Pentax Optio Z10

Value (5.75)
The 8.1-megapixel Pentax Z10 may be very convenient with its thin body and nice 7x optical zoom lens, but it still isn’t worth the $249 retail price tag on it. The autofocus system is slow and caused many, many missed opportunities, turned heads, blinked eyes, and otherwise bad photos. In this price range, it is possible to have better-quality images.

Comparisons
Pentax Optio S10 – Announced on the same day as the Z10, the S10 is the sister camera available only at Wal-Mart. It has the same retail price of $249. It has a skinnier 3.4 x 2.1 x 0.8-inch body, but no sliding cover and its 3x optical zoom lens extends outward. It has similar modes and features, but its face detection is an older version, so it reacts slower than the system on the Z10. The S10 has more resolution with 10 megapixels.





Casio Exilim EX-V8 – These cameras could be twins. They both come in matte black bodies and have metal sliding doors to protect their internal 38-266mm, 7x optical zoom lenses. Both have 8.1 megapixels and 2.5-inch LCD screens. Their dimensions are within a few hundredths of an inch of each other. The Casio V8 has Manual and Priority exposure modes, more manual controls, 34 Scene modes, and a YouTube Movie mode that can automatically upload videos to the online video sharing site. The V8 has another edge on its competition with its optical image stabilization system. The V8 sells for more, though, with its $329 retail price.


Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7 – The 7.2-megapixel LZ7 has a slightly chunkier body but is still compact and comes for a less expensive $199. It has a 6x optical zoom lens that has a superior optical image stabilization system. Like the Pentax, it has mainly automated modes but just a few basic color modes like Black & White and Sepia. It has the same 2.5-inch LCD screen, but its resolution is half that of the Z10, so it doesn’t look nearly as smooth. Its flash is more powerful, as it can reach 17 feet, and it also has an autofocus assist beam to help out in low light – something the Z10 could use. The Panasonic LZ7 has ISO settings that aren’t quite as expansive, from 100-1250, but is still a decent range for this price point.



Samsung NV7 OPS – This 7.2-megapixel digital camera doesn’t have the same flat body, but is sleek and compact nonetheless. Its 7x optical zoom lens protrudes from the body. The camera has an Optical Picture Stabilization mode that reduces blur from pictures and keeps the 640 x 480-pixel, 30 fps movies stable. The NV7 has a 2.5-inch LCD screen with the same 230,000-pixel resolution, but it has a much cooler “smart touch” user interface that consists of touch sensitive buttons surrounding the screen. These buttons allow users’ thumbs to travel over them and navigate quickly through menus and images on the screen. The Samsung NV7 has Manual, Priority, Program, Auto, and 11 Scene modes in addition to its Movie mode. It has a wider 15-1/2000 shutter speed range and wider apertures that max out at f/2.8 in wide and f/3.7 in telephoto. The Playback mode is loaded with picture effects and even has photo frames. The NV7 originally retailed for $399 but now sells for about $250. 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T100 – The 8.1-megapixel Sony T100 comes in a thin metal body and has a sliding door that covers its internal 5x optical zoom lens. It has an optical image stabilization system that makes the image on its larger 3-inch LCD screen look much better. The resultant images look great, too. Not only is there less blur from the image stabilization, but the colors are more accurate and its dynamic range and noise performance is excellent. Its battery lasts much longer at 340 shots per charge and it has the capability to output high-definition images. The T100 is loaded with automated modes and a face detection system that recognizes up to eight faces at a time. The Sony T100 is a great performer for an ultra-slim camera, but it costs a lot more at $399.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The Z10 can be stuffed into a pocket with its flat body and can be flung out at a moment’s notice to easily point and shoot at the nearest subject.

Budget Consumers – The Z10 is right on the edge of what these consumers are willing to pay. Most will opt for less expensive digital cameras, although the 7x lens at this price is a nice touch.

Gadget Freaks – There isn’t much allure in this area for these folks.

Manual Control Freaks – There are a few manual controls hidden in menus, but the lack of control over shutter speed and aperture is sure to scare these consumers away.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists – The Pentax Optio Z10 won’t get as much as a glance from this crowd.

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