Pentax IQ Zoom 160 35mm Camera

by Pentax

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.7 x 5 x 2.9 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005AB9G
• Item model number: 10124
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,236 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The user-friendly mode dial of the Pentax IQ Zoom 160 camera lets you turn the power on and off, as well as select the mode you want--including panorama--with just a twist of the dial. It has a large, easy-to-read LCD instruction panel that displays all of the camera's settings and indicators. The actual-image zoom viewfinder switches from standard view to panorama, so you can see exactly what your image will look like when you switch from one format to the other. Even difficult shooting situations are no problem thanks to the five-point passive autofocus system and the six-segment multipattern metering system.

The large LCD instruction panel is easy-to-read and automatically lights up so, whether it's day or night, you can see the all of the information you need to operate the camera, including: exposure counter, battery exhaustion warning, panorama, infinity-landscape, spot AF, flash-on, flash-off, red-eye reduction, self-timer, and multiexposure.

Employing automatic LCD parallax compensation, the actual-image viewfinder is able to display the framing area with precision. If you want to capture the whole scene, you can switch to panorama mode--even in midroll. The IQZoom 160 automatically provides a view of the new panorama area via the viewfinder. It gives you several indicators, including: focus and flash status, infinity-landscape mark, panorama-format picture area, close-distance compensation frame, five-point AF frame, and spot AF frame. This viewfinder also has an adjustable diopter, which allows you to adjust the image to match your eyesight.

Conditions that would normally "fool" a camera, like shooting through a glass window or an off-center subject, come out perfectly focused with the IQZoom 160's phase-matching five-point passive autofocus system. Even difficult lighting situations are no problem with the help of the highly accurate six-segment multipattern metering system. It measures the current lighting conditions, ensuring that your images get optimum exposure, no matter the conditions. The automatic backlight compensation feature fires the flash during backlight conditions to properly expose the subject.

You can zoom in to catch subtle details of your subject, or zoom out to capture the entire scene with the 38-160mm power zoom lens. Even when you forget to turn the power off, the IQZoom 160 retracts the lens to the original position to protect it against damage. The multiexposure mode lets you flex your creative muscles by allowing you to combine two or more exposures on a single frame.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best point & shoot I've used, October 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Pentax IQ Zoom 160 35mm Camera (Electronics)

I have been an amateur photographer for 15 years. I usually stick with my SLR camera, but there are times when a "pocket" camera is most convenient. I've tried other brands (including Nikon) but have been disappointed with the results. The Pentax IQ Zoom 160 gives you one of the best wide angle/zoom range at a decent price. I've captured shots that would have been difficult if not impossible with other point & shoots. I've even used the camera to capture on-stage scenes at dance recitals and have been amazed at the results.

If you can afford it, the Pentax IQ 200 will give you even more zoom power. But the 160 is an amazing value. You won't be disappointed. I've recommended this camera to friends, and they've all loved it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Professional Quality photos, May 11, 2004

By 

KC "ks_clay" (Missouri) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pentax IQ Zoom 160 35mm Camera (Electronics)

I took this camera to England in the fall when the sun barely shown, and to Hawaii, in perfect light for photographs, and I was amazed at how well my pictures came back. I am a professional with this camera! It is very easy to focus precisely on your subject, and the zoom is incredibly powerful in a point and shoot camera.

I have framed many of my photos as art work in my home. I have also taken many macro shots of stones, flowers, cactus, and even a glass marble with a tiny dove inside of the marble.

The camera took amazing macro photos!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Okay for Flexible Basic Camera, August 2, 2004

By 

Consummate Consumer "RB" (Chicago Area, Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pentax IQ Zoom 160 35mm Camera (Electronics)

This camera is good for someone who wants a reasonably good point-and-shoot for a reasonable price. The zoom offers good flexibility, the focus system is good for basic center-focus shots, but not good for other types of photo composition. It EATS batteries, but so do a lot of other cameras with similar features. The multiple frame option is good, the macro setting is good too, but otherwise its basic.