Overview
The Pentax Optio i-10 is a throwback to old fashioned SLR cameras when it comes to looks. Pentax has produced a very distinctive design that marks it out as different to other digital cameras. It has 12 megapixels and a 5x lens. Aside from the design the Optio i-10 has a set of features that place it in the mid range of digital cameras.
When it comes to picture quality I found a few areas of concern. The main problems were the sharpness of the photos taken at distance.
Why Buy The Pentax Optio i-10
The main attraction of this camera are its retro looks.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
12
5x
2.7 inches
65 x 100.5 x 28mm
153g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
8cm
Yes
No
Lithium ion
SD/SDHC/Eye?Fi cards
Features
Key features include a wide angle lens with a focal length equivalent to 28 - 140mm in 35mm format. You can also shoot High Definition movies. Still images can be extracted from movie footage. Image stabilisation is available to help combat blurred photos caused by hand shake. The image stabilisation method used by the Optio i-10 involves tiny compensating movements of the sensor.
If you like the idea of being able to take pictures while standing away from the camera then you will be interested to know a remote control unit can be bought separately to work with the Optio i-10.
This is one of the few cameras to be compatible with Eye-Fi memory cards. These cards are capable of transmitting photos to a computer wirelessly.
Handling
I found it quite easy to wrap my hand around the camera and get a firm hold. There is a raised grip area on the front of the camera.
One minor difference between this and other digital camera is that the zoom ring is controlled by your thumb at the back of the camera. This should not pose any problems. The buttons on the back of the camera are a bit fiddly.
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom)
My first test shot is a disappointment. Compared to rival digital cameras the sharpness of this shot is some way below average. On top of this there is a noticeable loss of detail in the lightest areas of the shot. For example there is a loss of detail on the boats.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom)
This year I have noticed an improvement in the sharpness of photos taken by cameras with a wide angle lens. The Optio i-10 struggles to match up to a number of the cameras I have tested recently when the lens is zoomed right out. Sharpness slips away towards the edges of the shot. In addition the photo has a grainy effect too. This starts to become noticeable if you opt for prints above snapshot size.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom)
As with the second outdoor shot the camera struggles for sharpness when the lens is fully zoomed in. Again this is something you might get away with if your make snapshot sized prints. The majority of rival cameras can produce superior quality.
Outdoor 4 (Building)
Although this is a better effort I can still see some of the problems I have encountered in my other test shots. Focusing is softer as you move away from the centre of the photo. There is also a loss of detail in lighter areas. Overall the picture lacks the crispness of shots taken with better quality cameras.
Outdoor Portrait
Personally I like a warm glow to portrait shots. The Optio i-10 achieves a very warm glow. Whether or not you like these colours is a matter of personal taste. This is an area where you can use different white balance settings to fine tune the colours,
Indoor Portrait with Flash
The indoor portrait is easily my favourite shot taken with the Optio i-10. Despite the fact flash has been used the colours are vivid. As with the outdoor portrait a warm look is achieved. This time the warmth is subtler.
Indoor Portrait without Flash
This is also a credible effort. Noise is controlled fairly well. This means that a good level of detail is retained in the shot.
Macro
When you place the camera in macro mode the Optio i-10 is capable of taking a decent close up shot. It may not be top quality, but the quality on offer is quite acceptable.
Colours
I found the colours to be quite powerful. This is true for both my outdoor scenic shots as well as my portraits.
Noise
There is a clear grainy effect showing in some of my outdoor shots. With the quality of light available the Optio i-10 has no real excuses.
Summary
I must admit to being disappointed by the quality of some of my test shots. The camera does perform much better when the subject is close in, but my scenic shots are some way below the quality I look for.
Style
As mentioned above this camera has a design based on an old fashioned SLR camera. Versions are available in black, white and black and silver.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.38 seconds
10.35 seconds
0.48 seconds
23.95 seconds
2.44 seconds
Ease of Use
The Optio i-10 is a relatively straightforward digital camera. The menu system is logically laid out and it is just a case of scrolling through until you find the option you are looking for.
Points I Like
Ease of use - Retro Design
Where it Could Improve
Picture Quality - Recharging flash
Verdict
I can't recommend the Pentax Optio i-10 owing to the issues I had with picture quality. That's a shame as it is always good to see something a little different.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
The camera used in this review of the Pentax Optio i-10
was kindly provided by UK Digital Cameras
Top Rated Cameras in this Category
Panasonic DMC FS30 Rating 85/100
I really like this camera. It offers some extra zoom and takes excellent snaps. I found it easy to use and struggled to find anything I did not like about it. If you are looking for a smaller compact camera with some extra zoom then this one is a good choice.
Read Review: Panasonic DMC FS30 Review
Pentax Optio i-10 Rating 79/100
The Optio i-10 looks radically different to other digital cameras. It has a design based on vintage SLRs. In my tests I found more distant shots lacked sharpness. Aside from the design the features included in this camera are fairly standard.
Read Review: Pentax Optio i-10 Review
Related Pages
Pentax Optio i-10 Review Pentax Optio i-10 Specification Pentax Optio i-10 Sample Images Pentax Optio i-10 Features
Review Date
August 2010
