Pentax Optio A10 Review
DigitalCameraReview recently reviewed the Pentax Optio A10, a compact digital camera with image stabilization.
The Pentax Optio A10 is the leader of the Optio pack. The very compact 8 megapixel camera is packed with features, including a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism. A 2.5 inch LCD and 3x optical zoom round out the top specs of this camera. So, is the A10 is as “Advanced” as the A in its name implies?
Some of the complaints they had with the Pentax Optio A10 is that the images looked oversaturated by default, and so they needed to modify some of the settings. Being targeted to beginners, this is not a good thing, as most users never dive into modifying the settings of their digital cameras. They also make not that the battery life was unimpressive as well.
They liked the shake reduction mechanism and found that it helped to provide images with good detail and sharpness.
Pentax Optio S6 Review
DigiCamReview.co.uk looks at the Optio S6 from Pentax. It is a six megapixel digital camera with a three times optical zoom.
The camera scores quite highly on features and build quality, with advanced features like MPEG4 / DIVX video recording, custom white balance, manual focusing, and numerous scene modes. Build quality and design are quite good as the camera feels well made, and easy to use and hold despite it’s small size. The camera will very easily fit into almost every pocket, famously fitting into an “Altoids tin” - this makes the camera excellent for someone concerned with size above all else, as this camera is something they can take with them everywhere they go. The camera speed is average to good, with an average switch on time, quick focusing time, quick shutter response, good flash recharge time, quick playback mode, quick menus, and average continuous shooting.
In the end they give the Optio S6 a seven point five out of ten.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS2 Review
This time Steve’s Digicams takes on a Panasonic camera, the Lumix DMC-LS2 to be exact. Not surprisingly, as others have admired the abilities and price of the LS2, Steve also praises the camera in his review.
The LS2 is quite the performer, especially for an entry-level camera. From power up to first image captured measured only 2.5 seconds. Shutter lag was almost absent when pre-focused, measuring less than 1/10 of a second, and only 4/10 of a second including autofocus.
I was pleased with the overall image quality when using the 5M Fine mode. Both our indoor and outdoor samples showed good exposure and color balance.
Bottom line - with great performance, good image quality and an appealing price tag, the Panasonic DMC-LS2 is a worthy competitor in the $200 or less entry-level category.
Pentax Optio S6 Review
Reviewing the Pentax Optio S6, Trusted Reviews gave the camera a nine out of a possible ten. Its six megapixel sensor being smaller than most, making the camera faster to turn on was the icing on what seemed like an otherwise rather average camera.
It is extremely compact, with the same well made all-metal body and flush fitting lens. It even has the same concentric circle texture on the front panel. However, although the S6 looks quite similar to its immediate predecessor the S5z, it is a very different camera both inside and out. It still has a 3x optical zoom lens that folds into itself leaving a camera just 19mm thick, but this isn’t the same lens as on previous models. It is a new design which is smaller, lighter and extends much more quickly at power on. Previous Optio S models have been getting a bit slow on the start-up, but thanks to the new lens design and an improved power system, the S6 now takes just 2.5sec to power up. There are a few faster cameras around, but this is better than most.
Pentax to Launch a 10mp DSLR in the Fall
My friend Brad swears by Pentax digital cameras, and is happy to hear that they are continuing their work on making a Digital SLR.
PENTAX Imaging Company has announced three additional digital SLR products that are currently under development and will be showcased under glass at the upcoming PMA 2006 held from February 26 to March 1 in Orlando, Florida.
PENTAX has confirmed that the company will unveil a yet to be named PENTAX 10 megapixel digital SLR camera body, tentatively scheduled for a formal launch in Autumn 2006.
PENTAX also will preview the PENTAX 645 medium format digital SLR camera for the first time in the United States. Offering professional-quality digital image reproduction with 18 effective megapixels, a Kodak-developed extra-large CCD image sensor with 18.6 total megapixels (tentative), a PENTAX-original 645AF lens mount, the 645 Digital will maintain compatibility with existing smc PENTAX 645 interchangeable lenses.
Model names, designs, specifications and market launch schedules of these products are all tentative and subject to change without notice.
Pentax Optio M10
PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the marketing of the PENTAX Optio M10 digital compact camera, which incorporates a host of user-friendly features and offers solid performance for a wide range of photographic applications.
The Optio M10 is a reliable, popular-class model, combining a compact, lightweight body and simple operations with a versatile 3X optical zoom lens, 6.0 effective megapixels, a large, functional LCD monitor, and other user-friendly features.
Coupled with its exceptional battery life, the Optio M10 offers fun, easy digital photography for a variety of occasions and applications to many different users, regardless of photographic skill and experience.
Major Features
High-quality images assured by a 3X optical zoom lens and 6.0 effective megapixels
The Optio M10 incorporates a high-performance 3X optical zoom lens, which offers an angle-of-view coverage equivalent to 35mm to 105mm in the 35mm format. This versatile zoom lens allows the user to capture a variety of subjects — from landscape to snapshots and portraits — in perfect composition by means of effortless fingertip operation. Its six-element, five-group optics includes two aspherical lens elements to effectively compensate various aberrations, while optimizing the performance of 6.0 effective megapixels.
Large 2.5-inch color LCD monitor with easy outdoor viewing
Despite its compact dimensions, the Optio M10 features a large, low-reflection 2.5-inch color LCD monitor. Its auto LCD dimmer function automatically adjusts backlight brightness according to the incident-light level, making it possible for the user to view the screen comfortably, whether shooting in a dimly lit indoor setting or outdoors in the bright sun. This not only assures quick, effortless confirmation of images both during shooting and playback, but also facilitates the reading and selection of on-screen menus for swift, efficient camera operation.
