Pentax Optio V20 compact camera

The Optio V20 features an effective 5x optical zoom

The V20 offers face detection technology, including a Smile Capture mode. However, none of these impressed us

We were impressed with the panorama mode, which stitches up to three images together

But even, then, we weren’t convinced about the usefulness of this system, because even when our subjects had their eyes shut tight, the Optio V20 still didn’t issue a warning. A Godsend or a gimmick? We’re inclined to think the latter.

But we don’t want you to run away with the idea that the Optio V20 is a bad camera, because it’s not. You’re getting a fair spec for your money and some useful features. You’re also getting a camera that is compact, reasonably handsome and which performs pretty well under a variety of conditions.

Verdict

It’s not brash and it won’t confuse you with overly complex menus and countless bells and whistles, and that’s not a bad thing. We’re not convinced that the enhancements to standard Face Detection technology deliver the goods, but you at this price point, it’s still well worth a close look.