Pentax Optio P80 Reviews

Friday, October 30, 2009, 9:40
Digital Camera
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In 2007 when Hoya Corporation was merged with Pentax there were variant rumors stating that the Optio line of digital cameras would be stopped. Despite of this the Optio is still in the market with its latest P80 digital camera. Pentax decided to unclog its resources for the high end digital SLRs but the Optio P80 gave them new hope. The suave 12 megapixel compact camera with 4X digital zoom hit the market recently with a big bang.

The P80 saw upgrades from its predecessor the Pentax P70 in terms of video recording, improvement in frame rate from 15fps to 30fps with a resolution of 1280 x 720. Other software upgrades included better face detection, recognition functions and faster performance. As its features, the Optio P80 can now detect up to 32 faces in the same frame. The P80 proved to be one of the slimmest SLRs in its range measuring at 97 x 52 x 21.5mm. It weighs a mere 120g including the memory card and the battery.

Pentax P80 boasts a robust build quality with its aluminum exterior and the hard grip secures the camera despite of sweaty fingers. Color choices of silver, metallic green or gloss black has undeniably added to the looks factor. The layout is simple and much effective than its forerunners and the buttons are large and very easy to use. For entry level photographers an instant idiot proof setting can be activated to initiate the automation of many functions. Editing options such as shadow and highlight corrections and contrast adjustment makes the P80 a competitive digital camera.

The P80 houses a new Triple Anti-Shake protection technology which sounds impressive, yet it’s just another way to say image stabilization. Despite of the improve function which boosts the shutter speed the image results does not prove to be sharper than the other more expensive DSLRs. The HD video proves to be viable in the morning light but as the sun sets the pictures become gloomy and hazy. The response time for the P80 is fairly impressive taking approx 3.5 seconds to take each picture.

The P80 does not control the image noise significantly however an impressive 6400 ISO sensitivity is valuable. The Pentax Optio P80 is under US$250, therefore the price, the ultra chic style and HD compatibility makes this camera not only affordable but sensible.