Pentax Optio A40 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The 12-megapixel Optio A40 assembles some great features in an easy-to-use camera.

Review summary: The Pentax Optio A40 is the latest result of Pentax's tradition of producing simple, usable, ultracompact cameras that have high-quality optics.

Verdict: The Pentax Optio A40 is a good, no-nonsense camera that captures pictures with surprisingly good image quality.

Review summary: The Pentax Optio A40 is the latest result of Pentax's tradition of producing simple, usable, ultracompact cameras that have high-quality optics. Retailing for about $250 (as of September 1, 2008), this 12-megapixel black-and-silver model has a serious ...

Pros: Attractive design Great features and 12-megapixel sensor

Cons: Battery door seems a little flimsy Can't get very close with macro mode

Verdict: A few minor complaints: I wish that Pentax had included a RAW image option (at 12 megapixels, why not?). I'd also love to have seen a 5X (rather than 3X) optical zoom and a wider-angle lens. Despite those minor shortcomings, the Optio A40 is a good, ...

Review summary: The 12-megapixel Optio A40 assembles some great features in an easy-to-use camera.

Pros: Attractive design ; Great features and 12-megapixel sensor

Cons: Battery door seems a little flimsy ; Can't get very close with macro mode

Verdict: A few minor complaints: I wish that Pentax had included a RAW image option (at 12 megapixels, why not?). I'd also love to have seen a 5X (rather than 3X) optical zoom and a wider-angle lens. Despite those minor shortcomings, the Optio A40 is a good, ...

Review summary: Pentax's flagship compact looks surprisingly plain, but its metal shell feels robust. There's nothing modest about what's inside, with a 12 megapixel sensor and manual exposure control. Optical image stabilisation counteracts shake, but the 3x zoom is ...

Verdict: Hard to fault, or to get excited about. A great all-rounder, but lower-specified cameras are better value.