In my discussions with Pentax, I voiced some of my observations about the Pentax K10D and what I would like to see. These were rather simple and could be addressed in the next models. Unfortunately some of those suggestions cannot be addressed in Firmware updates. These changes must be implemented to convince other professionals that Pentax provides all of the expected solutions demanded by most pro's.

The first issue I discussed was the lack of an input for studio flash. That in my opinion was a flagrant oversight considering the simplicity of doing so.

The flash synchro could go as high as 1/250 th of a second, allowing those using fill flash outdoors to decrease their depth of field.

The AWB must be improved. There is no reason that the AWB cannot be closer to 5500k when rectifying mixed sources.

All of the lenses manufactured by Pentax should not have any BF or FF issues. There have been inconsistencies with the 21-Limited lens. This kind of insecurity associated with using this lens does not add to user confidence. The fear of the subject being out of focus while doing a pro shoot and being paid for it does not reflect well on the photographer, if the images are out of focus.

A shooting speed of 5 fps for intermediate models would help to convince those photographers shooting action, not to use the 3.3 fps excuse for not switching to Pentax. The high end version could shoot up to 7 fps.

Pentax may have to compete against Sony, Nikon and Canon in the larger sensor size arena. If the norm becomes FF or perhaps a 1.25 factor and it becomes the standard across the board, Pentax must be prepared to, either take the lead and do so at a price point that is reminiscent of the pro Canon or Nikon bodies that sold for around 2k dollars. I know that if Pentax were to go FF or 1.25, many pro's would consider them. As we all know, sensor size attracts certain profiles that feel insecure unless those criteria are satisfied.

A Pentax body without integral flash. Most pro's use off camera flash and rarely use the flash provided with the camera. Perhaps the intermediate bodies could integrate the flash in to camera.

Improve the "SR" as well as the sensor cleaning mechanism.

The capacity to choose to shoot from 50-3200 iso with an option to go to 6400 iso with improved noise performance.

That would do nicely for my own use...You can add your own.

Other than that, the K10D is almost perfect.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is FF and BF?

Mike

Excuse my ignorance, but what is FF and BF?

Mike

Hello Mike;

Front Focus or Back Focus from the point of your intended focus point.

Beb

I like the Canon solution to that on the 1DmkIII
Per-lens model (not serial number) micro-focus offset so correct FF and BF.
20 slots in the custom function to set them.

I won't need to send all my kit in to Canon for adjustment so they all focus properly.
As long as I wait for that feature to trickle down to cameras I can afford !

Better wireless flash capabilities. Something on par with Nikon's CLS.

Fast shutter 1/8000

full frame please...I'm no good at math :)

Don't rely on Sony for the sensor. I think this is a mistake on the part of Pentax and Nikon for that matter. Sony's Alpha was first out of gates before the P/N counterparts...this will always give a first to market edge to Sony. Maybe a sensor from say a Kodak...since it is doubtful they will re-enter the DSLR market.

My requests in order of precedence.

Programmable menu buttons so you can have immediate access to functions that are buried deep in menus, ISO comes to mind. Certain functions like format and camera reset should only be available from the menus.

I know Pentax is working harder to provide this, but a better selection of good quality consumer lenses. And maybe reduce the price of the top of the line lenses. They would sell more if the lenses were comparatively priced to 3rd party lenses. Then they could make more in mass production and cost less. Right now they are not producing enough quantity which keeps the prices up and out of reach of the average consumer who now won't buy a Pentax DSLR because lenses are too expensive and hard to find. *deep breath in*

I switch between manual and auto focus while shooting and the location of the focus switch is awkward to use while the camera is being operated.

More ISO range, lower and higher. Better noise quality at very high ISO.

Those are my nit picks with the camera. I really love it and don't regret buying it one bit.

I'll second the flash sync suggestion. Most people probably don't need this but it would be very very useful to be able to sync at 1/250th or higher for all strobes and have high-speed sync up to say 1/500th with dedicated Pentax speedlights.

At a wedding a couple weeks ago, I abandoned my K10D during some portrait shots because it couldn't handle the ambient sunlight and record my strobe lit subject positioned in the shade.

To be fair, I was not using Pentax speedlights--they were Canon 550EXes--so very likely that was the issue. Still, with full 1/1 manual dumps I couldn't balance with the ambient. Switching over to my "backup" XT body, I had no problem getting a well lit shot.

Anyway, this feature may not be high on the average shooter's list of camera features.

Ben, if you're reading, perhaps you might have some insight on this since you shoot with strobes all the time and have probably done some location work with the K10D?