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The latest addition to Pentax's Optio family is the sleek S5z. Based around a 5megapixel CCD and 3x optical zoom, it's compact enough to slip easily into your pocket.
As with most Pentax cameras, the Optio S5z is loaded with features. Most noticeable is the 2.5in LCD viewfinder, although its large size means there's no room for a standard optical viewfinder.
For newcomers to digital photography, the 10 preset mode settings take away the hassle of shooting in just about any condition while a 30fps (frames per second), 640 x 480 movie mode delivers decent video complete with audio.
More adventurous photographers will enjoy making use of the live histogram, which is useful when attempting well-exposed shots in awkward lighting.
Photo quality is reasonable, with vibrant colours and good detail, but distant objects can appear a little soft. The auto focus works well, even in dark conditions, although the flash tends to wash out detail in close-up shots.
One annoyance is the time lag between photos. Taking a single shot is quick, but the delay between photos soon becomes irritating, especially when using the flash. Our tests showed that it takes an average of five seconds, although this depends on various factors such as exposure and the speed of your memory card.
In terms of physical design, the control and menu buttons at the back of the device are on the small side, which may be frustrating for users with large hands. However, the rubberised ridge at the edge makes holding the camera comfortable.
It's disappointing that very little has changed from previous Optio cameras, but the S5z is good for casual photographers who want a true pocket-sized camera. Features such as the live histogram are useful, but it's essentially aimed at those who take photos for fun.
See also:
All Digital Cameras
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