Pentax Optio E40 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: Priced just the right side of £100, this 8Mp Pentax Optio E40 would make a decent Christmas or birthday gift.

Pros: Nice compact size and good ergonomics, Easy to use, Good battery life

Cons: Lack of detail in shots, Slow autofocus (at times), Noisy images, Weak flash

Verdict: The Pentax Optio E40 comes fairly equipped and for a good price.

Review summary: The Pentax Optio E40 is a no-nonsense, entry-level 8-megapixel compact with many more features than you'd expect from a budget camera. It's available at a bargain price of under £100, is easy to use and delivers consistent image performance

Pros: Cheap; easy to use; consistent and reliable performer; more features and better results than you'd expect for the price

Cons: Plastic build; no removable media supplied; no rechargeable batteries

Verdict: For a pocket-money price -- perfect if you want a snapshot for the kids or granny -- the entry-level Pentax Optio E40 delivers a fair amount for the outlay, including consistent image performance and a wider array of features than you'd expect

Review summary: What does Pentax's entry-level model have to offer for those on a tight budget?