Pentax Optio i-10 review
Performance, Image Quality & Value
Pentax Optio I-10 review - Performance
The I-10's contrast-detect AF system is relatively nifty for still subjects, though not always ideal for fast-moving subjects depending on the conditions. This isn't unusual for a budget compact camera however, and when zooming in and out to focus the camera copes rather well. An AF lamp also features to assist with ensuring subjects can be sharply-focused in dim conditions.
Macro and Super Macro focus modes can get reasonably close to subjects, though perhaps not as close-up as would have been liked.
During use there was an occasional ‘Memory Card Error' sign which, while unlikely to occur in all models (this review sample has obviously done the rounds), did raise questions about the camera's overall build quality as this isn't a common or expected issue.
Movie mode is nice to have, though focus is fixed once recording starts. Using zoom during recording is digital only and causes significant deterioration of quality and noticeable image noise.
Pentax I-10 review - Image Quality
Image quality from the i-10 is, in general, a letdown. The ISO 3200-6400 images are so soft and devoid of colour from over-intensive noise reduction that they're not of much use - especially considering their down-sized 5MP output. At the opposite end of the scale ISO 80-160 and up to ISO 200 is relatively clean, though a regular (yet unobtrusive) grain can be seen throughout the image. Above this sensitivity and the noise reduction sees images exponentially softened, with notable softness and JPEG artifacts apparent from ISO 400. By the point of ISO 1600 there's no subtlety of colour and everything appears significantly ‘muddied', so the i-10's not a great one for low-light photography.
Pentax I-10 review - Value
The Pentax Digital I-10 has a strong features list and, for a shade under £150, it doesn't seem poorly priced at first glance. However, with models such as Panasonic's FS25, Samsung's WB500 or Sony's Cyber-shot W270 all available for less money and providing better image quality and often a stronger and more versatile array of features, the Optio I-10 has stiff competition to face up against.
Have your say!
Latest comments
August 06 20:17
John Sansom
This new Pentax Optio 1-10 is based on the Pentax 110 SLR which used a 110 film cartridge. It was the only 110 camera with interchangeable lenses. The sensor size must be similar to the 110 format. I don't think Pentax ever produced a 1/2frame camera.
August 12 12:37
Dave
I thought the original camera used 110 film and not 35mm which was the problem with it as the negative size was too small to be blown up to even 6x4.
May 18 21:06
Steve
The Pentax Optio I-10 is fine camera within its limitations. The limits are not as restrictive as those for the original Pentax 110. I recently bought one as a go anywhere camera and notebook in ASDA's sale. All digital images out of the camera, no matter the make or manufacturer can be further improved in photoshop. The digital images from the I-10 are probably are sharper and can be enlarged to a greater size than those from 110 film used with the original Pentax 110 film camera
December 13 11:16
david
Had mine just over a year,with no complaints whatsoever.Macro function is excellent and yes, I'm a big Pentax fan of many years.