To compare noise levels under real-life conditions we shot this scene with the Pentax Optio Z10 and Olympus Stylus 790 SW within
a few moments of each other using each of their ISO settings in Auto modes.
The lenses on each camera were adjusted to deliver the same field of view.
The image left was taken with the Pentax Optio Z10 at 8 mm f7.2 and with a sensitivity of 64 ISO; the original JPEG measured 2.78 MB. The crops are taken from an area just below and to the left of the centre and presented here at 100%.
The Pentax Optio Z10 unsurprisingly delivers its best results at 64 and 100 ISO, although look closely and you'll see a sprinkling of noise and processing textures even at the lowest sensitivities. Like many compacts these days, noise and processing levels increase at 200 ISO, become more obvious at 400 ISO and start to seriously impact image quality at 800 ISO and above.
So no surprises there, but on the positive side, the Pentax Z10 at least isn't suffering from the considerable softness of the Olympus Stylus 790 SW in these tests. Compare the crops below and the Z10 is clearly delivering the preferable result, although it's important to also compare what other 8 megapixel compacts can deliver with the same subject matter - for example, check out our Canon Ixus 860 IS / SD870 noise results page which also includes samples from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33 - both are 8 megapixel compacts.
Now for more real-life examples across its sensitivity range, check out our Pentax Z10 sample images page.
