Pentax Optio I-10 reviewed: 'perfectly average compact camera' in a decidedly stylish case

Let’s take a look at a number of its positives and negatives

Positives

* Cool throwback styling.
* Small compact size.
* Reliable performer.
* Fun in-camera editing options.
* Thorough paper manual.
* Fast startup
* Effective face detect and smile detect.
* Programmable “Green” button

Negatives

* More expensive than similar spec’d compact cameras.
* Camera feel could have been improved with real leather texture.
* Digital filters available in playback but not while shooting.
* Average lens performance.
* Several less than useful display and playback options.
* AF less accurate in low light.
* Too few manual controls.
* Small aperture range.
* 230k dot LCD Resolution
* “OK” button easily pressed and unlabeled as also functioning as “Display” button.


I can’t help but to be a bit disappointed with the I-10. Like many potential consumers, I was attracted to the I-10’s nifty old-school look, but once you scratch the surface, what you find with the I-10 is an entirely average compact camera. Thanks to a mediocre lens and tiny sensor, image quality is good, but not great, lacking dynamic range and prone to an excessively “grainy” look, in addition to suffering from quite a bit of chromatic aberration. Yes, the I-10 takes its ISO range right up to 6400, but I honestly don’t see taking things past ISO 800. Further, the I-10’s interface isn’t as polished as I’d like, nor does it match the camera’s outward character.

Still, I externally like the camera, it is pretty straightforward to use, and some of the digital filters will be fun for beginners to play with. The problem comes in making a recommendation and given the excessive price of the I-10 right now, I unfortunately can’t end up highly recommending it. If the price was to come down $75 (currently $299), I would be willing to give it a “Recommended”, but even that would come with the caveat of steering moderately skilled photographers elsewhere. As it stands the I-10 is a cool looking camera, saddled with average performance and costly price tag. If you’ve got the money or want to give a cool present, by all means consider the I-10, but savvy consumers will easily find better offerings.

Build Quality: 7.5/10 Features: 8/10 Functionality: 8/10 Image Quality: 7/10 Overall Value: 6/10