Hey, The K10D arrived yesterday. Here are some random thoughts and a question directed at you folks because not one else wants to listen.
1. It is bigger than I'm used to from Pentax lately, but smaller than my 645 and not heavier than the MZ-S with the grip. I was a bit worried since I have small hands, but the ergonomics are perfect. For me, it's one of those cameras that's a pleasure to hold, more so than the DS. Nice viewfinder, shutter placement etc. The four way switch is OK, still a bit touchy. The build is also pleasingly devoid of all those little "why the hell did they put that cheap piece of crap" here. I have small fingers, so I take a certain perverse delight in those tiny latches. I prefer hard buttons to menus so that's also pretty good. 2. Images are pretty good in JPG. I'm yet to try raw. I was doing a pseudo-macro (I had the FA 50 1.4) of a cactus in waning light, and immediately drifted toward TAv mode with shake reduction on, wallowing in the K10D capabilities. Good results, and, at least for me, pretty intuitive to use. 3. I know I should shoot raw, but I really like the level of color balance control for the JPGs. Question: Is that Bright mode anything special or is just some combination of Sharpness, Contrast, and Saturation that I could do with the three sliding scales. For example, if I set bright mode and throw the sharpness to full (not saying this is a good idea) is it sharper than full power sharpness alone? I can't find an answer anywhere in the manual, and I haven't tried it experimentally yet. 4. This camera rewards me when I think like a photographer as opposed to snapshooter. I'm an enthusiast, not a pro, and I take great delight in carefully taking a shot. Despite all the market share arguments, this is exactly what I really want and expect from Pentax: a nerdy technical camera for a photo geek like myself. I've always thought that this is what Pentax used to do well with film cameras, and it's nice to finally see the digital version. In my humble opinion, of course <g> Steve Steven Desjardins Department of Chemistry Washington and Lee University Lexington, VA 24450 (540) 458-8873 FAX: (540) 458-8878 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
