Pentax Optio S60

Guide price: £199.00

Compact 6 megapixel digital camera with lots of nice features and excellent image quality.

Auto Select mode makes simplifies photography for new digital users. Just choose Auto Select mode on the mode dial and the camera automatically activates the best shooting mode for the scene at hand from a choice of Program, Portrait, Landscape and Night scene.

A handy Help function displays simple explanations on the LCD monitor for various shooting and playback functions. This mode also selects optimal settings for White balance, AF area, Exposure metering, sensitivity and more for carefree shooting anytime.

PENTAX has equipped the Optio S60 with a 1/2.5-inch, primary colour CCD boasting 6.36 total megapixels. The camera also features a renowned smc PENTAX lens that delivers clear, high-contrast images with minimized ghosting and flare. The Optio S60 also incorporates a 12 bit A/D converter for the accurate reproduction of dark to light gradations as well as a noise reduction function that produces better results in low-light conditions.

Despite compact dimensions, the Optio S60 incorporates a 3x optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 35-106mm lens in 35mm format. Such capability makes it easy to zoom in for tight portraits, or zoom right out to capture.

Very useful optical viewfinder and large LCD on this camera.

Hilary's conclusion: A very capable all-rounder. Ideal for a beginner or the enthusiast.

Memory card: SD

The Optio S60 is compatible with AA re-chargeable/non rechargeable batteries