...

Compact camera Pentax Optio I-10: Reincarnation of a film camera from the past

The original Pentax Auto 110 film camera from 1978 was known for its high quality optics and mechanics, and was used by NASA to shoot images in space. Introduced in 2010 Optio I-10 inherited from it an unusual shape of the body with strongly protruding upward flash, which to modern taste looks much more stylish and attractive. A 5x wide-angle zoom with a 28-140mm focal range and f/3.5-5.9 focal lengths, plus image stabilisation. Instead of mechanics, a 12-megapixel CCD sensor with a sensitivity range of 80 to 6400 ISO. Speed shooting allows you to record up to 6 frames at 4.4 fps, and a video mode creates clips 1280 × 720 pixels.

Photo equipment

12.1 Megapixel 28-140 mm 5x 2.7″

The successful experience of Olympus with the Pen cameras obviously wasn’t left unnoticed by Pentax specialists. And as it is not easy to release at once a small retro-camera with interchangeable optics, the company has prepared a kind of copy: the Optio I-10 – a compact camera stylized for the historical model. Of course, its optics are non-replaceable, but with such stylish appearance it is not so important.

No manual exposure control, but advanced autofocus that recognizes up to 32 faces not just human faces – the I-10 can recognize your pet cat too , understands the type of scene you’re photographing and optimizes frame brightness and focus with autofocus with spatial tracking mode.

A real graphics editor adds beauty – effects, filters and frames can be applied to pictures right in the camera, as well as cropping or red-eye removal tools. It is a pity that the display of 2.7 inches is not quite up to the level of a modern “graphics station.

The Optio I-10 is a compact 101×65×28mm camera that weighs 132 grams. Besides the usual SD and SDHC cards, the camera supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless transfer of images to a computer. And the lithium-ion battery packs enough power for up to 250 shots.

Finally, it remains to mention perhaps the only drawback of the camera. The Optio I-10 comes in two colors: white or black. It is impossible to define which one is more attractive and it is rather expensive to buy both of them at once and even more inconvenient to wear them.

Rate this article
( No ratings yet )
John Techno

Greetings, everyone! I am John Techno, and my expedition in the realm of household appliances has been a thrilling adventure spanning over 30 years. What began as a curiosity about the mechanics of these everyday marvels transformed into a fulfilling career journey.

Home appliances. Televisions. Computers. Photo equipment. Reviews and tests. How to choose and buy.
Comments: 3
  1. Giselle

    What are the highlights and features of the Pentax Optio I-10 that make it stand out as a reincarnation of a film camera from the past?

    Reply
  2. Claire Sanchez

    I’m curious about the Pentax Optio I-10 compact camera. How does it recreate the essence of a film camera from the past?

    Reply
    1. Avalon

      The Pentax Optio I-10 compact camera recreates the essence of a film camera from the past through its design and features. Firstly, its retro styling resembles vintage film cameras, reminiscent of a time when photography was primarily done using film. The I-10 has a small, compact body with a leather-textured grip, resembling classic film cameras for a nostalgic feel.

      In terms of functionality, the I-10 offers various shooting modes that emulate the look and feel of different film types. These modes include black and white, sepia, vintage, and cross-processing, allowing users to recreate the unique aesthetics associated with using film. The camera also provides manual control options, enabling photographers to adjust settings like aperture and shutter speed, resembling the hands-on approach required with traditional film cameras.

      Additionally, the camera features an optical viewfinder, replicating the experience of composing shots through a film camera’s viewfinder. This adds to the nostalgic feel and provides a different shooting experience compared to the typical digital camera’s LCD screen.

      Overall, the Pentax Optio I-10 compact camera combines vintage design elements, film-inspired shooting modes, and manual control options to recreate the essence of a film camera and evoke the nostalgic charm and experience of shooting with film.

      Reply
Add Comments