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Introduction
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01.Product Tour
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02.Hardware
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03.Design & Layout
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04.Modes
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05.Controls
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06.Conclusion
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07.Specs & Ratings
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08.Comments
Pentax X70
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IntroductionNext: Page 2
Hardware
Product Tour
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Shift the tripod mount about an inch to the left, and we'd be happy |
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