Optio X: A Look at Pentax's Ultra Thin 5MP Digicam
by Stephen Caston on February 6, 2005 5:01 PM EST- Posted in
- Digital Camera
Resolving Fine Lines
For our resolution test, we reset the camera to its default settings and then used the highest resolution and quality setting. The camera was then set to +0.7 E.V, manual WB, and ISO 80. For more information, refer to our Testing Procedures page. When reading this chart, the numbers represent lines per picture height (LPH). For example, the number 16 would represent 16,000 LPH.| Pentax Optio X | Sony DSC-F88 |
 +0.7 EV Click to download. |
 +1.0 EV Click to download. |
Roll your mouse over the crops below to see the difference between the Pentax Optio X and the Sony DSC-F88 resolution charts.
Hold mouse over image.
Hold mouse over image.
When it comes to resolution performance, the Pentax Optio X isn't the greatest performer in its class. In our reviews, we have discovered the average resolution for 5 megapixel cameras to be about 13,000 LPH. In the horizontal crop above, the Optio X is only able to resolve lines out until 1,200 LPH while the Sony DSC-F88 is capable of 1,300 LPH. The vertical crop is the same for the Optio X at 1,200 LPH while the F88 gains a bit of resolution, showing detail out to 1,350 LPH. In addition to capturing a somewhat unimpressive resolution with muddy/fuzzy details, the Optio X displays strong moiré throughout the test pattern, especially near its resolution limit. In short, the Optio X isn't going to blow anyone away with its resolution chart capabilities.
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vshah - Thursday, February 10, 2005 - link
my dad has the s410, i have the optio x. i have to admit, the canon is faster and has better image quality. usually what i end up doing is setting the res to 4mp, which is still plenty for printing. this speeds up the camera a bit...why use 4mp on a 5mp camera you ask? i just love the design, and this thing is so easy to carry around with you. i end up taking a lot more photos than i would with another camera. my primary purpose for taking photos (with this camera) is to record memories, and it excels at that.
semo - Monday, February 7, 2005 - link
thanks Souka, that camera looks sweethere in the uk it is about £200 btw.
Souka - Monday, February 7, 2005 - link
#4 Look at the Canon S410. Great image quality, small size, li-ion recharageable batt, CF cards, durable, and good software to boot.I see pricing at about $240 on-line from a variety of vendors....
Quiksel - Monday, February 7, 2005 - link
nice pix of NCSU.... :-Di miss my state days... :'(
~niko ^_^
semo - Monday, February 7, 2005 - link
from last paragraph on page:"However, considering all the downfalls and a price tag of $300+, it might be a better idea to consider other cameras."
what other cameras? i'm absolutely clueless when it comes to cameras. all i know is that i don't want a thin (compact) camera because that means high price and lower quality. i don't care too much about video and a rechargeable battery is a big plus for me. any ideas?
kcma - Monday, February 7, 2005 - link
maybe there'll be a cheaper 3/4 MP version that's almost as good in image quality =PSouka - Sunday, February 6, 2005 - link
Why buy a high MP camera if image quality is poor?TinyTeeth - Sunday, February 6, 2005 - link
310 bucks is cheap for a 5 MP camera. Promising, though it seems to lack some image quality.