Pentax Optio M10
Pentax Optio M10
1
Hey! You should know that this product has been discontinued. Here are our current recommended cameras in the Ultra Compact Digital Cameras category.
Pentax Optio M10
Editor's Review
The Pentax Optio M10 is poised to replace the Optio S with strong point-and-shoot features for everyday users. The M10 has a 6 megapixel CCD and 3x optical zoom, more than enough to take quality photographs that will leave you satisfied. It's compact, lightweight body is shaped into a comfortable grip, so you don't feel like you're holding something fragile or insubstantial. The M10 is a good camera for casual photographers look for quick quality.
Editor's Review
The Pentax Optio M10 is poised to replace the Optio S with strong point-and-shoot features for everyday users. The M10 has a 6 megapixel CCD and 3x optical zoom, more than enough to take quality photographs that will leave you satisfied. It's compact, lightweight body is shaped into a comfortable grip, so you don't feel like you're holding something fragile or insubstantial. The M10 is a good camera for casual photographers look for quick quality.
Specifications
- 6 megapixels
- 3x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom
- auto and manual focus
- auto and exposure
- JPEG file format
- movie mode w/sound
- lithium ion battery
- 2.5 inch LCD
- SD card storage (22MB internal)
- ISO 64-200
- Part Number: 18606
- UPC: 027075117266
- Release Date: Feb 24, 2006
Shop for M10 Accessories
Pentax Optio M10 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
luciano (04/10/2012)
quando effettuo lo scatto di una foto, la foto presenta un eccesso di colore giallo e una sorta di tenda orizzontale che viene impressa anche nella foto inoltre la foto è come se vibrasse...come posso fare a risolvere?
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Chris Weigl (04/11/2012)
Parlo un poco Italiano mas non comprendo la tua domanda. En Inglese?
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type of curtain blind shape on the photo images of my camera...help please... (sandra maria — 08/19/2011)
the photo images of my camera has a sort of horizontal blind curtain image ... can you please help me what is wrong with it? so far the camera is very good and no any problems at all except this funny curtain blinds shape in the photos that i have taken for the past two days... thanks!
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the photo images of my camera has a sort of horizontal blind curtain image ... (sandra maria — 08/19/2011)
the photo images of my camera has a sort of horizontal blind curtain image ... can you please help me what is wrong with it? so far the camera is very good and no any problems at all except this funny curtain blinds shape in the photos that i have taken for the past two days... thanks!
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I NEED HELP???? (Royann Wetere — 09/10/2010)
I am trying to upload photo's from my camera but the camera comes up Blank. PLease HELP me fix this problem
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by James DeRuvo (09/11/2010)
Are you saying the photos don't appear on your camera? If so, you may need to use a file recovery program like PC Inspector to get them back. But before you do that, I'd take a USB card reader and put your memory card in it. Plug into your PC and explore to the card. If the pics are there, drag and drop them onto your computer. If not, they've been deleted and need to be recovered.
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Need Help (Eldon — 08/23/2010)
Where can I order a download cord for the Optio M10 Pentax camera
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Chris Weigl (08/23/2010)
Try dcables.net. If you search for M10 USB cord you should find what you're looking for.
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M10 USB (Eldon — 08/24/2010)
Thanks!
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ally (08/10/2010)
I went to the menu and formatted all of my pictures. How can I retrieve them? I didn't mean to get rid of them.
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Chris Weigl (08/11/2010)
Unfortunately there's no way to retrieve them after formatting.
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Kennedy Kulundu (06/03/2010)
l dont know what has happened to my pentax the zoom lens is not zooming out and when l switch on it goes off after say 5seconds
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by James DeRuvo (06/04/2010)
Sounds like a power issue. Clean your battery contacts with a pencil erase and see if that helps. Also, lithium ion batteries do lose capacity over time and as such, even though you think it is fully charged, it may not have enough power to run it.
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The lens doen't return,when i turn on .It seems block ed. What can i do? Please (zinoza — 06/12/2009)
When i go on, after few secondes , it stopps and the lens doen'move.
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by James DeRuvo (06/13/2009)
It's a common problem in point and shoot cameras. Your lens has gotten out of alignment. Don't force it. Just cycle the on/off switch several times to see if the lens will work itself back into alignment. If it doesn't, you're looking at a repair.
