Pentax Optio A40 Review

The latest model from Pentax Corporation’s Option-A series is the Pentax Optio model A40. This top class digital camera is a concrete example of a camera that has top performance while providing high image quality. This specific Optio model has a resolution of 12.0 Megapixels that equals to the latest SLR cameras found today.

For enhanced performance with superb image quality, the Optio A40 boasts of its 12.0 Megapixel resolution that is perfect for those high-definition images. This particular camera is equipped with a 1/1.7-inch CCD with its own light receiving area aimed to produce the best tone reproduction. Because the PENTAX lens, known for its high resolving power, is incorporated with the latest image engine of the Optio series, this Optio A40 significantly provides more enhanced performance and better image quality.

In any photography sessions, the anti-shake functions of a camera play very essential roles. Pentax boasts of its three different anti-shake mechanisms to further equip a photographer with what is best in the market. The first is the Shake Reduction (SR) Mechanism. This particular anti-shake mechanism is very unique to Pentax.

Thru this, camera shakes are corrected while capturing still images. This works by vertically and horizontally shifting the CCD, which is the image sensor, equal to the shaking of the camera that is detected by the gyro sensor. As for the Optio A40, a shake reduction mechanism is utilized in this digital SLR that highly corrects the effects equivalent as those shutter speeds.

The second anti-shake mechanism is the Digital SR (Shake Reduction). When set to this particular mode, the camera with automatically adjust its sensitivity, even as extremely high as the ISO3200, depending on how bright the subject is. When taking still images, this also effectively lessens blurring the subject and reducing those unwanted camera shakes. To obtain reduced blurring, the fast shutter speed of this camera is just as efficient.

Finally, the Movie SR (Shake Reduction) function reduces those camera shakes when shooting movies. This particular application makes use of a specific software application in order to properly correct distortions found in images that are normally cased by inevitable camera shakes while capturing movies.

Another function of the Pentax Optio model A40 is the Face Recognition AF & AE. This function will automatically detect and focus on the face of a subject. Additionally, this particular model also has better functions that particularly focus on face recognition technology. This includes the Natural Skin Tone mode that automatically smoothen a skin texture based from the identified information. Also, the Half-length portrait mode takes photos of a bust. This is done by trimming those identified people in the photo frame.

By preventing black outs, as well as white outs, the Optio A40 is also equipped with the “Dynamic Range Adjustment”. This function corrects tones that are from highlighted or shadowed areas of a specific subject that has show significant differences in contrast. Furthermore, when capturing shots on people, especially shots that are against the sun, depositing the subjects brightly without compromising the background’s tone can also be possible.

As for the monitor, the Optio A40’s LCD display monitor is highly intensified with LCD boosters to properly adjust the screen’s brightness. The high-resolution, two-inch LCD monitor allows the user to confirm those picture compositions, as well as its focus. And since its screen has a wide viewing angle, this can provide users with comfort in viewing the display. Even when viewed diagonally, the color and the brightness of the monitor doesn’t change at all.

For capturing movies, the Optio A40 can efficiently provide smooth captures at 30 frames per second. The sizes can also go up to as high as 640 x 480 pixels and its image quality is quite similar with other rivaling camcorders. And because it now employs the DivX movie format, this high quality digital camera can record longer and high-quality movies.

Pros: Just like any other cameras from Pentax, the Optio also provide high-quality images. Its added feature, the Face Recognition Technology, makes the camera efficient all the more.

Cons: This particular digital camera is not that good for indoor capturing.

Overall: The Pentax Optio model A40 is a perfect companion for the people who need a compact and light camera that provide super image quality.

Attached Images

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