Pentax Cameras

Special Digital Camera for Special Photography. Pentax Optio A10 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom and Shake Reduction

Nikon

Minolta

Canon

Samsung

Fuji

Olympus

Pentax

Yashica

Pentax Optio A10 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom and Shake Reduction

Technical Details:

8.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints
2.5-inch LCD display; 3x optical zoom with Shake Reduction technology
Mode Palette on LCD lets you navigate and select from 15 shooting modes and 15 playback modes
Record movies with sound in Divx MPEG-4 movie format (movie playback is not supported on Macintosh operating systems)
Powered by D-LI8 lithium-ion battery; stores images on SD memory cards (includes 24 MB internal memory)

Product Details:
Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 3.5 x 2.1 inches ; 4.0 pounds
Shipping Weight: 2.00 pounds
Shipping: Can be shipped only within the U.S.
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #795 in Camera & Photo

Product Description
For the anyone who wants everything in a compact package comes the Optio A10. The sleek, stylish design, 8.1 megapixels, 3x Optical Zoom, and Shake Reduction system come together to create a crisp, blur-free image that displays bright and clear on the large 2.5" LCD. These are just some of the great features that make the Optio A10 a great digital camera for just about anyone! Programmed AutoExposure/Auto Focus modes Image Storage - Approx 24MB built-in memory, SD memory card removable File Formats; Still - JPEG (Exif 2.2), DCF, DPOF, PRINT Image Matching III; Movie - AVI (MPEG-4 DivX) approx. 30fps with sound and anti-shake An SD Card is NOT included, therefore we suggest purchasing an optional 512MB memory card. It will allow you to store a lot more video and images, as well as take advantage of the camera's high resolution abilities. Interfaces - A/V output terminal, USB terminal, DC input terminal PictBridge compatible for printing images without a computer Easily transfer images to PC or Macintosh via USB cable or optional card reader (sold separately) Approximate unit dimensions (w x h x d) - 3.5 x 2.1 x 0.9 inches / Unit weight - 4.4 ounces (body only); 5.1 ounces with SD card and battery.

Comment
Just picked up my Pentax A10 at Costco a couple of day ago and here's my thoughts. The shipping box was small, but heavy, so I felt good about the weight (must be well built - right). I unpacked the box, and notice the small size of the camera. I was quite happy about this since I wanted the smallest camera I could find. I noticed that the weight of the box was mostly due to the manuals inside, and while shopping around, I notice that the Pentax was just about the smallest mega pixel around. About the size, I like to carry my camera in my pocket, or put it in my computer bag. The Pentax A10 fits the bill. The camera will not only fit in you pocket, but it won't fell like your caring a small brick. While at Costco, I sized up all the camera's on display, and was quite happy that the smallest (Pentax A10), was also a 8 MP camera, not just a 6 MP camera as several other units were. In the box was every thing I needed, but I found out that you do not have to install the software to get going, unless you want to. I simply unwrapped the small battery that came with the unit, and plugged my power cradle into the wall, and snapped the battery in. I was pleasantly surprised that the battery took less than 1 1/2 hours to charge, enough time for me to scan the major details of the user manual, before putting the battery in the camera, and clicking away. The battery charger can fit both a camera and battery at the same time, and a little red light will tell you which one is being charged, and when it has fully charged (light will go out). I think the charger can charge a battery and a camera at the same time, but I have not confirm this - can anyone send me a extra battery, though I think I will not need it (I've use the camera for hours now, and it seams to hold a charge quite nicely). Well, here's what I found about the Pentax A10 Camera. I went on line and started to compare the A10 with as many other smaller, ultra light, mega pixels camera's I could find. The reports show that the Pentax A10 was slow in response time. Well, I just couldn't live with this, so I visited the Pentax home web page, and notice that they have a firmware update for the A10. I looked in the manual to try to figure out what firmware I already had in my A10, but did not find a reference to how to display it. But, the web site had a README file which tells you to "hold the menu key down, while turning on the camera". I found out that I had version 1.00 installed. So I downloaded the update (version 1.01), and put .exe file on my desktop, and ran the self expanding program. The program will create two additional files (FWDC141P.ELF and README) on my computer desktop. The README file (almost the same as the instructions on the web site) so I was expecting the two additional files. I put the FWDC141P.ELF file on a "blank" Secure Digital card in the root directory, and inserted the card into my Camera. I then held the menu button down, while turning on the Camera, and - low and behold - the camera install the update automatically, and automatically turned itself off, after the firmware was installed in the camera. I then removed the FWDC141P.ELF file from the SD card (on my computer), and reinstalled a blank card into the camera. I then powered up the camera, and Walla, the speed to take pictures increased by almost 1/2. Looks like Pentax listened to all the expert users out there who thought the Camera was bit slow, and speed it up with firmware updated 1.01. Note, you must remove the FWDC141P.ELF from the SD card, before re-inserting it into the camera. Also, I think you may will lose pictures in internal memory if you remove the battery, before you hook up to your computer, but I need to check this out. I like the menu's of the Camera, the ease of navigation, the little pictures on the keys which tell you what the keys are for, the 8 mega pixel resolution, and the large LCD screen, and did I say, the small size of the camera. The little amber light upfront on the camera, only comes on when there's a need for a flash - auto sensing. I have not confirmed this yet, but if a flash is needed by auto mode, the delay time to picture would be a bit longer. Also, the frame targets in the LCD screen will turn from white to green, and center on a object that it has focused on. Note, you do not need to re-align your screen! Let the little green frame targets move where they want to. Just make sure, what you see is what you want. Both the SD memory card and battery are installed at the bottom of the camera, and both slide in really nicely. If your using a tripod, you will not have access to the compartment, and it looks like the tripod nut is plastic. By the way, it may look a little funny to have this small camera sitting on top a tripod, but anyway, the picture quality, at least for me, is not that funny (really nice). I did read some were, that the A10 night shot is a bit dark and cranny (aperture time). But I took a couple of night shots and they looked ok to me (I mean, how much are you expecting to see at night). All in all, I'm pleased. The camera is just what we wanted - small enough to fit in ANY pocket, purse, bag, or palm; 8MP photos, which can be blown up to 8x11 detail prints!, nice 6 step zoom, movies if you want (with a nice movie count down feature to tell you how long you can go in movie mode, till it's all over - over due to your remaining disk space), input microphone, output speaker, programmable "display" mode of resent taken pictures, (I turned mine to 5 sec's delay so I could see the picture I just took), burst mode (to take several pictures, one after another - but with the LCD screen off) so just take your pictures in normal mode, unless you really want to burst; USB interface to computer (I have not done this yet), Audio Video interface to your TV (I have not done this yet), removable SD card to and from your computer (I have done this for the firmware update), a nice power cradle (no funny cable to stick in, just drop the camera into place), a auto lens cap, a nice "whistle sound" when powered up, nice little green LED light on top when powered up, a little small indentation for your left hand finger on top, you can hold the snap button 1/2 down to focus, or just hold it all the way down to take a picture (tell the other person taking a picture to just hold the button down - right), nice 9 picture slide show(s), if no SD card, you can still take pictures (24mb internal memory), to view internal memory pictures - hold the preview button down for 4 seconds, and on and on. So, the only think which remains, is to compare the Pentax A10 with the Pentax A20. I did a quick compare of the 2 page online specification sheets and here's the difference: 1) A10=8.0 megapixels. A20=10 megapixels 2) A20 says it's got a kids mode, A10 does not say this in the same specification sheet under "exposure control" 3) A10=~$270, A20=~$350 The specification sheets were both two pages long, and vertically the same. I was happy that there wasn't a lot of difference between the two, except in the number of megapixels and maybe, firmware 1.01 is already in the A20 for kid mode (faster auto focusing). Hope this helps a bit.

