Performance, Image Quality and Verdict

Pentax Optio LS465 review – Performance and Image Quality

Overall, the performance is best described as adequate. Start-up time is around 3.5-seconds, while image processing times are quite slow with single-shot mode taking around 10-seconds to shoot three images, each shot taking just under three-seconds to process.

In continuous shooting around eight shots were achieved in nine-seconds, with the burst mode managing just eight shots in four-seconds (so around 2fps) whereupon the camera stops and buffers the data off to the storage.

The LS465’s 9-point contrast-detect AF system offer an automatic-area AF and single-point (in the centre) AF; there is a tracking AF feature too, but unless the thing it tracks is moving slowly it is completely inaccurate and not worth bothering with. The speed of the focusing is okay in good light, but gloomier conditions give a marked slowdown in performance with the LS465 struggling to key on the subject.; the omission of an AF-assist light on the front of the camera makes this a real problem.

Face Detection does work well in good light and can detect up to 16 faces in the frame and even better, there’s very little in the way of shutter lag.

In terms of image quality, the LS465 delivers good images at lower ISOs – so stick to sub ISO 400 shots and you’ll not be disappointed. The model is also capable of delivering crisp, punchy shots with good contrast, even in flat lighting conditions and overcast days.

Images are at their sharpest at the wider end of the lens; at its telephoto extreme however things are softer across the entire frame and no doubt the omission of image stabilisation is part of the issue.

The metering is accurate – the only issue being occasional underexposure – and the white balance did its job if you select the right setting for the conditions; use of the auto mode is less pleasing but given the price, it’s good enough for most users likely to buy the camera.

Pentax Optio LS465 review – Verdict

It’s probably obvious by now that the Pentax Optio LZ 465 is unlikely to suit most people, but it is inexpensive, fun to use, looks great and has enough kit to keep you happy. The camera is one likely to be bought in the knowledge that it would not matter overly should you lose it. But if you do, and you’ve used the name and address skin, anyone that finds it (may) send it back to you anyway.

And so, as a no-frills budget compact that offers 16MP resolution and a 5x optical zoom lens, if you’re looking for an inexpensive entry into point-and-shoot photography in compact package, you could do worse and double the price.