Pentax Optio S 3.2MP is so small it can fit into an empty mints tin. Smaller than the size of an average credit or business card and just over .75 inches thick, the OptioS boasts a high-quality 3.2-megapixel resolution and a 3x optical zoom lens in a sleekly designed, tough aluminum-alloy body. A new “sliding lens” system allows this lens to move up, away, and lie fully flush with the camera frame to protect the lens and allow for the camera’s tiny dimensions.
Featuring a 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor, the OptioS delivers images up to 2,048 x 1,536 pixels and prints up to 11 by 14 inches. The zooming capacity of the lenses is augmented with 2x digital zooming, which offers smooth operation and realizes a combined zooming power of 6x zoom. It features a focal range of 5.8-17.4mm (35-105mm equivalent in 35mm photography) and maximum aperture of f2.6-f4.8.
In addition to taking still photos, the OptioS can also record movie clips of up to 30 seconds with audio at 12 frames per second. The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won’t replace your camcorder, but it’s perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.
Helpful consumer’s review
I am not an expert by any means but I love this camera. I have put away my old BULKY digital for this LITTLE pentax that I keep in its new case (an Altoids tin! – yes it really is a good case!).
I narrowed my choices down to the Optio S, the Casio Elixm E3 and the Canon ES400. I thought the Canon was a great camera that took great pictures but was a bit bulky and [costs] more. Just couldn’t see spending that since I would not be printing out 8×10’s that often (the 4 megapixel camera is better for these large pictures apparently, although the 3.2 should do just fine for the average person like me. I’m sure a photographer will notice the difference but I probably will not). The Casio was a good camera also but I didn’t go with it because it uses a PENTAX lens and was a tiny bit bigger. So, why buy the Casio with a Pentax lens when I could buy the Pentax with the Pentax lens.
What I don’t like:
1. The biggest complaint I have is that you have to take the battery out to charge it. Plugging the adapter into the camera would have been a better choice.
2. The buttons for scroll through the menu are sooooo small…but a sacrafice I am willing to live with for the size of this camera.
3. The LCD screen could have been a bit bigger. The Casio has a great 2″ LCD and it is a considerable difference. Again, willing to sacrafice for a good lens.
4. Movie mode is a pain to get to. You have to go through the menu to get there.
5. Software – it’s horrible. Don’t even install it. There are other products out on the market so go get one of those.
Things I like:
1. Obviously the size.
2. Picture quality has been great.
3. Taking pictures at night or even in “total” darkness is very good. Compared to my old digital this is a great feature.
4. Lots of features that help even people like me take good pictures.
5. SD slot – This was another selling point over the Canon as I have a computer with a built in SD reader and the Canon took a CF card.
6. Battery life has been incredible. I took over 150 pictures before I needed to recharge the battery and had this little guy on for almost 4 hours straight!
7. WOW factor – being a gadgeteer I always love it when peopl say “Wow, what is that!”
I have owned this camera for 3 weeks now and while I have listed some shortcomings they are by no means any reason NOT to buy this camera. I am just pointing out these things because you should have as much info as you can when making your purchasing decision.