But understand that the average cost of a camera repair is around $180. As such, it may cost more to repair than it is really worth. The rule of thumb is that if the estimate for repair is north of 50% what you paid for it, you're better off taking that money and buying a newer and upgraded model.
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But understand that the average cost of a camera repair is around $180. As such, it may cost more to repair than it is really worth. The rule of thumb is that if the estimate for repair is north of 50% what you paid for it, you're better off taking that money and buying a newer and upgraded model.
What do i do when i turn it on and the screen lights up for a sec, however the lens doesn't come out, and then it beeps four times and turns off? (jsmith687868584838282818 — 11/15/2007)
Exactly what i said above
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Matt (11/15/2007)
That sounds exactly like what happens when a camera detects low battery strength. Are you using alkalines or NiMH recharables? If using alkalines, invest in 2,500+ mAh NiMH rechargable batteries, preferrably from Energizer, Duracell, Sony, or Rayovac. If new, full strength batteries don't solve the problem, there is a possibility of the camera being defective. Your next step should be to contact Pentax for troubleshooting. Is the camera still under warranty?
Pentax's number is 1-800-877-0155. You can also E-mail them (I usually prefer this, because you get a paper trail of sorts... instead of relying on a company to note their system correctly... you can imagine how often they do THAT) at pentax.quicksupportlink.com...
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Pentax's number is 1-800-877-0155. You can also E-mail them (I usually prefer this, because you get a paper trail of sorts... instead of relying on a company to note their system correctly... you can imagine how often they do THAT) at pentax.quicksupportlink.com...
how am i going to use the digital filter for my pentax m10? (greisy — 02/04/2007)
filter
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Andrew Skinner (02/05/2007)
Grace,
Can you please clarify your question? If I am reading correctly, you want to use a lens filter on your Pentax Optio M10 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Is this correct?
If so, you would need a lens adapter for the camera, but they are not yet available.
Please clarify if this is the answer you were looking for.
Andrew
reply to this comment
Can you please clarify your question? If I am reading correctly, you want to use a lens filter on your Pentax Optio M10 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Is this correct?
If so, you would need a lens adapter for the camera, but they are not yet available.
Please clarify if this is the answer you were looking for.
Andrew
greisy (02/07/2007)
i want to use the DIGITAL FILTER not a lens filter.. pentax cameras usually offer that. i have a pentax optio 33LF and i was able to configure how to use the filter for that without attaching anything in the camera
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Andrew Skinner (02/09/2007)
Grace,
Apologies for addressing a different issue. After looking through your camera's manual ( pentaximaging.com/files/man... ) it seems that you can only use the digital filters in movie mode.
If you press the MENU button in shooting mode, select movie, press right, go down to COLOR MODE and press right, scroll to the filter you want and press the OK button. Then you press MENU twice to go back to movie shooting mode and you can record with the filter in place. I hope this helps.
Andrew
reply to this comment
Apologies for addressing a different issue. After looking through your camera's manual ( pentaximaging.com/files/man... ) it seems that you can only use the digital filters in movie mode.
If you press the MENU button in shooting mode, select movie, press right, go down to COLOR MODE and press right, scroll to the filter you want and press the OK button. Then you press MENU twice to go back to movie shooting mode and you can record with the filter in place. I hope this helps.
Andrew
Largest SD card that can go into a Pentax Optio M10 (cjw3cma — 12/27/2006)
Never can one find the max. size of a SD card for this (or any other) digital camera. So willa 2GB card work? What about an 8GB card?
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by James DeRuvo (12/27/2006)
Since it doesn't specify in the specs, nor does it say that it's "SDHC" (secure digital high capacity) compatible, I would say your limit is 2GB.
But allow me to make an pitch for using several smaller cards, rather than one large one. Reason being, insurance. Any memory card can fail or become corrupted. And when you're on vacation the last thing you want is to lose the opportunity to take pictures until you can recover that media card with a software utility. If your card goes bad, swapping another one for it at that moment is of advantage so you can keep taking pics. Then, later when you're in front of your PC, you can use a utility like F-recover to get back your pictures and recover your card.
No need to lose the moment because you relied on one large one when several smaller ones can solve that problem.
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But allow me to make an pitch for using several smaller cards, rather than one large one. Reason being, insurance. Any memory card can fail or become corrupted. And when you're on vacation the last thing you want is to lose the opportunity to take pictures until you can recover that media card with a software utility. If your card goes bad, swapping another one for it at that moment is of advantage so you can keep taking pics. Then, later when you're in front of your PC, you can use a utility like F-recover to get back your pictures and recover your card.
