Sample photos: Pentax X70

Photo quality is very good for a megazoom camera, but don't expect dSLR quality. Noise is present from the start at ISO 50, though it doesn't get noticeable till ISO 200. However, the X70 is one of the sharper 20x or higher megazoom cameras we've tested, and detail is good at these lower ISO settings. At ISO 400, aggressive noise reduction starts to smear images causing a significant loss of detail. ISO 800 may be suitable for small prints if you're not too picky, but ISO 1,600 isn't worth using.

The X70 has a Super Macro setting letting you shoot approximately 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) from the subject. This was taken at ISO 50, which allows for the most detail and sharpness before noise reduction starts in. The camera has options for limiting the ISO range as well when it's set to Auto.

As expected from megazoom cameras--especially those with wide-angle lenses--the X70 shows some barrel distortion at its widest setting (top) and slight pincushioning at its longest position (bottom).

Purple fringing isn't an issue until the X70's lens is fully extended. At that point, though, it's pretty bad.

Pentax's sensor-shift shake reduction works well, helping out immensely when that long lens is in use. With it turned on (right), the photos aren't perfect, but they're far better than with it off (left).

Ever wanted to take a picture of the top of the Empire State Building (or any person, place, or thing for that matter) from very far away? The lens on the X70 can do that. On the left is a picture taken at the 26mm-equivalent position, on the right is a picture taken from the same location with the lens fully extended to its 624mm-equivalent length.

The X70 produces inaccurate colors, but they are pleasing. These were all taken using the camera's Natural setting, which is the only setting for the camera's Auto Picture mode. Other shooting modes open your selections to Bright and Monochrome options.