The Pentax K10D has 10.2 megapixel, digital lens reflex and was launched in 2006, just like Samsung GX-10. Both models were made with the help of a partnership between Samsung, Korea, and Pentax, Japan. The model was released on the 13^th of September 2006 and the Samsung model somewhere in the middle of November, same years. K20D was the camera replacing K10D. This move was made official in January 2008.

Since its appearance, K10D has been praised by many popular photographers and a lot of top magazines. The model was one of the finalists in the 2007 “Camera of the Year” award.

The camera combines 22-bit analog digital converter, with 10.2 megapixel CCD sensor, and the inventive shake reduction system. This system is removing the dust off the surface of the sensor. The model also has the new processor named Pentax Real IMage (PRIME ), interfacing perfectly with DDR2 RAM. The processor provides a 800MB/s bandwidth. The body is weather and dust resistant with 72 seals placed on the camera.

Also, one great thing is that the images can be saved as RAW format or JPG, plus DNG standard format. Pentax K10D has been one of the first cameras to have the DNG format built in. This was a great feature unmatched by many cameras in those days.

The K10D is competing with Canon EOS 400D, Sony ? 100, the Nikon D80 and Olympus E-400. The other models do not have the weather sealing, as K10D does. That features is matched only by the Nikon D200, Canon EOS-1D Mark II N/1Ds Mark II and Fujifilm S5 Pro, but they are very expensive.

There is a partnership between Samsung Techwin and Pentax, but even so, the cameras they bring are totally different. There are different menus, different firmware and different characteristics.