Pentax Optio E60
Digital Camera Review
Sep 22, 2008
- By Tim Barribeau
The Optio E60 is Pentax's new ultra-low-budget point-and-shoot. It's a very, compact 10-megapixel camera with only the barest of features and settings, its appeal resting instead on extreme affordability. This low price manifests itself not just in the minimal features and controls, but in an overall feeling of cheapness. It's very light, has only a 2.4 inch LCD screen, and feels like it will fall apart under a stiff breeze. On the plus side, it has competent face detection, uses easy-to-find AA batteries, is lightweight for travel and won't cause exquisite agony if lost or damaged. The Optio E60 is priced at $140.
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Conclusion
This camera is one of the most affordable on the market, and it shows in the overall feeling of tackiness, lack of control and sub-optimal manufacturing. However, due to this low price, its minuscule weight, and the ability to use AA batteries, this might be considered a good camera for traveling, as an almost-disposable model. It won't set you back much, doesn't take up a huge amount of space in your bag, and if it falls off the top of Machu Picchu, you won't be that upset. Just watch out for that exposed USB port underneath. Alternatively, it could make a good children's camera due to its low price point and simple interface. It's $60 cheaper than the Canon E1, which is being aimed at a younger market, and the E60 has the advantage of being gender neutral, while the E60 is colored in clichéd girl-market hues.
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Likes
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- Affordable
- Takes AA batteries
- Lightweight
- Simple
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Dislikes
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- Fragile-feeling body
- Lack of photographic control
- Exposed USB port
- Small, low-resolution LCD
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