Pentax
January 14th, 2010 by D-Photo
Harley Ogier finds the Optio W80 to be a surprisingly
good example of a modern ‘take anywhere’ camera
Design
At a glance, the Optio W80 really doesn’t look waterproof. It doesn’t look particularly shockproof, either. But having left the thing in the sink (intentionally), it is quite clearly fine when dipped in water. It’s also far sturdier than it looks; the kind of twisting and bending that usually starts cheap plastic cameras creaking has absolutely no effect on the W80. If the definition of elegant design is to make the solution to a difficult problem look easy, Pentax has definitely managed elegance here.
The W80’s controls are taken from the most basic digital camera designs; everything is a simple push button, from the zoom controls to the four-way navigation pad. There are no wheels, rocker switches or anything else that would be difficult to make waterproof without also making unusable. The most complicated control is the shutter, with its universal push-half-way-to-focus mechanism.
While this makes the camera look a little clunkier than its non-waterproof counterparts, it also means anyone can pick it up and use it without wondering why the mode dial is so hard to turn (solution: there’s a mode button instead, which won’t get clogged with wet sand).
Image Quality
Shots taken in full daylight are reasonably sharp and detailed, though with a disappointing amount of image noise. Manually setting the lowest possible ISO speed for the conditions goes some way to reducing this, but it’s not an all-around fix and a fair amount of noise always remains.
Oddly, I found low-light performance in the Night Scene mode to be particularly good. Down at ISO64 or 100, noise was lower than the average compact camera and images came out fine using a tripod and the W80’s self-timer. This suggests that perhaps there’s hope in other shooting modes to fine-tune out the noise, but the lack of serious manual controls makes it difficult to experiment.
Face Detection
The W80 implements some amazingly good face-priority autofocus, claiming to detect up to 32 faces simultaneously. I managed to detect at least fifteen from a still image, so I have no doubt this is true.
Face detection is nearly instantaneous — definitely the fastest I’ve ever seen. Tracking of moving faces works well, as long as they stay oriented toward the camera. The down side is a few mistaken recognitions (nope, that’s a tomato). These only last for a fraction of a second and are probably what lets the camera track real faces so quickly. As soon as motion stops, only real faces remain.
I can see serious potential for this in outdoor group shots during the kinds of recreational or sporting activities where you might need such a rugged camera.
Conclusion
Deceptively simple to look at, the Optio W80 is a feature-packed digital compact. Although not the highest rated in maximum depth or drop distance, it’s still one of the better offerings in today’s range of waterproof digital cameras that you can take anywhere.
PENTAX
OPTIO W80 – SPECS
Manufacturer: Pentax
Model: Optio W80
Effective Pixels: 12.1 million
Lens: 5-25mm (35mm equivalent 28-140mm)
Viewfinder: None
Monitor: 2.5-inch TFT LCD, 230,000 dots
Shutter: 1/1500 to 1/4 seconds, up to 4 seconds in Night Scene mode
Aperture: f3.5-f5.5
ISO: 64-1600 auto, 64-6400 selectable
Shooting Modes: Auto, Program, pre-set scene modes, basic ‘Green’ mode
Exposure Metering: Multi-segment, centre-weighted, spot
Focus Modes: Face, multiple AF (9-point), spot AF, auto tracking AF, macro, super macro, infinity landscape, pan focus, manual focus
Internal Memory: 33.7MB
Media: SD, SDHC
File Format: JPEG, AVI, WAV
Flash: Built-in
Interface: USB 2.0, composite video out
Batteries: Rechargeable lithium-ion, approx 170 images
Durability: Waterproof (5m), dustproof, shockproof (1m), coldproof (-10°C)
Dimensions: 100 x 56 x 25mm
Weight: 136g with battery
CONTACT
www.irl.co.nz
PROS
- Waterproof, shockproof
and coldproof
CONS
- Some problems with image noise
Design 18
Performance 17
Features 17
Image Quality 16
Value for money 16
TOTAL 84/100
This article is from D-Photo 32.
October 29th, 2009 by D-Photo
Harley Ogier puts Pentax’s dSLR lookalike through its paces to see if it performs as good as it looks
Pentax’s X70 is a high-zoom digital compact camera. Built in the form factor of a dSLR but with a non-removable lens, the X70 offers a compromise between the ease and portability of a digital compact, and the raw power of an amateur digital SLR.
