Home > Consumer Reviews > Pentax IQ Zoom 160 35mm Camera

I have been an amateur photographer for 15 years. I usually stick with my SLR camera, but there are times when a "pocket" camera is most convenient. I've tried other brands (including Nikon) but have been disappointed with the results. The Pentax IQ Zoom 160 gives you one of the best wide angle/zoom range at a decent price. I've captured shots that would have been difficult if not impossible with other point & shoots. I've even used the camera to capture on-stage scenes at dance recitals and have been amazed at the results.

If you can afford it, the Pentax IQ 200 will give you even more zoom power. But the 160 is an amazing value. You won't be disappointed. I've recommended this camera to friends, and they've all loved it.

I took this camera to England in the fall when the sun barely shown, and to Hawaii, in perfect light for photographs, and I was amazed at how well my pictures came back. I am a professional with this camera! It is very easy to focus precisely on your subject, and the zoom is incredibly powerful in a point and shoot camera.

I have framed many of my photos as art work in my home. I have also taken many macro shots of stones, flowers, cactus, and even a glass marble with a tiny dove inside of the marble.

The camera took amazing macro photos!

This camera is good for someone who wants a reasonably good point-and-shoot for a reasonable price. The zoom offers good flexibility, the focus system is good for basic center-focus shots, but not good for other types of photo composition. It EATS batteries, but so do a lot of other cameras with similar features. The multiple frame option is good, the macro setting is good too, but otherwise its basic.

I've had this camera for several years, and almost immediately regretted not getting another Olympus. The clarity just isn't there, and the whole camera moves when you push the button to take a picture. It's just about impossible to get a clear picture without using a tripod. I also found its light sensitivity to be off - it uses the flash more often than not even when there should be enough light without it. Oh, and the red eye is terrible, even (or especially) with the red eye reduction flash. I've never been able to get the spot auto focus to use when using the zoom, either. Somehow it also got a speck of dust on the inside lens rather quickly and when I took it to a camera repair shop they told me it would cost almost as much to take it apart and clean it as it would to buy a new one.

On the positive side: It can be put on a tripod. The zoom is GREAT for a point and shoot, the size is very handy and it has a timer if you do use a tripod. For the price, it has good features, but I'd advise looking for an Olympus for more reliable pics.

It is a wonderful film camera. It always produces wonderful film pictures. I have never had any problems with this camera. I love it. I have had this camera since 1998, I bought it in Japan and I truly love it.