Pentax Optio S60 6MP Digital Camera

Pentax Optio S60 6MP Digital Camera

Pentax Optio S60 6MP Digital Camera
Manufacturer: Pentax
Product Type: Photography

Editorial Review:
Product Description
Looking for digital that is easy to use and hard to put down? Discover the Optio S60 with 6.0 megapixels, a 3X zoom and a giant 2.5 inch monitor. Add a handy Help function that displays explanations of shooting and playback functions, and you can leave the instruction manual at home.

Pentax Optio S60 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Good, solid little camera
  • Mediocre
  • Pentax S60- Big price little perks
  • Great transition from 35MM SLR to Digital Photography
 Pentax Optio S60 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Manufacturer: Pentax
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

All Digital CamerasAll Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
6 Megapixels & Up6 Megapixels & Up | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Under 4x Optical ZoomUnder 4x Optical Zoom | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Point-and-Shoot Digital CamerasPoint-and-Shoot Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Digital CamerasDigital Cameras | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
AllAll | Pentax | Camera & Photo Brands | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
Digital CamerasDigital Cameras | Pentax | Camera & Photo Brands | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
PentaxPentax | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Electronics Spring MarkdownElectronics Spring Markdown | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
Similar Items:
  1. Pentax Optio E30 7.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
  2. SanDisk SDSDB-1024-A10 1 GB Secure Digital Card (Retail Package)
  3. SanDisk SDSDB-512-A10 512 MB Secure Digital Card (Retail Package)

Accessories:
  1. Pentax Wireless Remote Control E for Optio S6, S60, S40, S4i, S5z & S55 Digital Cameras
  2. Pentax Remote Control F for Pentax Digital Cameras
  3. Pentax K-AC5U AC Adapter Kit for Optio 230, 330GS, S60, S40, S50, 50, 60 & S55 Digital Cameras
  4. Pentax PTX-L50 Soft Leather Case for Optio Digital Cameras
  5. SanDisk SDSDB-512-A10 512 MB Secure Digital Card (Retail Package)

Product Features:
  • 1/2.5-inch primary color 6.0-megapixel CCD for outstanding image quality
  • Large, 2.5-inch LCD color monitor for easy viewing
  • Features auto-focus, autoexposure, and auto flash capabilities
  • 3x optical zoom and 2.6x digital zoom for combined 8x zoom
  • High-quality aluminum alloy body for sleek design

ASIN: B000BB39A6

Amazon.com Product Description

The Pentax Optio S60 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom may be small, but it's no lightweight when it comes to digital photography. Featuring a 1/2.5-inch primary color 6-megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom, and giant 2.5-inch TFT color LCD monitor, the Optio S60 performs like a heavyweight. Add a handy help function that displays explanations of shooting and playback functions, and you can leave the instruction manual at home and start taking professional-quality shots as soon as you pick it up.

With a built-in zoom lens, autofocus, autoexposure, and auto flash, the Optio S60 does everything for you except choose your subject. With six still image shooting modes to choose from, you'll be covered on rainy days, cloudless days, and even during indoor birthday parties and outdoor fireworks displays. With AA or CRV3 battery compatibility, you don't have to worry about finding obscure batteries to power your camera up. And with its stylish, sleek-looking high-quality aluminum alloy exterior, you'll be proud to flash this camera when you're in a crowd. The Optio S60 includes approximately 11 megabytes of internal memory and is SD card compatible, giving you the room you need to store your shots.

What's in the Box
Optio S60 camera, two AA batteries, USB cable, AV cable, strap, software (CD-ROM), operating manual, serial number card, and service network directory.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Good, solid little camera.......2006-06-04

I learned a valuable lesson recently. When I first bought this camera I loaded it with some 2500 mAh batteries. I was extremely disappointed that I could only get about 30 pictures before the battery died. When I started to research battery chargers, I came to realize that not all chargers are created equal. Many older and even cheaper new chargers are not capable of fully charging high capacity batteries. This is because they use a timed charge which shuts off without regard for how much the battery is actually charged. So if you are still using a 3 or 5 year old charger and it isn't a "smart" charger, then you might only be getting a 50% or less charge. In my case, with an old Energizer charger, I reckon I was only getting a 30% charge.
The other thing you should realize is that Alkaline batteries are not a good choice for digital cameras. You'll be very disappointed with their life if you try to use them in this and most other cameras.

