Pentax Optio E40 8.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

This is a really nice little camera. It is pretty inexpensive, fits in your pocket/purse, is lightweight, & takes 2 AA batteries. It is really simple 2 use. With 8.1 megapixels, it takes nice photos. It comes with a small zip case 2 protect it while it is in your pocket. It will also take a 2G SD card (which I understand some cameras will not).

This camera is great, I have always used pentax so when I wanted 2 upgrade from my 2MP 2 8MP, I started looking 4 the best over all deal. This camera has the "green" feature & makes it nice not 2 have 2 select 4 things before you shoot, & the results are awesome! The SD card has come down in price significantly so you can afford 2 have 2gig or 4 gig of space which is very nice when you have the large file sizes 4 the best Pics.
The large screen is also excellent. Their are only two draw backs 4 this camera, like ALL cameras battery consumption will hurt you so invest in Re-chargables. The other is no view finder, not a big deal 2 me but if the Sun is behind you, you may have a hard time seeing what's on the screen. Overall, you can't beat the quality at this price.

Bought this camera (my first digital)about 4 weeks ago. A true learning experience since I didn't know the first thing about digital cameras & they are totally different from older type cameras. At first I was very confused but was able 2 figure it out by following manual & simple instruction book that was included. Manual is NOT included & must be downloaded. Yipes, 169 pages so it would cost a bundle 2 print it out. Bad feature. I just copied basic stuff. Only bad feature on the camera is that there is not a viewfinder. First time I used it was in bright sunshine & so could not make out a thing on the lcd screen. Took chances on a lot of pictures. Shade pictures were o.k. I will buy the tack on shade asap. After I learned 2 edit, hit certain buttons, etc. this camera is a wonderful bargain. Some of the close up shots I took at Kanapaha gardens in Gainesville were professional photography class (o.k. my opinion). There seems 2 be limitless things you can do 2 make your picture perfect. Although I still have alot 2 learn, I am really enjoying it & again, think I've found a terrific bargain.

Works well, is a bit complicated 2 operate however...and I really miss an optical viewfinder; the LCD screen is difficult 2 use in bright/sun light.

I have owned Pentax cameras 4 years; all my pentax takes very good pictures. When digital cameras was introduced I considered pentax first. Pentax Optio E40 is a very good camera; takes excellent pictures at close range; the image is clear; the video quality is excellent at close range; the audio quality is super; you can record audio at any time instantly; you can even record music or TV show directly from TV monitor without cable or plug-ins; the audio volume is loud enough without the use of speakers. the pictures comes out very clear. This camera has unbelievable amount of features; the features are easy 2 access; the buttons are very easy 2 operate; No unnecessary menu reading; its instant buttons 4 quick operations. I couldn't explore all of the features due 2 time constraint.

The bottom line is: For beginners or 4 those that dosn't need special applications, this camera is one of the best in the market; 4 the price, it is a steal compared 2 other cameras of the same category. Finally, the draw back(negetive)for this camera is inability 2 take clear pictures in AUTO MODE at long range; if the distance is more than 40ft, at AUTO MODE, the pictures & videos are not good; you have 2 use the special buttons & settings 2 get better picture. I think that every good camera, at AUTO MODE, should be able 2 zoom in & take exellent pictures without special menus. Dont forget 2 purchase SD card 2 be able 2 take enough pictures & videos; also, a rechargable battery pack is a plus; get one if you want 2 save money on batteries.

The affordable, easy-to-use Optio E40 offers 8.1 megapixels, a 3x optical lens, Face Recognition technology & Digital Shake Reduction functions 4 high-resolution photography. Even novice digital photographers will enjoy the slim, lightweight body & the simple mode selection dial. With a high-resolution 2.4-inch LCD, travel-compatible AA battery power, high-quality AVI Movie capture, the Optio E40 is the perfect digital choice 4 newcomers.