Samsung GX-10
| Company type | Digital single-lens reflex camera |
|---|---|
| Industry | Photography |
| Founded | September 13, 2006 |
| Founder | Pentax, Samsung Techwin |
| Successor | Pentax K20D |
| Headquarters | Japan (Pentax), South Korea (Samsung) , Japan, South Korea |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Digital cameras |
| Owner | Pentax, Samsung Techwin |
Overview
The Pentax K10D and its counterpart, the Samsung GX-10, are digital single-lens reflex cameras featuring a 10.2-megapixel resolution, introduced towards the end of 2006. These models resulted from a joint development effort between Japan-based Pentax and South Korea's Samsung.
The K10D was officially revealed on September 13, 2006, and became available to consumers by mid-November that year. Meanwhile, Samsung publicly announced the GX-10 on September 21, 2006, with sales commencing on January 1, 2007. The K10D’s successor, the Pentax K20D, was formally introduced on January 23, 2008.
Recognition
Popular Photography and Imaging magazine praised the K10D as "an all-star player" in its category and selected it as a finalist for their prestigious "Camera of the Year" award in 2007.
Specifications
Technology and construction
The camera incorporates a 10.2 effective megapixel CCD sensor, paired with a 22-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and an anti-shake system that also includes a dust removal mechanism to maintain sensor cleanliness. It utilizes a newly developed image processor named PRIME (Pentax Real IMage Engine), which connects with DDR2 RAM, delivering a data bandwidth of 800 MB/s. The camera's body is designed to be both dustproof and weather-resistant, featuring 72 sealing points throughout.
Captured images can be stored in JPG, Pentax’s proprietary raw image format (PEF), or the widely supported DNG format. Notably, the Pentax K10D was among the first cameras to offer native support for the DNG standard.
Competition and market segment
No other camera on the market offers an identical combination of features as the K10D. When considering sensor size and price, it competes directly with models such as the Sony α 100, Nikon D80, Canon EOS 400D (known as the "Digital Rebel XTi" in North America), and the Olympus E-400, all of which are 10-megapixel DSLRs released between mid and late 2006. However, sensor size alone does not fully define quality or feature set. The K10D can also be positioned against higher-end models like the Canon EOS 30D. Its weather sealing capabilities are comparable only to those found in significantly more expensive cameras such as the Nikon D200, Fujifilm S5 Pro, and the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N/1Ds Mark II currently available.
Lens mount and compatible lenses
The K10D is equipped with the "crippled" KAF2 mount. This mount version includes power contacts enabling communication between lens and body, supporting features like power zoom and transmission of modulation transfer function (MTF) data from lens to camera. However, it lacks the mechanical stop-down coupler necessary for full compatibility with the oldest Pentax K-mount lenses.
Typically, the K10D is sold bundled with Pentax’s SMC-DA 18-55mm kit lens, which has garnered positive reviews when compared to equivalent kit lenses from competitors such as Canon and Nikon. This praise focuses on its solid construction and fast-shift focus mechanism.
Additionally, the camera supports lenses equipped with in-lens ultrasonic motors branded as SDM by Pentax, which provide quieter and faster autofocus performance. Two weather-sealed ultrasonic lenses have been introduced through collaboration with Tokina.
Similar to previous Pentax digital SLRs using the "crippled" KAF mount, the "crippled" KAF2 does not have a mechanical linkage to detect aperture ring settings on lenses. Therefore, when using manual aperture rings on K-mount lenses, users must enable the 'Use aperture ring' option in the 'Custom Menu' and operate in stop-down metering mode (referred to by Pentax as optical preview) to achieve accurate exposure. Lenses designated as KA and KAF, which include aperture rings, are fully compatible when their aperture rings are set to automatic ('A'), allowing aperture control directly from the camera body.
Samsung GX-10
The K10D is also marketed as the Samsung GX-10 through a collaboration between Pentax and Samsung Techwin. Both models share nearly identical specifications, with only minor distinctions. The button labels differ slightly, featuring a smaller font size, and the buttons themselves have subtle variations. Additionally, the hand grip design varies, rendering the K10D's battery grip incompatible; however, a dedicated battery grip is offered for the GX-10. The firmware diverges notably, presenting alternative menus and icons, and it does not support Pentax's PEF raw image format.
Awards
The K10D has been honored with multiple industry accolades. Its first major recognition was the TIPA 2007 award for "Best Expert Digital SLR". On August 15, 2007, it received the “European Camera of the Year 2007-2008” distinction from the EISA.
Pentax announced on May 17 that the K10D had secured the prestigious Japanese Camera Grand Prix for 2007. Subsequently, on June 14, 2007, Pentax introduced a limited edition K10D package celebrating this achievement. This special edition includes a dark brown K10D adorned with gold lettering and a matching battery grip. It also features a large leather camera strap embossed with "CAMERA GRAND PRIX 2007".
In addition, American Photo awarded the K10D its Editor's Choice in 2007 within the Advanced Digital SLR category (Volume 18, No. 4 July/August).
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References
External links
Pentax K10D:
- Comprehensive analysis of the K10D at Digital Photography Review
- In-depth evaluation of the K10D at Imaging Resource
- Detailed review of the K10D at DCRP Review
- Extensive critique of the K10D at Neocamera
- Thorough review of the K10D at Cameralabs
- Complete assessment of the K10D at Photo.net
- Community feedback on the K10D at Pentax Forums
- Consumer evaluations of the K10D at Amazon
- Practical insights on the K10D at Luminous Landscape
- Official K10D User Manual
Samsung GX-10:
- Concise overview of the GX-10 at DCRP Review (complementary to their K10D review, highlighting similarities between both models)
- Evaluation of the GX-10 by Cnet
Pentax Lenses
- Pentax-DA Lens User Guide Covering specifications for KAF, KAF2, and KAF3 mount interfaces, Quick-Shift Focus System, and more.