Pentax Optio S Review

Click on the Optio S to take a QuickTime VR tour

The Pentax OptioS (shown above larger than life) is smaller than the size of an average credit card and just over 3/4-inch thick. The OptioS fits neatly into an empty tin of Altoids®. It's a high-quality 3.2 effective megapixel 3X zoom digital camera with a sleek design and a tough aluminum alloy case.

The OptioS features a patented sliding lens zoom mechanism that allows the camera's 3X (35-105mm in 35mm equivalent) optical lens to fully recede into the camera housing, flush with the body frame. This novel system helps protect the lens and helps reduce the size of the OptioS by almost 60 percent compared to the PENTAX Optio330RS. A new Multi Chip Module in the circuit board and the redesigned chamber have further minimized free space in the OptioS.

Despite the size, OptioS is packed with features found only on larger digital cameras: Records up to 30 seconds of motion video at 12fps with sound, a voice recording mode for attaching 30- second memos to selected images, a 1.6-inch color LCD monitor with 100% coverage, selectable metering modes, white balance settings, exposure compensation, optical viewfinder, approximately 11MB of built-in memory, SD/MMC card compatible and includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

This little camera delivers a big punch with its variety of shooting modes, including super macro, which captures images from just under 2.4 inches away, and infinity-landscape, which is great for shooting panoramic landscapes, seven Pictures modes, 3-D, panorama assist, night scene and more.

• Ultra compact 3.3 x 2 x 0.8 inches, weighs just 3.5 ounces
• Stylish and durable aluminum alloy body
• 3x Pentax zoom lens (35-105mm in 35mm equivalent)
• 3.2-megapixel CCD imager for images up to 2048 x 1536
• Records up to 30 secs of 320 x 240 motion JPEG with audio
• 30 second voice memos can be attached to images
• Eight shooting modes selected from a virtual mode dial (Standard, Picture, Night Scene, Movie, 3-D, Panorama Assist, Digital Filters and User)
• Picture mode has seven choices (Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Self-Portrait, Surf & Snow, Autumn Color and Sunset)
• Super macro mode coverage down to 2.4 inches
• Three metering choices: multi-segment, center weighted and spot
• 28-zone, 62-city, world time with alarm clock.
• Audio-Video output for TV display
• 1.6" color TFT LCD monitor with 100% coverge
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery included
• 11 MB of internal memory plus SD/MMC card slot
• Epson PRINT Image Matching II and Exif Print compatible
• High-speed USB port

Physical Views

The Optio S and a standard CD disc.

The Optio S and the DiMAGE F300 for size comparison.

The Casio EX-Z3 and the Optio S for size comparison.

Optio S Specifications