Pros:
High quality photos with Pentax SMC lens and big 6MP images.
Uses SD card. Check out Kingston's 512 MB card on Amazon for a good deal.
Uses AA batteries.
Great battery life (but you MUST get yourself some high capacity Ni-MH batteries and a charger capable of charging those same high capacity Ni-MHs). With 2500 mAh batteries, it will get more than 250 pictures.
Very solid construction.
High quality metal case.
Big 2.5" LCD screen.
Good black and white image quality.

Cons:
No viewfinder (which only becomes an issue in low light conditions).
Indoor pictures can be difficult to get right.
With Alkaline batteries, it will only get about 40 pictures.
Slow recycle times between pictures when using flash.

Overall I am very pleased with this camera; it represents very good value for money- shop around!

2 out of 5 stars Mediocre.......2006-01-11

On paper, this camera should be ideal, however, it fails to live up to its marketing hype: picture quality for outdoor scenic shots is good, but indoor and softer light situations show its limitations. Photo quality is mediocre. The camera also uses batteries rapidly. I would suggest looking at the Canon A510, Sony Cybershot DSC-series, or Kodak Easyshare C-series instead.

4 out of 5 stars Pentax S60- Big price little perks.......2005-12-01

$199+ The Pentax S60 DOES take very nice pictures HOWEVER it may not be worth the price because of its poor features: only 11 MB of memory, low AA battery-life, and the movie playback mode is hard to hear (not loud enough). Also the latch that keeps the battery in place does not seem sturdy. The upside to this camera is its picture quality (6 MP) and large screen.

5 out of 5 stars Great transition from 35MM SLR to Digital Photography.......2005-11-30

I had been trying for years to introduce my wife (a published photographer) to digital photography and this camera really inpressed her from the first time that she used it. The size, ease of operation, and clarity of image were more than she had expected and she is very enthusiastic about continuing her hobby. The price was very fair and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great digital camera.
Pentax Optio S6 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • OK basic, point-and-shoot pocket camera - but buy an extra battery
  • SD limitation?
  • Not Worth It
  • Good and Not so Good
  • The Optio S4 was MUCH better...
 Pentax Optio S6 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Manufacturer: Pentax
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

All Digital CamerasAll Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
6 Megapixels & Up6 Megapixels & Up | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Under 4x Optical ZoomUnder 4x Optical Zoom | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Other Digital CamerasOther Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Point-and-Shoot Digital CamerasPoint-and-Shoot Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Digital CamerasDigital Cameras | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
AllAll | Pentax | Camera & Photo Brands | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
Digital CamerasDigital Cameras | Pentax | Camera & Photo Brands | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
PentaxPentax | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Digital CamerasDigital Cameras | Products |
Similar Items:
  1. Pentax DL-I8 Battery for Optio S, S6, S4i, S5i, S5z, WPi & WP Digital Cameras
  2. SanDisk SDSDB-1024-A10 1 GB Secure Digital Card (Retail Package)
  3. Pentax Wireless Remote Control E for Optio S6, S60, S40, S4i, S5z & S55 Digital Cameras
  4. Pentax K-AC8U AC Adapter Kit for Optio S6, S4i, S5i, SV, 750Z, S5z, WPi & WP Digital Cameras
  5. Pentax K-BC8U Battery Charger Kit for Optio S, S4, S4i, S5i, SV, and X Digital Cameras

Accessories:
  1. Pentax Wireless Remote Control E for Optio S6, S60, S40, S4i, S5z & S55 Digital Cameras
  2. Pentax Remote Control F for Pentax Digital Cameras
  3. Pentax PTX-L50 Soft Leather Case for Optio Digital Cameras
  4. SanDisk SDSDB-512-A10 512 MB Secure Digital Card (Retail Package)
  5. Kingston 512 MB Secure Digital Card (SD/512) (Retail Package)

Product Features:
  • 6.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
  • 3x optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
  • Stylish, ultra-compact body with an aluminum alloy exterior measures just 3.3 x 2.2x 0.8 inches
  • Quick response with an approximately 0.01-second shutter release lag time
  • Stores images on SD memory cards; powered by one rechargeable Lithium-ion D-LI8 battery

