Blog Capture the perfect shot with Pentax Optio E85: A Review

In this blog, we'll take a look at the Pentax Optio E85 - a digital camera that promises to deliver high-quality images without breaking the bank. We'll examine its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it's the right camera for you.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Pentax Optio E85 article cover photo

Key Features

Sep 17 2009

Announced

12 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPentax
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight145g
MSRP$140USD

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Overview of the Optio E85

If you're in the market for a new digital camera, the options can be overwhelming. But if you're looking for an affordable yet reliable option, the Pentax Optio E85 is definitely worth considering. With its 12-megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, and a variety of shooting modes, this compact camera has a lot to offer. Let's take a closer look at what makes the Pentax Optio E85 stand out from the crowd.

Pentax Optio E85 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Pentax Optio E85 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
12 megapixel
high-resolution LCD
auto-tracking autofocus
face recognition technology
built-in flash
digital zoom
compact design
energy-efficient battery
easy operation

Cons

limited zoom range
no optical image stabilization
no manual exposure control
slow continuous shooting
noisy low-light images
mediocre video quality
outdated USB connectivity
small image sensor
no manual focus
plastic construction

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Pentax Optio E85

Weather sealed
Dimensions93 x 58 x 24mm
Weight145g
Thickness24mm
Weight
Min
Avg
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Pentax Optio E85 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 typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.70" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Pentax Optio E85 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 E85 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Optio E85 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Pentax Optio E85 has a 12MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Pentax Optio E85 has a native ISO range of 80 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Sep 17 2009

Announced

80 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4000 x 3000 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 E85 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 E85 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 ModelD-LI95
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Pentax Optio E85 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 E85 uses the D-LI95 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 E85 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 E85 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 E85 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 Optio E85?

The Pentax Optio E85 features a CCD sensor

Is the Pentax Optio E85 weather sealed?

No the Optio E85 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Pentax Optio E85 announced?

The Pentax Optio E85 was announced on Sep 17 2009

Does the Pentax Optio E85 have in-body image stabilization?

No the Optio E85 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 E85?

The Optio E85 has a native ISO range of 80-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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