Pentax Optio 60 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

We pre-ordered this camera years ago before it even hit stores. The camera has its ups and downs. Here's the short of it:

Pros: If it's a bright and sunny day outside this camera is capable of some excellent photos. We've taken some bright, sharp, and beautiful photos of plants and landscapes with the Optio 60. I have taken some incredible close-up shots of flowers and other plants with the Optio 60.

Cons: If you're indoors, in low light, or taking photos of fast moving objects this camera leaves much to be desired. The battery life is terrible! We suggest you use only rechargeables with this camera as otherwise you'll be wasting your money. Not even lithiums will last long in this camera. It turns out that many of the Optio 60s had a short in the circuit board. The cost of repairing this short is more expensive than the value of the camera. This camera would be perfect connected to an AC power source and mounted on a tripod.

In the end get the Optio 60 if you can find it for $65 or less. Get it if you want something to use for photos of slow moving objects in bright light. We replaced this camera with the Optio M20. The Optio M20 is honestly 100 times better in every way shape and form.

This camera worked great for me. However, the price of $414.00 is two hundred dollars over the price I paid for it two years ago. It took great pictures and it was easy to use. The only reason I upgraded is because I wanted the option of close cropping pictures and printing them. I only found out after I needed to print wedding photos of my step daughter that it wasn't capable of this. I love the portability and the slim stylish shape. However keep it in a camera bag so you don't scratch the viewer.

I actually like this camera most of the time.. but there are a few flaws. One is the flash.. almost all of the pictures are over flashed.. not good. I have tried to hold my finger over the flash, but that does not work well...

The other problem is the focus... if you are a point and click person, you will be disappointed as it takes a bit of time to focus. I have lost some good shots because of snapping the picture before it is focused..

But, the quality of the pictures are mostly good..

I was instantly attracted by this camera: nice size, look and what the heck 160 dollars for a 6 million pixel camera! Like most I read reviews on it and realised that most weren't happy with it at all, but I bought it anyways. And guess what? I have very few regrets about my choice. There are a lot a different ''tools'': turn of flash, change the quality of the picture, video... only problem: the pace ! You can't be in a hurry to take a picture or get your ''kodak moment'' because you're gonna have to wait about 10 seconds after you turn it on to be able to use it and 5 seconds between each shot.
Bottom line: good for small events or parties but don't take this to a wedding: you're gonna miss every opportunity to take a picture because you'll be waiting for the darn thing to turn on

I had read many (and I mean many) reviews regarding this camera. About half were reviews saying this camera was worthless, but the other half gave great solutions to some of the problems users were having. I am not a novice but not an expert either when it comes to cameras. I needed a camera that is simple to use with some extra features that was also affordable. This camera is the one! If you don't know some of the little quirks about the camera, you may think it is a piece of junk. For example, in order for your pictures to come out clear, it is best to have the focus set on infinity (always); otherwise the pictures may come out blurred. When taking pictures at night or in dim lighting, you will need to adjust the setting for nighttime. Also, the white balance needs to be adjusted with each different set of pictures taken. Without rechargeable batteries, it will cost you a fortune to keep batteries for the camera. When using regular batteries, you may be able to take about 7-10 pictures before the batteries die. I have found in the high speed continuous mode that pictures taken outside or in bright lighting works best. All in all this is a hot camera takes greats pictures, and it has a lot of wonderful features that you will not find in a lower priced camera. If you invest in 2500 rechargeable batteries and a memory card and you will love what this camera can do!