Pentax Optio M20 Digital Camera Review

by James Murray
Published on December 20, 2006

Navigation
Intro	Testing / Performance
Physical Tour	Components
Design / Layout	Modes
Control Options	Image Parameters
Connectivity / Extras	Overall Impressions
Conclusion	Specs / Ratings

 

Picture quality and size options on Pentax Optio M20 are listed within the shooting menu in two separate sub-menus. The picture size options for the Pentax Optio M20 have a high resolution setting of 7 MP (3072 x 2304) and scale down from there with options of 5M (2560 x 1920), 4M (2304 x 1728), 3M (2048 x 1536), 2M (1600 x 1200), 1024 (1024 x 768) and 640 (640 x 480).  It is also possible to reduce the picture size in playback mode to 320 (320 x 240) for faster uploading to either email or Internet profile sites. Directly beneath the recorded pixels sub-menu, the compression can be changed to *** (best), ** (better), and * (good). Both the image quality and size settings are easy to adjust and understand without having consulted the manual or a dozen online help sites.

Picture Effects Mode (8.0)

There is control over picture effects when in both the shooting and playback modes on the Pentax Optio M20. Adjustments to contrast, sharpness and saturation can be made prior to recording; the scale consists only of +, 0, and – options though. This isn’t going to provide the user with the nuance or control found with the most basic post-production image editing software. In addition to these three marginal effects, the playback mode offers brightness and digital filters. The brightness filter enables the user to adjust overall brightness +/-6 steps if manipulated with enough control and delicacy. The digital filter options allow for selections between soft, black and white, sepia, red, pink, purple, blue, green and yellow.  These filters work well, but it will take forever to process. Users have to wait upwards of 12 seconds to record an effect.  It is fun to apply these digital effects on one or two images, but it will drive the user crazy if processing a number of images.