ASIN: B000ARG4IK
Release Date: 2005-10-15

Product Description

Since the introduction of its first camera over five decades ago, PENTAX has maintained a legacy of product excellence and technological innovation. Today the tradition continues with an extensive line of digital and film cameras, premium-quality lenses, and an assortment of camera accessories, each designed to satisfy the creative needs of novice photographers and discriminating professionals alike. The new PENTAX Optio S6 slides right in. This latest tiny digital features a generous 2.5 inch monitor, 6.0 megapixels, and a powerful 3X zoom sliding lens system. Slim is still in, and the Optio S6 offers the slimmest PENTAX digital body available. Expect substance and style to blend perfectly in the PENTAX Optio S6. TTL contrast detection autofocus system Autofocus - 5 point AF, Spot AF, and Manual Focus modes PictBridge and DPOF for printing without a computer AV output terminal, USB terminal, DC input terminal Video Output - Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats (monaural sound) Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) - 3.4 x 2.1 x 0.7 inches (86 x 54 x 19mm) Weight - 3.5 oz. (100g) without battery and SD memory card, 4.2 oz. (120g) loaded and ready Can transfer images with PC and Macintosh computers Selectable Language Display Menus - English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Swedish, Dutch, Portuguese

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars OK basic, point-and-shoot pocket camera - but buy an extra battery.......2007-01-01

I bought one of these slightly used, because I got a great deal on it and wanted a small camera that would easily fit in a shirt pocket or on a belt without being cumbersome. It was in very good shape, there was not a scratch on it. The camera takes decent pictures, but I found it lacking in several areas.

1. SHUTTER LAG - is bad, close to 2 seconds depending on how you're using the camera. It's, especially 'laggy' if you are using any of the automatic modes and a flash. I'm constantly missing pictures with it because of this. In that respect the camera is better for taking planned/posed pictures of fixed objects. Not good for quickly pointing to and picking out quick, sudden action shots where you don't have time to set it up before hand. The lag is a little less in the manual/ semi-manual modes.

2. BATTERY LIFE - is limited. The camera eats batteries like nobody's business. The person I got the camera from had only had it for 3-4 months. I don't know if it's a bad battery or they charged it too many times or what. For example, when I'm at a gathering and I'm sitting there panning around looking for candid shots, and reviewing shots to delete and save, the batteries run down pretty quickly. I barely got 2 dozen shots in a couple of hours at a family gathering recently. So, I HIGHLY recommend getting a second battery, which I just ordered. This is a problem with all cameras that have only a video viewfinder and no optical one. If you have to have the LCD screen on all the time to take picutures, then the manufacturer should include a decent-sized battery! By comparison, the heftier battery for my Panasonic LUMIX DMC LX2, which is just a little larger camera, lasts 2-3 times as long under the same conditions.

3. THE LENS ... is mediocre at best. Unless you need to crop your pictures heavily, There is no reason to bother taking any pictures larger than about 3 MP because this lens cannot resolve them adequately. I did a side-by-side comparison with my Panasonic Lumix, with a Leica lens taking pictures of lettering on a sign at several distances up to several hundred feet away, and you could clearly see the difference beyond 3 MP. I could not read the letters with this camera (cropped at 4 - 6MP) when I could still easily read them with the Leica lens. Part of the issue could be the noise reduction engine, I'm not sure. Anyway, I use 3 MP at the highest JPEG setting 98% of the time and find it works OK.

4. THE FLASH MODES - are kind of clunky. I kept setting up different automatic modes with various flash settings that worked best in a given lighting, however, when I turned off the camera (to save batteries) my settings were gone when I turned it back on and I had to go through the menus to restore them. Therefore, I recommend that you learn to use the manual, or semi-manual modes for best results.

VIDEO - It does do video, but since this is not a really a "video camera", I'm not going to complain about the video.

THE PROS

1. AUTOMATIC MODES - Most of the automatic modes work pretty well under a reasonable range of conditions. I recommend testing them to get used to how they work. I still prefer to tweak them a little when setting up a shot.


2. FLASH MODES - The camera offers several flash modes, including a "soft flash" that ia pretty nice for a $200 point-and-shoot pocket camera.

3. PICTURE QUALITY - Even though the lens is not the greatest, this camera does take better picures than most other inexpensive cameras in its class that I've seen and used. The color noise is not too bad either, but as noted above, I think it has some rather agressive internal noise reduction that causes loss of detail, particuarly at mid to low light levels. The automatic white balance settings for different lighting conditions (fluorescent, etc.) are pretty decent. Don't skimp on "picture quality" settings to save memory. Memory is cheap enough now that you should always use the least amount of compression on your photos.

4. SIZE / EASE OF USE - The camera is a very nice compact size, and is relatively easy to use with a short learning curve for most of the features. It easily fits in a shirt pocket and is easily worn on a belt.

