1. 8.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints
2. 3-inch LCD display; 3x optical zoom with Digital Shake Reduction technology
3. Face Recognition Auto Focus and Auto Exposure assure properly exposed portraits
4. Auto Picture mode quickly selects camera settings based on the scene
5. Stores images on SD/SDHC memory cards; 52 MB internal memory

Editorial Review :

The Optio V10 is an ultra-slim compact digital camera equipped with an impressive 3.0-inch LCD monitor for enhanced usability and easy viewing. This little beauty features 8 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom, easy operations and an abundance of features in a slim, stylish, affordable body.

Customer Review :

No review yet

1. 10 Megapixel effective for still images at up to 3648x2736 pixel resolution and video or movie images up to 640x480
2. Compact-type digital still and movie camera with built-in zoom lens, autofocus, auto exposure, auto-flash and Shake Reduction
3. Lens Features - Focal Length - 7.9mm - 23.7mm; 35mm Equivalent - 37.5mm -112.5mm; Aperture Range - F2.8 - F5.4 Optical Zoom - 3X; Digital Zoom - 4X; Combined - 12X
4. Light Metering Method - TTL metering with choice of - Multi-segment, Center-weighted & Spot meter
5. Storage Media - Approx. 24MB built-in memory, SD memory card removable - we recommend purchasing an Optional 1GB SD memory card. It will allow you to store a lot more Video and images, as well as take advantage of the camera's high Resolution abilities.

Editorial Review :

The flagship of the Optio digital camera line, the high-end PENTAX Optio A20 offers the pinnacle of PENTAX compact digital photography in an ultra-compact aluminum alloy body. With a 10.0 megapixel CCD, a 3X optical zoom lens, built in Shake Reduction and Tracking AF, the Optio A20 offers a versatile manual-shooting mode. Add to this, a 232,000 pixel 2.5 inch LCD and Movie mode MPEG-4 DivX (640 x 480) capture at 30fps and guaranteed video playback on all DivX certified devices. The convenient charging cradle recharges a Lithium-ion battery in the camera.

Customer Review :

excellent

I recently had a baby and I wanted a digital camera that would take pictures without the hassle. It works great. The zoom and quality of the shots were great. I am able to email family members the shots instantly. I would recommend this product for any new parents or any photo buff.

Rating :

Great camera

I bought this camera for a good price but I had to sign up for an Amazon credit card to get a $30 rebate. I like small cameras I can take any where in my pocket. The rechargeable battery has a long charge life and it charges pretty fast. The files for the best quality are large as expected for 10 Mpixels but using lower quality (one star) generates great pictures any way. The only annoyance is the delay when taking pictures in low light conditions. You have to hold the shutter button for 15 seconds for the picture to be taken. The soft flash is great for taking up close pictures. Overall I'm very happy with this camera.

Rating :

Pentax Optio A20 is a good option for amateur photographer

This small, easy-to-use camera readily downloads pictures to my IMac and iBook. I purchased an extra battery so that I may have one in the camera and a spare one charged at all times. I'm still getting to know the camera and its settings, but I already find it a pleasure to use, and handy to carry with me in case a photographic opportunity should arise.

Rating :

great camera

first digital camera and it is great. I like that I can use a memory card or not and it comes with usb cable to transfer pictures if I don't have a memory card in. Very easy to use and takes good pictures. Have not yet tried video yet.

