The Auto Picture Mode automatically selects one of five picture modes: landscape, close-up, action, portrait, or standard program. The latter setting is based on your subjects' distance, lens focal length, and movement; the ZX-L then tells you the camera's decision via the illuminated mode dial. This eliminates the need for you to flip through different modes yourself when photos are quickly needed.

You can tackle any lighting situation with the built-in flash (with red-eye reduction) and Pentax's sophisticated six-segment multi-pattern light metering system which calculates the optimum exposure, so that even the most difficult high/low-contrast lighting situations are no problem.

The predictive autofocus function automatically detects your subject's motion and anticipates the correct positioning at the time of shutter release, resulting in perfectly focused pictures even when the subject is moving toward or away from the camera.

You can also create artistic shots by combing exposures onto a single frame. When taking three or more exposure onthe same frame, simply press the multiple exposure button after each exposure to create your image. This camera also features quartz dating, panorama mode, and a remote control.