No need to lose the moment because you relied on one large one when several smaller ones can solve that problem.
by James DeRuvo (08/15/2007)
Hi, I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!
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E Reasoner (11/23/2007)
I'm using a 2 GB SD Card with absolutely NO Problems at all with this camera .....holds many many pictures.....keep shooting. Hope this helps. ER
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SDHC Card? (Mike — 04/09/2011)
Is a 4GB SDHC card compatible with the Optio M10? Thanks!
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Help finding a camera for my daughter. (lkwolfie — 12/03/2006)
For christmas, i am getting my daughter a digital camera. She is a competitive horse back rider and loves to take pictures of her friends riding. She needs a camera that can be VERY fast to take a pix of a horse over the jump. The camera must be a small camera that can easily fit into her pocket. The camera must have a HUGE zoon also because you are not close to the horses jumping AT ALL sometimes. I am having troubles finding a camera--even looking for one! Please help!!! ASAP for this present is for xmas and i need to ge it ASAP since we are leaving early on vacation.
Thanks so much
linda luster
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Thanks so much
linda luster
Ardi Ounapuu (12/03/2006)
Well, we can not get around the laws of physics. And technology too. First of all, very small cameras can not have HUGE optical zoom. So if you want a real pocket camera then the zoom can only be up to 5 or 6 times or so. Also, if you use huge zoom and want to freeze very fast moving object, then the light has to be very bright. So here are some things to consider. Find some small enough cameras that have 4-6 times optical zoom. Then narrow your search by selecting a camera that has optical viewfinder and manual shutter speed control. It is also important to make sure that the camera lens has largest aperture of 2.8 or even 2.4 or 2.
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Brenda Paro (12/06/2006)
Linda, are you still looking? If so, <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... is our list of extended zoom cameras. Now, as Ardi said these will not be able to do everything you want, but it sounds like the big zoom is the most important thing you need, so that list is a good place to start.
I would recommend some off that list, but I'm not quite sure what other features out of the ones you listed are most important. If you want, reply to this and tell me what features you can compromise on and what ones you absolutely must have, and we'll try to narrow it down for you to find the right camera.
Check out that list, too, and if any of them catch your eye/ are in your price range/ sound like what you want, come on back and let me know which ones and I will let you know if they would work for you or not.
reply to this comment
I would recommend some off that list, but I'm not quite sure what other features out of the ones you listed are most important. If you want, reply to this and tell me what features you can compromise on and what ones you absolutely must have, and we'll try to narrow it down for you to find the right camera.
Check out that list, too, and if any of them catch your eye/ are in your price range/ sound like what you want, come on back and let me know which ones and I will let you know if they would work for you or not.
which tripod stand to buy for Pentax M10 digital camera? (rk77 — 11/16/2006)
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Andrew Skinner (11/16/2006)
RK,
You shouldn't need anything too fancy for this. You can actually get a kit specifically for the camera here ( amazon.com/Pro-Power-Photo-... ).
Andrew
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You shouldn't need anything too fancy for this. You can actually get a kit specifically for the camera here ( amazon.com/Pro-Power-Photo-... ).
Andrew
I would like to have a point-and-shoot camera with full manual settings. Any suggestions? (koos van der menrwe — 10/16/2006)
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Joe (10/18/2006)
The Pentax optio m10 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) it is a nice little camera that is easy to use while still having manual exposure and manual focus for the more advanced user.
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Ben Keough (12/05/2006)
Hi, I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!
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My daughter is in college and just lost her exspensive camera..which do you recommend as and inexspensive replacement (Stacy — 10/04/2006)
I stuck between the Pentax Optio M10 and the Panasonic DMC LZ3...right now the penax is $30 cheaper
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Joseph Marble (10/04/2006)
The difference between these camera is so minimal that I would have to say buy the Pentax M10. While the Panasonic DMC LZ3 does have a slightly faster shutter speed ( 1/1500 vs 1/2000) it's not going to make a difference unless she is shooting something that is moving as fast as helicopter blades. The Panasonic also has ISO boost that goes to 1600; however I wouldn't recommend using it on a 5 megapixel camera like the Panasonic. Another plus about the Pentax is that has a 25% more megapixels than the Panasonic which will give her a nicer overall image.
