Pentax Life

Popular hardware review website AnandTech have published Digital SLR Buyer’s Guide where almost all modern DSLRs were reviewed. Pentax K10D competes with Nikon D80, Sony A-100 and Canon Digital Rebel XTi (400D) in 10 megapixel category. K100D/K110D shares entry-level segment with Nikon D40 and Olympus E500.

All-in-all the Nikon D80 and Pentax K10D are the closest in build quality and depth of features. When you consider the K10D has very effective anti-shake built in, effective moisture sealing, and dust removal - and the Nikon has none of these features - the advantage definitely goes to Pentax. If you are a serious photographer you will be very happy with the Pentax K10D. If you are already committed to the Canon or Nikon lens system, then your choice is easier. However, while Canon pioneered the under $1000 digital camera market, the Canon Rebel XTi is by far the worst offering in the 10 megapixel range. It is cheaply built with poor ergonomics compared to other 10 megapixel offerings.

AnandTech author Wesley Fink is very excited by the Pentax K10D:

• Best Value in the 10 Megapixel category is clearly the Pentax K10D
• We suspect the Pentax will encourage other new designs that will bring Pro level construction and features to lower Digital SLR price points
• Pentax is also offering some of the most innovative and interesting lenses currently available in digital photography
• The Pentax has the best viewfinder, followed closely by the Nikon D80, then the Sony A100
• From brief comparisons the Pentax and Canon XTi are the best at controlling noise at high ISO

Another “Best Value” mark in this review deserved Pentax K110D for it’s exceptionally low $400 price and “ better than average quality and performance“.