TrustedReviews: Pentax Optio M40
Trusted Reviews has posted their review of the Pentax Optio M40 and writes:
OK, that was a bit harsh and I apologise unreservedly, after all Pentax did all the R&D stuff when it launched the Optio M30 7-megapixel ultra-compact in January this year, and launching an 8-megapixel version six months later is really just a way of recouping the cost of that investment, but the fact remains that the Optio M40 is virtually identical to the M30 in every respect other than sensor resolution. It is also competing with virtually the same cameras at the same price point. The M40 is available for around £130, while the M30 has dropped in price to around £100. I wonder if I could get away with copying my review of the M30 and just updating the features table? No, I thought not. …
The built-in flash is also the same as the M30, and it’s a very good one, however I noticed that on the box, one of the selling points listed for the M40 is a massive 15.5 metre flash range, which would be comparable with the most powerful professional flashguns designed for SLRs. I’m afraid this is a bit of a cheat though. It is traditional to specify flash ranges at fixed ISO settings, usually 100 ISO. Under these conditions most compact cameras have a flash range of around four metres at wide angle, which is perfectly adequate for most social photography. The M40’s flash only has that huge range at the maximum sensitivity setting of 3200 ISO in Digital SR mode, and with the best will in the world, picture quality at that setting is pretty terrible. …
The Optio M40 is only a marginal improvement over the M30, but it is not a bad little camera. It is well made, has good handling for an ultra-compact, and is extremely easy to use. It performs fairly well, and apart from the lens distortion the image quality is pretty good, especially its noise control at higher ISO settings. As before though, weak points are poor low light ability and lens distortion, but for the price it is certainly worth considering.
More detail review about this camera Pentax Optio M40
PENTAX Imaging Company is pleased to announce the smc PENTAX DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3ED AL [IF] interchangeable zoom lens designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras. With an approximate 14X zoom ratio covering from wide-angle to super-telephoto ranges, this versatile lens handles a great variety of applications from wide-angle landscapes to close-up sporting events and wildlife photography.The lens will ship in October for US $499.95.![smc PENTAX-DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3ED AL [IF] Lens](http://www.deshot.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/pentax_lens2.jpg "smc PENTAX-DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3ED AL [IF] Lens")
GOLDEN, CO. (October 1, 2007) — PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX Optio A40, the latest model in the Optio A series of advanced compact digital cameras with superior image quality and performance. Featuring 12 megapixels, this latest Optio features three types of Shake Reduction including mechanical, digital and movie. Each version helps deliver sharp, blur-free shots where camera shake is an issue such as action photography or in low light conditions at dawn, dusk or at night. The Optio A model also features the newest Face Recognition technology including a Natural Skin Tone mode and a Half-length Portrait mode, which automatically takes a head and shoulder photograph of subjects.
GOLDEN, CO. (October 1, 2007) — PENTAX today announced the Optio V10, an ultra-slim compact digital camera equipped with a large 3.0 inch LCD monitor for enhanced usability and easy viewing. The Optio V10 features 8 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom and easy operations in a slim, stylish, affordable body. The Optio V10 will ship in November for $249.95.