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lamishtoe (12/04/2006)
I happen to have owned both these cameras (oh, well, very close). First I got an Optio M20, which is an improved M10. Everything was great: looks, menu, battery life, price. There was only one problem: bad pictures. Everything was blurred, except in bright sun light.
Took it back to the store and bought an LZ5, which is LZ3 with a bit more pixels and larger LCD. For $179 I thought it was a steal. I was happy with it, didn't even mind the slightly bulkier camera, until I discovered that it can't stamp the date on the picture file (it does on the print though). If this is no big deal for you, I recommend it.
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Took it back to the store and bought an LZ5, which is LZ3 with a bit more pixels and larger LCD. For $179 I thought it was a steal. I was happy with it, didn't even mind the slightly bulkier camera, until I discovered that it can't stamp the date on the picture file (it does on the print though). If this is no big deal for you, I recommend it.
Brandy Hodges (02/22/2007)
The Optio M10 is very inexpensive. It has 15 different modes to choose from (I bought mine actually from my work, Bass Pro Shops). The pictures come out very crisp and clear. I'm picky about my cameras and this one was definately the best digital I've ever owned. :) The screen on this camera is the largest I've seen and better yet you can crop and spin your pictures as you want them and they download that way (unlike other cameras where you can only spin them just to look at and then when they download to your computer they are upside down) :)
I went to Best Buy and bought a very nice camera, it was on sale but a brand most ppl would have chosen. When I got home I turned it on, the screen was VERY small (compared to the one I have now) and even using flash the pictures came out dark. I was in pure sunlight and I still couldnt make out objects before I took them it was way too dark.
Hope this helps, email me if you have anymore questions :)!
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I went to Best Buy and bought a very nice camera, it was on sale but a brand most ppl would have chosen. When I got home I turned it on, the screen was VERY small (compared to the one I have now) and even using flash the pictures came out dark. I was in pure sunlight and I still couldnt make out objects before I took them it was way too dark.
Hope this helps, email me if you have anymore questions :)!
What is the ISO of this camera? (Michael Brown — 10/02/2006)
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camera? (10/02/2006)
The M10 has ISO settings of 64/100/200/400
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I am looking for a camera that's under $200, preferably with 5 Megapixels or more that has a manual focus option, in order to get those blurry backgrounds, and suggestions? (Michael Brown — 10/02/2006)
Under $200
manual and auto focus
manual and auto exposure
5 Megapixels or more
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manual and auto focus
manual and auto exposure
5 Megapixels or more
camera? (10/02/2006)
You'll want to check out the Olympus SP-320 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) or the Penax M10 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ).
Stay away from the Pentax E10 though. It's terrible.
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Stay away from the Pentax E10 though. It's terrible.
Michael Brown (10/02/2006)
I looked at the Pentax Optio M10 but was scared off by the JPEF format, never heard of it!
I'm also looking at the Canon A610.
Thanks for your reply!
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I'm also looking at the Canon A610.
Thanks for your reply!
camera? (10/02/2006)
haha! you've discovered a little typo. The M10 uses JPEG file format. Sorry for the confusion.
The Canon A610 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a very good camera, and you can probably find it for under $200, but the prices do vary a bit. I'd definitely recommend it, though.
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The Canon A610 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a very good camera, and you can probably find it for under $200, but the prices do vary a bit. I'd definitely recommend it, though.
DurocShark (10/17/2006)
The Oly sp-320 is $180 at outpost.com (Fry's Electronics online store). I just ordered one since my Oly c-4000 finally died after falling off the roof of my car.
I love the image quality from the Olympus digicams. Definitely worth it.
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I love the image quality from the Olympus digicams. Definitely worth it.
Allisha (11/05/2006)
The Olympus SP-320 has definitely worked well for us. It's 7.1 MP, manual/auto focus, large LCD screen, 30-odd different settings for a picture (if you choose), in-camera editing, image stabilization, movie mode, 3x optical zoom, and it's less than $200! We paid $199 at Circuit City....that was the cheapest we could find at a store. We absolutely love this camera. If this particular camera doesn't sound like something you'd like, I'd recommend looking at any of the Olympus line of digital cameras. We've been pleased with every Olympus camera we've owned. Hope this helps!