Serious glass
At first glance the X70 really does look like a dSLR. The lens contains some serious glass (14 elements in 11 groups), and when fully extended equates to 624mm in 35mm terms. Despite this, Pentax has got the X70 down to just over 400 grams loaded and ready. Sadly, the lens cap is of the push-on variety: there’s no locking mechanism to keep it in place. This means it’s easier to knock off than it should be, which isn’t great when you’ve got so much glass exposed.
Image quality
The X70 takes great images, crisp and sharp under good lighting conditions. Contrast isn’t perfect and, without the ability to shoot RAW files, there’s not as much room for adjustment. Still, choosing the right shooting mode or manual settings can really improve the results. You can get a lot out of the X70 if you take the time to learn its extensive functionality.
I did notice a fair amount of noise when the sun was low and the sky wasn’t quite so clear. No amount of fiddling corrects this — the X70’s image sensor is a third the size of a full-frame dSLR’s and it just isn’t as good at pulling light out of nowhere. If, like myself, you’re a nightscape enthusiast, results will disappoint.
Viewfinder
Further emulating the dSLR form, the X70 features an electronic viewfinder (EVF) in addition to its LCD monitor. The two may be toggled between with a dedicated button, though there’s some delay in doing so. Often I found myself pressing the button twice thinking it hadn’t worked, only to see the camera switch screens then immediately switch back.
At 230,000 dots the LCD isn’t the highest resolution available. This may contribute to the aliasing problem when viewing images, where narrow lines such as overhead cables appear blocky and jagged on-screen. Zooming in shows that the images themselves are perfect — this is a playback issue only, your photos will be fine. The EVF is a similar 200,000 dots and is visibly an electronic display.
Smile
The X70 features reasonable face detection, though not the best I’ve tried. Smile detection is implemented quite well, as long as your subjects keep smiling — there’s a short delay before the shutter actually fires, and I had more than a few cases of post-smile imagery.
Conclusion
The Pentax X70 packs a big lens into a body much
smaller and lighter than the average amateur dSLR. Though let down by the limited quality of its LCD monitor and EVF, it takes good, sharp images and provides real telephoto capability. Great for those seeking extremely high zoom options.
PENTAX X70 – Specifcations
- Effective Pixels: 12 million
- Lens: 4.6-110.4mm (35mm equivalent 26-624mm)
- Viewfinder: Electronic,
200,000 dots
- Monitor: 2.7-inch TFT LCD, 230,000 dots
- Shutter: 1/4000 to 1/4 sec
(up to 4 sec in manual/Night Scene modes)
- Shooting Modes: Auto Picture, Sport, Digital SR (5M), Movie, User, Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Program, Scene (Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Backlight, Half Length Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Stage Lighting, Surf & Snow, Baby, Kids, Pet, Food, Fireworks, Frame Composite, Party, Museum, Sunset, Digital Wide, Digital Panorama)
- Exposure Metering: Multiple, centre-weighted, spot
- Focus Modes: 9-point AF, spot AF, auto tracking AF, macro, super macro, infinity landscape, AF point selection, manual focus
- File Format: JPEG, AVI, WAV
- Interface: USB 2.0, composite video out
- Batteries: Rechargeable Lithium-ion, approx 170 images
- Dimensions: 111.8 x 81.3 x 99.1mm
- Weight: 411g with battery and memory card
Contact
www.pentaximaging.com
PROS
- 26-624mm equivalent zoom lens
CONS
- Susceptible to noise in low light
- Limited quality LCD monitor
Design 18
Performance 18
Features 18
Image Quality 19
Value for money 15
TOTAL 88/100
This article if from D-Photo issue 30.
July 7th, 2009 by D-Photo
Landlubber Fraser Kitt test drives an easy-to-use waterproof compact from Pentax — all from the relative safety of his back garden
Small, light and waterproof, surely this would be the ideal combination for a camera to suit the Kiwi outdoorsman? The new 10 megapixel Pentax Optio W60 does all this with ease — so how has Pentax improved on its original waterproof compact?
Deep and meaningful
The W60 can now dive to four metres for two hours or however long you can hold your breath. It is also dust and sand resistant, thanks to the same O-ring seals that protect the battery and card slot. It has two underwater settings, one for stills, the other for movies. This simple and effective waterproofing precaution makes this model ideal for use not only by the pool or river but also in dusty workspaces.
