The Goods

The Goods January 2007

Two of a Kind?

Samsung is now the fifth camera maker to offer a sub-$1,000 10-megapixel DSLR in the U.S. But its new 10.2MP GX-10 may look oddly familiar. Check out the sensor-based Optical Picture Stabilization... the self-cleaning CCD... the thoroughly sealed and gasketed body...

Could it be? Yep, it is: The GX-10 is essentially the clone of the Pentax K10D (see our Lab Test, or view specs and pricing).

Sure, there are subtle cosmetic differences, and the GX-10 comes with Schneider-branded D-Xenon kit lenses (the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 and the 50-200mm f/4-5.6 we tested in July 2006). But otherwise the GX-10 has the same specs and features that make the K10D such an attractive proposition: a 2.5-inch LCD monitor with wide viewing angle, burst capture of three JPEGs per second until the card is full, and wireless TTL flash capability. Samsung is adding five more Schneider lenses, plus it takes all Pentax K-AF2, K-AF, and K-A lenses -- that's a lot of glass. ($900, estimated street, body only; $1,000 with 18-55mm lens; www.samsungcamera.com)