Pentax Optio RS1500 Review

By Howard Creech , DigitalCameraReview Staff | | 19377 Reads

Reviewer Rating:

Pros

HD movie mode
Stylish, customizable
Compact and portable

Cons

Some overexposure
No "one touch" video button
Noise at mid to high ISO

Quick Take:

An otherwise unremarkable camera, the RS1500 offers interchangeable faceplates without the hassle of the previous generation RS1000.

The new Pentax Optio RS1500 (which replaces the RS1000) is the latest addition to the Pentax compact point-and-shoot catalog. It's an easily pocketable ultra-compact digicam available in either pearl white or silver.

The RS1500 is actually rather plain and somewhat underwhelming in its naked state, but add one of the included skins, and the camera magically assumes an alternate identity - like Clark Kent ducking into a phone booth to emerge moments later as Superman.

Despite the limitations of a small lens and sensor, Pentax Optio digicams like the RS1500 often have the potential to hold their own against entry-level DSLRs and certainly take the prize for portability. Does the master-of-disguises RS1500 deliver solid picture-taking power with that shape-shifting façade? Read on and find out.

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Pentax Optio RS1500 Review

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