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Lithium batteries compared to AA ...which is better? (JCW — 09/29/2006)
Digital Cameras:
inexpesive cannons come with Dbl. A [AA]
Chargeable and non.
Pentax come with lithium.
Which is more reliable? Cost effective? Longer life overall?
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inexpesive cannons come with Dbl. A [AA]
Chargeable and non.
Pentax come with lithium.
Which is more reliable? Cost effective? Longer life overall?
tharrison (09/29/2006)
AA batteries are available in Lithium (but not rechargeable), and in NiMH (rechargeable) and have the main advantage of being available everywhere. The proprietary lithium batteries sold with many digital cameras are rechargeable (good) and have a longer lifetime than NiMH (good) but are specific to your camera. In some cases, they are designed to make the camera less bulky or heavy which may be good, but a smaller battery usually can take fewer shots.
I think AA batteries give you more options, and are probably more cost-effective in the long term because there is competition. But I would choose a camera based on that only if I were doing a lot of traveling, where charging the batteries can be hard to do. Otherwise, I would get the camera that best suited my other requirements, and buy a spare battery or two so you always have a freshly charged one on hand.
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I think AA batteries give you more options, and are probably more cost-effective in the long term because there is competition. But I would choose a camera based on that only if I were doing a lot of traveling, where charging the batteries can be hard to do. Otherwise, I would get the camera that best suited my other requirements, and buy a spare battery or two so you always have a freshly charged one on hand.
Need good digicam (shruti1150 — 09/18/2006)
dear Sir,
We already have handycam from panasonic. Photo print and clarity is not up to the mark. So we want to buy digicam, please suggest which is the best and economical.
regards,
shruti
reply to this comment
We already have handycam from panasonic. Photo print and clarity is not up to the mark. So we want to buy digicam, please suggest which is the best and economical.
regards,
shruti
Re: Need good digicam (tharrison — 09/18/2006)
I'm not sure you can compare camcorders (HandyCam?) and digital cameras from the same manufacturer.
Looking in the lowest price range, the cameras users like best are:
Pentax Optio 10 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Panasonic DMC-LS2 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), and
Olympus FE-130 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Keep in mind that most digital cameras can take high quality photographs, and while better cameras sometimes have better optics, etc., the main factor in getting sharp photos is to hold the camera steady and shoot in enough light.
reply to this comment
Looking in the lowest price range, the cameras users like best are:
Pentax Optio 10 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Panasonic DMC-LS2 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), and
Olympus FE-130 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Keep in mind that most digital cameras can take high quality photographs, and while better cameras sometimes have better optics, etc., the main factor in getting sharp photos is to hold the camera steady and shoot in enough light.
Can you suggest a good digital camera for a 12-year old girl? (JuJu — 08/23/2006)
I would like you to recomend a digital camera for a 12 yr. old girl? She's very familiar with handling cameras, however, I want a good camera, without a BIG price.
J.Babin
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J.Babin
Re: Can you suggest a good digital camera for a 12-year old girl? (David Parker — 08/23/2006)
These days kids seem as adept at handling electronics as adults, perhaps even more so. Kids also are acutely aware of which products are "hot" or not, and if a product isn't hot, it often gets left behind! With that in mind, I recommend buying the best camera possible, meaning highest megapixels, small in size for her hands, some element of style, and simplest settings so she can take the best pictures possible without making a lot of adjustments.
At this site, we rank cameras by price.
Here's our page of the top cameras under $185:
digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... here's the top camera in that list:
digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... personally own a Pentax, and I have a 13 year old daughter, and she's very comfortable with it - so I think this camera could work very well for you at a fair price.
DParker
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At this site, we rank cameras by price.
Here's our page of the top cameras under $185:
digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... here's the top camera in that list:
digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... personally own a Pentax, and I have a 13 year old daughter, and she's very comfortable with it - so I think this camera could work very well for you at a fair price.
DParker
uni (07/16/2009)
dam u fuckers u have no life!
haha!
you guys get throatjobs and Blowjobs!
reply to this comment
haha!
you guys get throatjobs and Blowjobs!