Rating :

Avoid this camera if indoor picture quality is important

I purchased this awful camera from Amazon expecting it to be a high quality camera like the other reviews stated. However, I learned right away that this camera takes very grainy indoor pictures. The pictures look fine on a computer monitor at 33% resolution, but when the dimensions change to actual size, virtually every square inch of the pictures are covered with scattered blue grainy looking dots. If the Pentax image sensor can not handle taking clean indoor pictures at 10 mega pixels, then they should not manufacture it. I replaced this camera with a Canon Powershot SD700 which is so far superior to this camera and is not grainy when taking indoor pictures. I should have realized that I was getting an inferior camera when I saw how low the price was for 10 mega pixels. It really doesn't help that the camera itself is made with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship because it can not take clean indoor pictures. It fails at its most basic task and hence the one star rating which is over generous in my opinion.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. Pentax Optio S12 12MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom - Pink Includes manufacturer's supplied accessories)
2. 2 Gigabyte SD Secure Digital Memory Card - Pretty 6 Pocket Memory Card Wallet
3. Pretty Digital Camera Carrying Case w/Inner Pocket, Mirror & Strap
4. Lens Care & Cleaning Kit - Package of LCD Screen Protectors
5. Flexible Legged Mini Tripod - BONUS!! FREE 25 Quality Prints (promo code# on invoice)

Editorial Review :

Pentax Optio S12 12MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom: 12 mega pixels and full featured. The tiny, pocket-sized, 12 mega pixel Optio S12 features Face Recognition and Dynamic Range Adjustment that's ideal for portraits. For easy composition and review of images, the S12 offers a generous 2.5 inch LCD monitor with an Anti-reflective coating and Bright mode. Digital Shake Reduction automatically selects a higher ISO, up to 3200, for blur-free images. ++PLUS++ 2GB ACCESSORY KIT: 2 Gigabyte SD Secure Digital Memory Card - Pretty Memory Card Wallet - Pretty Digital Camera Carrying Case - Lens Care & Cleaning Kit - Package of LCD Screen Protectors - Flexible Legged Mini Tripod - BONUS!! FREE 25 Quality Prints (promo code# on invoice).

Customer Review :

No review yet

1. 4-megapixel resolution for photo-quality 11 x 15 sized enlargements
2. Pentax 3x optical zoom lens combines with 2.6x digital zoom for 7.8x total zoom
3. 7 auto picture modes take the guesswork out of composing for most-common photo environments; help button explains dial positions and features
4. Connects to computers via USB
5. Powered by 2 AA-size batteries (alkaline included, rechargeable lithium ion recommended)

Customer Review :

Good camera for the price

I was given this camera as a gift and it has been a really reliable camera. It takes very good pictures and has functions that are helpful. It takes pretty good movies as well. The fact that it uses SD memory cards is good being that SD memory is cheap. I bought a Kingston 1GB SecureDigital Flash Card ( SD/1GB ) (Retail Package) and that has worked very well. It is actually a very versatile camera too. I've had it in Iraq with me for 10 months, taken hundreds of pictures with it, dropped it, sat on it, let it ride all over the place in a duffle bag, and spill soda on it, and it still works as good as the day I got it. It is fairly small, so it fits in a pocket or in a cupholder great. It takes AA batteries which I was kind of skeptical about at first, but I bought some Energizer AA Lithium Photo Battery - 4-pk. and they have worked very well. The first set of those batteries lasted me 4 months before they needed replacing. The zoom works well except if you are trying to zoom in on something really far away (100 ft or more). The only complaint that I have with this camera is that it is slow booting up and lags in between taking pictures. It's a little slow, but dependable with good quality overall.

Rating :

my first camera...

My parents surprised me with this digital camera as a present and it has been a great camera after I put the manual down and started taking pictures. I wound up teaching myself how to use it (the delete function has been a primary learning tool!). I figured out what works best with the multiple settings and options via trial and error...kinda a challenge for a beginner but~I love it now. The only issue I've had is how sensitive it is with movement. If it's not still for particular shots a slight shake or vibration and the picture turns out blurry or distorted. I have been Using a tripod which reduces this and have discovered which settings are less "touchy." I am having fun and getting great shots as well. In addition I enjoy being able to record audio and videos. I can record approx. 1 hour of video with my 1 gig memory card. I like the filters and extra settings for shooting different environments. Overall it has been a good camera for me. I am hard on my equiptment and this camera has endured. I would recommend this camera to anyone who already has experience using digital cameras and wants a fun compact camera loaded with interesting extras. Good luck.

