Pentax X70 12MP CCD Digital Camera with 24x Optical Triple Shake Reduction Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD

by Pentax

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.5 x 3.3 inches ; 14.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001RIYUI2
• Item model number: X70
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,639 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 2, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Pentax X70 Megazoom digital camera features a high-magnification 24x optical zoom lens with wide-angle to super-telephoto coverage housed in a highly portable, compact, lightweight body. With 12 megapixels, SLR-like styling and flexible exposure modes, the Pentax X70 is a true bridge between compact digital cameras and digital SLRs. The X70 is the ideal camera for the intermediate to advanced shooter who wants to step up in form and function from digital compact offerings without the size, weight, and expense of a true DSLR camera.

The X70 offers photographers the ease-of-use of a compact camera with powerful shooting options traditionally found on a DSLR, such as aperture/shutter priority and metered manual modes, true hardware sensor-movement Shake Reduction, fast operation, and a high quality zoom lens. This new model performs superbly and effortlessly in a variety of photographic situations from casual day-to-day snapshots to travel and sports photography.

Pentax X70 Highlights

Versatile 24x optical Megazoom lens accommodates a range of subjects
Within a compact, lightweight body, the X70 features a high magnification optical 24x zoom lens offering a focal-length coverage between a wide-angle 26mm to a super telephoto 624mm (in the 35mm format). This is ideal for wide-angle scenic shots or group photos, as well as getting closer to the action at a sporting event. Coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function, the X70 zoom range may be extended to approximately 150 times (for a focal length of an astonishing approximately 3900mm in the 35mm format) without compromising the optical performance of the zoom lens.

High image quality
With 12.0 megapixels, a high-performance imaging engine, and the high quality Pentax Megazoom lens, the X70 delivers super clear, high quality images in any shooting mode. Images at 12.0 megapixels are also suitable for printing at most large print sizes including 8x10, 11x17 and even larger poster size prints.

Large, easy-to-view 2.7 inch color LCD monitor
The Pentax X70 features a large, bright 2.7 inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots of resolution. An Anti-Reflection coating helps minimize glare from sunlight for more effective outdoor viewing. Also, the X70 comes with an electronic viewfinder for easy image composition and review in the brightest lighting conditions. You can also access the camera’s menus and other functions via the electronic viewfinder, so you will always be able to change settings no matter how bright it is outdoors.

Compact, lightweight design
The compact, lightweight design of the X70, one of the smallest and lightest cameras in it’s class, make it easy to transport and use. However, the small size does not mean features are compromised. The X70 includes a full range of automatic and manual features and functions.

Reliable Shake Reduction for sharp, blur-free images
The X70 incorporates an “image sensor shift” Shake Reduction system to assure sharply focused, blur-free images even under demanding photographic conditions such as when shooting at full telephoto or when shooting a sunset or indoor scenes with very low light. By accurately detecting the amount of camera shake using a high-performance gyro sensor and shifting the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed, the X70 offers an outstanding camera-shake compensation effect, equivalent to approximately three shutter steps.

High-speed Continuous Shooting mode to capture the decisive moment
The X70 lets the photographer capture the subject continuously at a maximum speed of approximately 11 images per second and up to 21 images in succession.* Coupled with the Auto-Tracking AF mode that keeps a fast-moving subject in focus all the time, the X70 is sure to capture that once in a lifetime, decisive moment in sharp focus. The X70 is perfect for shooting sports action and active children and pets.

Fast Face Detection AF&AE captures up to 32 faces in focus in approx. 0.03 seconds
The X70 Face Detection function is effective for capturing casual snapshots of people by optimizing the focusing and exposure of up to 32 faces in a single image in approximately 0.03 seconds. The X70 also offers other user-friendly functions including Smile Capture which automatically releases the shutter the instant it detects the subject’s smile, and Blink Detection which warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes are closed at the moment of capture.

Movie capture in high-definition TV image quality with anti-shake protection
The X70 captures high quality movie clips, equivalent in image quality to that of high-definition TV (1280 x 720 pixels) at 15 frames per second. The X70 also features Movie SR mode,** which effectively minimizes annoying camera shake during movie capture. The X70 can also record video at 848x480, VGA and QVGA resolutions at 30 frames per second, for full video capture flexibility. As a result, the photographer enjoys high-quality, blur-free movie shooting with minimal effort.

