Pentax Optio S 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
by Pentax

List Price: $369.99
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details

• Tiny digital camera, small enough to fit into mints tin
• 3.2 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality prints up to 11 x 14
• 3x optical plus 2x digital (6x total) zoom lens with autofocus
• Store images on 11 MB internal memory; compatible with Secure Digital/MMC cards
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port; rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery included

• Adobe Photoshop CS5 Upgrade [Old Version]
• Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 (Win/Mac) [OLD VERSION]
• AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male Cable (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters)
• AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to Mini-B Cable (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters)
• AmazonBasics IEEE 1394 4-Pin/6-Pin FireWire Cable (6 Feet/1.8 Meters)

Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Pentax Optio S 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Customer Review: Simply Amazing Macros!
Summary: 5 Stars

I like cameras that are small and light enough that it's not a hassle to carry everywhere, yet still have sufficient bells and whistles that I can take great pictures under any circumstance. Overall, very pleased with this camera.

Pros:

1. Great Macro settings - There are Macro and Super Macro settings. The regular macro setting can take good photos upto about a foot away. But the super macro can get as close as 2.5 inches and when shot at the highest resolution and best image setting, the details are amazing (note: flash unavailable in the S-Macro mode).

2. Size - I also have a Canon S200 and the Optio is much smaller and lighter in comparison. The Canon feels bulky now. I have a Pentax leather case for the Optio S and the whole thing fits inside the Canon leather case (PSC-100 - discontinued). When worn on my belt, I don't notice that it's there.

3. Manual Focus - great for low light situations where the camera sensors have difficulty getting a focus lock.

4. Audio functions - You can add sound recording (voice memo) to annotate each picture. And you can listen to the playback on the built in speaker. You can also turn on just the audio recording (lens remains retracted) so that you can use it for short voice recordings.

5. Battery meter - Finally, someone added this feature to a camera in this category!!

6. Pentax leather belt case (PTLX-40) - very snug fit, zippered main compartment and a vecro closed, accordion style, outer pocket (very nice and expandable, unlike my Canon case) for extra battery, SD cards, Altoids, etc.

7. Flexible battery cover - someone dropped my Canon S200 and the CF cover latch broke off (easily replaced but still a pain). The battery cover is attached (somewhat loosely) via an elastic polymer so that in case of an accident, the cover is less likely to break off. While some people might think this is flimsy design, I believe it will actually keep the battery/SD card cover from breaking off on impact (you may have other worries in that case anyway).

8. Long neck strap - you can hang the camera from your neck and you will hardly notice that it's there because it's so light.

9. Loaded with features - Ability to save configurations so that the camera returns to previous settings (such as zoom, flash, EV, resolution, etc.) when turned back on, ability to assign a custom function to the controller button. Ability to edit image size. Panorama stitching. 3D pictures with included 3D viewer. Instant review setting variable in 1 second increments (my S200 has only 2 or 10 second presets). User adjustable focusing area. Just too many to list that I have not had a chance to try yet.

Cons:

1. If you have large hands, even fat fingers, the controller can be difficult to use. I have a medium sized thumb and I had to practice a while to keep from accidentally rocking the 4-way controller in the wrong direction.

2. Battery life seems somewhat short but that may have been due to my taking a lot of indoor flash pictures. Definitely need a second battery (as with most other digital cameras in this category).

3. PC/AV (USB) connector port is a bit difficult to plug into because there is a rubber cover/cap that gets in the way.

4. Small size - one of its best features but handing such a small object also takes a little getting used to.

5. Focusing option is somewhat limited (spot or multi metering) compared to newer Canons. Movable focusing center is an interesting feature but not very practical to use in the field.

Update:

1.5 months later... Still very happy with the little camera. While shopping for an engagement ring, I took many super macro shots of rings on my fiance's finger and it really helped to be able to review the close-up appearances, styles and details of each ring. (FYI, every jeweler I asked said it was okay to take the photos of the jewelry we were interested in.)

The 256MB SD card can hold about 124 pictures in the best quality highest resolution mode. Battery life was similar to my Canon depending on usage, about an hour of continuous shooting (I have a second battery and a second 256MB SD card that fit inside the pouch on the camera case).

I have used the audio recorder only mode (lens stays retracted) a few times to record memos to myself and it proved to be quite useful.

I really like being able to wear the camera strap on my neck because it provides ready access during a hike and is very light (you barely feel the weight of the camera hanging from your neck).

If you can find/get the Pentax soft leather case, it's the perfect case to hold this camera, a spare battery plus a few SD cards. You can wear it on your belt or in your front jean pocket (comfortable if you have loose/baggy pants).

I still have not explored the multitude of other special features but most of those (3D stereo, panorama, special filters, etc.) are not something I would use on a regular basis. They may be useful for some creative projects later on.

Update 10/10/2003:

I used the audio memo function of the Optio S while looking for rental housing. I took pictures of the places, of rooms and neighborhoods. It was very handy to make a voice memo for each picture of the rental units to remind myself later of any special features of each place, including rent+deposit, number of rooms, pets, floor style, utilities, impressions, etc.

This is the only camera I use for all my digital imaging needs.

Description of Pentax Optio S 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

The Pentax OptioS 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.

Optics and Resolution
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.

Storage and Transfer
Images can be stored in the internal 11 MB memory or on optional Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCards (MMC). Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB storage-class connectivity, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Movie Mode
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.

More Features
The OptioS has been specially designed with audio recording capability rivaling the abilities of standalone audio recording devices. This can be exceptionally handy for recording important information in meetings. An index can be added during recording for easy playback.

• Shooting modes: program, picture mode, night scene, movie, panorama assist, 3-D image, digital filter, user
• Picture modes: landscape, flower, portrait, self-portrait, surf and snow, autumn color, sunset
• White balance control: TTL auto, preset, custom white balance
• Autofocus: 7-point AF, spot AF, and infinity landscape mode
• 1.6-inch color TFT LCD screen with histogram display

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included). It measures 3.3 by 2.0 by 0.8 inches and weighs 4.1 ounces. This package includes the OptioS digital camera, battery and battery charger, USB and AV cables, hand strap, and CD-ROM with image software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.

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