Pentax Optio X90
Pentax Optio X90
1
Hey! You should know that this product has been discontinued. Here are our current recommended cameras in the Extended Zoom Digital Cameras category.
Pentax Optio X90
Editor's Review
Pentax makes great dSLRs, no doubt, but their fixed-lens cameras are rather uninspiring. The X90 does little to break the monotony -- it's a serviceable superzoom with a big lens, but simply that zoom factor can only do so much to offset the ho-hum image quality. Simply put, there are better superzooms out there.
Specifications
- 12.1 megapixels
- 26x optical zoom
- Triple shake reduction
- 2.7-inch LCD monitor
- 720p HD video
- Continuous shooting at 11fps
- HDMI output
- Captures to SD/SDHC memory cards
- Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
- Release Date: Apr 15, 2010
Shop for X90 Accessories
Pentax Optio X90 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
wide angle lens (Frank G — 02/18/2011)
Does the X90 a wide angle lens as well?
I'm using it for interior home pictures for real estate.
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I'm using it for interior home pictures for real estate.
Lens usage (Ron Forster — 12/14/2010)
I have a Pentax ZX-10 35 MM Camera with a Promaster AF LD-28 to 200MM lens will the lens work on a Pentax a digital camera?
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Liam McCabe (12/14/2010)
I believe so, yes. That camera used the KAF2-type mount, which I think all current Pentax models still support. The autofocus might not work -- not sure about that though -- but the lens should fit onto the mount of a K-x, K-r, K-5, etc. etc. It will not attach to this X90 model however -- it's a fixed lens camera.
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Tim (06/08/2010)
I still haven't decided...I'll let you know if I ever do.
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Liam McCabe (06/08/2010)
Thanks for checking in. As much as we like the FZ35, Photography Blog really seems to like the X90 -- new review posted today:
photographyblog.com/reviews...
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photographyblog.com/reviews...
Pentax vs. PannyFZ35 (Tim — 06/13/2010)
Have you personally not had the chance to check out the Pentax? I am really struggling to decide between these two. I've tried out the Pentax and really liked the feel of it, but I cannot find a local store that has the Panny in stock to try out. This is very fristrating. Any more advice would help as the reviews seem pretty even. Thanks.
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Pentax X90 or Lumix FZ35 (Vijay — 06/07/2010)
Hey Guys,
I am a novice in photography, mainly interested in taking daily life photos, vacation trips and some nature photos. I have gone through dpreview and imaging-resource for a good and an economical bridge camera....and found the latest Pentax X90 and Panasonic FZ35.
I have read the full review of FZ35 in both dpreview and imaging-resource and found to be satisfactory but found this new X90, and didn't found much info except what is written here, and the price of both these cameras is same in euros in Germany.
Could you please suggest me the best of these two cameras and give me the reasons for your choice, any help is appreciated. Thanks.
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I am a novice in photography, mainly interested in taking daily life photos, vacation trips and some nature photos. I have gone through dpreview and imaging-resource for a good and an economical bridge camera....and found the latest Pentax X90 and Panasonic FZ35.
I have read the full review of FZ35 in both dpreview and imaging-resource and found to be satisfactory but found this new X90, and didn't found much info except what is written here, and the price of both these cameras is same in euros in Germany.
Could you please suggest me the best of these two cameras and give me the reasons for your choice, any help is appreciated. Thanks.
Tim (05/31/2010)
Is the Pentax x90 the same camera as the Pentax Optio x90? I've seen it both ways and just want to be sure it is the same.
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Liam McCabe (06/01/2010)
Yep, one and the same. We often leave out the brand's "line" (like Optio, Coolpix, Powershot, Lumix, Cybershot, etc) when we write about cameras, just to save some space.
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Tim (06/01/2010)
Thanks. Liam, would you recommend the panasonic fz35 or the pentax x90?
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Same problem here....what have you decided? (Vijay — 06/07/2010)
Pentax Optio X90 or Panasonic Lumix FZ35
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i know (Dhaval — 07/05/2010)
do not make any mistake,, FZ 35 is the best.. i am using since last 3 months,,, i have taken it to african safaris and it is giving great pics. ..
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Laura (05/31/2010)
I'm really struggling with which camera to buy between the Panasonic FZ35, Olympus UZ 800, and Pentax x90. Suggestions?
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Me Too (Victoria Parker — 05/31/2010)
I am in the exact same situation, although I like Fuji HS10 as opposed to the Oly you mentioned.
I am going to test drive the Pentax tomorrow.
