Compared to...

Studio scene comparison (JPEG)

This is our standard studio scene comparison shot taken from exactly the same tripod position. Lighting: daylight simulation, >98% CRI. Crops are 100%. Ambient temperature was approximately 22°C (~72°F).

Pentax K10D vs. Canon EOS 30D

• Pentax K10D: Pentax 50 mm F1.4 lens, Aperture Priority, ISO 100
  JPEG Large/Fine, Manual WB, Default Parameters (Natural IS), Self-Timer (auto MLU)
   
• Canon EOS 30D: Canon 50 mm F1.4 lens, Aperture Priority, ISO 100
  JPEG Large/Fine, Manual WB, Default Parameters, Self-Timer
  

Pentax K10D	Canon EOS 30D
2,659 KB (3872 x 2592)	2,847 KB (3504 x 2336)

Despite its two megapixel deficit the Canon EOS 30D demonstrates two things; firstly that there's really no discernable difference between eight and ten megapixels and secondly that the quality of image processing is just as important as a good sensor and good lens. We often talk about 'per pixel sharpness' and how important it is to an image, this comparison is a good example of just that.