Durability
Time will tell if this camera can sustain summers of beach holidays and winters on the ski fields. The metal body is rigid and the plastic finger grip gives you a resting place for your digits, but there is no ridge or stop to prevent fingers from going over the flash. The buttons all feel positive and are laid out in a logical pattern, with one shortcut button for the fantastic face detect feature. The overall design is sleek and light but this featherweight construction doesn’t give a feeling of longevity.
Open wide
The major improvement to this model is the 5x optical zoom. The range is extended from 28mm wide angle to 140mm telephoto, making it perfect for those close-up underwater shots as well as snapping casual family portraits.
The lens isn’t limited to just wide angle or telephoto shots as it will also focus in as close as one centimetre for those macro pictures. If 28mm isn’t wide enough for you, the W60 has a cool trick called ‘digital wide’ that allows you to take two wide-angle shots that the camera stitches together. If you need to make panorama images this Pentax will automatically join three images like they were a single picture without the need for computer software.
Face off
Face detection is one of the best tricks to be included in compact cameras and the W60 does a grand job of tracking your quarry. Pentax has added blink detection to help rid you of images where your subjects’ eyes are shut, but I had difficulty getting it to recognise a pair of closed eyes. The smile detect function, on the other hand, happily snapped every time a cheesy grin erupted.
Conclusion
The Pentax Optio W60 could be the camera for your next trip to the beach or jet-set ski holiday. It enthusiastically handles wet conditions and will withstand a temperature of -10 degrees. It has a good selection of automatic settings including auto picture that can recognise when you are shooting people or landscapes in day or night. The 5x optical zoom starting at 28mm is a welcome addition to Pentax’s waterproof model, giving it the best zoom range in the waterproof camera category.
Pentax Optio W60 – Specifications
- Effective Pixels: 10 million
- Lens: 5-25mm
(28-140mm in 35mm terms)
- Monitor: 2.5-inch LCD with low reflection coating (230,000 pixels)
- Shutter: 4 sec to 1/1500 sec
- ISO: Auto, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400
- Shooting Modes: Green Mode, Auto Pict, Programmed Automatic, Underwater, Night Scene, Landscape, Flowers, Portrait, Night Scene Portrait, Children, Sport, Surf & Snow, Food, Pets, Text, digital wide angle, digital panorama, Jewellery, Video,
Underwater Video
- Exposure Metering: Multi-segment, centre-weighted, spot
- Focus Modes: Nine-point TTL contrast detection system, manual focus, pan focus, spot AF, focus tracking for
moving subjects
- Media: Approx 36MB internal memory, SD, SDHC
- File Format: JPEG, AVI, WAV
- Flash: Automatic, flash off, flash on, auto + red eye, flash on + red eye, soft flash
- Batteries: Lithium-ion rechargeable
- Dimensions: 95 x 55.5 x 24.5mm
Contact
Ian R Little, 03 360 2550
PROS
- 5x optical zoom starting at 28mm
- Easy-to-access face detect mode
- Four metre dive depth, -10° temp
- Takes both SD and SDHC cards
CONS
- Lightweight construction
- Blink detect wasn’t that successful
- Finger can slip over the flash
| Design |
18 |
| Performance |
17 |
| Features |
17 |
| Image Quality |
17 |
| Value for money |
17 |
|
|
| Total |
86/100 |
This review is from D-Photo issue #027.
April 26th, 2009 by D-Photo
Tiny Tot
This camera is tiny, which is due in part to the innovative three-section, telescoping zoom lens that consists of seven elements in five groups, including three double-sided aspheric lenses. The lens gives coverage from 37.5mm wide angle to a decent 112.5mm telephoto (35mm equivalent).
This is coupled with Pentax’s new ASIC image processor that delivers realistic images by reproducing tonal range with colour correction, which is based on actual image data.
The image stabiliser is like the Ricoh’s in that it moves the CCD to counter movement made by the photographer. The A10’s system has two internal gyros that sense the amount of camera shake and a dedicated CPU rapidly calculates the amount of correction based on camera movement and focus. Pentax’s special mechanism then adjusts the CCD accordingly.