Which compact digital? (jane m — 08/07/2006)
I have a budget about one hundred pounds to buy slim cool digital camera. for cool 15 yr old dude.need viewfinder as well as lcd. He needs to do close up work photographing his artwork. Could push budget a bit...about 5/6m pixels I imagine.. please advise
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Re: Which compact digital? (tharrison — 08/07/2006)
Jane --
The viewfinder is getting to be a thing of the past on the ultra-compact models; they need to replicate the optics of the real cameras lens, and take up room that could otherwise be used for the new larger LCD screens (and cost more). And viewfinders are so "2005", that any self-respecting 15-year-old dude would think you were trying to pawn off some pre-historic junk on him :-).
But the close-up of art part makes for a real challenge. For this, you probably want a camera with a longer-than-average zoom (4x or even more), and you really need to be able to focus carefully, so manual focus is probably a good idea. The thing is, manual focus is sometimes implemented through the LCD, not through an actual optical viewfinder. This means you need good eyesight and a large screen.
So are you sure you need the viewfinder? A really big LCD screen (2-1/2" or better) are what's hot these days. They are not as fast as a real viewfinder, which can make careful composition of fast-action shots hard, but for art and closeups, they are really quite good.
Consider the <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... target="_blank">Nikon S6</a>. Review, as with most of Nikon's non SLR models are mixed, but it's got a large screen, and needs no wires to download to the computer (cool, baby). People are not thrilled with Nikons -- I wonder if this is just because they have such a great name for themselves with SLRs. Then again, we have watched them put out ho-hum cameras for the last few years; this one is one of the first to suggest they are able to do something different and interesting.
Panasonic, the least cool brand in history, has a pretty well-respected camera line, and the <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... target="_blank">Panasonic DMC LZ3</a> is getting pretty good reviews. It's got a longer zoom, which is a good thing. But Panasonic? Yes, they make really good cameras, but their image (pun, sorry) may not be so great with teens.
Pentax also does a good job with small digitals, and the <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... target="_blank">Pentax M10</a> might fit your requirements. It has a larger screen and manual and auto-focus modes. If only it had more zoom...
Maybe someone else has some other ideas! I haven't actually used any of these cameras, so take my words with a grain of salt.
Tom
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Jane --
The viewfinder is getting to be a thing of the past on the ultra-compact models; they need to replicate the optics of the real cameras lens, and take up room that could otherwise be used for the new larger LCD screens (and cost more). And viewfinders are so "2005", that any self-respecting 15-year-old dude would think you were trying to pawn off some pre-historic junk on him :-).
But the close-up of art part makes for a real challenge. For this, you probably want a camera with a longer-than-average zoom (4x or even more), and you really need to be able to focus carefully, so manual focus is probably a good idea. The thing is, manual focus is sometimes implemented through the LCD, not through an actual optical viewfinder. This means you need good eyesight and a large screen.
So are you sure you need the viewfinder? A really big LCD screen (2-1/2" or better) are what's hot these days. They are not as fast as a real viewfinder, which can make careful composition of fast-action shots hard, but for art and closeups, they are really quite good.
Consider the <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... target="_blank">Nikon S6</a>. Review, as with most of Nikon's non SLR models are mixed, but it's got a large screen, and needs no wires to download to the computer (cool, baby). People are not thrilled with Nikons -- I wonder if this is just because they have such a great name for themselves with SLRs. Then again, we have watched them put out ho-hum cameras for the last few years; this one is one of the first to suggest they are able to do something different and interesting.
Panasonic, the least cool brand in history, has a pretty well-respected camera line, and the <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... target="_blank">Panasonic DMC LZ3</a> is getting pretty good reviews. It's got a longer zoom, which is a good thing. But Panasonic? Yes, they make really good cameras, but their image (pun, sorry) may not be so great with teens.
Pentax also does a good job with small digitals, and the <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... target="_blank">Pentax M10</a> might fit your requirements. It has a larger screen and manual and auto-focus modes. If only it had more zoom...
Maybe someone else has some other ideas! I haven't actually used any of these cameras, so take my words with a grain of salt.
Tom
Pentax Optio M10 Reviews
Pentax Optio M10 Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 5.0 out of 5
Great Camera - Point and Shoot plus Features
(E Reasoner — 11/24/2007)
I come from the old school of Canon AE 1 and film. This little Camera I bought to take to Europe with me and I gotta tell you it performed flawlessly with outstanding results both in the ALPS and throughout Italy....the pictures are outstanding and so is the color and resolution. It has many features including auto and manual with Macro and mini motion pictures w/ sound. I gotta tell you for the price - it cannot be beat - in fact I'm buying 4 more for Christmas gifts this year. Interfaces with computer great through USB and the software is very good to catalog your photos on harddrive. I give it 5 stars and believe me I don't normally write reviews cause most product don't deserve a mention however this camera is impressive, oh yeah did I mention it takes great night photos, macros, and fits inside your pocket very nicely.
