Amazon.com Review

Packed with a host of features including an optical and digital zoom, swiveling LCD monitor and a plethora of pre-programmed picture modes, the Pentax's Optio 33L has it all.

Offering a 3x optical and a 2.7 digital zoom all in a camera that resembles a standard 35mm compact the first question you're likely to ask is where is the LCD display and optical viewfinder? The later has been disregarded just like latest cameras from Nikon. The monitor however, can be raised through 180 degrees and rotated horizontally through 180 degrees. This not only allows you to protect the screen from scratches as it hides it away - a very good idea - but it also allows you benefit from still being able to see the screen if you are holding the camera above a crowd at a gig or sporting event.

Powered by two standard AA batteries, the camera weighs 230g (with batteries) giving it a sturdy feel and it sits comfortable in the hand. The zoom capabilities give it 38 - 114mm equivalent to 35mm standards with a f-stop range of 2.6 - 5.0.

On the inside, the camera offers plenty to the aspiring photographer with eight picture modes (Picture scene mode, Program, Night Scene, Movie, 3D image, Auto bracket, Digital filter, and Panorama assist) plus a manual focus option. Further searching within the camera's simple to use menu system, you'll also find a live histogram option (not normally found on entry level cameras) and the ability to change shutter speed, aperture settings, white balance and flash settings on a whim.

The 33L copes admirably with greens and multiple focus points. Even on the auto focus setting, pictures were impressive, holding plenty of detail and producing low amounts of noise. The four images size options (2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480) give plenty of choice for both picture quality and memory usage. Using the digital zoom on its highest setting produced images that were affected by noise, making this the only downside to the cameras performance.

This is a great entry level camera that offers users slightly more than they might need from a camera in its category.--Jason Denwood, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more

Features

• 3.2 megapixel sensor captures enough detail for prints up to 11 x 14
• 3x optical zoom plus 2.7 digital zoom (8.1x total)
• Swiveling LCD monitor, innovative stereoscopic shooting
• Includes 16 MB CompactFlash card
• Powered by 2 AA batteries or 1 CR-V3 lithium; connects with Macs and PCs via USB port

Reviews (7)

Best buy 3 MP digital camera
I think this should be one of the best buy 3 MP camera. I have another digital camera with 5 MP (Kyocera S5R) but I like this one much more. The most striking thing about this camera (33L) is the beautiful color high resolution swivelling LCD monitor. The swivel monitor is very useful. The images taken by this camera are also real good. The balance of flash is extremely good eventhough it seems to be a bit of reddish saturation. 3D , filters , and panorama are fun to use. I used the rechargeable NIMH (AA , 2000 mAh) with no problem.
All in all , I love this one and carry it with me whenever possible. The only complaint I may have is that it lacks of date imprint mode. ( I use camera to record my work so date imprint is important for me.)

Wouldn't ask for more!
Once I got this camera, I was in love. I love how the LCD swivels. I takes picture-taking to a whole other level. If your just going to use this camera for everyday use, you can stop right here. This is the camera to buy. The software for editing that comes with it is GREAT too. It's a whole lotta fun.

Awesome camera, but one VERY IMPORTANT WARNING
This camera is great. Lots of features, super-cool LCD monitor...and a GREAT price.

However, beware of one thing. Do not try to power the camera with the "Power 2000" brand rechargeable AA batteries. I bought these batteries along with the charger from a website that suggested these batteries as an accessory for this camera. When I tried to use 2 fully charged Power 2000s, the camera would make 4 quick beep sounds and wouldn't turn on. After calling Pentax and telling them about my problem, they said I had to send it in for repair, and that it could take over a month. When I got the camera back I found out there was no problem with the camera. I was just using an "off brand" of AA battery that is not intended to power this specific camera.

I was angry at the retailer for suggesting a brand of battery that isn't even capable of powering this camera, but I was even more upset that the Pentax service rep didn't ask me over the phone which type of battery I was using. That whole problem and time spent without my camera could've been avoided if he had asked me that one simple question.

In summary, I would only use the Lithium Ion CR-V3 type battery with this camera. It lasts the longest, and now that Pentax themselves told me that it's the type of battery that is intended for use with this model, I won't try any other. It's too bad because I find it very wasteful and expensive to constantly purchase and throw away non-rechargeable batteries.

