PENTAX X5 BUILD QUALITY
Posted 05/01/2013 - 16:29
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I had a play in LCE with an X5 as a possible purchase for my wife Trish wanting a longer zoom for wildlife when walking. She currently has a nicely made Fujitsu EXR compact which is much better than the very disappointing Pentax Optio RZ10 she had before (CCD sensor useless above base ISO).
The X5 seems a remarkably well made camera for the money BUT the appalling flickering (as you panned) electronic viewfinder put us both off. The salesman pointed out that all electronic viewfinders were poor on sub £300 bridge cameras until you got to the higher res Sony equipped ones. i think he is right and perhaps Pentax should have aimed a bit higher in this crowded market for bridge cameras. From reviews the output seems OK for such a tiny sensored camera.
The X5 seems a remarkably well made camera for the money BUT the appalling flickering (as you panned) electronic viewfinder put us both off. The salesman pointed out that all electronic viewfinders were poor on sub £300 bridge cameras until you got to the higher res Sony equipped ones. i think he is right and perhaps Pentax should have aimed a bit higher in this crowded market for bridge cameras. From reviews the output seems OK for such a tiny sensored camera.
Posted 05/01/2013 - 17:07
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Thank you. For the money most reviews give the X5 high marks. It depends what you want to compare it to. Compare it to any of the Fuji bridge cameras and it reigns above them all. You did not mention though that although it has a small sensor it is CMOS and backlit which will make a difference to the image quality.
Posted 05/01/2013 - 17:18
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The Pentax Optio RZ10 does not even have a viewfinder so surely any is better than none. As for your Fujitsu EXR without wanting to be rude, the X5 has to be better.. I have had so my Fuji cameras i now see most of them as just toys.
Posted 05/01/2013 - 17:24 - Helpful Comment
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I'm not a big fan of EVFs and when I had a Pentax X90 I ended up using the back screen.
However, these bridge cameras do have many advantages and as an all-in-one photo solution can't be beaten. Yes, there are limitations, but it depends on what sort of way we wish to use a camera.
However, these bridge cameras do have many advantages and as an all-in-one photo solution can't be beaten. Yes, there are limitations, but it depends on what sort of way we wish to use a camera.
Best regards, John
Posted 05/01/2013 - 17:41
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I fully agree with your opinion. EVF viewfinders have problems, but one is better than none. Have you seen the X5 Sir.
Posted 05/01/2013 - 17:46 - Helpful Comment
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Not seen it in the flesh, so to speak, but I did enjoy using the previous model, the X90.
Best regards, John
Posted 05/01/2013 - 18:45 - Helpful Comment
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IMO it`s great value for money. Handy to have as a point and shoot. Well constructed and the pull out screen is a revelation. IQ is as would be expected from Pentax. Colour rendition doesn`t leave you in doubt, the zoom is awesome even using a lot of digital. EVF, yup not perfect but I tend to use the rear screen.
Enjoy life
Posted 02/02/2013 - 13:26
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I had a look at it in my local Asda store along side a couple of Fuji and a Nikon cameras and felt, it felt much more rebust in build. However not sure of the performance in there comparisons.
Posted 02/02/2013 - 17:11
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I feel that out of all the current bridge cameras out there. The X5 seems to be the best all rounder. What digital camera awarded it 84% recently.
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