Capture Your Memories with Precision: Pentax Efina Camera Review

Learn everything you need to know about the advanced features of the Pentax Efina camera. This detailed review covers image quality, portability, ease of use, and price range, making it the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to invest in a new camera.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Pentax Efina article cover photo

Key Features

Jun 03 2013

Announced

14 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPentax
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight91g
MSRP$199USD

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Overview of the Efina

Are you in search of a reliable and efficient camera that will capture your memories with precision? Then look no further than the Pentax Efina camera. With its advanced features and sleek design, this camera is the perfect choice for anyone who loves photography. In this review, we will take a closer look at the pros and cons of the Pentax Efina camera, as well as its unique features that set it apart from other cameras in its price range. By the end of this review, you'll have a better understanding of whether the Pentax Efina is the perfect camera for you.

Pentax Efina Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Pentax Efina camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-resolution sensor
Compact design
Affordable price point
User-friendly interface
Wide-angle lens
Optical image stabilization
Good low light performance
Wi-Fi connectivity
High-speed autofocus

Cons

Limited zoom range
No viewfinder
Mediocre battery life
Lack of manual controls
Limited video recording options
Slow burst shooting mode
Limited availability of lenses
Mediocre build quality
No touchscreen control

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Pentax Efina

Weather sealed
Dimensions87 x 54 x 21mm
Weight91g
Thickness21mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Pentax Efina is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeUltracompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.50" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Pentax Efina not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Pentax Efina does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Efina camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Pentax Efina has a 14MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 14 pixels. Pentax Efina has a native ISO range of 80 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jun 03 2013

Announced

80 - 1600

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4288 x 3216 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Pentax Efina camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Efina is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSC/SDHC, Internal
Battery Life200 shots
Battery ModelD-LI109
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Pentax Efina supports SC/SDHC, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Pentax Efina uses the D-LI109 model of battery pack. This is rated for 200 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Pentax Efina has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Pentax Efina boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/1400s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Pentax Efina includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Pentax Efina?

The Pentax Efina features a CCD sensor

Is the Pentax Efina weather sealed?

No the Efina does not have weather sealing.

When was the Pentax Efina announced?

The Pentax Efina was announced on Jun 03 2013

Does the Pentax Efina have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Efina does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Pentax Efina?

The Efina has a native ISO range of 80-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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