAv mode, you set the shutter and aperture manually, while the camera looks after sensitivity. In addition, you can set upper and lower limits for ISO sensitivity. The Hyper Program mode uses the front and rear dials to switch into either shutter- or aperture-priority modes when you turn either dial, so you don't even have to take your eye away from the viewfinder.

A dedicated RAW button lets

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you quickly switch in and out of RAW mode, and you can choose between RAW or Adobe's DNG formats. You can even adjust parameters in-camera and then convert from RAW to JPEG. A CCD-shift shake-reduction system (like the Sony A100's) uses magnets, ball bearings and four coils to move both in x and y directions, and the system is also used to shake dust off the CCD. Further buttons give access to bracketing and EV compensation, but you have to use the Fn button for flash, white balance, ISO and continuous settings. There are infrared sensors on the front and rear of the camera, and there's a fantastic 2.5in LCD with wide viewing angles. The top LCD is brightly backlit for night use, and beats others with no fewer than 72 seals to keep out dust and water.

The kit includes an 18-55mm lens, and image quality is very good. Photos are clean with accurate colours, and the K10D is fast to focus. JPEG shots are a little soft, but this is avoidable if you shoot in RAW. Auto white balance isn't brilliant under tungsten lighting, but the built-in flash is decent. It's a shame the flash doubles as the AF-assist lamp, since you have to manually raise it. We found the CCD-shift system wasn't hugely beneficial, although it still provides a small advantage when shooting in low light.

Overall, the Pentax is a strong proposition, and has so many options and settings you can grow into it. It's great value at this price.