And one other thing - the reviewer that said he's had his camera "for 2 years" is either lying or accidentally reviewed the wrong camera. The Pentax Optio 33L was introduced in March 2003. It's less than a year old.

Don't let the negativity of my review deter you, though, because I love the camera. I'm just bothered by the service I got.

Great buy
I was a pleasantly surprised with this camera. It has so many features and the zoom is really clear. You can even hook it up to your TV! This is a very good camera.

GREAT!
I have had ALOT of didgital camera and they broke alot but this one I have has for 2 years and it works perfect!!! This is obviously the BEST digital camera. If you need one for a extra low price, this is the one for you!! ... Read more

Features

• With programmed automatic exposure, auto focus and auto film load, the Pentax IQ Zoom 105 is a great camera that is incredibly easy to use
• It is also perfect for the sportsminded individual or family because of its rugged, water-resistant body
• An integrated 38mm to 105mm powered zoom lens handles a 3x range of perspectives
• Real-image viewfinder with LED indicators
• Built-in flash with automatic modes plus red-eye reduction

Features

• This 80-160mm lens is specially designed for use with the Pentax 645N SLR large-format camera body
• Features include -minimum aperture -32
• Lens Construction -11 elements / 10 groups
• Angle of View -47 - 24.5 degrees
• Diaphragm -Fully Automatic

Features

• Available in 8x40, 10x50, 12x50, and 20x60 powers
• Nitrogen-filled waterproof (JIS Class 6) construction allow these binoculars to be used in the most extreme weather conditions and be submerged to 1 meter
• Aluminum-diecast body adds strength and durability
• Long eye-relief for viewing with or without glasses
• Mechanical focus lock feature allows user to lock in at a specific distance for convenient focus-free viewing

Features

• Housed in a nitrogen-filled magnesium-alloy waterproof body (JIS Class 6) and protected with a full-body rubber housing
• Exceptional image quality and close focusing with edge-to-edge sharpness
• High-resolution phase-coated roof prisms
• Scratch-resistant hydrophobic coating on exposed objective and eyepiece lenses
• Multi-coated optical elements

Features

• Objective lens: 25mm
• General purpose binocular ideal for wildlife, sports, and theater
• High-refraction Bak4 glass prisms and multi-coated lens
• 219-foot field of view at 1000 yards
• Magnification: 12x

Features

• Large 25-millimeter objective lens for superior brightness
• Roof prism with center focusing and protective rubber body
• Fully multi-coated lens and BaK4 prisms for high-resolution, high-contrast images
• 261-foot field of view at 1,000 yards
• 10x magnification

Amazon.com Product Description

Packing a high level of quality and performance into the world's smallest 35mm SLR (as of February 2003), the Pentax *ist measures just 4.8 by 3.3 by 2.5 inches and weighs a mere 11.8 ounces. It offers a host of advanced features and user-friendly functions for a wide range of photographers--from the most demanding professionals to SLR novices. All controls are functionally positioned on the top and back panels for maximum ease of operation and accessibility.

The newly developed 16-segment multipattern metering system solves even the most complicated lighting conditions to produce beautifully exposed photographs, frame after frame. In addition to all-purpose multipattern mode, the *ist also offers spot and center-weighted modes to meet specialized applications.

Thanks to the advanced SAFOX VIII phase-matching autofocus (AF) system, the *ist assures sharp, crisp focus on the subject, even under poor lighting conditions. Its newly developed 11-point AF sensor constantly monitors 11 different points in the image field and covers a wide area, both vertically and horizontally, to assure optimum focus.

The multi-data LCD panel offers a full range of information, with large icons and numbers to supplement the camera's user-friendly operation system. With its natural-bright-matte focusing screen, the *ist offers a sharp, clear viewfinder image even under unfavorable lighting conditions. The LCD viewfinder indicator at the bottom provides a full range of information, including the selected picture mode and exposure compensation factors.

Covering a view angle as wide as 28mm, the auto flash automatically pops up and discharges when the camera detects low-light and/or backlight situations. It also retracts to the storage position automatically when the camera's power is turned off. Its red-eye reduction function effectively reduces the annoying red-eye effect in subjects' eyes.