Rating :

HELP FOR BATTERY PROBLEMS

The Pentax Optio S40 was designed to operate with the 3 volt crv3 battery even tho Pentax says you can use rechargeable NiMh batteries which are rated at 1.2 volts each. A AA size NiMh battery in good condition will deliver about 1.42 volts which in my experience operated my S40 for about 18 months with regular recharges. Now they do not work even when fully charged.

Interestingly the S40 works fine with plain old Duracell AA batteries, but keep in mind they deliver 1.5 volts each (actually more when new). The problem seems to be there is a capacitor in the camera that seems to require a charge even for simple non flash operation and it appears the capacitor can be degraded with long term low voltage battery use.

My NiMh batteries began to work once again after a short period of S40 use with the Duracells. My theory is the Duracells at 3+ volts total, had the power necessary to charge up the capacitor to the point where the camera will now operate with the lower voltage MiMh batteries (about 2.8 volts total when fully charged).

My latest approach is using a Lith ion rechageable crv3 from Radio Shack which delivers 3+ volts. I suspect this will permanently solve the problem.

OF COURSE the eye piece is there for a reason....using it rather than the LCD will greatly extend battery life.


Rating :

This is not a good camera

We bought this camera 1-1/2 years ago. It was being discontinued and we got it for what we thought was a good deal. We very quickly learned that the pictures come out very dark, sometime almost black. Not just indoors either, pictures taken outside are very dark too. Videos are quite difficult to see when playing back. About a week ago, the camera died completely. We've always been very careful with our camera and have never dropped it or anything. The screen doesn't work and we can't take pictures now. I suppose it's a good thing because now we can actually get a good camera.

Rating :

Nice camera,but battery does not Last!

This is a nice camera and it takes great pictures! I have had it for over a year. I don't know what these other people are talking about. The pictures are beautiful! i just wish the batteries would last longer.
This was my first digital camera.I think I am going to get a 10 MP so i can get a better zoom. I also would have liked a bigger LCD screen.

UPDATE:

I just found out that you have to buy special batteries for this camera-not AA batteries but CRV batteries. NOW THIS CAMERA WORKS PERFECTO!

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 5.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
2. 2.5-inch LCD; 3x optical zoom
3. 6 still-image shooting modes; three autofocus modes
4. PictBridge compatible for direct printing without a computer
5. Stores images on SD memory cards; powered by on Lithium battery or two AA-size batteries (two AA-size batteries included)

Editorial Review :

With a giant 2.5 inch LCD monitor, a 3X zoom, and 5.0 effective megapixels, the digital Optio S55 is never daunting. Enjoy the simple operation of the handy mode dial to select from 6 still image shooting modes. Use the Help mode to display function explanations for shooting and playback, and help reduce your instruction manual dependency. Add to these helpful features, a compact aluminum alloy design that ensures you will never sacrifice style with the PENTAX Optio S55.

Customer Review :

The good, the bad and the ugly...

This was my first digital camera. I chose the Pentax S55 for the following reasons:

The GOOD:
+Price
+Standard SD memory
+Standard batteries (no charger included)
+ under ideal conditions, the camera seems to take very nice pictures
+Camera's LCD is much larger than many of the others.
+Quick recharge response time for the flash.
+ Camera survived a fall from a bedside table to the floor (2ft) and continued to operate for 6 months.

