Pentax Optio 33L 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Offering a 3x optical and a 2.7 digital zoom all in a camera that resembles a standard 35mm compact the first question you're likely to ask is where is the LCD display and optical viewfinder? The later has been disregarded just like latest cameras from Nikon. The monitor however, can be raised through 180 degrees and rotated horizontally through 180 degrees. This not only allows you to protect the screen from scratches as it hides it away - a very good idea - but it also allows you benefit from still being able to see the screen if you are holding the camera above a crowd at a gig or sporting event.

Powered by two standard AA batteries, the camera weighs 230g (with batteries) giving it a sturdy feel and it sits comfortable in the hand. The zoom capabilities give it 38 - 114mm equivalent to 35mm standards with a f-stop range of 2.6 - 5.0.

On the inside, the camera offers plenty to the aspiring photographer with eight picture modes (Picture scene mode, Program, Night Scene, Movie, 3D image, Auto bracket, Digital filter, and Panorama assist) plus a manual focus option. Further searching within the camera's simple to use menu system, you'll also find a live histogram option (not normally found on entry level cameras) and the ability to change shutter speed, aperture settings, white balance and flash settings on a whim.

The 33L copes admirably with greens and multiple focus points. Even on the auto focus setting, pictures were impressive, holding plenty of detail and producing low amounts of noise. The four images size options (2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480) give plenty of choice for both picture quality and memory usage. Using the digital zoom on its highest setting produced images that were affected by noise, making this the only downside to the cameras performance.

This is a great entry level camera that offers users slightly more than they might need from a camera in its category.--Jason Denwood, Amazon.co.uk