I suggest you visit a camera store and test drive all three. In your hand, you will just know...
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I am going to test drive the Pentax tomorrow.
I suggest you visit a camera store and test drive all three. In your hand, you will just know...
Laura (06/01/2010)
I can't seem to find a store that has the Panasonic or the Olympus. I checked out the Pentax and really liked how it felt in my hand...not to big and I was able to take shots with one hand. Maybe I'll see if I can find the fuji you're talking about. Let me know which camera you decide on!
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Conundrum (Victoria Parker — 06/01/2010)
I am going to test drive the Pentax today.
I thought I had decided upon the Panasonic (Leica lens!!)
and I cannot find the Panasonic to test drive either...
Argh. I thought I had decided....
I will definitely let you know.
reply to this comment
I thought I had decided upon the Panasonic (Leica lens!!)
and I cannot find the Panasonic to test drive either...
Argh. I thought I had decided....
I will definitely let you know.
About the Oly (Victoria Parker — 06/01/2010)
I did test drive the Olympus. I noticed you mentioned about how the Pentax felt in your hand...the Olympus, in my humble opinion, isn't weighted well and just didn't fit right. I really really love a good fitting camera. One that feels like it is part of me.
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the pentax? (Laura — 06/01/2010)
what did you think of the pentax?
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Well... (Victoria Parker — 06/01/2010)
The local camera shop handles Pentax, Olympus and Konica-Minolta.
I thought they would have the Pentax X90 (the guy googled it and said it was last yrs model...I thought it just hit stores last month...).
They didn't have it.
So, I re-tried the Olympus 800UZ and again didn't like the feel of it in my hand.
It has a compact camera body and the whopper lens so the weight didn't feel right to me.
They did have a Fuji (not the new HS10, but the S2550HD, and they don't advertise as a Fuji dealer so I don't know why it was there) and that I did like, it only has 18x zoom as compared to the new Fuji but the same as the Panasonic Lumix FZ35. It takes AA's, though, and I guess I like a Lithium...it wasn't in my running line of choices either, as I would probably take the Panni in an 18x race.
So, all that being said,
I haven't yet held the Pentax X90. I like a bulkier body with a nice grip.
And, I cannot find a Panasonic FZ35 in a store, so I haven't held one of those either.
I have some posts out, asking for opinions between the Panasonic FZ35 and Pentax X90...right now, at this moment, I am leaning toward the Pentax although that could change at any second!
I will let you know further developments, cause it seems like we are in the same conundrum.
I didn't get to test drive the Pentax X90.
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I thought they would have the Pentax X90 (the guy googled it and said it was last yrs model...I thought it just hit stores last month...).
They didn't have it.
So, I re-tried the Olympus 800UZ and again didn't like the feel of it in my hand.
It has a compact camera body and the whopper lens so the weight didn't feel right to me.
They did have a Fuji (not the new HS10, but the S2550HD, and they don't advertise as a Fuji dealer so I don't know why it was there) and that I did like, it only has 18x zoom as compared to the new Fuji but the same as the Panasonic Lumix FZ35. It takes AA's, though, and I guess I like a Lithium...it wasn't in my running line of choices either, as I would probably take the Panni in an 18x race.
So, all that being said,
I haven't yet held the Pentax X90. I like a bulkier body with a nice grip.
And, I cannot find a Panasonic FZ35 in a store, so I haven't held one of those either.
I have some posts out, asking for opinions between the Panasonic FZ35 and Pentax X90...right now, at this moment, I am leaning toward the Pentax although that could change at any second!
I will let you know further developments, cause it seems like we are in the same conundrum.
I didn't get to test drive the Pentax X90.
sounds good (Laura — 06/02/2010)
Thanks for letting me know!
I'm going to try to check out the Fuji tomorrow and attempt to find someone local who might have the Panni...we'll see:) I will tell you that I was doing some comparisons online and noticed the weigt difference between the Pentax and the Fuji was about 230 grams with the Fuji being heavier...might be the kind you like better since it is bulkier than the Pentax, but check it out anyway!
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I'm going to try to check out the Fuji tomorrow and attempt to find someone local who might have the Panni...we'll see:) I will tell you that I was doing some comparisons online and noticed the weigt difference between the Pentax and the Fuji was about 230 grams with the Fuji being heavier...might be the kind you like better since it is bulkier than the Pentax, but check it out anyway!
FZ35 (Victoria — 06/03/2010)
I ordered the Panasonic FZ35.
I couldn't deny the reviews all over the web and it seems to be a tried-true camera.
