Pentax Optio V20
Digital Camera Review
Dec 17, 2008
- By Steve Morgenstern
1.9
Our search for inexpensive point-and-shoot cameras offering good performance for not much money leads us to the 8-megapixel Pentax Optio V20, a compact model with a big 3-inch LCD screen and a 5x optical zoom that provides far more flexibility when composing shots than the 3x lens typically found in this camera category. The V20 lists for $249.95, though we've seen it selling at closer to $200 from several discounters, a nice price considering the large screen and extended zoom. Lab testing results overall make the V20 an average performer, a bit behind the pack in some areas, a skinch ahead in others. To determine if this is the camera to fill your photo album without emptying your wallet, read the complete review.
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Our search for inexpensive point-and-shoot cameras offering good performance for not much money leads us to the 8-megapixel Pentax Optio V20, a compact model with a big 3-inch LCD screen and a 5x optical zoom that provides far more flexibility when composing shots than the 3x lens typicall found in this camera category. The V20 lists for $249.95, though we've seen it selling at closer to $200 from several discounters, a nice price considering the large screen and extended zoom. Lab testing results overall make the V20 an average performer, a bit behind the pack in some areas, a skinch ahead in others. Combined with an easy-to-use menu system and a lightweight, pocket-friendly size and shape, it's a camera worth considering for casual use.
Section
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The Good
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The Bad
|
Tour
|
Handsome display, widely spaced controls |
Ordinary design, oddly placed tripod socket
|
Testing/Performance
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Good low light, dynamic range and video scores |
Problems with white balance and resolution performance |
Components
|
5x zoom lens, bright richly colored LCD |
No optical viewfinder, uneven flash |
Design/Layout
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Well designed control layout, easy-to-use menu system
|
Generic camera design, nearly borderless screen attracts fingerprints
|
Modes
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Multiple auto modes tailored to user preferences |
Ineffective burst mode |
Control Options
|
Better-than-nothing manual focus |
No manual exposure control |
Image Parameters
|
Extensive selection of size and compression choices |
No RAW file support
|
Connectivity/Extras
|
Decent included software |
Easy to insert battery incorrectly |
Value
|
Reasonable price for a 5x zoom -equipped camera |
A few dollars more gets you significantly superior image quality |