Programmed To Please
The A10 is a point-and-shoot that includes additional controls, but no mind-numbing manual settings. One of the best features is the Auto Pict mode that automatically selects the right picture (scene) setting for you, from Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene or Standard. I was amazed at how accurately it picked the right scene. There are 12 different pictures, plus a Program mode if you wish to manually select the setting. There’s also a Frame Comp option that lets you place a colourful picture frame around an image. This can be done when you take a photo, or once you have captured the shot.
I was also really impressed with the camera’s movie-making ability, which it captures in MPEG4 format so you can record longer, higher quality movies. There are two different file sizes: 640×480 or 320×240 – with three levels of compression, all shot at 30fps for outstanding results.
Onboard Editing
Once you have images on your camera, there is a large selection of editing options. This includes cropping, red-eye reduction, downsizing, adding a voice memo and adjusting the colour. Making a picture sepia or black and white is a simple step. But what if you want to highlight a particular colour and leave the rest of the image black and white? The A10 does it with ease by letting you accentuate a single colour – either red, blue or green can be chosen.
You can also soften, turn the image into a drawing, or create a caricature of your subject by widening or stretching your image. All this fun can be done in-camera without a computer in sight!
Superb Screen
The 2.5-inch screen is yet another great feature of the A10, using 232,000 pixels to display your images as you’d expect to see them. The information that is displayed on the screen can be turned on and off at the touch of the OK button. With all the information active, you can see how many more frames you have to take, the date and time, battery status, if the Shake Reduction is on and what mode you are in. Pushing the OK button will turn on a histogram, give ISO info, file size, white balance and a metering mode, too. A second push will bring up grid lines, which are handy for architectural photography. Yet another push gives you a clean screen with no information at all except the target area for the focus. One more push and the screen turns off completely.
Conclusion
Of all the cameras in this review, this is the smallest with a great screen quality. The number of functions won’t suit the power user, but point-and-shoot fans will appreciate the A10’s effortlessness.
The camera’s Shake Resistance is a major benefit that I’m sure will become a mainstay on other Pentax models. It works exceptionally well and you quickly come to accept that it is doing a fine job of countering any movement you are making.
Would I own one? More than likely; the size is very appealing, as are the fun functions and it’s simple to use.
SPECS
Pentax Optio A10
- Manufacturer: Pentax
- Model: Optio A10
- Price: $699
- Effective Pixels: 8 million
- Lens: 7.9mm – 23.7mm (35mm Equivalent – 37.5mm -112.5mm)
- Viewfinder: None
- LCD Monitor: 2.5 inch, TFT color LCD, LCD Resolution – Approx. 232,000 pixels
- Shutter: 1/2000 – 4 sec
- Aperture: F2.8 – F5.4
- ISO: Auto, or User select ISO 50, 100, 200, 400 (800 during Candle Mode)
- Shooting Modes: Auto Picture, Program, Night scene, Movie, Voice record, Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Surf and Snow, Candle Light, Text, Food, Sport, Frame composition, Pet
- Exposure Metering: Multi-segment, Center-weighted and Spot meter sensitivity
- Focus Modes: Five point AF, Spot AF, Tracking AF, Infinity Landscape, Pan Focus Focusing Range
- Media: SD memory card
- File Format: Still: JPEG (Exif 2.2), Movie: AVI (MPEG-4 DivX) approx. 30fps with sound and anti-shake. Sound: WAV (PCM format), Monaural,
- Flash: Auto, Flash-off, Flash-on, Auto + Red-eye reduction, Flash-on + Red-eye reduction
- Interface: AV output terminal, USB terminal, DC input terminal Video Output – Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats (monaural sound)
- Batteries: Rechargeable Lithium-ion D-LI8 battery
- Dimensions: 88.5 x 54.5 x 23mm
- Weight: 145g loaded and ready
Profile
Other options
Pentax W10
Contact
www.pentax.co.jp
Rating
Pros: Great image stabiliser, simple scene modes and MPEG4 movies
Cons: You will either love or hate the size
| Design |
18 |
| Performance |
16 |
| Features |
15 |
| Image Quality |
18 |
| Value for Money |
18 |
| |
|
| Total |
85/100 |
April 7th, 2009 by D-Photo
You’re planning an overseas trip. You want a slim camera with a big zoom and bags of pixels, one that you can slip into your jacket pocket and which will make murals out of your holiday memories. Pentax has just released the Optio Z10, an eight million pixel, 7x optical zoom compact that should just fit the bill.
