Pentax Optio M40 Digital Camera Review

by Karen M. Cheung
Published on October 12, 2007

Navigation
Intro	Testing/Performance
Components	Design / Layout
Modes	Control Options
Image Parameters	Connectivity / Extras
Overall Impressions	Conclusion
Sample Photos	Photo Gallery
Specs / Ratings

Manual Control Options
The Pentax M40 doesn’t offer much in the manual department; this pocket camera is made to be an automatic point-and-shoot. Although the camera has thorough focus options, the camera lacks shutter speed and aperture control, which its target audience will likely not miss.

Focus
Autofocus (7.0)
The Pentax M40 has a TTL contrast detection autofocus system. Users can choose from five settings: Auto Focus, Macro, Super Macro, Infinity, Pan Focus, and an additional Manual Focus mode. Users can access autofocus modes via the four-way controller. By pressing the shutter half-way, the lens focuses according to selected function, using 9 autofocus points.

The Standard AF mode focuses on subjects at distances between 15.7 and 23.6 inches from the camera. For close-up shots, the Optio M40 camera offers two functions. The Macro mode focuses at 3.9 to 39.4 inches, while the Super Macro mode focuses at 1.9 to 15.7 inches.

For focusing over further distances, the camera has an Infinity Focus mode that shuts the flash off. For taking pictures from a moving car or train, users can select the Pan Focus mode.

Face Recognition autofocus, which detects and focuses on faces, is activated in the Portrait and Natural Skin Tone modes.

Users can also select focusing area: Multiple, Spot, or Automatic Tracking AF. The focusing area defaults to multiple-area focusing for standard shooting. When users switch to Spot focusing, the focusing area becomes smaller, selecting from 9 possible points. For moving subjects such as kids or pets, users can also select Automatic tracking focus. Panning focus isn’t as effective, and results in a few blurry images.

Macro focusing works well. While many other cameras sometimes require the camera to be at least a foot away from the subject, the Pentax M40 accurately focuses on objects just inches from the camera. Users, however, should note that flash should be turned off at such a close-range.

Manual Focus (0.0)
For precise focusing, users should consider Manual focus. Users can access Manual focus with the four-way controller. A highlighted box jumps to a magnified view of the subject so users can manually adjust focus via the zoom toggle.

Exposure (7.0)
Users can adjust the exposure +/- 2 the metered reading in 1/3 increments. With a live view and histogram, users can gauge how bright or dark they want the overall scene to be. EV compensation is available in most modes, except for Auto mode, which defaults to 0.0 EV.

Metering (2.0)
The Pentax M40 doesn’t offer much in the metering department. The camera is set to TTL multi-pattern metering. Other cameras sometimes offer more control with center-weighted or spot metering.

White Balance (6.75)
The Optio M40’s white balance covers the basics. Options for Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent, and Manual will be able to adjust the camera for a variety of indoor and outdoor lighting. Some cameras have multiple fluorescent settings, but the Pentax M40 does not. That shouldn’t matter too much because the included Fluorescent setting yields accurate color under fluorescent lights. Users can also manually adjust white balance.

ISO (8.0)
Pentax expanded the ISO sensitivity range on the Optio M40, upgraded from the earlier M30. The camera has an auto ISO range of 50 to 1600 ISO, expanded from the M30’s 64 to 1600 ISO range.

The M40 gives users the options to manually set sensitivity between 50 and 1600 ISO. There is a 3200 ISO setting in Digital SR mode. Users should be careful, though, because the high sensitivity mode significantly affects dynamic range and increases noise in images.

Shutter Speed (0.0)
The Pentax M40’s shutter speed can’t be manually changed. The shutter speed range is 4 seconds to 1/2000 of a second. Marginal control over the shutter speed is available using the Scene modes. For instance, Night Scene slows the shutter speed, while Sport speeds it up.

Aperture (0.0)
Like shutter speed, users can not manually adjust aperture controls. The lens focuses at a limited FF-stop range between f/3.1 to f/5.9 that automatically changes depending on the set modes, such as Portrait or Flower. Most other cameras offer a wider aperture range.