Other features include:

• The high-speed motor drive winds the film at a speed of 2.5 frames per second
• Automatically record the date, or day and time, of picture-taking on the photograph for quick, easy reference of captured images
• Depth-of-field preview function is electronically operated for easy confirmation of the in-focus area in the image field before actually taking a picture
• 17 custom functions enable you to customize some basic camera functions to suit individual preferences

Features

• World's smallest 35mm autofocus SLR camera (March 2003)
• Multi-mode exposure system; 16-segment multi-pattern metering system
• 11-point autofocus system; 1/4000-second high-speed shutter
• Large LCD panel with multi-data LCD viewfinder indicator
• Retractable auto pop-up flash

Reviews (2)

What a delight
I have had my *ist D for about a month. What a delight to own and use. I like almost everything about it. I am a long time Pentax owner with a collection of lenses so have never considered any other brand as I patiently waited for Pentax to come out with a digital camera. I am so not disappointed. As a camera, not considering the digital part, it is the best of all the ones I have (LX, ZX-M, ZX-5n, ME, ME Supper, Spotmatic, etc). It is well balanced and small. I love the controls and the features. You may read reviews that say the memory card is difficult to remove. With my ScanDisk flash this is not a problem. Just tilt the camera slightly, press the release with your thumb and the card magically moves to your hand. It is really very easy, the trick is you don't try and grab it, you let it come to you. The first time I used it I took over 200 high-resolution JPEG shots of my daughters ballet performance. I used my old 85mm f2 lens and it was wonderful in the dim light. I also have the two new zooms (18-55 and 75-300) and recommend both as they are very reasonable in cost. The only thing I don't like is that using the old manual lenses requires either full aperture (OK for my use so far) or a manual setting of the exposure as you cannot do stop down metering as far as I have been able to find. Other than that, I like everything. The only point to consider is that I have no knowledge of any of the competitive digital cameras, have never even held one. But when you are in love with the one you have, who cares about the others.

very good new camera
This is an excellent new camera. Pentax has definitely innovated in the design and manufacture of the *ist. The form factor and light weight, yet well constructed, make it seem like a next generation camera compared to the Canon Rebel Ti and the Nikon N75 (both very good cameras also). The advanced features are all easy to access and use on the *ist, or you can use the pre-programmed mode wheel (sports, macro, landscape, portrait, etc.) to let the *ist make the decisions. So far, the pre-programmed modes have produced excellent photos in a variety of conditions.

One recommendation, upgrade to the Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.7 Lens that Amazon sells for $149.99. It is highly rated and produces excellent photos. The Pentax SMC 50mm/1.7 probably offers the best price/performance ratio of any Pentax lens made and will allow you to tap the full potential of the *ist. (Pentax, Canon, and Nikon tend to sell their consumer SLRs with mediocre zoom lenses to keep the overall cost down, and the quality of the photos produced is average as a result and often disappointing to new SLR owners.) The Pentax SMCP-FA 28-105mm f/4.0-5.6 (IF) Zoom Lens is also a very good lens. ... Read more

Features

• Finely constructed porro-prism design
• Full-body rubber housing effectively protects the internal mechanisms and optical elements
• Super-Multi-Coating eliminates harmful ultraviolet rays and improves light transmission
• Diopter adjustment allows near- and far-sighted viewers to easily and quickly adjust the image to match their eyesight
• Eyepiece rings can be easily folded back to make image viewing easier for eyeglass wearers

Product Description

The 8x36 DCF HS and 10x36 DCF HSEach high performance binocular features a simplified body design and a lightweight, fiberglass reinforced polycarbonate body encased in a full body rubber housing to protect the optics and inner mechanisms from external shock and assure a firm, comfortable hold.The combination of multi-coated optical elements and high-refraction BaK4-glass roofprisms treated with phase coating and a new super-reflection coating ensures a high resolution, high contrast image over the entire image field.A protective glass is incorporated in front of the objective focusing elements to prevent the intrusion of dust into the inner body.These DCF HS series binoculars offer JIS Class 4 weather resistant capability for use around the water and in rain. Both the rubber housing and the protective glass also serve to upgrade the binoculars' weather resistance.Other noteworthy features include a long eye relief (16mm for the 8x36 and 17.5mm for the 10x36), helicoid type extendible eyepiece rings, a click-stop diopter adjuster, and rain-shielding eyepiece caps. These binoculars also acceptan optional tripod adapter (TP-3) for quick tripod mounting and removal.Combining top optical performance, compact design and durable, weather resistantbody construction, these new DCF HS series binoculars are designed to benefit the user in every viewing opportunity especially in targeted applications. ... Read more

