Pentax's Optio T10, W10, and M10 six megapixel shooters unleashed

Pentax just announced three new compact digicams they'll turn out at the Photo Marketing Association trade show in a couple of weeks. The 0.77-inch thin, 6 megapixel Optio T10 (pictured) has a run-o-the-mill 3x zoom but is one of just a few compact shooters to offer-up a touch-sensitive 3-inch LCD -- the current max in this class. The W10 is an update to Pentax's underwater camera lineup featuring 6 megapixels, a reflection-free LCD, and stamped with JIS Class 8 waterproof and Class 5 dustproof ratings. Rounding out their PMA roster is the new M10 offering such middling features as 6 megapixels, a 2.5-inch LCD, and 3x optical zoom. All three offer SD expansion and should drop next month -- the T10 for $350, the W10 for "under $300" and the M10 for a cool $230. More pics after the break.

W10

M10

[Marcos @ Feb 15th 2006 5:30PM]

Is this Optio T10 smaller than the Optio S? I feel like it's time to trade up my Optio S but I can't find anything decent in the market that's the same or smaller than the fit-in-an-Altoids-can Optio S (I want smaller!).

[Zach @ Feb 15th 2006 6:00PM]

The T10 is pretty large by S class standards. All the details are on the pentax site, but I'll save you the trouble and tell you the T10 is 112,100 cubed-mm, while the S6 is a mere 88,236. I had an S4i for a while, but the picture quality was too much of a compromise. I've got a Sony T7 right now (82,800 mm), which is a bit better, but still not great.

[Francesco @ Feb 15th 2006 6:01PM]

What does class 8 waterproof imply?

[MDB @ Feb 15th 2006 6:22PM]

Answer to number 3:

http://www.opticsplanet.net/water-proof.html

[dave @ Feb 15th 2006 6:26PM]

I think class 8 is underwater to 10ft for 30min at a time. I've had mine WPi for 6 month now and it performs to the bar for under water shots. Definitely glad to see Pentax coming this rare but functional line in the mass of so-so point and shoots.

[Mike @ Feb 15th 2006 7:25PM]

Well, wouldn't you know it, a month after I get my Pentax WPi (which has been great!), they spring a new model. Shouldn't be surprised though, seems like digicams are like iPods...

[steven @ Feb 15th 2006 7:58PM]

And if a new model doesn't come out, the price most assuredly drops. They get you one way or another.

[Seth @ Feb 15th 2006 8:19PM]

Engadget comments are great. Had the exact same thoughts as Marcos (#1). Bam, Engadget readers have the answers with detailed support.

More and more the reason I follow blogs is because the readers are knowledgable and save me time searching around the web for my answers.

[Ricardo Gomez @ Feb 16th 2006 10:21AM]

Hello,
If T10 isn't smaller than S6, so what is the smaller commercial camera at this moment?
Thanks.

[jmfangio @ Feb 16th 2006 10:49AM]

I love how 6 MP is somehow considered "inadequate."

This whole megapixel race is such BS.

Just because a camera has 8MP doesnt meant that it will automatically take better photos than one with 6. There are other factors involved. In addition, it beigns to approach overkill. For most people who dont print above 8X10, 6MP is beyond enough for excellent resolution.

[Sam @ Feb 17th 2006 1:07AM]

For those of you looking for an alternative to the Optio S line you might want to look at the Canon SD series. After my S4 broke (after 11000 pictures)I bought a SD200 because it is cheap. I think it takes better pictures and the movie mode is much better. The problem is that I like the controls on the S4 much better.

[Dave Pevsner @ Nov 7th 2006 9:51AM]

people who bitch about mexapixels should shut up. i've done 8 and a half by 11 inch prints with a dinky little VGA camera, no pixelation, no grain, no artifacting. my phone has a 1.3 megapixel camera, I lower the resolution to 800x600, more important factors are shutter speed, stable image and low color artifacting(and my phone has next to no color artifacts on regular light and most low light shots, which is good).

that W10 is lookin' good. I'm asking for a waterproof point and shoot for the holidays, was looking at the stylus 720, but SD beats xD and a sub-300 price tag beats $375.

so let me know when the W10's available retail.