• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 6.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 1600
  • APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600

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Differences

Pentax *ist D advantages over Pentax K10D

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.88 vs 6.10 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Lighter weight
    550g vs 790g
    Lighter weight
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Pentax K10D advantages over Pentax *ist D

  • Less expensive
    $1000 vs $1699 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More pixels
    10.2 vs 6.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.1 fps vs 2.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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