Pentax Optio 550 5MP Digital Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom
Pentax Optio 550 5MP Digital Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom
Manufacturer: Pentax
Product Type: Photography
Editorial Review:
Amazon.com Product Description
The sleek, sophisticated Pentax Optio 550 digital camera offers high-level performance and is convenient enough to make you want to carry it everywhere. The Optio 550 features 5-megapixel resolution, a 5x optical zoom lens, automatic operation (as well as a wide range of manual control), and compatibility with Secure Digital and MultiMediaCard memory cards.
Optics and Resolution
Featuring a 5-megapixel CCD sensor, the Optio 550 delivers image detail up to 2,592 x 1,944 pixels for print enlargements up to 20 by 30 inches. The exceptionally compact lens offers a high level of performance with 5x optical zoom. Zooming power can be augmented through combination with digital 4x zoom for a total of 20x zoom performance.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on either Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory cards. 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 Optio 550 is capable of recording up to 10 minutes of video at 15 frames per second, with 320 x 240 recorded pixels. The Optio 550 can also be used as an audio recorder, with up to 30 seconds of sound added to images.
More Features
With the 3-D image mode, the Optio 550 adds a totally new dimension to digital photography. Just take two shots following a simple set of guidelines to achieve shots that have a genuine sense of depth and perspective when seen through the special viewer provided
Other features include:
Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included). It measures 3.9 by 2.3 by 1.6 inches and weighs 7.2 ounces.
Average customer rating: 
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Pentax Optio 550 5MP Digital Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom
Manufacturer: Pentax ProductGroup: Photography Binding: Electronics  All Digital Cameras
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ASIN: B00008NE00 |
Amazon.com Product Description
The sleek, sophisticated Pentax Optio 550 digital camera offers high-level performance and is convenient enough to make you want to carry it everywhere. The Optio 550 features 5-megapixel resolution, a 5x optical zoom lens, automatic operation (as well as a wide range of manual control), and compatibility with Secure Digital and MultiMediaCard memory cards.
Optics and Resolution
Featuring a 5-megapixel CCD sensor, the Optio 550 delivers image detail up to 2,592 x 1,944 pixels for print enlargements up to 20 by 30 inches. The exceptionally compact lens offers a high level of performance with 5x optical zoom. Zooming power can be augmented through combination with digital 4x zoom for a total of 20x zoom performance.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on either Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory cards. 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 Optio 550 is capable of recording up to 10 minutes of video at 15 frames per second, with 320 x 240 recorded pixels. The Optio 550 can also be used as an audio recorder, with up to 30 seconds of sound added to images.
More Features
With the 3-D image mode, the Optio 550 adds a totally new dimension to digital photography. Just take two shots following a simple set of guidelines to achieve shots that have a genuine sense of depth and perspective when seen through the special viewer provided
Other features include:
Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included). It measures 3.9 by 2.3 by 1.6 inches and weighs 7.2 ounces.
Customer Reviews:
Optio 550 gets a great review.......2004-07-02
Pentax Optio 550.......2003-11-13
I was used to my Olympus Camedia which pretty much gave it up after 4 years and chose the Pentax as a replacement. Frankly, there was no comparison, with the Olympus I could shoot anything at any time with fantastic results. People were so impressed with the photos they would ask what camera I used. I thought the Pentax would have the same quality.
I had planned to return the camera to Pentax so they could check it out, but it unfortunately it went missing on my trip, leaving me only with a spent SD card.
In case your wondering why I didn't buy another Olympus is because the retractable lense made alot of noise and they use some plastic parts, which didn't set right with me as the new one would have been over $500.00. The memory card was also changed.
Maybe the bad experience with Pentax is that is was just a bad camera out of the lot, maybe the camera was just too sensitive for my use or maybe it has too many bells and whistles and gets confused in the point and shoot mode.
Excellent quality pics! Software is old though..........2003-10-12
Everything You Expected...But Since it was Given PCWorld's.......2003-09-29
I read the PC World "Editor's Choice" review and bought the camera for less than $500...and still got $50 back on the rebate. That's a net of $450. I also did a lot of other homework. Many side-by-side comparisons. I read the Consumer Reports Digital Camera issue which didn't rate this camera because it was too new.
Today you will be hard pressed to find the camera for less than $599. Although it is still worth every penny.
I am surprised at the speed with which online retailers responded to the demand. Maybe the camera is in short supply. It should be!
Pentax has developed a great product. Even if the price has gone up 25% in two weeks, you will still get a wonderful camera (others have outlined its features so I do not have to) and after your $50 rebate (Hurry)you will have many chances to share the love ;-)
Get a 256MB SD card right away. The little 16MB that comes with it is good for about 16 high quality (or 50 lower quality) stills. I took about 300 photos in two days. There was still battery power left and the color was as good as my 35mm SLR.
Just outstanding!
a decent camera PLUS 5x zoom in compact package.......2003-09-25
pros:
- 5MP resolution with good image quality.
- beats competition with a 5x optical zoom in a compact package (dimensions are 3.9 x 2.3 x 1.6 in, weighing 8.7 oz.).
- accurate color reproduction.
- low image noise at low ISO setting.
- allows a great deal of manual control.
- live histogram in shooting and play modes.
- very good macro capability.
- spot metering.
- long movie clips - up to 10 minutes each!
- convenient shooting priority play mode - a half-press of the shutter brings you back to shooting mode.
- decent night exposures with automatic noise reduction.
- no color cast when using flash.
- camera feels solidly built.
- bright, high resolution LCD monitor with anti-reflective coating.
- passive AF sensor helps with focusing.
- impressive battery life.
- price (compared to competition).
cons:
- noise noticeable at ISO 100 and above.
- some purple fringing/chromatic aberration visible.
- some lens distortion from half-zoom to telephoto.
- autofocus speed could be better.
- shot to shot times not as fast as competition.
- no slow-sync flash setting.
- RAW format not supported.
- metal body scratches easily.
- high redeye occurrence.
- vignetting visible from half-zoom and wider.
- slow startup: >5 seconds.
- fastest continuous shooting speed is only 1 fps.
- slowest shutter speed available is 3 seconds.
- cannot physically access the battery or memory card while mounted on a tripod.
- plastic tripod mount.
- 16MB SD card is inadequate - be prepared to shell out more $$ for more memory.
- the batteries supplied are proprietary so add a few bucks to your budget for a spare.
the optio 550 has a very impressive feature set, better than competition 5x zoom, and 5MP of resolution. there's not one glaring omission but there are enough minor ones that it got a 4 star rating.
i hope this helps you in your buying decision. peace.
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