Pentax Optio S4 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
by Pentax

List Price: $419.99
Our Price: $45.00
You Save: $374.99 (89%)
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details

• 4.0 MegaPixel CCD
• Ultra lightweight aluminum alloy body weighs only 3.5 oz
• Movie mode records 60 seconds of footage as an AVI file with sound
• LCD monitor bright enough for use in direct sunlight
• 11MB internal memory

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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Pentax Optio S4 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Customer Review: the perfectly balanced digital camera
Summary: 5 Stars

Con:
-The metal body scratches easily. I've had it for about four hours, and there's already a small scratch, but any small scratches are not a problem if you are not less than half an inch from the body of camera.
-There are discrepencies in the manual, specifically with the various photo "modes" available. Several of them are not even listed or explained at all.
-There are only four fixed resolutions you can take pictures in
-The four-way dial is way too small for most hands
-The LCD screen is almost totally black in very low light conditions
-NO (Secure Digital) FLASH MEDIA STORAGE CARD INCLUDED (prepare to shell out anywhere between $25 to $200 additional for storage -- about 40 pics with a 128 mb card at the higest resolution)
-The AC adapter for the camera itself is "optional" (either buy another battery or keep your battery charger handy)
-the battery life also is not very good, and it seems it needs more charging time than its use time
-NEED A CASE if planning on TRAVELING with the camera.

CONCLUSION:
If you're looking for the digital camera that has everything, go for a 5 megapixel one (e.g. Canon S50) which is larger in size but has everything a semi-professional photographer would want. But if you're a gadget freak, this will impress the @#$% out of your buddies. But, not just aesthically, this camera was extremely easy to use and doesn't involve any sort of a lengthy learning curve, even for complete newbies to digital cameras, like me. Even with the con's, I still love this camera!

Description of Pentax Optio S4 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Optics and Resolution
With the high-level imaging power of 4.0 effective megapixels (2304 x 1728 pixels), the Optio S4 captures everything from macro shots to distant scenery with exceptional sharpness and accuracy. Other resolution modes include 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768, and 640 x 480.

Equivalent to a 35?105mm lens in 35mm format, the 3x optical zoom allows a full range of shooting from expansive scenery to telephoto shots. All elements are crafted entirely from glass and two of the lenses are aspherical on each side. Combined with 4x digital zoom, the Optio S4 offers 12x combined zoom capability.

Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the Optio S4 can also record movie clips of up to 60 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.

The time-lapse movie function allows a sequential set of shots to be run as a short film. This can be used for impressive effects, such as scenes of clouds rushing across the sky, for example, and offers a selection of recording speeds--X2, X5, X10, X20, X50, and X100.

More Features
With a shutter release time lag of just 0.01 seconds, the Optio S4 allows switching from viewing to shooting with a single touch of the shutter or playback button at any time.

The built-in flash on the Optio S4 can be set to fire automatically when shooting in low-light conditions. For greater control, the camera also features flash-on, flash-off, and red-eye reduction modes, and there?s also the option of slow shutter sync when shooting in "night scene" mode.

The Optio S4 offers a choice of two kinds of autofocus. 7-point autofocus helps you achieve sharp focus even when subjects are off-center. Spot AF, on the other hand, lets you place the center of focus on one point out of a choice of 49 in the frame, marking that point in the viewfinder for easier use.

Macro mode allows shots from as close as 7.08 inches from the subject, while selection of super macro shooting allows you to compose from as close as just 2.36 inches.

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.

Other features include:

• 1.6-inch color TFT LCD screen with histogram display
• Macro mode: 7.08 inches
• 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

Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (D-L18, included). It measures 3.3 by 2.0 by 0.8 inches and weighs 4.1 ounces (with battery).

What's In The Box
This package includes the Optio S4 digital camera, battery and battery charger, USB and AV cables, hand strap, and CD-ROM with image software (the latest version of ACDSee 5.0 software designed exclusively for Pentax Optio digital cameras) and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.

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