Pentax K10D

Pentax K10D – Weather resistant digital SLR.

I am a huge fan of all the point-and-shoot waterproof digital cameras. They are great for anyone, but especially useful for travelers and the active outdoors type. These little marvels of modern technology are great for snap shots, but what about when you need something more? Going on a photographic sabbatical to the rain forests of Costa Rica? You probably don’t want to take your expensive digital SLR, as the weather and moisture will eat it alive. What you need a is a weather resistant camera like the Pentax K10D.

While the Pentax K10D may not be downright water proof like the point-and-shoot cameras, it is weatherproof. What exactly does that mean you say? The Pentax K10D is sealed up in 72 different places on the camera body. These seals help make the Pentax K10D both water resistant and dust proof. With these features you can shoot in light rain, or dusty enviroments with peace of mind. I wouldn’t go so far as to say you could take pictures in a hurricane, but a light afternoon shower should pose little to no problems.

Another cool dust proof feature on the Pentax K10D is its ability to keep the CCD surface clean. The Pentax K10D CCD has a dust removal system which uses the Pentax Special Protect coating. This coating helps to prevent the build up of dust on the cameras CCD. Should some dust gather on the surface, you can use the cameras shift mechanism to shake dust off of the CCD safely.

The quick & dirty:

Where you can get one:
Amazon.com $1,049.00

Why it rocks:

10.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
2.5-inch LCD display; kit includes 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 lens
In-camera Shake Reduction (SR) and Dust Reduction (DR) systems; dust-proof, weather-resistant body
Continuous shooting at approximately three images per second
Stores images on SD or SDHC memory cards; powered by lithium-ion battey D-LI50 (battery and charger included)

Seat-of-the-pants rating: 8 out of 10

I really only gave the Pentax K10D a 8 out of 10 because I am more of Nikon guy. Loyalties aside, the camera could easily be a 9 out of 10. The Pentax K10D might not be the best digital SLR on the market, but if you want a professional camera that you can safely take into questionable environments, the Pentax K10D is worth looking into.

Looking to buy? Check out these sites:
Amazon.com $1,049.00