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November 9, 2007

Pentax Optio S10 10Mp compact camera

Pentax's Optio range of cameras just keeps getting better and better. The Pentax Optio M40 was impressive, but its latest offering, the Pentax Optio S10, is pure genius.

One of the world's smallest 10Mp cameras - and probably the world's easiest to use - the Pentax Optio S10 is a gem of a camera that boasts an ultra compact body which simply oozes style. The Pentax Optio S10 is slightly heavier than some close rivals, but this makes it feel more solid and durable, adding to an already outstanding build quality.

Like the rest of the Optio range the Pentax Optio S10's menu system is clear and simple to navigate and as usual they have included their Green Mode button. This means that if you have become confused changing the cameras settings then you can press the Green Mode button to let the camera choose your point and click settings for you. However, becoming confused whilst using this camera is a clear indication that you shouldn't be allowed to leave the house on your own anymore.

Increasing numbers of point-and-shoot cameras let you fiddle with every aspect of their menus, and the Pentax Optio S10 is no exception. Every feature can be manually set and changed including, unusually, the focus which is really useful for difficult light situations (although we'd recommend a tripod if using this feature).

The only let down is the lack of a long-distance flash. A 15m flash was one of the best features of the Pentax Optio M40, but for some reason Pentax has decided to go back to a disappointing (but still better than standard) 7m flash for the Pentax Optio S10. But at least it's kept the very useful ‘soft flash' as one of six flash options.

There are all the usual mode settings, night scene, sport, portrait, etc. But with a few fun additions. You can select a colourful surround in which to frame your subject, or choose Pet mode and pre-select the colour of your pet to help the camera use the best auto settings. There's also the added bonus of a text mode for any budding spies out there.

The Pentax Optio S10 also has great DivX certified video capabilities which means you can effortlessly record high quality movies which can then be chopped up and moved around using only the camera's editing software. This same software also allows you to edit your photos and includes some very neat colour and artistic filters.

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Independent customer reviews from

Pentax Optio S10 scored:
8.8 out of 10 100% real reviews

The 2 most helpful reviews based on 15 reviews:

23 Nov 2007 Nick, Wednesbury, West Midlands

8

Good Points

Quick and easy to use

Bad Points

Takes a while between pressing the shutter and the picture being taken, when flash with red-eye reduction is being used. Focusing is not always accurate (with portraits where the background is a little busy)

14 Dec 2007 Amanda, Norwich

7

Good Points

Compact camera which is very easy to use.

Bad Points

The camera is a bit slurry when switched on, it sounds like the battery is low.

See more Pentax Optio S10 reviews on Reevoo.com

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Total reviews: 4,313

See product specs

expert rating

Build quality

4.5/5

Features

4.5/5

Value for money

4.5/5

Overall

4.5/5

expert rating

Pentax Optio S10 10Mp compact camera

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