Size is everything
The zoom range of 38mm to 266mm is brilliant if you like taking telephoto images. But it’s not so hot when you want to encompass your friends scoffing croissants in the romantic French café in a quaint side street.
Luckily, Pentax has included digital wide — a panorama-like feature — that lets you take two images that overlap and which the camera sandwiches into one wide image. While this is a satisfactory alternative, a 28mm lens to start with would be more beneficial.
The focus system has three settings — multiple, spot and automatic tracking AF — that let you decide where the camera should focus. When shooting close up you can switch to spot focus, or when shooting through vehicle windows use the tracking AF. The camera focuses accurately with plenty of light at hand but really struggles in limited light. A low-light illuminator would be handy here.
Prepare for less pain
Operation is painless. A familiar zoom rocker switch is located on the back, right by the thumb rest and behind the shutter release, making it easy to zoom in and out — and then press the shutter when the opportunity arises. The four cursor buttons that surround the OK button are dual function, letting you navigate when in the mode or menu settings, or select a specific function. These same buttons then switch from normal focus to macro, or override the flash and select the self timer.
At any point you can quickly return to a fully automatic setting by pressing the green button at the bottom right on the rear. It also acts as the rubbish bin when playing back images.
Functions
Thirteen scene modes will let you shoot movies, landscapes (night and day) or images at the beach or in the snow. Pentax has included a setting for those of us who may be a little indecisive: Auto Pict selects the right scene setting for what you are about to take without you having to access the menu. Shooting children in the Kid mode activates the Face Recognition AF and Face Recognition AE that target your subject’s cherubic face and give the correct exposure for good skin tones.
Conclusion
The Z10 remains tiny thanks to the folding optics of the lens, which are all contained within the body, even when the camera is turned on. It will fit the bill for travellers thanks to the combination of compact size and 7x optical zoom, and the eight million pixel sensor produces well-saturated images with natural skin tones. If anything there is a need for a little more contrast — which you can dial in — and unfortunately there is some fringing around red backlit subjects. The face recognition system works brilliantly but struggles as soon as a head turns to profile.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Pentax
- Effective Pixels: 8 million
- Lens: 7x optical zoom, 6.3mm-44.1mm
- LCD Monitor: 2.5-inch TFT colour (approx 230,000 pixels)
- Shutter: 4 sec – 1/1440 sec
- Aperture: f3.5 – f5.4
- ISO: Auto, 64 – 3200
- Shooting Modes: Auto Picture, Program, Night Scene, Movie, Landscape and others
- Exposure Metering: TTL, choice of multi-segment metering
- Focus: TTL, Spot, Auto tracking
- Media: 52.1MB internal memory, SD, SDHC
- File Format: JPEG, Motion JPEG, WAV
- Flash: Flash-on and flash-off modes
- Interface: USB2.0
- Batteries: Lithium-ion rechargeable
- Dimensions: 94 x 58 x 25.5mm
- Weight: 145g
Profile
Contact
www.pentax.com
Rating
Pros
Cons
| Design |
18 |
| Performance |
17 |
| Features |
16 |
| Images Quality |
16 |
| Value for Money |
17 |
| |
|
| Overall |
84/100 |
January 29th, 2009 by D-Photo
I had a nasty shock when I opened the package containing the Pentax Optio 30. The memory card, – where’s the memory card? Horrors – they didn’t put one in the package and they’ll probably blame me for losing it.
After some controlled deep breathing and a nice cup of tea, I re-examined the box and discovered that the Optio 30 has 16MB of memory permanently built in, rather than on a separate card.
Cameras with built-in memory have been rare since the industry standardised on various common card formats, but it’s not a bad idea. There is a slot for an additional SD RAM card, so expansion options aren’t limited.
At 9cm by 6cm by 4.5cm, the Optio 30 feels small and slightly stubby, but easily pocketable.
Pentax says the camera is intended for beginners, but they have managed to work in a few more advanced features that should help the Optio stay in use after its owners have advanced beyond beginner stage.
