Pentax Optio M85 review

Simple to use for first-time buyers

There is always an additional push for manufacturers to produce a widely acceptable compact camera, for use by even the most technologically unaware individuals. We see the ever-increasing amount of ‘point-and-shoot’ models for sale which attract first-time digital compact users; the Pentax Optio M85 fits into this range of camera perfectly. Its stylish appearance and 24mm wide body make it aesthetically attractive and a suitable size to take to family gatherings or parties without causing fuss or frustration. Its multitude of scene selections ensures that every possible occasion produces good-quality photographs, from low-light situations such as Fireworks to – should the occasion arise again – a Snow option. These scene modes are easily accessed on the mode wheel on the back of the camera, along with the movie function, macro, panorama, Playback mode and automatic scene detection.

The latter is an innovative piece of technology, which is able to distinguish the differences between lighting and focal distances and translate these into different scene modes; however, it is quite easily confused and causes a lot of bother where sometimes Auto mode would perfectly suffice. The 12 scene modes are an attractive feature, but chances are that unless the situations are extreme, they will not do a lot more than the Automatic mode does already. Nowadays function wheels on the back of varying camera models are becoming more and more popular, allowing easy swapping between several different modes. This is all very well when the wheel is large enough to operate easily, however the Optio M85’s wheel is too small and rather awkward to turn, making switching between selections tricky, especially for those with larger hands.

The transition between modes is extremely slow and by the time the user has changed from Playback to Camera mode, for example, the subject will have most likely passed by or moved, especially if the subject is a small child. It is not only the wheel that suffers from the smaller, sleeker body. In general the buttons are tiny even for the compact size of the camera and, while this adds to the aesthetic values of the camera, the practical function is compromised, making other options very difficult to access. The simplicity of the point- and-shoot aspect of this camera is brilliant for first-time users and users who are less technologically able; it allows operation of a compact camera in an automatic setting to become more familiar. In this way the camera is perfect for the low-end compact category in which it sits. The quality of other equivalent models are beginning to outstrip the Optio M85 though, and it is struggling to keep up with a similar range from other manufacturers.

Megapixels are often a key selling point with modern compacts; impressively, the Pentax Optio M85 boasts 12 megapixels for such a tiny frame. The full capacity of these are let down by the LCD screen; although a sizeable three inches, its quality is disappointing due to the noticeable amount of noise. First impressions of the build quality, despite boasting a ‘sturdy metal body’ is that it still feels remarkably fragile. The camera gives of a feeling of being loose and wobbly, not something very reassuring for supposedly recent technology. Perhaps the most worrying imperfection is the battery cover, which is so insecure that it slides out even with the slightest effort. Second to the unsatisfactory build quality is the lens action. When emerging and zooming there tends to be a straining, grating noise, much like the sound heard in a camera when dropped at a beach and filled with sand.

Overall, the M85 is a disappointing camera in a number of areas. Although adequate in image quality for the price point, it isn’t particularly enjoyable to use and there is nothing that really sets it apart from the rest of the budget compact category. While this serves as a passable model for absolute beginners, unfortunately it has little in the way of features that make it stand out from the rest of the compact camera market.