Features

• Large 36-millimeter objective lens for superior brightness
• Roof prism with center focusing and protective rubber body
• Multi-coated lens and BaK4 prisms
• 342-foot field of view at 1,000 yards
• 8x magnification

Amazon.com Product Description

The Pentax IQZoom 928M features wide-angle to telephoto coverage and 3.2x zoom in a compact body that fits into a shirt pocket or small purse. Its zoom macro capability captures well-defined close-up pictures at any focal length with a maximum magnification of 0.22x at the 90mm telephoto setting. The five-point passive autofocus system produces images that are sharp and clear.

If the camera's metering system detects a low light or backlight situation, the built-in flash automatically provides fill-in illumination. It also offers a red-eye reduction feature. Other flash modes include flash on/off, slow shutter synch, bulb synch, and bulb.

When the IQZoom 928M is left unused for three minutes, it automatically retracts the zoom lens to storage position and shuts off to save battery power. The date feature on this camera allows you to imprint the date or time onto pictures to keep track of memorable events.

... Read more

Features

• Autofocus camera allows for focusing from 1.65 feet to infinity
• Zoom from 28mm to 90mm
• Built-in flash with red-eye reduction mode
• Multi-metering exposure control with auto backlight compensation and manual compensation override
• Midroll switchable panorama format

Reviews (6)

Great little camera
This little camera has loads of features and takes great pictures. I'm a big fan of wide-angle shots and 35mm cameras with a 28mm lens area rarity so this one worked out perfectly for me. My only complaint is what another reviewer had complained about... the on/off switch. The on/off switch has a hair trigger. If you even brush the camera against anything it turns on or off. This is more of a nuisance than anything, but it's a big nuisance. Never-the-less this camera has replaced my beloved Olympus SLR as my 35mm camera of choice.

From A Seasoned Traveler
My husband and I took this camera on a two year, around the world trip. We shot over 200 rolls of film and never had any troubles. Its a great camera...excellent zoom, easy to use, nice features and terrific photos. We highly recommend it.

Fantastic but have had problems
I have really enjoyed having the 28 wide angle lensse but I have had two of these cameras and have had problems with the on / off switch in both! I am lothed to part with the wide angle but I am likewise lothed to buy another on of these cameras. I have taken many fantastic photos before the cameras (both of them clapped out!) I dont know am I the only one to have seen this!

A Neat Camera
I,ve had for a while now, it is beautifully made and feels great when it is used or just static, zoom controls excellent, everything is easy to use, very well placed, excellent ergonomics, the 28mm end is great to have and 90 mm is just fine, the problem I find with this camera is, while the lens is quite good, it is not really excellent or on par with this focal range of other manufacturers, this is not normal for pentax, as this really is a first rate camera with an ordinary lens, the quality of the photos I,ve received is just ordinary, have tried different films and developers, always the same situation, just ordinary shots that are not representative of what a Pentax can be expected to do.

