By guest contributor Lisa Reece
As a mother with a young family I have learnt to always have a camera on hand to capture those memorable, unexpected moments. I have a Digital SLR0 but was looking for something small and light to carry in my handbag that was relatively inexpensive.

First Impressions

The Pentax M60 looks good and is really thin, only 21mm, has a 2.5″ large LCD screen, 10mp and a 5x optical zoom and is under $300.

Features

I was surprised that this little camera is packed with so many features. The extra zoom was very useful, I was able to take some good shots of my 2yr old son while he played in the backyard and did not have to be right in his face. This eliminated the fake smile that he pulls when I try and get him to smile for a picture.

Auto picture modes were great, the camera automatically selected the best mode for the situation, changing from portrait to macro in a fraction of a second. Face detection and smile capture is a must with a 2 year old.

Smile mode captures the instant a smile is detected

How many times have we taken a movie and got the perfect shot, wishing it could be turned into a photo. Well now you can using the movie edit mode. This camera also has a built in photo recovery for when little hands (or big ones) delete images by mistake. My creative side came to life when I discovered the Pentax M60 has a whole range of editing features, from the standard cropping and redeye removal to colour extraction, (My Favourite).
Colour extraction is where the  camera will add a Black and White filter to your image, but extract either red, blue or green, so you end up having a black and white image with some parts left in colour.  A lot of fun!

Auto Modes change between portrait - macro - landscape instantly

I had a play with the panorama mode and it was so easy, no more taking a series of pictures and having to stitch them together on your computer. This is fully automatic, you take your first image, the edge of the first frame will appear semi-transparent on the side of the screen. Move the camera so the semi-transparent image and the actual view line up and overlap. Continue this for the third frame and just like magic you have the perfect panoramic view!

Colour extraction mode retained the blue colour

I can’t wait to go on  holidays again to try it out on a magnificent view.

Overall

This is a great, easy to use camera. Perfect size to take anywhere, and is packed with mountains of features if you feel like being creative.  It is quick to focus and take the photo.  I was surprised how well it coped with movement compared to the compact cameral I had a few years ago, because anyone who has kids will know they never stay still.

How do I rate it?

The M60 is great family camera but also good for those wanting to get creative with their images as they learn more.  I would rate this camera 8/10, with a Pentax M60 now living in my handbag I will be able to capture every moment of my family’s life together.

Lisa is the manager of the Eastmon Inverell store and takes some beautiful photographs of her son as she documents his growth.

Auto macro mode

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