Customer Reviews

Pentax IQ Zoom 160 QD Date 35mm Camera

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Pentax IQ Zoom 160 is an excellent automatic camera with fantastic resolution and ease of operation. I did not even notice details/flaws on people's faces till I examined the portrait photographs I took which showed minute details with great clarity. The camera is very light and although it is slightly heavier than the Pentax IQ Zoom 140, the weight difference is negligible while the zoom capabilities are greatly enhanced.

The design of this camera is very good making it very easy to use the zoom, the modes and other controls with great facility. The worse flaw in the design is that the diopter adjustment-which is very small-- is adjacent to the viewfinder eyepiece making it cumbersome to have a finger on it to adjust the focus while looking into the eyepiece. However, since this is done only once before use, it can be easily ignored in favor of all the other positives that this camera offers. Another defect is that the camera does not shut off when not used for three minutes, but this might be a defect that pertains to my camera alone.

A major improvement is that it uses only one lithium battery, making for considerable savings over time. Also, the flash recharges very rapidly, much, much faster than my old Pentax Zoom 90-WR. Even though the Zoom 160 is somewhat higher in price than the Zoom 140, the difference is more than worth it since the lens is far more powerful. In short, I believe that this camera has great features and gives great flexibility to take truly great pictures--even if one is only an amateur--be they close-ups, multi-exposure shots, landscapes with panoramic views, and anything the creative mind can think of.

I purchased this camera while holidaying in the US in December 1999. It has worked flawlessly in helping to document the many places we visited. I particularly like it's compactness and the date function. The slightly better wide angle lense 38-160 compared to the IQ Zoom 200 caught my eye and hence influenced my purchase. I would recommend this camera to anyone who likes to travel and take pictures with a minimum of trouble.

Wow - I purchased this camera no more than a year ago and have had smashing professional quality photos ever since! I assumed that for the price, it would be an average camera with a few extra tweaks and options but when I started getting my first pictures back I was extremely pleased. The red-eye reduction hasn't failed and the night setting has given me some spectacular shots of colorful fireworks. I definitely recommend this camera to anyone who is looking for a strong camera (mine still looks brand new), an affordable price and a powerful zoom!

Some other features that work nicely are the timer, landscape mode and an option to take clear wide panoramic shots. When I think camera, I think Pentax.

On a recent trip to the Rocky Mountains, my family and I were simply stunned by the amazing snowy landscapes. I couldn't help but think that the pictures I was taking would not be able to capture the experience. I was wrong. The Pentax (which I had bought specifically for the trip) produced top quality pictures. The 160 Zoom feature was handy for capturing the action of my kids on the slopes while I stayed at the lodge :) I was especially impressed with the Pentax's ability to handle the tricky lighting conditions that snow produces.

I gave this camera the highest rating for the simple fact that it is extremely easy to use and takes amazing pictures. When I am ready to upgrade I will definitely buy another Pentax.

I bought the camera... It worked fine, nice pictures, for the first year while it was under warranty. After the first year H1 and H2 started to come up. That means take it to a camera repair shop. Which in turn informed me that there was a shutter problem. A $140.00 to $210.00 shutter problem. I can buy a new camera... [but] Who wants to buy a new camera every 2 years. These are supposed to last. At least 5 years when taken care of as this one was. So buyer beware, you may be spending the same amount of money in the next year or two to replace it or fix it.

This camera was bought for me as a gift after extensive research by the giver. And boy am I glad he did his research. This camera does it all! Great ease of use, but lots of versatility. You can just take that quick, simple shot or you can create art with multiple exposures and long shutter times. With a tripod and the remote, the possibilities are endless with this camera.

No reason to not like this camera. It performs wonderfully and I've gotten some great results from it.

The only problem is that it drains the battery like an alcoholic on a bender drains his liquor cabinet. If you take the camera with you on a trip or something be sure you have a fresh battery in it and a couple of spares.

Also, the dial that turns it off and on can too easily be moved by the slightest brushing against any case you put the camera in. Too many times I have turned the camera off and put it in its case, only to find out later that the on/off dial got messed with and the camera was turned on and the battery drained. Not a flaw, exactly, but something to be careful with when handling the camera or putting it away.

I have never had a better camera. I have found that Kodak 800 film works the best for this camera. The camera automatically adjusts to the lighting and has excellent outcome in the pictures. This camera is VERY easy to use. I choose it over an SLR. Great for anywhere, anytime, and especially anyone.

I love this camera. I totally bought it for the zoom feature.
The only trouble that i have had with it is that it has a lock focus and during a recent concert I was taking lots of photos while they were moving so that was only thing that bothered me,
But that problem was a operater error not the cameras.

This will be quick and simple. Buy it! This is the finest point and shoot camera I've ever owned. The zoom is just long enough to be extremely helpful, and is smooth and tight! I can't imagine using all the functions on this camera, but it's nice to know they're available.

The newer Pentax cameras of this type appear to lose some of the features this one has, and certainly do not maintain the look and quality feel of this one.