Multi-mode exposure system
The X70 offers a choice of four exposure modes: Programmed AE, in which the camera automatically selects the optimal combination of aperture and shutter speed for a given subject and Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE and full Metered Manual modes, in which photographers are free to select either (or both) aperture and shutter speed to suit their photographic needs.

Auto Picture mode for the automatic selection of seven different shooting modes
The X70 features the advanced Pentax Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by detecting the subject’s lighting, movement and other conditions. This user-friendly mode not only makes the right mode choice for the photographer (from Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Flower, Sport and Standard modes), but also features an Auto Macro mode, which automatically switches the camera’s focus range to macro in close-range applications.

Auto sensitivity control up to a high ISO of 6400
The X70 comes equipped with an Auto Sensitivity Control function, which automatically shifts the sensitivity level in relation to the subject’s lighting condition and the lens focal-length setting. This allows the photographer to use a high shutter speed in dimly lit locations, such as night scenes or indoor sports events to effectively minimize camera shake and subject blur. The auto sensitivity control range can be set between ISO 50 and ISO 6400, and is range adjustable.

Additional Features

• Image Format Choice proportions of 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 or 1:1.
• Scene mode palette for easy selection from 20 scenes, including a new Baby mode for accurate exposure and skin tones when taking pictures of babies.
• Overexposure compensation function to prevent blown out (or clipped) highlights.
• A Super Macro mode may be used to shoot as close as 0.4 inches (one centimeter) away from a subject for stunning close-up details.
• Digital Wide mode quickly stitches 2 images together for an extra wide-angle image (equivalent to 20mm in the 35mm format).
• World time clock displays standard time in 75 cities in 28 time zones around the world for extra convenience when on the road.
• Frame Composite mode (with 90 built-in image frames) offers fun and creative ways to style up your shots.
• Approximately 33.6MB of built-in memory. Also compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards.
• Red-eye reduction function corrects for red eyes as the result of flash photography. Red-eye reduction can be applied during capture, or as a post-capture filter.

Product Description

Pentax X70 12MP CCD Digital Camera with 24x Optical Triple Shake Reduction Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

80 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pentax X70 - My Review, May 2, 2009

By 

A. Morales (West Covina, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pentax X70 12MP CCD Digital Camera with 24x Optical Triple Shake Reduction Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Electronics)

I had read about the X70 prior to the camera's introduction at the beginning of April, but details about the camera were sparse as they usually are when a new camera is about to be introduced, but from what I had seen up to that point, it was a camera I was definitely interested in. It was Pentax's first foray into the megazoom point and shoot field of compact cameras, so I had to find out what it was all about. I ordered it from Amazon on April 2nd, and by April 10, I had it in my hot little hands.

First impression: It was smaller than I expected and a heck of lot lighter compared to other large zoom cameras I've held. Pentax apparently decided to use a lightweight lithium-ion battery instead of AA batteries to cut down on the size and weight of the camera. This has its good and bad points. The lithium-ion battery that it comes with is IMHO underpowered (925mAH) and good for only about 150-175 shots before needing to be recharged, so carrying extra batteries is a must if you plan on doing a lot of shooting. AA batteries would have been more advantageous in this situation because of their availability and cost. Pentax charges $53 for a replacement battery which in my opinion is outrageous for what you get. Fortunately, generic replacement D-Li92 batteries are available from overseas manufacturers for about $7 which are just as good if not better than the OEM model. Pentax should have taken a similar approach to Kodak's Z980 with their vertical battery grip accessory to add more power for the camera.

Ok... enough with the battery soapbox... The features that the camera has are impressive. Pentax, for the first time, includes a dedicated autofocus assist lamp located just to the left of the camera grip and to the right of the lens. The lamp is very bright and can be useful in the dark 10-15 feet away, but can be accidentally blocked by your hand if not careful. The 24x zoom is HUGE in performance and the image stabilization goes a long way in capturing clear shots. It features the usual range of P/A/T/M controls as well a the Pentax green button mode which basically acts like a hyper program which sets your correct exposure and speed no matter what mode you are in, even manual mode. The scene modes are numerous and features such things as flower, portrait, half portrait, sunset, night, etc.... most of which are standard on many other cameras. This camera also features auto exposure bracketing with a range of -/+2EV which is now becoming the norm for the latest batch of new cameras. This will allow a good exposure range for taking HDR photos (3 shots taken at -2EV, 0, +2EV), and processed with an external HDR software processor such as Photomatix.

