Posted by Steve on 8th May 2006
Dpreview have posted a review of the Pentax Optio A10 digital camera. The Optio A10 is a very compact digital camera and offers 8 megapixel resolution, a large 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3 times optical zoom and image stabilization to reduce blurry photos caused by camera shake.
The review summary:
“The Optio A10 is a deeply frustrating camera for a reviewer; on the one hand it is capable of producing some of the best results in its class, the lens is obviously excellent, image processing is fairly subtle, and unlike so many similar cameras the default contrast, saturation and sharpening are spot-on. On the other hand it can be really, really annoying to use; by today’s standards shooting feels slow and unresponsive, and has a screen that can’t be seen at all in bright weather. […]
If you enjoy the challenge of feeling like you are getting great results in spite of, rather than because of the camera you’re using, the A10 will be right up your street. But to be honest the target audience wants to just point and shoot, and this camera simply doesn’t offer the speed or ‘foolproofness’ needed in a fiercely competitive marketplace.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Pentax Optio A10.
Posted by Steve on 6th May 2006
The Pentax *ist DL digital SLR camera has been reviewed at DigicamReview.
The Pentax *ist DL is a 6.1 megapixel dSLR. It is one of the lightest and smallest dSLR cameras available on the market and with a price tag of roughly 600 US dollars it is also one of the most affordable dSLRs. The controls and operation of the Pentax *ist DL have been designed for ease of use and the large 2.5 inch LCD display allows for easy viewing of information or review of shots.
The results of the review:
“The Pentax *ist DL Digital SLR is a great digital camera. It feels very comfortable in hand, and produces very natural pictures with little noise and rich pleasing colours. This camera is very easy to use (in auto mode), and would definitely suit a beginner. The camera offers adequate battery life, with very good controls and good build quality. I would recommend this camera to anyone who wants great control without the hassle. Professional photographers might want to compare the camera with other professional DSLR cameras before purchase. If you like SLR cameras but want to stop worrying about film, this is well worth considering.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Pentax *ist DL.
Posted by Steve on 20th April 2006
A review of the Pentax Optio W10 digital camera is available at DigitalCameraReview.
The Optio W10 is a compact 6 megapixel camera with a 2.5 inch LCD screen and a 3 times optical zoom.
The Optio W10’s most interesting feature is its waterproof camera body. You can take photos up to a depth of 5 feet, and because the W10 is sealed you don’t have to worry about sand and dirt getting into the camera if used on land.
The results of the review:
“The Pentax Optio W10 can withstand an accidental dunk in the water, a drop in the sand, or even some shallow snorkeling. Good image quality, good battery life, and easy operation make it a great performer, above water and below. This is a great camera for anyone who likes to spend time near water and take pictures.
Pros
- Waterproofing
- Good battery life
- Easy operation
- Excellent image quality
Cons
- LCD hard to see in bright conditions
- Slow shutter lag when focus lock is not achieved first”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Pentax Optio W10.
Posted by Steve on 15th April 2006
The Pentax Optio A10 digital camera has been reviewed at DigitalCameraReview.
The Optio A10 is a very compact digital camera and offers 8 megapixel resolution, a large 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3 times optical zoom and image stabilization to reduce blurry photos caused by camera shake.
The review verdict:
“The Pentax Optio A10 is a nice compact point and shoot, but to get the best results with the images, you’ll need to adjust some settings. I found the images to have oversaturated colors, and to be consistently underexposed. Also, the multi-segment light metering mode was challenged by some lighting conditions. As I mentioned in the above sections, all of these issues can be adjusted in the camera - turn down saturation, turn up the exposure compensation, and change the metering mode. However, in a market where a lot of people don’t use cameras to their full potential, the default settings should be a bit more acceptable, so people can take good shots out of the box. The battery life was unimpressive as well.
The Shake Reduction mechanism was very good and the A10 is probably one of the cheaper cameras that includes this advanced feature. The images also showed good detail and sharpness.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Pentax Optio A10.
