Pentax Optio E60's 10 megapixels are easy on the wallet

In strict megapixel to dollar terms, the new Optio E60 from Pentax is a real steal, at a mere $140 for its absurd 10 megapixels. Of course, there's more to the story. The 3x zoom and lack of optical image stabilization -- "High Sensitivity Digital Shake Reduction" is little comfort -- won't be winning you any "best candid shot of whatever we did last night" awards, but there are some decent automatic perks like face recognition and a "Green" settings mode for absolute novices that should keep you from getting booted out of your Flickr pool. The E60, which is powered by AA batteries, will be available in October.

[Eric B. @ Jul 28th 2008 7:13PM]

DDddaaaammmmmmnnnn. Nice deal

[Kald @ Jul 28th 2008 7:14PM]

all about the optics. megapixels are the new megahertz

[Rick James @ Jul 28th 2008 7:29PM]

I don't know much about cameras.... but has anyone even heard of this company?

[Kaiser-Machead @ Jul 28th 2008 8:08PM]

Pentax is a pretty well-known brand.

[Jose Z. @ Jul 28th 2008 8:10PM]

@ Rick James:
Pentax is a very well known brand in the photographers community. They dont have the same penetration that Nikon or Canon does but they certainly can compete spec for spec if not better. Pentax, from what i noticed produces a very nice set of optics for all their cameras. They pack in alot of features usually.

i have no personal bias towards Pentax either, I shoot Canon.

[Kevin @ Jul 28th 2008 8:31PM]

Jose Z. is right for the most part.

But one important note: Pentax does not make the "E" series cameras. They are a Chinese OEM with Pentax stamped on the front. They are only produced to hit a very inexpensive price point and I wish they didn't do it. It cheapens the brand and may turn users of these cameras off of the rest of the very good Pentax line-up.

[Rudiger @ Jul 28th 2008 11:15PM]

I'm happy with my 4 megapixel digital SLR, but maybe that's just me.

[striggity @ Jul 28th 2008 7:29PM]

I'm not moved by megapixles...seeing as how for a point and shoot, i dont' really intend to do much else than set up some online photobooks and occasionally get some 4x6's printed. Give me a 8 megapixle, with more options and the same price and i'm happy.

[Kaiser-Machead @ Jul 28th 2008 8:09PM]

I love my 7.1 megapixel Canon SD1000. It takes great shots, has video and has timelapse capability. I've seen a few cheap cameras in Chinatown with 12 megapixels, and their images are horrible.

[Minilap @ Jul 28th 2008 8:21PM]

Why are you people gonna learn that megapixle doesn't mean shit, it doesn't.

[arfster @ Jul 28th 2008 8:37PM]

Another crap compact camera hiding behind high megapixel count.

Go buy a second hand bridge 4 megapixel bridge camera with a 2/3" sensor from 5 years ago off ebay, it'll take far better pictures.

[arfster @ Jul 28th 2008 8:46PM]

Lol, these have a 1/2.33" size sensor. That's smaller than some mobile phones, yet they try cram in 10mp. Will you even be able to see anything behind the wall of noise they'll throw up? If you can, the denoise processing needed will obliterate any detail.

[wodheila @ Jul 29th 2008 7:54AM]

Exactly. The companies have successfully trained the consumer to look at this attribute and by it. People would be happier were they to research the sensor size and pixel quality instead of the "count".

It's one of those things that comes clear when you understand why, even today, that the 6mp D40 is still in the game for overall image quality.

[nrao gopavajjula @ Jul 28th 2008 10:49PM]

I had pentax SLR for about 24years.
printing became costly..I had to give
up with zoom lens, wide angle and
other lenses for money.

I have seen sony 10megapixels camera
at my son in laws' place.
but still I love dSLR only.
nrao
[e-mail]
919397001090

[Matt @ Jul 28th 2008 11:46PM]

Am I the only one that noticed how off-center the lens in from the little circle deelly-oh?