The BAD:
- no view finder - makes it near impossible to be sure if your subject is in the frame while in the sunlight.
- Using the flash discharges standard and lower rated rechargeable batteries immediately.
+after purchasing the highest rated rechargeable batteries it performed much better.
- when lighting is not at it's optimum and subject is in slight motion, it's near impossible to get a shot in focus.
I tried to use the manual focus but not much better. You must be very close to your subject, if it's in motion, or have the very best lighting.
- While handling both a soft and semi hard Pentax case or when the case was stored in a backpack or purse, the power button was easy to engage through the case and caused the lens to extract and then automatically retract after sensing the pressure against the assembly.
-Until....I opened the case one day and found the lens half extracted and the camera would no longer operate. Apparently the power button had been triggered once again, but this time it failed to automatically retract the lens. The only way I could to avoid this is to remove the batteries while it's in the case (not exactly ideal for taking quick pictures) or buy a HARD case (Pentax doesn't offer one...)


THE UGLY:
I sent the camera in for warranty repair, with a note explaining what happened. I received a letter from Pentax explaining the camera was not covered under warranty due to "excessive impact or pressure" and that $108.00 was required to fix it ($38.00 parts $60.00 labor.)

When I called Pentax they explained that the camera had fine scratches on the case, which indicated it had been neglected. I agreed that it most likely did have a few scratches but was unable to comprehend how that would cause the camera to quit functioning. After closer inspection, they said the camera also had a nick in the plastic case which I presume occurred when it fell two feet to the floor(not carpeted) from the bedside table (six months prior.) I explained to Pentax the camera had been used frequently in the past six months, and again the camera most likely quit working since the power button had been engaged while it was in the Pentax case. They held firm that while that may be so, the camera had fine scratches and a small nick and was not covered.

Hear is the deal, if the camera fell to the floor and it quit working: MY BAD, call it a day and buy a new camera.

If the camera's power button is too easy to engage, even while in the Pentax case and damages the lens assembly: THEIR BAD, call it a day and buy a new camera (but not without letting you guys know first : )


Rating :

Bravo, Pentax.

I bought the Pentax S55 after my previous digital camera (a 4mp Sony Cybershot) was stolen. It took me several months to find what I wanted. I had never owned Pentax, so needless to say, I put in my research. While it was slightly more than I wanted to spend, it was what I wanted and I purchased it.

The camera, at first, was not liked. I didn't like the picture quality, flash, or shutter speed. After reading the booklet, I discovered how to change these and now love my camera more than my previous Sony. It was definately worth the money.

A note of caution - the 2.5 LCD is WONDERFUL. However, rechargable batteries are a must. THERE IS NO OPTICAL VIEWFINDER (which some people, myself included, do not need). The battery life is decent, but I feel there is not enough warning before the capacity has reached 'low'.

Also- a memory card of 156 or above is necessary for this camera. The bigger, the better - at least in my mind.

Overall- I was extremely happy with this camera, it is compact, has an excellent zoom, an incredible flash (I took a picture during a blackout and it was not apparent that there was a blackout), a large screen and marvelous picture quality. The only reason this camera did not recieve 5 stars was due to a shutter speed slightly slower than I wanted, but still is very workable.

Rating :

best CAMERA i ever have, compare with "Sony P100"

i have using this carmera, for couple month and i also selling in my shop, i feel great vision with 2.5 inch LCD also provide great quility of picture, i have detial compare with Sony P100, in many way are the same, but why we have to pay more for a good quility of Camera. even the size of LCD is much better than Sony, and easy to use for starter to take pro-pictures.

Rating :

out of focus

I received this camera yesterday, and I am going to return it now.
The exterior designe is nice in my opinion, though I would like to have an optical viewfinder as an option.
The picture quality is extremely poor.
Apparently, the only way to get them in focus is to use manual focus mode.
I am quite surprised with this because my Pentax Optio33WR(3.2MP) after 2 years of use is doing just fine even in relatively dark conditions.

It is possible that the camera I got was simply defective.

Rating :

Optio is a great line.

Wait for the Optio A10 8M, but beware. Some unscrupulous dealers are charging way more than Pentax Camera's published retail price of "Below $350." Pentax says release is scheduled for February 2006. A10 is an awesome camera.

Rating :