A four-way rocker control on the back, reminiscent of those found on more advanced digital cameras, allows the user to access a range of sophisticated features. This includes a histogram display, which shows the distribution of tones in a scene, and selectable ISO speeds ranging from 50 to 400.
In a sense this is a very good thing – Pentax has presumably devised software for its other cameras and decided to use it in its entry-level model. This includes some functions quite rare in digital cameras at any level, such as the ability to crop pictures in the camera, or apply colour filters to pictures after you’ve taken them.
On the other hand, my first efforts with the Optio 30 were a little disappointing. Some indoor shots taken on flash were distinctly underexposed, although not so bad they couldn’t be fixed in Photoshop. The lesson from this was to study the manual and practice shooting before you go off and take those once-in-a-lifetime holiday pictures or wedding shots.
The Pentax Optio 30 includes ACDSee software for both PC and Mac. This allows you not only to view and sort your pictures, but also stitch together multiple images shot on Optio’s panorama-assist mode. On top of this there are 11 other shooting modes, ranging from parties to pets!
Battery life was relatively brief. Pentax suggests you to use more expensive rechargeable NiMH batteries, which suggests relatively high running costs. Despite its recommendation, Pentax packs a pair of alkaline AA batteries with the Optio 30, but I’d recommend buying a battery charger and a set or two of NiMHs.
Specs
Pentax Optio 30
For: Range of functions rewards careful study. Built-in memory always available.
Against: Range of functions requires careful study. A little too much for technophobes.
Features: 4.5/5
Image quality: 4/5
Performance: 3.5/5
Max resolution: 2048 x 1536
Effective pixels: 3.2 million
Sensor size: 5.27 x 3.96mm
ISO rating: Auto, 50, 100, 200, 400
Zoom range (35mm =): 38mm to 114mm (3x)
Auto Focus: Yes
Manual Focus: Yes
Aperture range: F2.9 – F5.7
Metering: Multi-segment, Centre weighted, Spot
Tripod mount: Yes
Self-timer: Yes
Storage: 16MB Internal + SD/MMC card slot
Quality Levels: Normal, Fine, Superfine
Viewfinder: Optical
LCD preview: 4cm, 85,000 pixels
Output: Video, USB
Weight with batteries: 180g
Dimensions: 94 x 62 x 36mm
Stephen Ballantyne
September 12th, 2008 by D-Photo
Described as ‘lifeproof’, the Pentax Optio WPi is a perfect camera for active Kiwis. In fact, this 6-megapixel, 3x optical zoom compact will stand up to almost anything you throw at it.
Keeping It Simple
The design is ingenious. Its shape is slim-line and similar to a candy-bar cell phone. The camera’s rounded edges and smooth surfaces also make it easy to fit in a pocket or small bag. The lens does not protrude when the camera is turned on, so it’s fabulous to hold. The back has a two-inch (115,000 pixel) TFT LCD screen and a series of navigation and control buttons. It’s the smallest in this issue’s line up, but is beautiful to use thanks to Pentax’s utilitarian approach. The majority of control will be done in the fully Auto or Program mode, and then it’s just a press of the mode button to choose any of the camera’s picture modes.
Take The Plunge
In fact, there’s a picture mode for every conceivable shooting situation, including an underwater setting for when you want to take the WPi for a dip.
It’s a JIS class 8 waterproof device, meaning it can be submerged to 1.5m for a period of 30 minutes. You might be scoffing at the shallow depth, but if you’re on a tropical vacation and, like me, don’t like sticking your head too far under the water or spending too much time in an aquatic environment, then this camera is going to record all that coral and those tropical fish, etc, without too much effort. Or you may just want to get a shot of the kids cavorting in the hotel pool. However, the possibilities aren’t just restricted to tropical holidays. This is an ideal camera for the bush walker, the canoeist, or the mountain biker.
Sealed Tight
Of course, you do have to lock the battery compartment before you hit the surf. Then once you’re back on dry land, simply towel it off and start shooting again.
But a note of caution here: open the battery compartment with it facing down, so any water that may be present around the seal doesn’t trickle down onto the contacts and ports.
Quick Remedies
There is a load of editing options on board this Pentax, allowing you to remedy red eyes or convert an image to sepia or B&W, then crop and resize for emailing to friends. This camera will even let you recover the last deleted image. This is handy if you have mistakenly trashed an image you actually wanted.
