A 5X optical zoom lens, excellent macro capabilities, and a burst mode that doesn’t know when to quit differentiate the otherwise average Pentax Optio SV from the proliferation of 5-megapixel snapshot cameras. One of four 5-megapixel Optio models introduced by Pentax alone in the latter half of 2004, the SV is designed for the snapshooter who’s content with letting the camera make all the decisions most of the time but who wants room to grow. However, discriminating shooters will find the poor performance and the mediocre photo quality enough to send them looking elsewhere.

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It’s not just the dimensions of the Optio SV that remind me of the Ixus 500, the specs are very similar too, with a five megapixel CCD – although the maximum image resolution is slightly lower at 2,560 x 1,920. But where the Optio SV does have the edge over its rival is in the optical zoom department. Whereas the Ixus 500 has a 3x optical zoom, Pentax has managed to squeeze a 5x optical zoom into the Optio SV – that’s equivalent to 36mm – 180mm in 35mm language. Pentax attributes this feat to its newly designed “Sliding-Lens Technology�, but marketing babble aside, having a 5x optical zoom in a camera this small is definitely a bonus. There’s also a 4x digital zoom, but I’d never recommend anyone to use a digital zoom – you’re better off cropping and zooming in Photoshop later.

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While on paper the Pentax Optio SV sounds like a real winner, in reality it left me feeling somewhat disappointed. Sure, it’s small, stylish, and offers way more zoom than the competition. However, image quality, battery life, and overall performance are below average. First, here’s what I liked about the Optio SV. It’s a compact metal camera that packs a “big” 5X zoom lens — way more zoom power than the typical ultra-compact camera. Construction is good for the most part, save for the plastic door over the memory card / battery compartment. The SV offers a full suite of a manual controls, though the longest shutter speed is 4 seconds (which is long enough for most people). Other bells and whistles include a super macro mode that lets you get 3 cm from your subject, a digital filter function (in playback mode), and a 30 frame/second movie mode (albeit at 320 x 240 and with awful sound recording). The included charging stand is a nice bonus, as it can recharge a spare battery along with the one in the camera.

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