Posted by Steve on 28th March 2006
A review of the Pentax *ist DS2 digital camera has been published at CNet.
The *ist DS2 scored 7.2 out of 10 points, a ‘very good’ rating.
The review conclusion:
“The good: Relatively compact; beginner-friendly mix of manual and automatic features.
The bad: Poor high-ISO photo quality; sluggish autofocus in dim lighting.
The bottom line: The compact and inexpensive Pentax *ist DS2 performs well and blends automation and manual controls into a beginner-friendly dSLR. For those approaching the dSLR market with a bag of Pentax lenses–or no lenses at all–it’s worth considering.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Pentax *ist DS2.
Posted by Steve on 17th March 2006
The Pentax *ist DL digital camera has been reviewed at CNet.
They awarded the *ist DL 7.2 out of 10 points, a ‘very good’ rating.
The summary of the review:
“The good: Svelte and affordable; logical interface; solid image quality.
The bad: Autofocus sometimes flustered by difficult scenes; auto white-balance setting mediocre for outdoor shadows or artificial light.
The bottom line: A great value per ounce, the Pentax *ist DL is a logical choice for budget-minded enthusiasts looking to upgrade to a digital SLR, but it’s not ideal for shooting action or running on full auto.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Pentax *ist DL.
Posted by Steve on 9th March 2006
DigitalCameraInfo have posted their first impression of the Pentax Optio M10 digital camera.
The results so far:
“The Pentax M10 sticks to a successful formula. It offers a large and high-quality viewing screen. It attacks the problem of menu confusion and control button “overload”, and yet still offers some hidden functionality. With its Help functions only a button click away, the camera can be used without even reading the instruction manual. It uses easy to find AA alkaline batteries. With 6 MP maximum resolution, this camera can make a sharp 8 x 10 print, make a movie and record a conversation.”
Posted by Steve on 9th March 2006
The Pentax *ist DL digital camera has been reviewed at Steve’s Digicams.
The review verdict:
“[…] The *ist DL offers a compelling choice to upgraders, providing dSLR versatility and high ISO image quality in a lightweight and compact package. Point-n-shoot upgraders can make the jump to a dSLR without a steep learning curve thanks to the *ist DL’s array of automatic and scene modes, while learning how to use the camera’s more advanced shooting modes and features at their own pace. Providing only 6-megapixels of resolution, the *ist DL may suffer in a direct comparison of specifications, but its low price, very good image quality, small size and light weight make it very worthy of consideration.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Pentax *ist DL.
Posted by Steve on 3rd March 2006
A review of the Pentax Optio S6 digital camera has been posted at DigiCamReview.
The result of the review:
“The easy to use camera offers several useful scene modes and features such as custom white balance, manual focusing, panoramic assist. The cameras MPEG4 / DIVX video mode is good as it allows you to fit longer videos on your memory card, however battery life is an Achilles heel in this regard as you are limited to a maximum recording time of 50 minutes, and then the battery goes flat! Image quality was good outdoors, but poor indoors due to focusing problems and the flash overexposing the subject. Overall, this camera is a mixed bag - if style, size and features are a priority then have a look at this camera, however I believe there are better ultra compact digital cameras out there.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Pentax Optio S6.
Posted by Steve on 27th February 2006
A first impression review of the Pentax Optio T10 digital camera is available at DigitalCameraInfo.
The preliminary results:
“With an intuitive menu structure, manual control options which are accessible to the beginner, playback features that should entertain and a 2.5-inch LCD with a touch screen interface, the Pentax Optio T10 certainly looks to be a strong competitor in the new touch screen market.[…]
The playback mode effects, while a bit cheesy, are certainly amusing to play with, and who hasn’t honestly wanted to apply giant red lips to their nearest and dearest. With this host of features and controls available, all with quick and ready menu interfaces and logical structure, it will be up to the T10’s optical performance during our full review to really make or break this camera.”