Pentax Optio X 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Rating:
Summary: Cool and Effective
Review: I was looking for a camera with a swivel LCD display. I have always liked taking my own pictures when I'm out on vacations with my wife. The Optio X caught my attention immediately. The camera is 5 megapixels strong and the LCD display is very big (2 in). The design of course, is incredibly beautiful. I had my doubts about the picture quality and colors. But once I started taking my first pictures I was pretty much convinced.

Pros:
Small and cool design.

Swivel LCD (2 inches).

Everything is customizable. If you don't like the colors, exposition, lighting or anything else, you can adjust it in a snap. It even has a feature that takes 3 pictures at once with 3 different expositions so you can decide later which picture you like better. With this mode you can vary the exposure, white balance, sharpness, saturation and contrast.

15 shooting modes, including one called "Self Portrait". This mode takes into account that the shooting distance is your arm length...
Macro mode is also very cool.

On timer mode, big countdown numbers appear on the screen so everybody can see when the picture will be taken.

Cons:
The flash is located at a very awkward position. Is very easy to put a finger on it when you are taking a picture. Also, when the display is swiveled, the flash ends up in the lower corner of the camera. This can be a problem when you place the camera on a table when you are taking pictures with the timer. Chances are that the table will block the flash path. If this happens, a strange shadow may appear on the picture.

No optical view finder.

Joystick control is a little too small.

You have to use 4 fingers to grab the camera. If you use your whole hand, you may end up placing a finger on the flash or on the lens.

Tripod socket is located on one side. This means that you will only be able to take vertically oriented pictures when using a tripod (unless you buy a small swiveling tripod).

I hope this helps...