Pentax Optio E10 First Impressions Review

Connectivity
Software
Pentax bundles the ACD See Photo Manager package with the E10, which is a solid photo manager and basic editing package. Though the Optio E10 may skimp on some features, Pentax doesn’t usually doesn’t skimp on software.

Jacks, Ports, Plugs
The socket on the left of the camera case does double-duty as a USB and video out socket, with separate cables for each. This means that you can’t use a standard USB cable. The USB/video out plug is a unique shape; so if you loose the cables, you’ll have to buy new ones from Pentax.

Direct Print Options
Support is included for DPOF and PictBridge, so you can print directly from the camera to a compatible printer. This is pretty standard theses days, especially so on a model which has ease of use as a main selling point.

Battery
The camera is powered by either two AA disposable alkaline batteries or 2 Nickel-Metal Hydride rechargeables. Pentax claims a battery life of 80 and 300 shots for each respectively. While we were not able to test the veracity of these claims; if true, this is comparable to other models using the same battery types. Pentax offers an optional battery charger that can recharge 4 batteries at once; but batteries can not be charged in the Optio E10 itself.

Memory
The E10 has 10MB of internal memory; an extremely small amount that made us wonder why Pentax bothered at all. Then again, it could have been even smaller at say, a measly 8.3MB. (Casio, we’re looking in your direction.) Only 10 MB is enough to hold only 2 or 3 images at the highest quality and size settings. Fortunately, more storage is available through the SD card slot on the bottom of the case.