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

Pentax Optio S4 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Manufacturer: Pentax
Product Type: Photography

Editorial Review:
Product Description
Sporting the tiny dimensions and light weight of its predecessor, the Optio S4 boasts a hefty 4.23 effective megapixels, a 3X zoom lens, and a variety of features including a large, easy-to-use manual control playback button.The Optio S4 features an innovative Sliding Lens system that allows the camera's powerful 3X zoom lens to move up and away so the retracted lens is completely flush with the camera body. This novel system protects the lens and helps reduce the size. Despite the size, the Optio S4 boasts all the features found on other Optio digital cameras: a movie mode with sound playback, a voice recording memo for attaching 30 second memos to select images, a well-placed 1.6 monitor, and approximately 11MB of built-in memory. All these features and more are made even more accessible through a larger, well-placed manual control playback button on the Optio S4.
Amazon.com Product Description
Raising the stakes from its predecessor--the groundbreaking Optio S--the Pentax Optio S4 adds more megapixel resolution without adding any size to the camera's sleekly designed, tough aluminum-alloy body. It features a unique 3x zoom sliding lens system body that allows the lens to move up, away, and lie fully flush within the camera frame to protect the lens and allow for the camera's tiny dimensions.

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

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 1.1, 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.

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.

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

Average customer rating:

Great camera - but serious picture delays
The Smallest Line of Real Digital Cameras
2 years experience now
Small form factor, decent pictures
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this camera

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

Manufacturer: Pentax
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

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Accessories:

Targus Digital Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery for Pentax DL18 800mAh
SimpleTech 256 MB Secure Digital Card (STI-SD/256)
Ceiva Digital Photo Receiver
Viking 128 MB Secure Digital Card (SD128M)
Samsonite Worldproof 1.4 Digital Camera Bag -Blue/Black

Product Features:

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

ASIN: B0000C4E4S

Amazon.com Product Description

Raising the stakes from its predecessor--the groundbreaking Optio S--the Pentax Optio S4 adds more megapixel resolution without adding any size to the camera's sleekly designed, tough aluminum-alloy body. It features a unique 3x zoom sliding lens system body that allows the lens to move up, away, and lie fully flush within the camera frame to protect the lens and allow for the camera's tiny dimensions.

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.

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.

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).

Product Description

Sporting the tiny dimensions and light weight of its predecessor, the Optio S4 boasts a hefty 4.23 effective megapixels, a 3X zoom lens, and a variety of features including a large, easy-to-use manual control playback button.The Optio S4 features an innovative Sliding Lens system that allows the camera's powerful 3X zoom lens to move up and away so the retracted lens is completely flush with the camera body. This novel system protects the lens and helps reduce the size. Despite the size, the Optio S4 boasts all the features found on other Optio digital cameras: a movie mode with sound playback, a voice recording memo for attaching 30 second memos to select images, a well-placed 1.6 monitor, and approximately 11MB of built-in memory. All these features and more are made even more accessible through a larger, well-placed manual control playback button on the Optio S4.

Customer Reviews:

Great camera - but serious picture delays.......2006-12-26

As an owner of an older model, I had been very pleased with the camera, particularly its small size (and perfect fit in a mint tin). However, with the S4 I was very disappointed with the shot to shot time. Especially for flash pictures, the picture button must be held down for a full 4 to 5 seconds to take a picture. Reviewing pictures is also slow - there is a 3 to 4 second pause between each picture when reviewing them on the camera. After using it for a year and being very pleased with all other features of the camera, this drawback alone has gotten annoying enough to want to get a different brand. According to the Optio, the delay is a result of slower processing speed within the camera. So if I was buying again, I would go with a different model of Optio with a better processing time, or check out a different brand.

The Smallest Line of Real Digital Cameras.......2006-08-02

I had the very first Optio S, and I could not find many things about it to improve upon, except for the battery door hinge, less barrel distortion, and more megapixels. Well, the next generation Optio's have 4, 5, and 6 megapixels, so take your pick. The biggest selling point for me has always been the size. These cameras fill niches that a bigger camera frequently cannot. It is ideally suited for street photography, travel, candids, and snapshots.

The Optio S line is tiny and inconspicuous. Your subjects won't often realize that you have a camera in hand. The Optio S4 fits inside an Altoids tin just like the first model, and it should always be that way. I would like for them to make an even smaller camera. An average-sized hand can conceal it quite nicely. I love the picture quality, even though there is barrel distortion and vignetting, but the kind of photography that I pursue often benefits from it. If I want to do architecturals and mural-sized landscapes, my medium-format camera or 4x5 view camera is what I use. Like I said, the Optio S fills a certain photographic niche, just as a large-format technical camera would for architectural photography. And like all cameras, this one won't make you a better photographer; that takes STUDY and PRACTICE.

If there was any other camera that came before the Optio S; that comes closest to it in terms of character, rendering style and other intangibles, I would say it was the Pentax K-1000. If you know anything about the K-1000's cult-like following, you would know what I mean. It's like the K-1000 was reborn as the Optio S. The Optio S is the digital K-1000.

2 years experience now.......2006-02-09

So I figure I might as well give my thoughts on it. I don't have much to compare it too, but I really appreciate this camera, and I continue to feel, looking back, that this was a great buy.

Firstly, I used to play with the white balance, and could never get it right, but my wife discovered the easy mode on the camera, and ever since, I've had only great color. I have no complaints at all about color, resolution, etc. I find the quality much better than film cameras, and that's all I needed.

At first, the battery life was great, but after about a year and a half, it started to go. By now, I get like 60 pictures on a battery.

The one thing that annoys me is the occasional lag between when I press the button and when the camera snaps the picture. I think this is normal of digital cameras, but I can't help being annoyed by it. Fortunately, it's not too bad, and doesn't happen all the time.

Of course, size is great. I got a leather case for it, and stick it in my pocket.

The camera seems to work like new. I had no problems with it at all, which is of course nice.

All in all, very happy with it.

Bruce

Small form factor, decent pictures.......2005-12-04

I bought this camera because I was looking to replace my small, point-and-shoot film camera.

The Optio has been a great replacement, giving decent image quality in a very small form factor.

The interface is solid and relatively easy to use. My only complaint is that the power button and the shutter release seem to be switched around -- the power button is often pressed by people that have never used the camera when they mean to take a picture.

Overall, I am very happy with this camera.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this camera.......2005-04-04

I've had this little gem for a year now and use it daily. The size of the camera and the quality of the pictures makes it the best investment I've ever made in a camera. I have tried other larger, more technical digitals in the past few months, thinking I would like to upgrade my little Optio, but always come back to my faithful little friend. It goes everywhere I go, weddings, outdoor shots, even my son's rollerblade competitions and I've never been disappointed. It's so easy to use, I've had no problem with the battery life as long as I keep my eye on the LCD and it shows me when it's getting low on energy. It doesn't take that long to recharge...just a matter of my knowing when.
The only thing I wish it had was more optical zoom.

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