Pentax Optio S5i Review

Click on the Optio S5i to take a QuickTime VR tour

Following in the footsteps of the popular Optio "S" series, the Optio S5i features the highest megapixel count in this ultra-compact series, with 5.0 effective megapixels and a 3X optical zoom lens. It features a stylish design in an ultra-compact, lightweight digital camera. The Pentax digital advantage doesn't stop there. Equipped with PictBridge technology, the Optio S5i can connect directly to any PictBridge compatible printer, so you may print images without the need for a PC.

Featuring Pentax's legendary smc optical zoom lens and their unique Sliding Lens system that allows the lens to retract fully inside the camera when it is powered off. The Optio S5i is sleek and compact enough to carry everywhere. With the optional acrylic waterproof housing, everywhere may well include the exciting world of underwater digital photography! For optimal results it features both Marine Picture and Marine Movie modes to correctly capture the underwater colors.

Shown above seated nicely in its charging base. This base allows users to charge the battery in-camera by placing it in the cradle, or they can take the battery out and let it charge while using an optional second battery pack.

A Quick button function allows the user to designate one mode from a choice of 10 to act as a shortcut button to a selected function. By default, the Quick button is set for Green mode, which leaves all settings to the camera with the exception of zooming. Additional modes accessible via the Quick button include: Green mode, USER mode, Movie mode, Mode Palette, White balance, Mode memory, Resizing, Trimming, Image/voice copy, and Format.

Despite its size, the Optio S5i is packed with features found only on larger digital cameras: Records motion video at 15fps with sound up to the capacity of the memory card, a voice recording mode that also allows for attaching 30-second memos to selected images, a 1.8-inch color LCD monitor with 100% coverage, selectable metering modes, white balance settings, exposure compensation, optical viewfinder, approximately 10MB of built-in memory expandable with any size SD card, audio-video output for display on TV sets and USB connectivity with your computer.

Optio S5i Features:

• Ultra compact 3.3 x 2 x 0.8 inches, weighs just 3.7 ounces
• Stylish and durable aluminum alloy body
• 3x Pentax zoom lens (35-105mm in 35mm equivalent)
• 5.0-megapixel CCD imager for images up to 2560 x 1920
• Records 320 x 240 motion JPEG with audio at 15fps, length limited to media capacity
• 30 second voice memos can be attached to images
• Shooting modes selected from a virtual mode dial
• 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.
• Time-lapse movie mode
• Audio-Video output for TV display
• 1.8" color TFT LCD monitor with 100% coverage
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery included
• 10 MB of internal memory plus SD card slot
• PictBridge, Epson PRINT Image Matching II and Exif Print compatible
• USB Mass Storage compliant

Physical Views

The Optio S5i compared in size to a standard CD.

Compared to the Optio 750Z and the Casio EX-Z50

Optio S5i Specifications