Pentax Optio Z10 8MP Digital Camera Review

I am about to travel around the world and want an alternative to my Pentax K10D, particularly when wishing to be unobtrusive in third-world countries.First, I spent some time with the Panasonic LX2 -- same camera as the Leica at less than half the price -- which has some unique features and seems to be a terrific camera.BUT it won't go into a shirt pocket because the marvelous Leica lens protrudes.At a hefty (!) 7.8 oz, it weighs 56% more than the Optio Z10's 5 oz.The Optio is so small that there is nothing to hold onto.The Panasonic is better in that respect, but significantly bulkier.

I had just about decided to send both cameras back when I realized that I hadn't even looked at the few pix I had taken with the Optio.So I duly transferred them to my Mac and was absolutely astonished by the results. For reasons I don't understand, the Optio seems to handle subtle shades in the sky and clouds better than the K10.

The bottom line: The Optio produces razor-sharp pictures, even when using the 7x zoom hand-held at a slow shutter speed.Given some of the negative comments in these pages, I really didn't expect that.The design of the camera is superb.I only wish there were some semblance of a grip to hold onto.



See more reviews about: Pentax Optio Z10 8MP Digital Camera with 7x Optical Zoom

Digital Camera Labels: Pentax Optio Z10 8MP Digital Camera with 7x Optical Zoom,Pentax