Pentax Optio M10

Front
The Optio M10 conforms to a design template driven by the large display screens on the back. That is, the front proportions are taller than we’ve noticed in the past, to make room for the larger height of the display. Front dimensions are listed as 3.5 inches by 2.3 inches.

The lens sits to the right of center, and the flash tube sits to the left of the lens, almost centered. Because the camera has a rather deliberate grip protrusion for the right hand, the small rectangular flashtube is slightly hooded on that side.

The lens is a retracting zoom that withdraws into the camera when the power is shut off, at which point a cover slides over the front element for protection. We’ll have more lens details later in this review.

Once you subtract the lens mechanics and the flash tube, there isn’t a whole lot of room on the front of the camera for much more. Facing the front, you have a suggestion of a grip for the right hand, enough to keep the camera from slipping away easily. This area contains the camera logo and company logo. The only other details are small microphone holes at the center-bottom.

The front’s finish carries throughout the whole camera and is a matte chrome polycarbonate. We’ve been seeing this surface on a number of brands.

Back
Like the front, the back of the Optio M10 doesn’t have a lot of room. The screen fills a good 75% of the back real estate on the left side. The control buttons and four-way switch fill the rest. At the top right corner sits the zoom switch, a rocker type that you push down either left or right. Centered below this is a dedicated playback button and below that is the four-way switch; below that are two buttons for menu and trash. The bottom position on the four-way switch pushes you instantly into picture preset mode. The other positions get you to flash options, the self-timer and macro mode. These compact cameras have to keep it simple, for reasons of surface area alone.

Left Side
The only functional component on the left of the camera body is the USB hatch at the bottom, covered with an elastomeric material that fits flush and tight to the body.

Right Side
The right side of the camera contains a recessed well, equipped with a tiny bar to hold a strap. It is otherwise unadorned.

Top
It really doesn’t get much simpler than this. On the top of the Optio M10, a chrome finish shutter button sits within reach of the user’s finger, and a power on/power off toggle button sits to the left of that. The same matte chrome finish prevails.

Bottom
The soleplate of this camera contains the hatch for the battery compartment and memory card, an ImageLink connection and a tripod socket. The hatch fits well and feels sturdy.