Pentax Optio T10

Value
With a 2.5-inch touch screen interface, intuitive menu design, quality navigation, simple construction and a durable exterior, the $350 initial price tag is sure be attractive to users who have been waiting for a touch screen that both works and is purchasable at a reasonable price level. The camera includes a handful of manual control options, all with live view, and control over images in postproduction which can lead to amusing photo alterations of a Friday night out with the boss.

The number of playback modes, digital filters and other control parameters will give the casual user who wants some image alteration the opportunity to get their feet wet without falling into the control pool. There are also some amusing effects included for a laugh. In addition to these effects, the T10 provides a 1/2.5-inch, 6 MP CCD that is equipped with a primary color filter. Overall, this is an impressive list of options, controls and specs for a camera within this price range equipped with a 2.5-inch, 230,000 pixel touch screen LCD.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - The point-and-shoot user will certainly find this camera to be an attractive shooting option, especially considering the simple interface, layout, and sure-to-impress new touch screen technology.

Budget Consumers - At just under $350, the consumer won’t find this camera the least expensive camera on the market; however, when it comes to a touch screen interface, users may find that they have a few hundred more dollars to spare.

Gadget Freaks - The touch screen—and specifically, one that works well—is a neat new feature for the gadget freak to salivate over, and the digital effects features would probably entertain occasionally. More intense techies probably won’t be interested, but for some, this camera could be an addition to their gadget oeuvre.

Manual Control Freaks - The T10 does have a sprinkling of manual controls, and the easy interface is likely to build the confidence of novices and whet their appetites for manual controls, but the interface is the main draw. Another camera would be needed in the future for serious manual control use.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists - The pros and serious hobbyists will probably find the simplicity of the layout, the point-and-shoot interface, lack of manual control, and image quality insufficient for their needs.