Pentax Optio 50 5MP is a compact, lightweight digital camera that makes digital photography easy for virtually anyone. Incorporating a handy “Simple” mode, it allows the user to quickly choose an icon that matches the subject at hand and have the camera select all the optimal settings automatically for the best possible results. And to ensure easy use continues no matter where you go, the Optio50 has also been designed to be powered by AA batteries, which are widely available internationally. But to be worthy of the PENTAX name, of course, ease of use is simply not enough. Indeed, the Optio50 offers the power and clarity of a 3X optical zoom lens and the sheer detail and high-level resolution of 5.0 effective megapixels, making it as sharp at shooting as it is easy to use.
Helpful consumer’s review
I have owned this camera for about 6 months now, and purchased for a vacation to Europe.
My criteria were the following (in order of importance)
1. Use regular (non rechargeable) batteries
2. Small size
3. Low price
4. 3x optical zoom (or better)
5. Maximum pixels (although this is getting to be silly measurement for these point-and-shoot cameras)
The battery requirement was very important to me. Always hated the lack of flexibilty with rechargeables. You can find slightly smaller / sexier cameras (like Casio and Minolta), but they all had proprietary rechargeable batteries.
All of my expectations have been met, and the quality of the photos are very good. Operation is simple; really I could not expect any more from a $200 camera.
Minor nits:
- No positive user feedback when picture is actually taken (like a click sound)
- To view prior shots, camera must be turned ON, which also requires the lens to be extended
- Case is plastic (not metal), although quality is fine and has proven to be robust
- Yes, these things do eat batteries (just like any other), so keep some AA’s handy
Note:
I had read that this camera is not really made by Pentex; instead it is simply a “badge engineered” generic model from a no-name manufacturer. Could be true, and not sure it matters.
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars great camera!, July 11, 2005
By Gaile Burton “miami girl” (Memphis, TN) – See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
I got this camera as a gift and I never had a digital camera before. I thought the instruction booklet the camera came with was extremely helpful and I had no problem using it. I even can make movies with it. I feel like a pro!
I love this camera and recommend it to those who think they can’t operate a digital camera.
