Pentax Optio V20 compact camera

Sweet and simple?

By George Cole • Get more from this author

16th May 2008 12:49 GMT

Pentax Optio V20

A fair spec for the price and offering a good performance. We’re not convinced by the face-detection technology, though

Suggested Price:: £165
Online Price:: from £119.00 — 1 sellers [Click for details]
More info:: The Pentax UK website

Rating

Review Chances are that many pics in your photo album are of family and friends. Little wonder then, that camera manufacturers are devoting a lot of time and energy in providing features designed to help us take even better people shots.

The Pentax Optio V20 not only offers Face Detection technology but combines it with a Smile Capture mode and a system designed to warn you when your subject blinks. Sounds impressive, but how good is it?

Pentax's Optio V20: doesn't leap out at you

In terms of design, the Optio V20 doesn’t really stand out from the crowd. That’s not to say it doesn’t look good, but it certainly doesn’t jump out at you on a shelf full of cameras. That said, it has a clean, uncluttered design and is very compact, measuring 97.5 x 56.5 x 23.5mm and weighing 145 grams with battery and memory card. Our version came in black and silver and looked pretty smart.

The front of the camera is neat and flat, save a raised a silver bar that acts as a grip. On top is a small power button, large shutter button and zoom dial. The back of the Optio V20 is dominated by a large 3in LCD screen and a Face Priority mode switch that is also used to select the Smile Capture mode. Below this are a small playback button, four way controller, menu button and Green Mode button which offers a fast way of returning to the standard settings. Underneath is a flap for the battery and SD card.