Almost perfect
I've been looking for the perfect travel camera for years, and I'm satisfied that this is close enough. The camera was recommended to me by a saleswoman in a camera shop, who told me it had the best flash of any compact automatic camera. What appealed to me most, however, was that its power zoom is much smoother and quieter than any I've tried before. I also liked the clear, bright viewfinder. I immediately took it to Jamaica for a three week research trip and shot 10 36-exposure rolls of Fuji 400 slide film. The pictures were consistently outstanding, better than I've had from my Nikon and Olympus and better than my travel partner's Leica. And the saleswoman was right about the flash, too; my flash shots were if anything better than my non-flash shots! The camera was easy to carry, being light and compact. Comfortable to hold. Sturdy, too. Simple to use, but with some useful over-ride features such as an infinity lock for shooting through glass, a spot focus lock, and six flash modes. All these compact automatics look alike, butI think this one has a bigger brain. I was learning towards a 38-105 zoom but the saleswoman talked me into the 28-90, and I'm glad she did; I used the 28 mm setting a lot. I got 10 rolls of 36 and at least 2 rolls of 24 from my first battery, which seemed fine, but it went dead without warning, so carry a spare. I have only two small complaints about this camera. First, the automatic fill flash comes on often (and unnecessarily?) in bright sunlight, which is annoying. And second, the delay in the red-eye reduction is too long, so subjects think the picture has been taken and move before the shutter goes off. In spite of these quibbles, this has become my number one camera, and I expect to use it for many years. I gave my Nikon slr and my Olympus clamshell to my daughters, because this Pentax has the best of both of them. It is simple enough for a novice and good enough for some professional use, so I can recommend it to anyone. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The 38-120mm, 3.2x power zoom lens of the Pentax IQZoom 120Mi Date camera gives you a high-performance optical design and an aspherical lens element that delivers top-quality images. The zoom macro lets you shoot close-ups at any focal length from as close as 2.1 feet from your subject, while the adjustable diopter allows you to match the viewfinder image to your eyesight. This optical versatility, coupled with the lightweight, durable aluminum body, makes this camera easy to take with you everywhere.

The "actual image" viewfinder shows the image size in relation to the zoom ratio, so you'll have an accurate preview of your finished photo. An LCD panel, located on top of the camera, provides you with a wide range of data on camera operations, including: exposure counter, battery exhaustion warning, infinity-landscape, spot AF, red-eye reduction, flash-on/flash-off, slow-speed shutter, bulb, self-timer, and remote control. It comes equipped with an electro-luminescence (EL) illuminator, which is automatically turned on in the dark for easy confirmation of the displayed data. This lets you confirm the settings at a quick glance whether it's day or night.

Even under complicated lighting conditions, the six-segment multipattern metering system consistently gives you perfectly exposed images. When the camera's metering system detects a low light or backlight situation, the built-in flash automatically provides fill-in illumination. The 120Mi lets you chose from a variety of flash functions, including: flash-on/flash-off (museum mode), slow shutter sync (sunset mode), bulb-sync (fireworks mode) and bulb mode (evening mode). It also offers a red-eye reduction feature that helps eliminate most of the red-eye effect that can appear in a subject's eyes. When combined with the metering system, the passive five-point autofocus system ensures crisp, high-quality focusing, even when shooting a subject at a distance or through a glass window. If you want to focus on just a single element of the scene, you can switch to the IQZoom's Spot Autofocus mode.

With a single flick of a switch, you can select panorama mode at any frame of the film. This feature lets you take a standard shot, then a sweeping landscape, and back to a standard shot--all on the same roll of film. When the IQZoom 120Mi is left unused for three minutes (or five minutes in the self-timer mode) with the power on, it automatically retracts the zoom lens to the storage position to protect it from damage and turns the power off to conserve batteries.

The date feature lets you imprint the date or day and time on your photographs, ensuring that you will never forget when you took that roll of film. You can choose from one of five different settings: year-month-day, month-day-year, day-month-year, day-hour-minute, and blank. ... Read more

Features

• 35mm compact metal point-and-shoot
• 38-120mm 3.2x zoom lens with autofocus
• Multi-mode flash features red-eye reduction
• Automatic film loading, advance, and rewind
• Features date imprinting and self-timer

Reviews (24)

Great little camera!
What impresses me the most about this camera is that it takes really nice pictures. I purchased it recently and took a test roll (Kodak 200 speed film) without reading the manual. I took some in the bright sunny outdoors, some in dimly lit restaurants, some at night in my apartment with poor lighting, and some in the near dark. And all the pictures came out with the subject(s) in beautiful focus, and crystal clear. The only small problem was some of my apartment pictures had a little bit of red-eye, but this camera does have red-eye reduction, and I will be sure to read the manual about how to use it.

In addition, it's a great travel camera -- it's very compact, and fairly sturdy. I packed it in a full back pack (without a case) and also took it to an amusement park on a recent trip and found that it was light enough in my purse to carry around all day, and did not mind being jolted.

All in all, I'm extremely happy with this purchase both quality and price-wise. I would offer one tip I've learned -- the timer function does not turn itself off after a picture, so be careful when you snap the next one -- you might still be on the timer!

