New Pentax Cameras at PMA: Optio T10, Optio M10, Optio W10

At PMA, Pentax filled out the rest of their Optio line with the introduction of the Optio T10, Optio W10, and Optio M10.  The three new models joined the Optio A10 and Optio E10 (announced at CES) to complete the five camera line with a new, simple naming scheme.

The thing that I like about the Pentax Optio line is its diversity.  Sure, they have the entry level camera (Optio E10), the advanced camera with a lot of manual features (Optio A10) and one in the middle (Optio M10), but the two remaining cameras are "different".  The Optio W10 is the next generation of waterproof camera from Pentax, succeeding the Optio WPi.  Then, the Optio T10 features a touch screen LCD that has a ton of fun photo editing capabilities in-camera.

Pentax Optio T10

The Optio T10 is a 6 megapixel, 3x optical zoom camera that features a 3 inch touch screen LCD.  While it's not the only touch screen on the market (the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-N1 is also a touch screen), they've included some fun features.  Besides providing a way to control the camera's modes and settings, you can do a lot of photo editing.  An included stylus allows for more detailed work when you're playing with the photo editing.  You can create "stamps" from existing images or from line drawings and then apply them to other images.  The Pentax Optio T10 seems like a camera that has a potential for a community of "camera touchers" (for lack of a better term).  I could see a website set up where T10 users post their camera-created artwork.  Another nice feature that Pentax show us at PMA was the Tracking AF.  Once the camera has locked focus on a subject, the focus point will stay on that subject even if you move the camera around.

Availability: March 2006 for $349

Pentax Optio W10

Pentax has found a lot of success with their waterproof line of cameras.  The Optio W10 is the successor to the Optio WPi (with the Optio WP before that).  The main upgrade to the W10 is a better screen with an anti-glare coating to allow easier framing in challenging LCD viewing conditions.  The look of the camera has also been updated slightly, but with the same general dimensions so the Pentax silicone skins still fit.  The camera continues with the 6 megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom.  Pentax has also included some of the new "soft" features like the Tracking AF this time around.

Availability: March 2006 for under $300

Pentax Optio M10

For lack of a better term the Optio M10 is the "Middle" of their line.  A step above the entry-level Optio E10, the M10 still takes 2 AA batteries (an "entry level feature") and the camera is expected to sell for $229.  The Optio M10 is a 6 megapixel shooter with a 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD.  It has a distinctive boxy look that has "love it or hate it" written all over it.

Availability: March 2006 for $229