Click Here for more Features.

Pentax Optio W20 7MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Technical Details

7.0-megapixel CCD and 3x Pentax optical zoom lens
JIS Class 8 Waterproof and Class 5 Dustproof performance allows underwater photography and video
2.5-inch low reflection LCD monitor; 115,000 pixels
Ultra-fast 9-point auto focus; Portrait mode utilizes Face Priority AF for perfect results
High-quality extended movie captures QuickTime motion JPEG (640 x 480) at 30fps; built-in editing functions

Product Details:
Product Dimensions: 5.0 x 3.0 x 1.0 inches ; 1.0 pounds
Shipping Weight: 2.00 pounds
Shipping: Can be shipped only within the U.S.
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #232 in Camera & Photo

Product Description
The Optio W20 is the latest model in the PENTAX Optio W series of cameras that are capable of underwater photography without requiring a waterproof case or other accessories. The waterproof design of the Optio W20 meets the JIS Class 8 waterproof standard, enabling it to withstand up to 30 minutes of continuous operation at an underwater depth of up to five feet.

Pentax Optio W20 is a high-resolution, compact digital-camera that you can use virtually anywhere. With 7 megapixel resolution, you can take still pictures with up to 3072x2304 pixel for stunning images. You can also take videos at up to 640x480 VGA at up to 30 frames per second. Pentax Blur Reduction mode helps eliminate the normal shake that accompanies handheld photography. This means that your pictures are sharper. Two unique key features that set this camera apart from others is that it's both waterproof and dustproof for use in areas few cameras dare to go. There's a 3x zoom lens (35mm equivalent 38-114mm) with 4x digital-zoom magnification. It has auto-exposure and autofocus plus several scene modes for optimal results whether you're an expert or casual user. There's a built-in electronic-flash, a large 2.5" LCD screen, and comfortable controls. Go anywhere your heart (or spouse) takes you with the Optio W20 from Pentax. High-quality extended movie captures QuickTime motion JPEG (640 x 480) at 30fps with built-in editing functions Picture Modes - Auto Picture, Program, Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Night scene, Surf and snow, Self-portrait, Food, Museum, Sport, Underwater, Underwater movie, Pet, Soft, Natural skin tone, Fireworks, Kids, Report, Text, Frame, Blur reduction Movie Mode Shooting Time - from Approx. 1 sec. to memory card capacity Calendar display lets you choose photos by date Mode Palette provides quick access to 25 shooting modes and 15 playback modes Image Recovery function lets you retrieve accidentally erased pictures Soft-flash function for close-up photography 21.9 MB of built-in memory ( SD memory slot for upgrade) Dimensions (W x H x D) - 4.2 x 2.1 x 0.9 Inches / 5 ounces

Click Here for more Features.

Pentax *istDL 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL Digital SLR Lens

Bigger only where it matters most, Pentax delivers better for a third time in the Pentax *ist DL digital SLR. Hosting an array of advanced, user-friendly features including an Auto Picture mode for automatic exposure selection, the *ist DL features a generous 2.5 inch color high definition LCD monitor that offers an entirely new playback dimension. Add to this a 6.1-megapixel CCD, convenient SD media card storage, high speed USB 2.0 data transfer, and a compact high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis, and what you have is a design offering simple, accessible operation to delight new and advanced users alike.

Included Lens
The Pentax smc P-DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 is recommended for use with digital cameras. Ideal for beginners, it provides a focal length covering a wide to moderate wide-angle range. Like all Pentax lenses, the smc P-DA 18-35mm f4-5.6 zoom lens is treated with Pentax's acclaimed smc coating for maximum light transmission, sharp definition, and high contrast while minimizing flare and ghost imaging.

Click Here for more Features.