Review: Pentax Optio T10 digital camera

Apart from the branding on the front, the majority of digital compacts are tediously similar; so it raises an eyebrow when a manufacturer comes along with something not quite radical but different nonetheless.

In the case of the Pentax Optio T10 with its 6 megapixels and 3x optical zoom, it’s that almost every function is controlled via tapping its large 3in screen with the provided stylus, though a fingertip is more effective.

We’ve seen touch screens on digicams before, most recently on Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-N1, but the 19.5mm slim T10 has done away with supplementary buttons almost entirely.

This means that operation is initially confusing for anyone looking to do more than point and shoot. Ironic, since simplicity is the intention.

Still, build quality is high: the T10’s metallic finish and aluminium body lending a solid feel.

The camera takes three seconds to power up, the lens barrel extending from the body while the LCD blinks into life, detailing essential info including shooting mode, flash setting, time and date and battery life.

Next to the power button is a zoom lever, encircling the main shutter. The zoom is fast and responsive while there’s minimal shutter delay.

As the huge screen is the T10’s centrepiece, and the only means by which images are composed, reviewed, and even doodled on, it’s been graced with a decent resolution.

When used indoors it’s sharp and clear, but visibility suffers in bright sunlight. Shots are saved either to an internal 12MB memory or an optional SD card, which is a must.

There’s also TV-quality video, with the ability to save individual frames as stills, plus 12 shooting modes for common subjects such as portraits and night scenes.

Unfortunately you’ll have to use flash for most low light shots, as sensitivity is capped at ISO400.

Though photos are pleasingly sharp and vividly coloured, like the majority of compacts in its class, contrasty images suffer from purple fringing.

The T10 will appeal more to gadget lovers than photographers, because having dedicated buttons for speedy access to key shooting options makes for smoother operation than battling with stylus pen and several menu screens to get where you want.

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Rating: 4
Price: £299