Pentax Optio RS1500 review

Budget point-and-shoot model with changeable covers

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.

Optio rs1500: front facing grey


As far as budget compacts go, the RS1500 is a fun and capable performer, and at £70 something of a bargain too. True, it can't be said to produce stunningly detailed images, and the effects of its processing make themselves known, but its by no means the worst performer of its kind and any issues it does have are entirely expected for a camera of its class.

We liked

Simple to use and decent image quality, with the further addition of its changeable covers the RS1500 proves it's as capable a performer as it is fun to use.

We disliked

The camera's focusing system isn't always the fastest, while the poor viewing angle of the LCD screen means it isn't always that easy to see.

Verdict

Even for those not convinced by the Optio RS1500's headline novelty feature, the 3in LCD screen and use of lithium-ion batteries make it a welcome addition to a competitive market. It's an ideal point-and-shoot model for beginners.

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