Pentax X70
Digital Camera Review
Mar 09, 2009
- By Tim Barribeau
Pentax launches its first ultra-zoom with the X70, with an impressive 24x zoom, 12-megapixel resolution and CCD-shfit stabilization to help prevent camera shake. The camera will arrive in April for a recommended price of $399.95 We had the opportunity to try out a pre-production model at the PMA trade show in Las Vegas. Here's what we discovered.
| Top Point & Shoot Cameras |
|---|
|
Overview
Pentax's first foray into the world of the ultra-zoom has followed the standard procedure of mimicking the look and feel of an SLR, though on a smaller scale, and weighing noticeably less.
 |
| Pentax's first ultra-zoom |
Front
The grip is large enough to fill the hand quite readily, making it easy to hold. One problem is that the autofocus assist bulb is placed in a prime location for it to get covered with your fingers.
 |
| That AF assist bulb is easily blocked |
Back
Users of Pentax SLRs will immediately feel at home with the button layout of the X70. It's a traditional four-way button set, with a control dial located handily by your thumb. The green button in the bottom right can be set to either bring you to a quick menu, or flip the camera into the "green mode" that locks out virtually all user controls.
 |
| A familiar control scheme |
Sides
The left side has the USB and DC ports, housed under a substantial rubber plug. You can also see the button to pop open the flash, and a series of holes that cover the speaker. Both the left and right sides have eyelets for attaching the camera strap.
 |
 |
| The grip is nice and large |
Top
The business end of the camera's controls are all tucked away on its top. You've got the mode dial, exposure compensation button, power, and the shutter control with a zoom ring surrounding it.
 |
| The zoom ring feels smooth and responsive |
Bottom
Underneath the X70 is a tripod mount, and the door to the battery and memory card compartment. The tripod mount is camera-centered, though we would have preferred it to be lens-centered, because if you're using a tripod while zoomed in at the maximum 24x, having your center of rotation based around the lens makes framing slightly easier.
 |
Shift the tripod mount about an inch to
the left, and we'd be happy |