However, you do have to decide before you turn the camera off (once the camera has shut down, you won’t be recovering it without some serious software).
Sound Bytes
Another worthwhile feature is sound recording. You can use the WPi as a voice recorder or to add a sound file to still images. Although you may find this slows things down when you’re on the run, it can be worthwhile when reviewing the day’s shots.
I often make recordings of ambient noise, bird song or sounds you don’t normally encounter. When you get back to base and are organising your images into a slide show, these little sound bytes can spark those memories and give your audience a real feeling for what it was like for you.
Package Deal
The software ACDSee for Pentax is a capable contender for both PC and Mac platforms. It works harmoniously with your computer to let you view your images and it does a good job of displaying file types other than the parent Pentax JPEGs. The downfall is the lack of any real editing options other than allowing you to rotate, fix redeye, copy, paste and print.
Pentax would be better to follow Konica-Minolta’s lead and include that great little battler Kodak Easyshare Software, which lets you at least email.
If using Windows XP or Mac OS X, you’ll more than likely decline this software offering from Pentax in favour of what’s already in the computer.
Conclusion
This Optio’s strengths are its design and ability to get in real close – down to 1cm. You don’t have to worry about weather conditions either, making it the perfect go-anywhere camera.
August 19th, 2008 by D-Photo
First of all, let me say that ever since I got my first digital camera I have wanted a dSLR. I nearly cried when I sold my old faithful Nikon F801s a couple of years ago, and although the digital cameras I have had since are wonderful, they aren’t quite the same as an SLR.
First-timer
This Pentax is the first dSLR I have used for a good year or so, and although I’m not familiar with the Pentax way of doing things, it proved to be no problem during the review process.
However, I must admit one of the biggest drawbacks with this camera is its name. If someone asks you what sort of camera you have, you will say either “dSLR” or “Pentax”, but you’re hardly going to say “asterisk ist DL”, are you?
Ready To Go
Out of the box, the default settings were perfect, which meant no fiddling in the setup menu was required. The camera has a 6.1-megapixel sensor and comes with a DA 18–55mm, F3.5–F5.6 AL lens, which was a bit smaller than I would have liked. Nevertheless, it is a versatile lens and the whole unit was small enough to fit into the bag I use for my existing camera. The kit also comes complete with a lens hood to reduce sun flare.
Great For Pentax Fans
The *istDL is compatible with Pentax K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount, 35mm-format lenses without an adapter. Other formats can be used with an adapter. This makes it an appealing option for those who own Pentax lenses.
It is also versatile in terms of batteries, taking CR-V3 lithium or any type of AA batteries (although all four obviously need to be the same). Battery life was fine with a set of well-used NiMH batteries that I use in my own camera. I shot 70 photos on one set, keeping it on for around two hours while photographing soccer. It was all ready to go when I touched the button, which was great. Cameras that turn themselves off can cause grief when you want to capture a pivotal moment.
Pick A Preset
The Auto mode is quite good, but you have to remember the camera isn’t always right. I happily used it in this mode, but realised that some sport’s shots were being treated as landscapes (I presume that’s because of all the grass in the shot). However, it was simple enough to turn the knob to Action mode and start shooting again. The *istDL captures up to five photos in continuous shooting mode, at 2.8 frames per second when using the best JPEG format. It will do three on high resolution RAW format.
The range of presets (Normal, Action, Portrait, Macro, Landscape, Night Scene Portrait, and Flash Off) offer an excellent range of choices. And although with a regular lens you don’t get the macro capability you might expect from other digital cameras, the image in the viewfinder is so crisp that you can easily tell when you’re too close.
Fine detail
The general quality of the images is extremely high. You do get the usual blockiness around the edges of very fine lines, but they are obvious only on things like cat whiskers. Although I didn’t print any photos while testing the camera, I have no reason to expect disappointment. If anything, the resolution and the lens combine to give almost too much detail, with every blemish and pore visible in portrait and close-up shots.
Conclusion
This camera isn’t positioned as a professional-grade dSLR, but is best suited to the keen amateur. I have reviewed a number of dSLRs over the years, and I think the *istDL is the first one to make me realise that it is time I bought one; there is something satisfying about feeling the clunk of the mirror in the viewfinder as you take a photo. This is one camera I didn’t want to give back.
Recent Comments