Great Camera!
I recently purchased this camera and I am extremely pleased with it. I did alot of comparison shopping before I decided on the Pentax 120Mi QD. This camera has more features than you would expect with such a compact design. The real-size viewfinder makes cropping pictures a breeze, while the auto-backlight feature is a welcome addition that makes a HUGE difference and cannot be found on many models in this price range or even a little higher. The features are so simple to use that even a novice will get the hang of it in no time. The camera and zoom lens feels solid and sturdy and the aluminum body makes this camera both durable and attractive. I've compared the photos from this camera and similar point and shoot cameras (like the olympus stylus zoom) and high dollar SLR's and found that the Pentax 120Mi QD produces the same, if not better quality and detail. If you are in the market for a reliable, feature-packed compact point and shoot camera, get this camera...you won't be disappointed!!

Powerful camera, works wonderfully.
Strengths: Almost as small as a canon Elph2, looks attractive, easy to use, LCD panel light up for night shooting, panorama switch, light in weight.

Weaknesses: Haven't found any yet.

Overall: The main reason I bought this camera is because it look attractive. It's design is small and the silver color makes it look durable and it is. It's like buying a car, you first like the looks then the specs comes second. Also, it's easy to use, my wife learned it in couple minutes and she know nothing about cameras. Couple people mention about the zoom being a little slow, but I find it just perfect, at less for normal everyday consumer use. I mean, if your looking for fast zoom you should be looking for SLR (some great ones on Amazon too) and not point & shoot. The picture quality are clear and good. But then again, keep in mind that you must know how to use the camera or any camera correctly and your film developer must do a good processing job to get good prints. Overall, I recommend this camera to anyone. It worth the money. Great camera; you won;t be disappointed.

Buying As Gift - I Love The One I Own!
I researched many, many, many Point-And-Shoot cameras in early 2003 mainly for hiking. I selected this one for size, quality, and many recommendations from other websites and in-store camera personnel. This is my 3rd P&S camera and by far the best one I have had yet.

I had an Advantix film camera (which I do not recommend to anyone) last summer and took some of the same photos again with my new Pentax this summer. Side by side the difference was NIGHT & DAY. This camera takes amazing photos, especially outdoors.

I'm coming back to buy another one for my mother for Christmas because she was so impressed with the print quality of my camera. She has a professional Cannon SLR ($$$) camera and said she could hardly tell the difference between my photos and hers.

As for the additional remote issue mentioned in other reviews, I bought it too. But I've since realized with the timer function I really just don't even use the remote - I just set the timer and always have time to scurry into the photo.

I highly recommend this camera for yourself or as a gift, you will not be disapointed!!

Great Camera but...
I received this camera as a Christmas gift and was surprised since I have a great Ricoh camera which is very similar (not quite as much zoom as this one has). The Pentax works good for landscape and still photos but its awfully slow for action shots. I love taking photos of our dogs, but once I get their attention and have a great photo op in front of me, the camera takes too long to shoot the picture and I've lost the shot -- not so with my Ricoh. ... Read more

Features

• Magnification: 8x
• Objective lens: 25 millimeters
• Ideal for sports viewing, theater, concerts, travel, and hiking
• Short 9.8 foot minimum focusing distance
• Rubber eyepiece rings and detachable hand strap

Features

• Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for optimum optical resolution
• Large 100mm objective lenses
• Extra wide focusing knob is incorporated for effortless focusing
• Durable rubber housing to protect against shock and damage.
• Housed in an exceptionally lightweight magnesium-alloy body

Features

• PictBridge compatible for direct printing without a computer
• Stores images on SD memory cards; powered by on Lithium battery or two AA-size batteries (two AA-size batteries included)
• 5.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
• 2.5-inch LCD; 3x optical zoom
• 6 still-image shooting modes; three autofocus modes

Features

• This 45mm lens is specially designed for use with the Pentax 645N SLR large-format camera body
• Features include -minimum aperture -22
• Lens Construction -9 elements / 8 groups
• Angle of View -76 degrees
• Diaphragm -Fully Automatic

Features

• 12x Magnification
• Bright 25mm objective
• May also be used by wearers of eyeglasses
• Weighs less than 10 ounces
• High-refraction BaK-4 glass prisms for brighter, clearer images