OptioRz10
Latest
Pentax Optio RZ10 reviewed: image quality issues rear their ugly heads
Pentax's Optio RZ10 looked fairly impressive on paper, and even when we handled it at Photokina, we reckoned it would be quite the standout in the bargain-bin point-and-shoot arena. Turns out that's not exactly the case. The fine folks over at PhotographyBLOG have put this pup through its paces, and while the handling, build quality and price all felt right, the image quality... well, didn't. And as you well know, there's hardly a silver lining to find when a camera's images aren't up to snuff. Even at ISO 200, critics spotted startling amounts of noise, "smearing of fine detail and loss of color saturation, with all three problems getting progressively worse as you work your way up the range to the true top speed of ISO 1600." At right around $200, it's still a well-priced compact, but with cameraphones getting progressively more adept, do you really need yet another ho hum gadget to push through airport security? Hit the source link for the fully skinny.
Pentax K-5 DSLR and Optio RZ10 hands-on
We didn't get a chance to lay hands on any of the colored variants, but the solid black Optio RZ10 was easily one of the best feeling point-and-shoots we've touched in quite some time. Pentax doesn't advertise the coating as being "soft touch," but that's exactly the vibe we get. It's also shockingly small to have a full-on 10x optical zoomer, and while things will get pretty ugly at ISO 6400, it's one of the few handhelds that even give you the option. The K-5 DSLR, on the other hand, simply didn't feel like a $1,600 piece. And it should, given that's what Pentax is charging for it. Sure, it's solid enough and comfortable to grip, but it's got a lot of proving to do in the reviews to come before we fully recognize the value proposition. Head on down below if you're up for more eye candy. %Gallery-103095% %Gallery-103096%
Pentax Optio RZ10 point-and-shoot offers 10x optical zoom, plenty of color options
This one slipped by us when it was introduced alongside the RS1000, but Pentax is once again highlighting the Optio RZ10 point and shoot here at Photokina. This cutesy compact touts a 14 megapixel sensor, a 10x optical zoomer, an upgraded Auto Picture mode (you know, for the newbies), a CCD-shift-type shake reduction mechanism, 720p HD movie mode, face detection, a pet mode for snagging better pictures of Fido and a 2.7-inch rear LCD. There's also nine-point auto focus, an ISO range of 80 to 6400, inbuilt flash, 82.7MB of integrated storage, an SD / SDHC expansion slot and a rechargeable battery good for around 260 shots on a full charge. Pentax still isn't talking dollars and cents, only noting that you'll need to contact a dealer for more. At least you don't need a liaison to decide on a favorite color below, right? %Gallery-102738%
