The K10D digital SLR camera with 10.2 effective megapixels boasts several advanced technologies including a Pentax-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system and a weather-resistant body. The SR systemeffectively offers a 2.5 to 4 stop advantage for sharp, blur-free images even under difficult shooting conditions, such as macro and telephoto photography or low light settings without a flash, according to the folks at Pentax. The SR mechanism is designed to minimize camera shake by oscillating the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the speed of oscillation in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by built-in sensors. As a result, the system doesn't require special anti-shake lenses and can be used with more than 24 million Pentax lenses produced since 1964.

The K10D has a new Pentax Real IMage Engine (PRIME) designed exclusively for the company's digital SLR cameras to produce "well-balanced, true-to-life images." It also has a 22 bit A/D converter to quickly transfer images with accurate color tones and richer gradation from the CCD to the imaging engine. The K10D body will ship by November for $899.95, and as a kit with the DA 18-55mm lens for $999.95. A DA 70mm lens will ship in October for less than $600.