Capture Memories with the Pentax Optio E70: A Reliable Entry-Level Camera

The Pentax Optio E70 is a budget-friendly camera perfect for beginners looking to capture high-quality images. Equipped with a 10-megapixel CCD sensor and 3X optical zoom, it's easy to use and delivers decent photos for its price range. In this blog post, we'll explore the features and functionalities of the Pentax Optio E70 and why it makes for a great starting point for amateur photographers.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Pentax Optio E70 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 05 2009

Announced

10 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPentax
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight175g
MSRP$140USD

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Overview of the Optio E70

Are you new to the world of photography and looking for an affordable camera to start your journey? Look no further than the Pentax Optio E70. This entry-level camera is a great choice for beginners who want a reliable device that delivers decent photo quality. Whether you're capturing memories of your travels, family gatherings, or just everyday moments, the Pentax Optio E70 can help you achieve stunning results. Let's explore the features and benefits of this camera in more detail.

Pentax Optio E70 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Pentax Optio E70 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

Affordable price
Compact and lightweight
10 megapixel resolution
Easy to use
Large 2.4 inch LCD screen
Face detection technology
3x optical zoom
SD/SDHC card compatible
AA battery operated
In-camera editing features

Cons

Limited manual controls
Slow performance
No image stabilization feature
Limited ISO range
Poor low-light performance
No HD video capabilities
Limited zoom range
Slow focus speed
Low battery life
No RAW file format support

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Pentax Optio E70

Weather sealed
Dimensions94 x 61 x 26mm
Weight175g
Thickness26mm
Weight
Min
Avg
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Pentax Optio E70 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 Resolution112k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.40" screen, with a display resolution of 112k dots. This makes the Pentax Optio E70 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 Optio E70 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Optio E70 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Pentax Optio E70 has a 10MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 10 pixels. Pentax Optio E70 has a native ISO range of 64 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jan 05 2009

Announced

64 - 6400

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution3648 x 2736 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 Optio E70 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 Optio E70 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

StorageSD/SDHC, Internal
Battery Life
Battery Model2 x AA
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Pentax Optio E70 supports SD/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 Optio E70 uses the 2 x AA model of undefined. This is rated for undefined 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 Optio E70 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 Optio E70 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, 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 Optio E70 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 9 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 Optio E70?

The Pentax Optio E70 features a CCD sensor

Is the Pentax Optio E70 weather sealed?

No the Optio E70 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Pentax Optio E70 announced?

The Pentax Optio E70 was announced on Jan 05 2009

Does the Pentax Optio E70 have in-body image stabilization?

No the Optio E70 does not 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 Optio E70?

The Optio E70 has a native ISO range of 64-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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