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The Pentax Optio Z10 is a bit of a departure for a company that has specialised in 3x zoom compacts for several years.
Build quality and design are good, and general performance is adequate, but image quality issues and the lack of any image stabilisation limit its usefulness, and it looks rather weak compared to several competing models.
As we stated with the Optio M20 and M30 earlier this year, Pentax has created yet another appealing ultra-compact digital model.
With a street price of US$199 or less, good image quality, class average performance, loads of useful features (Face Recognition, Digital Shake Reduction, 13 exposure modes, etc.), and its stylish and durable metal body, the Pentax Optio M40 offers and outstanding value. Having 8-megapixels of resolution, allows you to create huge prints (13×19-inch or larger), just be sure you’re using a lower ISO setting.
I feel the Optio M40 will be a very popular model during this upcoming holiday season.
This lightweight, durable camera was fun to use. While the Pentax K100D Super’s 6-megapixel resolution lags behind that of some entry-level models by competing manufacturers, the addition of Shake Reduction (SR) and Dust Removal to a set of mature and useful camera features makes for an attractive consumer dSLR.
With the street price hovering around $599 (US) with a 18-55mm zoom lens, the K100D Super is a great value. With a price point that overlaps into consumer digicam territory, the K100D Super offers a compelling choice to point-n-shoot upgraders. Further more, users of Pentax film SLR’s will be tempted to make the jump to digital, with their inventory of K-mount lenses being compatible with the K100D Super AND its integral Shake Reduction feature.
The Pentax Optio A30 is a moderately priced point-and-shoot. Its clean and concise design, aluminum alloy body, and wealth of features and manual controls make it a worthwhile consideration for a range of users.
The Pentax Optio A30 has a 10-megapixel CCD with Sensor Shift Shake Reduction, and carries two additional digital stabilization shooting modes, one for still images and one for videos. The camera has a 2.5-inch LCD with 232,000-pixel resolution, 3x optical zoom lens, and a face recognition system for both autofocus and auto exposure. A full host of manual controls allow for control over metering, exposure compensation, ISO, white balance, aperture, and shutter speed, although with mixed, and sometimes sluggish, results. The camera’s LCD tends to solarize and the substandard software program only allows users to make the most basic of edits.
The A30’s true shortcomings however, are in its performance. With inaccurate colors, high noise levels, limited dynamic range, and terrible video quality, this camera isn’t worth the $$ price tag.
Not only did we test the Pentax Optio W10 above the water, we have also submitted it to a fair share of underwater testing. It should be said that the water-proof housing adds a large, indisputable surplus value to the camera. The quality of the images proves excellent, and even the underwater shots generally suffice.
The Pentax Optio W10 is a camera that will appeal to a large audience. Moreover, it will prove right up the alley of those who love water sports. Photographing both in and around the water is very enjoyable indeed, and allows you to capture shots you normally wouldn’t dare dream of, considering the risk of damage to the camera.
The Pentax Optio W10 is a very attractive camera, and will undoubtedly be the perfect holiday companion. A camera that ensures truly effortless, trouble-free photography; a successful concept!