ER
- 3.0 out of 5
Camera-Good. Service-Poor.
(David Akins — 09/19/2007)
My Pentax Optio M10 developed a problem 10 months after purchase. The lens stuck in the deployed position and would not retract when the camera was powered-off. After researching and complying with their requirements for in-warranty repairs, I sent the camera to Pentax Service in Colorado on July 23rd. Pentax Service stated that they would send a postcard with confirmation of receipt and a repair order number I could use to track the repair on their web site. I never received this card. I phoned to check status after 4 weeks. I had to wait in their phone queue for about 15 minutes until a friendly and helpful young man named Paul came on the line. He explained the process and timeline, and gave me the repair order number so I could track the repair. I received the repaired camera on September 14th, a total time-away-for-service of about 7 weeks.
In my opinion, this warranty repair took much too long. The camera was out of my hands for almost 2 months. Sadly, this is becoming the norm among more and more electronics manufacturers. They’ll proudly tell you that they provide a one year warranty, gladly take your money when you buy the product, but severely understaff their repair centers and make you wait-wait-wait for any needed repair. I like the performance and operation of this camera, but I would not buy a Pentax again due to the excessively slow repair service.
- 4.0 out of 5
If you looking to buy, search no longer..
(Brandy H. — 02/23/2007)
And that is exactly what I mean. I have tried out three different brands in cameras. The cannon lasted me about a year before it locked up one day when I was using it; even Best Buy couldnt figure it out... Since I started working at Bass Pro Shops, I noticed they sold the Optio M10 and I decided to give it a try. 15 different modes to choose from and clear, crisp pictures are all I get :) I couldnt be happier!
- 5.0 out of 5
Pictures are blurred with ANY camera if not used correctly THIS CAMERA TAKES SHARP PICTURES!!!
(Leonard Peavy — 12/12/2006)
I really like my camera.. It takes fantastic photos. ANY camera will blur if not used correctly... the pictures I've taken with this camera are quite good and very sharp.. good color saturation...
- 2.0 out of 5
Big disappointment
(lamishtoe — 12/04/2006)
Pros:
- Compact, good looks, large LCD screen.
- Lots of features, easy to navigate menu.
- AA bateries, impressive battery life.
- SD card.
- Good price.
Con:
- Bad, blurred pictures.
Bought an Optio M20 as an upgrade to a very basic 3 MP EasyShare. Took pictures side by side and old Kodak won by a mile.
Gladly returned it to the store.
- 2.0 out of 5
Poor quality photos
(John Bienick — 10/03/2006)
Buy something else!! Poor photo quality overall. I bought 3 of the Pentax Optio M10, one for me and one each for a Niece and Nephew. Bad decision, we all are very dissappointed in the quality of the photos, all 3 missing sharpness in all photos, very 'grainy/noisy' especially on indoor or lower light conditions. These conditions exist in all 3 cameras! My Nephew's has a missing pixel or 2 in the very center of the photo! It should never have left the factory like that. Unfortunately 'pixel mapping' is NOT in the menu as is in all Olympus cameras. My bottom line Olympus D435 takes much better photos than this camera. I was enticed by the Pentax name, but would never purchase one again. Do yourself a favor an don't buy a Pentax!
- 5.0 out of 5
this is a great little camera
(Vanessa — 09/28/2006)
I just love how easy this camera is to use, and comming from a family of photographers, it lives up to standards, and takes great pictures. it's in a great price range, and has a nice size LCD screen. it's great for anyone, fun to take to parties, or grab some inspiring shots. Best camera I own... next to my 1976 Pentax K1000. love it!
- 5.0 out of 5
Best kept secret for a 6 meg pix with 2.5 monitor!
(anonymous — 07/18/2006)
I just happened to pick this up on a whim...boy what a steal for $136.00 including shipping. $30.00 rebate tops that off! If you get this camera for $150.00 or less you have a great deal ..no need to pay the high price for the Sony or other higher priced unless you need to impress someone...excellent pictures, features and simply incredible battery life. Take a look at the Pentax M10!
