The following images were taken with the Pentax K10D using the optionally-bundled Pentax DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 lens. Unless otherwise stated, each image was recorded using the JPEG 10M *** mode and sRGB colour space, with Auto White Balance, Multi Segment metering, Natural Image Tone, and Sharpness, Contrast and Saturation set to their zero positions. The individual file size, exposure mode, shutter speed, aperture, ISO and lens details are listed for each image.

The crops are taken from the original files, reproduced at 100% and saved in Adobe Photoshop CS2 as JPEGs with the default Very High quality preset, while the resized full images were made in Photoshop CS2 and saved with the default High quality preset. The three crops are typically taken from far left, central and far right portions of each image.

Landscape: 3.32MB, Program, 1/350, f6.7, ISO 100, 18-55mm at 18mm (equivalent to 27mm)

				This landscape shot was taken with the K10D and 18-55mm lens zoomed-out to 18mm. At 100 ISO, the crops show no noise and there’s plenty of detail, although the default image processing settings can certainly handle a boost in sharpness. Crops taken from the extreme corners reveal a little coloured fringing, but nothing to be overly concerned about.

Portrait: 2.07MB, Aperture Priority, 1/750, f5.6, ISO 100, 18-55mm at 55mm (equivalent to 83mm)

						This portrait shot was taken with the 18-55mm lens zoomed-in to 55mm and its aperture wide open at f5.6. Once again the crops are clean, detailed and noise free (as you’d hope at 100 ISO), although again there’s scope for additional sharpening if you want punchier results.

Macro: 2.08MB, Program, 1/500, f11, ISO 200, 18-55mm at 55mm (equivalent to 83mm)

						For this macro shot we zoomed the 18-55mm lens to 55mm and positioned the camera as close to the flower as it would focus. The result is sharp and detailed, and the increase in sensitivity to 200 ISO hasn’t resulted in any visible noise.

Indoor: 2.69MB, Program, 1/4, f3.5, ISO 400, 18-55mm at 18mm (equivalent to 27mm)

				For this indoor shot we increased the sensitivity to 400 ISO, and while the crops aren’t quite as clean as the previous samples, they’re still virtually noise-free. Relatively low light resulted in a 1/4 second exposure, but the K10D’s built-in anti-shake has eliminated any wobbles. This was at the limit though and several shots with the same focal length and exposure weren’t so lucky. We’d estimate two to three stops of compensation.

Indoor: 3.43MB, Program, 1/60, f5.6, ISO 800, 18-55mm at 18mm (equivalent to 27mm)

						To test the K10D’s higher sensitivity capabilities we increased the ISO to 800 for this shot. The K10D typically under-metered, so we applied +0.5EV compensation. Viewed at 100%, the crops reveal a noticeable increase in noise and noise reduction over the lower settings, but there’s still plenty of detail and printed images look fine.

Indoor: 2.60MB, Program, 1/90, f6.7, ISO 1600, 18-55mm at 20mm (equivalent to 30mm)

				Pushing the K10D further, we took this shot at 1600 ISO. Now the crops clearly show increased noise levels, meaning this mode is best-used for smaller prints. The K10D’s relatively basic metering also under-exposed the scene as framed, forcing us to apply +2EV compensation. This is acceptable if you don’t mind tweaking, but it’s revealing Nikon’s metering was spot-on without intervention, albeit without the reflections on the benches to contend with – see our Nikon D40 gallery.