Headline-grabbing pixel count and its compact form eclipses an otherwise mediocre performer.
As sensors gain pixels and compacts get more compact, combining style and performance can prove to be a tricky task
As sensors gain pixels and compacts get more compact, combining style and performance can prove to be a tricky task. At first glance, Pentax’s S10 seems to be the answer, with a 10MP sensor, face detection and a tri-tone aluminium fascia marking it as a compact of the moment. This is, sadly, where the fun stops.
For this price, at least, an ISO-based image stabilisation mode is somewhat unsatisfactory and with no other immediate stand-out features it seems hard to recommend it on any other basis. Design-wise, it’s a real pity that the clunky plastic rear doesn’t quite match the sleek aluminium styling of the front, which together with a child-oriented interface gives the impression of ‘My First Camera’. Image quality is by no means the worst we’ve seen, though purple fringing is evident throughout the ISO range.
Score
Score in detail
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Features 75
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Image Quality 80
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Design 80
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Performance 75
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Value 80