Review of the Pentax Z10

www.pentax.co.uk
One of the latest compacts to join the 7x optical zoom brigade, the 8MP Z10 also boasts reaching such lengths without necessitating a protruding lens. A maximum ISO 3200 and Face Detection add to the spec with more-advanced features such as spot metering also present. The same childish styling of the menu system of the S10 and the cheap plastic feel of the body don’t score any brownie points, though, and the fact that other companies have already reached these focal lengths but done so with an optical- or sensor-based stabilisation system (in similarly priced models) make the Z10’s ISO-based Shake Reduction system seem (again) poor value for money. Focusing is quick and images aren’t generally bad on low ISO settings, but over ISO 200 shadowy areas turn noisy, with heavy purple and little green fringing also featuring.

Our Verdict:
The zoom is a bonus but unless you’ve got plenty of light, noisy images are the norm.

What We Like
Focusing speed

What We Don't Like
ISO-based stabilisation, menu design,

Features:17
Design: 15
Performance: 15
Image Quality: 16
Value: 15

What Digital Camera Score 78%