THE K10D shows what's available if you don't just head straight for the latest big-name models.

The 2006 10.2-megapixel K10D was Pentax's first advanced DSLR. With its dust and weather resistant seals, this camera doesn't need tender loving care.

The K10D has 11 focus points and does a spirited, if somewhat fussy, quickstep into focus.

It also has the widest, shallowest grip and feels less secure compared to the others.

It has the only proper pentaprism out of the four.

It is large, tipping over 1kg with a second information panel and two control dials.

Pentax builds image stabilisation into the body which makes it work with every lens.

For noise control, the K10D shows its age. It feels a touch less wired compared to the rest.

The kit lens is the only one here that has a distance scale etched on - great for focusing without the viewfinder.

The technology may be two years old but you get a lot of camera for your money and it's built for punishment.