Top of camera controls (left)
On the top left of the camera we have the mode dial (to select exposure mode), the metering mode lever and the exposure bracketing button (hold and turn the front dial to enable / select number of frames, rear dial to select exposure steps).
Exposure modes
In the mode descriptions below the we talk about the default function of the front and rear dials, for P, Sv, Tv and Av modes these can be changed via the custom menu, as can the function of the green button in M mode.
| Icon |
Description |
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Green mode (Auto)
In green mode almost all camera functions are set automatically. The front and rear dials perform not function and the position of the metering mode and AF point levers are overridden to their default 'green' setting. You can not set exposure compensation or use AE lock in this mode. That said all menu related options are still available, such as image size and quality, image parameters. |
| P |
Hyper-Program
The unique Pentax 'Hyper-Program' really is as useful as the name suggests. It is clearly a normal program exposure mode but turning the front or rear dial quickly switches the camera into shutter priority (front dial) or aperture priority (rear dial) modes. To return back to full Program mode just press the green button beside the shutter release. This shockingly simple but effective method of going
between the three exposure modes is genius. Note that you can change the program-line from a 'standard' one to hi-speed (favors higher shutter speeds), depth-of-field (favors smaller apertures) or MTF (selects the optimum aperture for the lens used). |
| Sv |
Sensitivity Priority
The first of two unique new-to-the-K10D modes, sensitivity priority is a program-line exposure (just like hyper-program) but gives very fast control over sensitivity by providing control over it via the rear dial. This mode is very useful in mixed lighting environments where you may be going from light to dark situations frequently. The selected sensitivity is shown on the status LCD and on the viewfinder status bar. |
| Tv |
Shutter Priority
Shutter priority auto exposure mode, you select the shutter speed and the camera will select the correct aperture based on the metering value and selected ISO sensitivity. Shutter speed is shown on the status LCD and viewfinder status bar, turn the front dial to change. By default the K10D provides 1/2 stop steps, you can optionally select 1/3 stop steps. |
| Av |
Aperture Priority
Aperture priority auto exposure mode, you select the aperture and the camera will calculate the correct shutter speed based on the metering value and selected ISO sensitivity. Aperture is shown on the status LCD and viewfinder status bar, turn the rear dial to change. By default the K10D provides 1/2 stop steps, you can optionally select 1/3 stop steps. |
| TAv |
Shutter and Aperture Priority
The second unique new-to-the-K10D mode is the 'Shutter and Aperture Priority' mode, you select both the shutter speed (front dial) and aperture (rear dial) and the camera calculates the appropriate ISO sensitivity. Obviously this is more limited in exposure accuracy than P, Tv or Av modes as the camera only has four stops of sensitivity to choose from, although it can do so in 1/2 or 1/3 stop steps. |
| M |
Manual
As the name implies, a full manual exposure mode, select the shutter speed with the front dial and the aperture with the rear dial. An 'EV bar' (electronic meter) on the top status LCD and on the viewfinder status bar indicates how near (or far) your selected exposure is from the camera's metered exposure value. You can press the green button at any time to set the shutter speed and aperture as they would be in program mode (using the metered value and selected program-line). |
| B |
Bulb
A dedicated Bulb mode, select the aperture using the rear dial and the shutter will remain open for the amount of time you hold the shutter release button or remote. Obviously ideally suited to use with a wired remote. |
| X |
Flash X-Sync
Designed only to be used with a flash. This mode simply selects the flash x-sync shutter speed, which is 1/180 sec, you can select the aperture using the rear dial. |
| USER |
USER
Allows the retrieval of a previously saved exposure mode setup, in any of the above exposure modes simply select the 'USER' option from the Setup menu to save for retrieval here.
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Metering modes
Guide display
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After changing exposure mode the camera provides a 'guide display' on the LCD monitor which helps to describe the function of that mode. It also provides a quick reference of the current camera settings such as metering, auto focus mode, white balance etc. |
Top of camera controls (right)
On the top right of the camera we have the front dial (e-dial), main power switch which also serves a preview function which surrounds the shutter release button. To the left of this the 'green button' which is used to reset Program mode and has functions in other exposure modes. On the top rear of the camera 'under your thumb' are the rear dial (e-dial), the AE-Lock, exposure compensation and AF buttons. The function of the front and rear dials can be set on a per exposure mode basis via the custom menu.
Shooting mode controls
Play mode controls
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Dec 15, 2006
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Sep 13, 2006
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Dec 11, 2009
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Dec 9, 2009
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