Pentax Optio RS1500 review

Budget point-and-shoot model with changeable covers

Reviews
By published
The Pentax Optio RS1500
Changeable covers are a fun gimmick, but is the camera beneath worth making a show of?

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

These graphs were produced using data generated by DXO Analyzer.

We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images are analysed using the DXO software.

Signal to noise ratio

A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.

Pentax optio rs1500 snr

Pentax Optio RS1500 SNR

JPEG images from the Pentax Optio RS1500 are on a par with the Fujifilm FinePix Z90 up to a sensitivity of ISO 400. The signal to noise ratio increases from ISO 1600 showing less noise than the comparison cameras, unfortunately the images lack detail.

Pentax optio rs1500 dynamic range

Pentax Optio RS1500 dynamic range

This chart indicates that the Pentax Optio RS1500's JPEGs dynamic range compares well with the Nikon Coolpix S3100 and the Samsung PL210.

Matt Golowcyznski
Latest in Compact Cameras
Fujfilm GFX 50R
First Fujifilm GFX100RF images leaked in build-up to expected reveal – here’s what they tell us about the unique premium compact camera
Canon PowerShot V1 in user's hands, oudoors with a snowy Japan backdrop
I review cameras for a living, and the new Canon PowerShot V1 could be this year’s vlogging star – here’s why
Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III
Canon’s rumored PowerShot V1 point-and-shoot could hit the sensor sweet spot – and be first of two new PowerShots for 2025
Flashback ONE35 redisposable digital camera on a wooden surface
I tested the Flashback ONE35 "re-disposable" camera, and it's a novel idea let down by a shoddy app
Canon compact cameras tipped for a big return with rumored Powershot V1 – and I think that's Canon's most exciting play for 2025
Panasonic Lumix TZ99 point and shoot camera on a bright green / cyan background
The point-and-shoot is back: Panasonic launches new Lumix out of the blue, with iPhone-trouncing 30x optical zoom
Latest in Reviews
Alienware 27 AW2725Q monitor on desk displaying a scene from Cyberpunk 2077
I played games with Alienware's new 27-inch 4K OLED monitor and now I don't want to see another LCD panel
MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip on a creative's desk with screen open
I've reviewed the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) - and it remains the best 15-inch laptop I'd recommend for most people
Samsung Music Frame on a table beside some books and a vase
I spent six weeks listening to the Samsung Music Frame and it kept missing the beat
GlocalMe KeyTracker
When I tested this global tracker, it trounced the Apple AirTag in so many ways
Groov-e Boston DAB radio on a wooden table
I tested this affordable DAB radio and, sadly, its tinny output made me think of every car garage I've ever been to
An AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on its retail packaging
I've reviewed three generations of 3D V-cache processors, and the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the best there is
Google Gemini Flash 2.0 Images

I tried Gemini's new AI image generation tool - here are 5 ways to get the best art from Google's Flash 2.0
Eurocom Raptor X18

At $15,000, this massive 256GB RAM laptop makes Apple's MacBook Pro look affordable, tiny and very, very slow
Dell Pro 75 Plus monitor pictured against a white background.

Dell just launched a $4,000 75-inch 4K touchscreen display - but I've found one rival that's 50% cheaper
See more latest
Most Popular
The Apple Watch SE using the Slate Milanese Loop band
I tested the stylish Apple Milanese Loop watch band – here's my verdict on whether it's worth that hefty price tag
The Anker 313 Charger Stand is angled slightly to the right. It's sitting on a cement block against a pink background.
I tested Anker’s cheapest wireless charging stand, and I can’t argue with the value, even if it’s not fast with today’s phones
Alienware 27 AW2725Q monitor on desk displaying a scene from Cyberpunk 2077
I played games with Alienware's new 27-inch 4K OLED monitor and now I don't want to see another LCD panel
Groov-e Boston DAB radio on a wooden table
I tested this affordable DAB radio and, sadly, its tinny output made me think of every car garage I've ever been to
MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip on a creative's desk with screen open
I've reviewed the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) - and it remains the best 15-inch laptop I'd recommend for most people
The Amazfit Helio smart ring pictured on a concrete surface.
Amazfit Helio Ring review: a cheaper Oura alternative if sleep is your top priority
Privacy Hero II
I tested this secure router and the bundled year of VPN service feels mostly like a marketing exercise
Samsung Music Frame on a table beside some books and a vase
I spent six weeks listening to the Samsung Music Frame and it kept missing the beat
GlocalMe KeyTracker
When I tested this global tracker, it trounced the Apple AirTag in so many ways
The Honor Pad V9 on a bronze table.
The Honor Pad V9 is the mid-range, Android-powered iPad rival you've been looking for