It also has burst mode shooting, but there are trade offs... You can shoot at 4fps, 6.3fps, and 11 fps. At 4fps, you can shoot up to 7 shots, but the recorded pixels is set at 5MP, and JPEG quality is at 3 stars. At 6.3fps, you can also shoot up to 7 shots, 5MP, but JPEG quality drops to 2 stars. At 11fps, you can shoot up to 21 shots, 5MP, at a quality of 1 star.

Movie mode leaves a little to be desired though. You can use the entire 24x zoom range, but not while you are recording. Only digital zoom is available during shooting, so if you zoom in while recording, you will lose clarity much like you see on those reality cop shows where you view the dash cam, and they zoom in to see detail but it is blocky. The camera features HD recording (720p), but is only at 15fps. At 480i, it's at 30fps. Most likely the reason for the lack of optical zoom while recording has got to be the motor noise that would be audible with the in-camera microphone.

Ok, let's talk about image quality.... in three words, it's damn good. You have 12MP and the lens produces some very good if not excellent shots. High ISO is decent and usable up to ISO 800. ISO 1600 is marginal as to be expected from the small sensor size. Surprisingly, ISO 3200 is better than ISO 1600 IMHO, and ISO 6400 is also available in a pinch. However, at ISO 3200-6400, your recorded pixel size is set at 5MP to improve dynamic range.

All in all, despite some concerns I have about the camera, it appears that it was an excellent choice and one that I will use on a continuing basis to supplement my Pentax DSLRs that I own. There are times where I don't wish to lug around a heavy camera and lens, so carrying a camera like the X70 can be advantageous and still get good quality photos.

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice Camera, Zoom Is Fantastic!, April 23, 2009

By 

Brian M. Edwards (Edinburg, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pentax X70 12MP CCD Digital Camera with 24x Optical Triple Shake Reduction Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Electronics)

I ordered this mostly for the zoom capabilities and am not disappointed! I can now zoom in on Parrots feeding in my back yard and have to be careful not to zoom in too close!

The colors are life-like and bright. This camera has so many neat features such as smile and face detect. I also took a couple of shots of our dog running (with camera hand-held) and they came out surprisingly well.

I took a few video clips with this on the highest quality setting and it looks decent but still not as good as a dedicated video camera (but getting closer!)

Pros

Superb zoom capability

Vivid life like colors

Decent video quality.

Camera is very light & lots of nice features to help novices like me take great photos!

Cons

The battery is tiny, supposedly it will hold charge for 170 photos (50 of those flash) or 70 minutes of video. (I 'll do an update on this.)

No raw image capability

No flash hot shoe (though the on-board flash is very good)

The best thing any camera can do is take great photos and this does that very well. It has plenty of nice features and looks well made.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good beginners camera, May 12, 2009

By 

R. Jacobs "Ronj" (Jacksonville, Fl) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pentax X70 12MP CCD Digital Camera with 24x Optical Triple Shake Reduction Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Electronics)

The pentax x70 is a good little camera, if you are a beginner or want a

camera that has a descent super zoom. The first thing I notice when I took it out of the box was, it is very light weight. The functions took some getting use too after a few days of shooting with it. Overall this camera perform quiet well for what I use it for, which is taking distant pictures of wildlife and taking using the macro mode, which I will give it 5 stars.

If you are using this camera for night shoots, the best setting is the manual mode. This camera works very well, even in digital zoom, one of the best if not the best for the 24x zoom. I tried the other brands at the local electronic store, and this one came out on top for the super zoom. The color is pretty much right on, very good color. I posted several pictures here on the Amazon web page to look at.

There are a few issues that I have with this camea. First the camera is a little pricy, but if you get the shot you want it doesn't matter. Another issue is a very small view finder, but I am glad the camera has one. The camera is not made for sports, in burst mode I could only get the first picture to come out clear. This is the shorttest battery life that came with a camera that I have used. You may get about 120 pictures if you are not using the flash and expensive, around $50 for the battery, if you can find one. Speaking of the flash it is one of the best for a point and shoot. The red eye elemination 5 stars. I have taken at least a 200 pictures with the flash and no red eye so far.

Conclusion: This is a good little camera, picture quality 4.5 stars, 4.0 stars ISO good up to 400 which is far better than the other ones in its class. 800 iso usable, don't use it any higher . If you are a DSLR user like I am, do not compare it to one because, this is a point and shoot camera in every since of the word. I would recommend this camera. Happy picture taking.