Pentax Optio I-10: The Ultimate Compact Camera for Stunning Photography

If you're looking for a compact camera that delivers exceptional image quality and versatility, look no further than the Pentax Optio I-10. Featuring a sleek, retro design and advanced features, this camera is perfect for capturing beautiful moments and landscapes with ease.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Pentax Optio I-10 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 25 2010

Announced

12 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPentax
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight153g
MSRP$299USD

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Overview of the Optio I-10

Whether you're a professional photographer or a passionate amateur, the Pentax Optio I-10 is sure to impress. With its high-resolution 12.1 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, and 2.7-inch LCD screen, this camera offers unmatched image quality and precision. And with its user-friendly controls and customizable settings, you can tailor each shot to your individual style and vision. So if you're looking to elevate your photography game, the Pentax Optio I-10 is the camera for you.

Pentax Optio I-10 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Pentax Optio I-10 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

12.1 megapixel resolution
HD video recording
Retro design
Compact size
Shake reduction technology
Face detection and smile capture
Wide angle lens
Multiple shooting modes
Affordable price point

Cons

Limited zoom range
Inconsistent autofocus
Small LCD screen
No built-in viewfinder
Average low light performance
Mediocre battery life
Limited manual controls
Slow continuous shooting speed

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Pentax Optio I-10

Weather sealed
Dimensions101 x 65 x 28mm
Weight153g
Thickness28mm
Weight
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Avg
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Pentax Optio I-10 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 I-10 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 I-10 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Optio I-10 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Pentax Optio I-10 has a 12MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Pentax Optio I-10 has a native ISO range of 80 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jan 25 2010

Announced

80 - 6400

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 I-10 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 I-10 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-LI92
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Pentax Optio I-10 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 I-10 uses the D-LI92 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 I-10 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 I-10 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 I-10 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 I-10?

The Pentax Optio I-10 features a CCD sensor

Is the Pentax Optio I-10 weather sealed?

No the Optio I-10 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Pentax Optio I-10 announced?

The Pentax Optio I-10 was announced on Jan 25 2010

Does the Pentax Optio I-10 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Optio I-10 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 Optio I-10?

The Optio I-10 has a native ISO range of 80-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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