I will wait to jump to a larger zoom until photo quality begins to match it...I don't know how that happens (larger sensor?) but I think I will have fun and have my hands full learning the FZ35.
I will post after it has arrived and warmed in my hands!
Good Luck!
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I couldn't deny the reviews all over the web and it seems to be a tried-true camera.
I will wait to jump to a larger zoom until photo quality begins to match it...I don't know how that happens (larger sensor?) but I think I will have fun and have my hands full learning the FZ35.
I will post after it has arrived and warmed in my hands!
Good Luck!
good for you! (Laura — 06/08/2010)
Sounds good! I still haven't found the panny to test out so I will look forward to your review. Perhaps I'll be able to decide after that:) Thanks for keeping me posted!
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FZ 35 (Dhaval — 07/05/2010)
you did the right choice FZ 35 is the best it is even batter then any 24x or 26X ZOOM
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L. (05/27/2010)
Any new info on the pentax x90? would you pick it over thepanasonic fz35?
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Pentax X90 (moemuther — 04/25/2010)
I received my Pentax X90 on April 21, 2010, and have had a few days to play with it. So far I am very pleased. I first tested the 1 cm macro and camera shake reduction because it seemed doubtful to me that a 26x optical zoom could do it all. It passed my tests. At 26x the results were sharp and shake free. The macro was also great. Yesterday I used the camera all day at a family reunion in bright sunlight and shady conditions. I left the camera on AUTO to see how it performed and again the results were great. So far I can’t find and problems with this camera. I shopped the internet for this camera and purchased it for $308.00 at Camera Kings (included shipping, camera bag, and starter kit). I checked today and their price increased to $325.00. This is a lot of camera for that price.
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So, when will this camera be available? (James Patrick — 03/09/2010)
We're looking for a camera upgrade and will be going on vacation in 30 days! We would love to be the "proto-type" couple to use and give our response to others!!!
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Liam McCabe (03/09/2010)
Sounds like fun! I'm actually not sure when this camera will be out -- Pentax didn't offer a release date. I marked it as April 15 on this page, just an arbitrary six weeks from the announcement. Could be earlier, could be later. I'll check with the Pentax rep.
If it turns out that it's coming out later and you need to buy something before your vacation, there are a few other excellent extended zoom cameras. The Panasonic FZ35 is our favorite, the Canon SX20 is great as well -- both have smaller zooms than the X90 however. Newer cameras with bigger zooms coming out soon include: Nikon P100, Fuji HS10, Olympus UZ800 -- we haven't tested any of these yet though. Hope this helps!
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If it turns out that it's coming out later and you need to buy something before your vacation, there are a few other excellent extended zoom cameras. The Panasonic FZ35 is our favorite, the Canon SX20 is great as well -- both have smaller zooms than the X90 however. Newer cameras with bigger zooms coming out soon include: Nikon P100, Fuji HS10, Olympus UZ800 -- we haven't tested any of these yet though. Hope this helps!
Very impressive (James Patrick — 03/11/2010)
Thank you for the quick response and information. I think I need to wait for the Pentax, even if it doesn't come out in time for THIS vacation. Please keep me informed when you find out more.
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Pentax Optio X90 Reviews
Pentax Optio X90 Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 5.0 out of 5
A lot of bang for you buck$
(scottmoe — 04/25/2010)
I received my Pentax X90 on April 21, 2010, and have had a few days to play with it. So far I am very pleased. I first tested the 1 cm macro and camera shake reduction because it seemed doubtful to me that a 26x optical zoom could do it all. It passed my tests. At 26x the results were sharp and shake free. The macro was also great. Yesterday I used the camera all day at a family reunion in bright sunlight and shady conditions. I left the camera on AUTO to see how it performed and again the results were great. So far I can’t find and problems with this camera. I shopped the internet for this camera and purchased it for $308.00 at Camera Kings (included shipping, camera bag, and starter kit). I checked today and their price increased to $325.00. This is a lot of camera for that price.
- 5.0 out of 5
FINALLY FOUND THE RIGHT POINT AND SHOOT CAMERA
(john castell — 04/17/2010)
WELL AFTER BUYING AT LEAST SEVERAL POINT AND SHOOT CAMERAS , I HAVE FOUND THE PENTAXX90, I Had the panasonic f38 before i bought this, but there is no comparison, the pentax has it beat with the 26xx zoom and the electrinic view finder added. the pentax takes great video and great photos. rather than carring a slr with all the lenses i now just carry my pentax x90. i give it a 4 and 3/4 rating , taking a quater off for the cheap lens cover it comes wit
