Junk Pentax Optio E35?

[Flashman]

Hi, have a Canon 350D as my main camera, but bought a cheapy Pentax Optio E35 on Friday just gone on the strength of a couple of reviews to keep in the house, mainly for quick pics and the kids to use..

Now I know it was a cheapy - £60 to be exact, 7 megapixel sensor but it eats batteries faster than anything else I've ever known, takes 2 AA's (using Duracell) and I can only take a handful (literally) of shots before the damned thing is telling me batteries depleted and its only been turned on for about five minutes!

Secondly, it doesn't seem to focus on anything, especially things within two to three feet range - The thing hunts and hunts, focuses and then loses the focus as you take the picture.

Is this a faulty one, or am I reaping the rewards of buying a real cheapo?

Couple of mainstream Camera mags gave it reasonable reviews for what it is intended to be used for...

Any advice gratefully recieved - Going back to the shop on Tuesday.

[RobDickinson]

Normal AA's? Use high power rechargables, 2200-2700 mah.

[Flashman]

Okay, I'll try some of those - have some used in another gadget currently, but still not happy with the poor focusing issues, on reflection I'm going to take it back and spend a bit more on something more reliable.

Thanks anyway.

[liverpool20]

I have one of these Pentax Optio e35 cameras. I've lost the manual. My daughter wishes to make some vids with it, and there's a yellow lock on the screen and I dont know how to get into the menu to switch it to video.