Pentax Presents RZ10 and RS1000 Budget Compacts

Pentax has announced two new budget compact cameras. The RZ10 is set to become one of the cheapest 10x superzooms on the market, while the RS1000 has a customisable design.

Pentax Optio RZ10

The RZ10 is a superzoom compact with one major selling point: its price tag. It has a 10x zoom lens with a 28 mm wide angle and will be available for just £179. Obviously, at this price the lens is a little on the slow side, with an aperture of f/3.2 in wide angle, dropping to f/5.9 in telephoto.

It has a 14-Megapixel sensor, records 720p HD video, has a 2.7-inch screen and looks like a clear rival for the Fuji JZ500, launched at the beginning of the year.

The RZ10 may be similar to the Fuji JZ500 in some respects, but their design couldn't be more different. The Fuji is a sleek little compact with entirely rounded edges and measures just 29 mm thick, while the Pentax has a more angular design, with a protruding grip handle and a lens that's clearly not set flush into the camera body. The zoom controls on this model are also rear-facing for use with your thumb (rather than on the front of the camera under your index finger), a feature we didn't particularly like in the I-10.

Pentax Optio RS1000

The RS1000 seems to be based on another one of Fuji's ideas: interchangeable covers or 'skins' (seen on the Z30 My Skin).

From a technical perspective the camera is bog-standard stuff, with a 28-112 mm zoom lens, f/3.2-5.9 aperture, a 14-Megapixel sensor, 720p HD video, no real stabilisation system, a 3-inch screen with just 230,000 dots ... need I go on?

However, the camera's design is customisable, as you can change the look of the front face with different coloured or patterned skins. These covers attach to the camera using the four screws you can see in each corner of its front face. It'll be supplied with three different skins to get you started. You can also print your very own skins with the design or picture of your choice using a template supplied and a see-though top-cover.

At £119, the RS1000 could have trouble competing with some of the better-spec models that are now hovering around a similar price. The Panasonic FS10, complete with optical image stabiliser, can now be picked up for around £100, for example.

Both models are due for launch in October.

> Digital Camera Reviews: Choose the Best Compact Camera



> Buyer's Guides: Our Pick of The Best Products