Picture Quality / Size Options
The picture quality and size options are located within the Record 1 menu and allow three image quality settings and six still image resolution settings to be initiated. The image quality and the image size parameters have separate submenu buttons which the user may navigate with either their finger or stylus; however, the design of these controls, like all those on the Pentax Optio T10, are generous in size and well labeled. The image quality settings for the Pentax Optio T10 are Best, Better and Good, while the image resolution settings are 2816 x 2112, 2592 x 1944, 2304 x 1728, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200 and 640 x 480. These settings were quickly established and engaged.
The image quality and size settings when shooting within Movie Mode are equally generous. The user may enter the movie menu and select between three different submenus, one controlling image quality, one controlling frame rate, and one controlling the resolution of the image. The design of this menu is easy to use and shouldn’t be intimidating, even for beginning video users.
The maximum image quality setting for movie mode is 640 x 480 at 30 frames per second. This rating should result in fairly clear video with smooth frame movement that shouldn’t be jerky or awkward. Other movie mode settings are 640 x 480 at 15 fps, 320 x 240 at 30 fps and 320 x 240 at 15 fps. These settings are great for when the camera is low on memory but will be result in compromised video clips.
Picture Effects Mode
There are certainly a number of picture effects available on the Pentax Optio T10. These picture effects settings may be engaged within the playback mode. The picture effects available with the T10 aren’t nearly as extensive as the My Colors mode provided with point-and-shoot Canon cameras this year, but the drawing feature and other illustration features give Pentax a unique edge over competing manufacturers like Canon who are only providing more traditional overall digital filters. The options provided with the T10 allow the user to select between black and white, sepia, color filter in eight colors, black and white plus red, black and white plus green, black and white plus blue, soft, brightness illustration, special effect and slim modes. In addition to these playback effects the shooting mode allows the user to set saturation, contrast and sharpness levels within the Rec. Mode 2 menu.
