
The new 'flagship' in Pentax's long-running Optio range was announced at the CES show in January. The basic specification is fairly standard for a camera in this class; 3x optical zoom, 8 megapixels, 15 scene modes (including a high sensitivity / ISO 800 'candlelight' option) and a large 2.5-inch screen, but the Optio A10 does have a couple of tricks up its sleeve, including a CCD-shift image stabilization system, in-camera effects and frames, and the ability to record movies in the highly efficient (and widely used) MPEG-4 DivX format.
- 8.0 million effective pixel 1/1.8" CCD
- New high speed ASIC
- CCD-shift Shake Reduction System
- Seven element 3x smc Pentax zoom lens
- Compact, lightweight body
- 15 shooting modes
- 640 x 480 pixel, 30 fps MPEG-4 movie mode (DivX® certified)
- Tracking AF
- Candlelight mode with ISO 800 sensitivity (4MP max image size)
- Frame composite function can add decorative frames to images
- In-camera corrections and effects for saved images
Pentax Optio A10 Specifications
Street price |
US: 335
UK: 230 |
Body Material |
metal |
Sensor |
1/1.8" CCD
8.32 million pixels total
8.0 million effective pixels |
Image sizes |
3264 x 2448
2592 x 1944
2304 x 1728
2048 x 1536
1600 x 1200
1024 x 768
640 x 480
|
Movie clips |
640 x 480
320 x 240
30 fps based on image signal at 20 fps
With sound and anti-shake
MPEG-4 DivX |
Lens |
38-114mm equiv
3x optical zoom
F2.8 - F5.4 |
Focus |
TTL contrast detection autofocus system with AF spotbeam
5-point multi AF
Spot AF
Manual focus modes
Pan focus
Normal: 0.35 m - infinity
Macro: 0.12 - 0.4 m at full wideangle setting
Super macro: 0.06 - 0.15 m at full wideangle setting
|
Shooting mode |
15 modes (Auto Picture, Program, Night Scene, Movie, Voice recording, Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Sport, Surf & Snow, Candlelight, Food, Pet, Text, Frame composite)
|
Sensitivity |
Auto
ISO 50
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800 (in Candlelight mode) |
White Balance |
Auto
• Daylight
Shade
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Manual |
Metering |
TTL Multi-segment
Center-weighted
Spot
+/-2 in 1/3 EV steps |
Image parameters |
Sharpness (3 levels)
Contrast (3 levels)
Saturation
(3 levels)
|
Continuous |
Up to 1.1 fps (dpreview testing), limited only by card capacity |
Flash |
• Built-in
• Modes: Auto, Red-eye reduction, On/Off
• Range: (wide) 0.06 - 5 m (sensitivity Auto), (tele) 0.35 - 2.5 m (sensitivity Auto) |
Storage |
SD card
24MB internal memory |
Viewfinder |
No |
LCD monitor |
2.5" TFT LCD
232,000 pixels |
Connectivity |
USB 2.0 Hi-speed
AV out
DC in |
Power |
Rechargeable D-LI8 lithium-ion battery
Optional AC adapter |
In the box* |
Pentax Optio A10
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery D-LI8
Battery charging stand D-BC42
AC cable
Video cable
Software CD-ROM
Strap
|
Other features |
PictBridge
Self-timer 2 or 10 secs
• 1/2000 - 4 sec shutter
• +/-2EV with 0.3EV steps
Shake reduction system
up to 4x digital zoom
Histogram display
Image protection
Built-in AF assist light
Post-capture effects: color filter, digital filter, brightness, red-eye removal and frames
|
Weight (inc batt) |
145 g (5.1 oz) |
Dimensions |
89 x 55 x 23 mm (3.5 x 2.1 x 0.9 in) |
* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area.
Gear in this story
Gear in this story
Above Average
|
|
|
|
May 8, 2006
|
Jan 3, 2006
|
Apr 24, 2009
|
Apr 14, 2009
|
The Sony a7CR is a high-resolution addition to the company's compact full-frame a7C series. So what did we make of it and where does it leave the a7 IV that it sits just above?
Lomography's LomoChrome '92 is designed to mimic the look of classic drugstore film that used to fill family photo albums. As we discovered, to shoot with it is to embrace the unexpected, from strange color shifts to odd textures and oversized grain.
The LowePro PhotoSport Outdoor is a camera pack for photographers who also need a well-designed daypack for hiking and other outdoor use. If that sounds like you, the PhotoSport Outdoor may be a great choice, but as with any hybrid product, there are a few tradeoffs.
The Sony a7C II refreshes the compact full-frame with a 33MP sensor, the addition of a front control dial, a dedicated 'AI' processor, 10-bit 4K/60p video and more. It's a definite improvement, but it helps if you value its compact form.
Why is the Peak Design Everyday Backpack so widely used? A snazzy design? Exceptional utility? A combination of both? After testing one, it's clear why this bag deserves every accolade it's received.
If you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites.
What's the best camera for travel? Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for travel and recommended the best.
'What's the best mirrorless camera?' We're glad you asked.
What’s the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We've picked the models that really stand out.
Above $2500 cameras tend to become increasingly specialized, making it difficult to select a 'best' option. We case our eye over the options costing more than $2500 but less than $4000, to find the best all-rounder.
Comments