Pentax Optio S5Z

Dislikes-The manual control options are extremely limited
-The front of the camera lacks grip
-Small size makes it hard to hold the camera steady
-Long shutter speeds are disabled in all but one mode
-Battery/SD card door is flimsy.   

Conclusion
The Optio S5z doesn't overcome the limitations inherent in such a small camera – it's hard to hold steady, the buttons are small, and the zoom is pretty short.

Just about every camera we have tested renders colors more accurately than the Optio S5z; however, its handling of noise is far superior to most. Since many prospective buyers are looking for images that look good straight from the camera, consumers will have to weigh the lack of color vibrancy against the increased clarity.

Pentax has made some wise choices in crafting the user interface of the Optio S5z. Check out the Design/Layout section of the review for more details, but here are some key points: It's too small to have a mode dial, so Pentax implemented a good alternative – the mode menu. It's easy to cover a window or sensor when gripping a camera this size, so Pentax put the least important one – the remote control sensor – in the most vulnerable spot. The "Quick" button can be programmed to provide shortcuts to just about any user's top priority controls. On the other hand, the camera should be easier to grip; there's a good spot for the right thumb on the back of the camera, but nothing comparable for the right fingers on the front of the camera.

As it stands, the S5z offers a few strong interface features, time-lapse video and a sturdy stylish build, but hardly enough to outweigh some hefty performance limitations.