(more…)
PENTAX Optio T10
PENTAX Corporation is pleased to introduce the new PENTAX Optio T10 compact digital camera. The Optio T10 is distinguished by an extra-large 3.0-inch,high-definition LCD monitor for easy viewing and a touch-display control system that allows you to program the camera by simply touching icons on the panel as well as customize images directly on the panel.
Along with the powerful raw performance of the camera’s picture quality and its 3X-optical zoom lens coupled with a slim body profile and a simple, intuitive interface, PENTAX has engineered a camera that puts the fun back into not only “taking” and “viewing” but also “creating” images with its playful touch-display control.
Major Features
Easy-to-view 3.0-inch oversized LCD monitor
The Optio T10 accommodates our largest digital-camera LCD monitor, which comes in at a full three inches and about 230,000 pixels for exceptional clarity and definition. Checking pictures and making settings is easier than ever thanks to the larger and clearer displays of images and menu text. And since the monitor sports a wide viewing field, the screen remains easy to see and nearly as bright and colorful when viewed at an angle as when viewed straight on. This is helpful when monitoring shots at low or high angles or when showing off photos to a group of people.
Touch display makes operations simple and enjoyable
The Optio T10’s touch display allows you to select and confirm functions by directly touching the LCD screen. The simplicity of touching and selecting the icon of the function you want from the displayed menu takes the stress out of setting up the camera.
(more…)
Pentax Optio W10
PENTAX Corporation is pleased to introduce the new PENTAX Optio W10. Furnished with superior waterproofing and dustproofing, the Optio W10 is a 6.0 effective megapixels compact digital camera that packs a 2.5-inch LCD monitor and a 3X optical zoom lens into a slim, newly designed body.
The Optio W10 was developed based on the PENTAX Optio WP series, which realizes the waterproof functionality for underwater photography without requiring a waterproof case or other accessories. While continuing the development concepts of sportiness, elegance, and leisure and the waterproof and dustproof performance for reliable use outdoors or during water sports, the Optio W10 offers improved LCD monitoring and movie recording. This model has been made more convenient and user-friendly with the addition of the new Face Recognition AF/AE function, which detects people’s faces in the picture frame and adjusts the focus and exposure accordingly.
Major Features
High waterproof performance, without the need for a case
The Optio W10 complies with JIS class 8 waterproof performance, enabling it to withstand up to 30 minutes of continuous operation at an underwater depth of 1.5 meters. Furthermore, the Optio W10 has also been proven to conform to Class 5 dustproof performance of category 2 (machines produced to prevent internal changes in atmospheric pressure). Such capabilities make it ideal for use when skiing, taking part in marine sports, going fishing or enjoying other outdoor events. Waterproof performance of this kind also means users can simply rinse the camera off any time it becomes dirty.
2.5-inch LCD monitor with superb visibility outdoors
The Optio W10 comes with a new 2.5-inch low-reflection LCD monitor. The LCD cover is finished with a non-glare coating, making the screen easier to see even outside on a sunny day. The LCD backlighting mechanism features a brightness adjustment as well as a Power Saving mode, which automatically reduces the backlight intensity to preserve battery life.
(more…)
PENTAX Offers Popular Waterproof Camera in Red and Blue
The popular line of PENTAX waterproof digital cameras is now available in red and blue as well as traditional silver just in time for Valentine’s Day giving. The WP series compact digital cameras offers high resolution for shooting performance in a variety of conditions and features 6.0 effective megapixels packed in a slim body that captures images up to five feet underwater and offers a JIS Class 5 dustproof rating. Perfect for extreme indoor or outdoor adventure, the OptioWPi offers high resolution images with a quick start-up, a 3X zoom lens and an ultra-fast 9-point Autofocus to keep subjects sharp.
“This Optio series is more than just waterproof. These cameras are lifeproof and able to go anywhere there is likely to be a photo opportunity,” said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company.
The colorful PENTAX OptioWPi also offers a 2.0-inch LCD monitor, a quick 0.6 second start-up, a recover function to retrieve erased images and overall operational ease. While the traditional silver model is available from a variety of dealers, the red and blue versions are available exclusively at www.h20camera.com. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get the camera by Valentine’s day anymore, but it still makes a great gift (even if it is a day or two late).
Pentax to Boost Production
To become more competative in the SLR world of digital cameras, Pentax is looking at expanding its operations.
PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce that it will expand the production capacity of PENTAX VN Co., Ltd., the company’s overseas subsidiary based in Vietnam, with the construction of a second plant. PENTAX VN specializes in the manufacture of optical instruments and components. This move is made to prepare for the expected increase in demand for interchangeable lenses for digital SLR cameras, as well as to respond to intensifying price competition in both the domestic and international markets.
In addition to the current plant, which has 6,700m² of floor space, PENTAX will build a new 6,000m² plant within the same PENTAX VN compound by October 2006. The total number of employees at PENTAX NV will also be increased from 700 to 900. With the inauguration of the new plant, PENTAX VN’s lens production capacity will grow from the current one million units a month to 1.6 million units.
(more…)
Categories
- BenQ
- Canon
- Casio
- Epson
- Feature
- Fujifilm
- HP
- Kodak
- Konica Minolta
- News
- Nikon
- Olympus
- Other Cameras
- Panasonic
- Pentax
- Review
- Ricoh
- Samsung
- Sanyo
- Sony
- Tips
Recent Posts
- Kodak EasyShare C743
- HP Photosmart M437
- NIKON Coolpix S200 silver
- Canon Digital Ixus 70
- SONY Cyber-shot DSC-W35
Related Blogs
E-mail Subscription