3 out of 5 stars SD limitation?.......2006-12-21

So I bought this as an X-mas present for myself. I've own an Canon SD100, 450, 600 and Casio EX-Z60 so I'm totally not a newbie to the digital world. I'm not going to repeat with others have stated in this review.


I'm really impress by the Optio S6 form factor; it really is compact. The response is quite quick turning on/off, zooming, viewing captured pict/video.

After playing with the camera for several hours, I was really disappointed in the following areas:
- temperature; the camera get warm/very warm (cool, warm, very warm, hot) after 1.5 hrs of continuous use
- continuous rapid shooting was slow; I was getting 1 pix every ~1.8sec
- can NOT read 4gb SD; I tried two different 4gb SD card I had laying around (PQI & Ridata) and received an "memory card error." All of my other cameras (even my 3 yr old Canon SD100) was able to use it just fine.
- the usb cable is propriety; why can't Pentax use a normal mini usb?

In sum, I like the camera size and its ability to record video in Divx format. The Divx function was the main impetus for purchasing this camera, but the SD limitation negate all the benefits the Optio S6 has to offer. I'm going to see if there's a firmware update (Pentax doesn't list one on their webpage) and report back here.

**update** so I received confirmation from Pentax Tech Support affirming my initial conclusion of the sd limitation. Indeed the maximum sd the Optio S6 can only read/write is a 1gb memory.

1 out of 5 stars Not Worth It.......2006-12-16

I had owned the Optio S4, and it was a great camera. So when the Optio S4 went, I thought I would upgrade to the Optio S6. What a mistake. I should have researched more.

Quite simply, 2 out of every 3 pictures is out of focus. It takes forever to take a picture, and forget about taking pictures in low light.

I hate this camera.

3 out of 5 stars Good and Not so Good.......2006-11-03

Many great features.I think some are unneccessary,But they are there.
Slow shutter release is very poor,On a small camera it can cause a lot of blured Pictures.Short battery life is not to cool,But after Market Batteries at a good price can cure that.I would get a model with anti-shake feature if I were buying now.All in all a good camera.

2 out of 5 stars The Optio S4 was MUCH better..........2006-09-03

I have both an Optio S4 & an Optio S6. I spend most of my time out at night. Concerts, clubs, raves, etc. The Optio S4 took AMAZING low light & night setting photos. The Optio S6 fails miserably at them. Even in situations where all stage lights are on and the room is well lit, you must repeatedly hit the button to even get it to try and take a picture and half the time the photos come out blurry.

I must say, however, in daylight & very well lit scenarios it does take great pictures. But it does not suit my nightlife purposes.
Pentax Optio S60 6MP Digital Camera
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Pentax Optio S60 6MP Digital Camera

    Manufacturer: Pentax
    ProductGroup: Photography
    Binding: Electronics

    All Digital CamerasAll Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
    6 Megapixels & Up6 Megapixels & Up | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
    Under 4x Optical ZoomUnder 4x Optical Zoom | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
    Point-and-Shoot Digital CamerasPoint-and-Shoot Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
    Digital CamerasDigital Cameras | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
    AllAll | Pentax | Camera & Photo Brands | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
    Digital CamerasDigital Cameras | Pentax | Camera & Photo Brands | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
    PentaxPentax | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
    Product Features:
    • Outstanding image quality thanks to a 1/2.5" primary color, 6-megapixel CCD, 3x optical smc PENTAX lens and high-performance ASIC
    • Easy capture and easy review with the large, 2.5" LCD monitor; use the magnification feature to enlarge text on the menu screen
    • Enjoy diverse digital functions with very simple operation; simply turn the handy mode dial to select from 6 still-image shooting modes
    • Use the help function to review button functions for shooting and playback
    • 1.1Hx2.3Wx3.5L"; 0.3 lb.

    ASIN: B000ARG502

    Product Description

    Looking for digital that is easy to use and hard to put down? Discover the Optio S60 with 6.0 megapixels, a 3X zoom and a giant 2.5 inch monitor. Add a handy Help function that displays explanations of shooting and playback functions, and you can leave the instruction manual at home.

    Electronics:

    1. Vivitar V3675 2.1 Megapixel Digital Zoom Camera with 1.6 inch LCD Display
    2. Canon - EOS Digital Rebel XT SLR Black Camera w/ Canon 18-55mm AF Lens W/ FREE PIXMA iP6000D Photo Printer
    3. Creative Labs CardCam Value
    4. Praktica DCZ 5.3 Digital Camera Compatible with San Disk, Lexar, Kodak SD Digital Media Cards
    5. ACP-EP Memory Mobile Storage 512MB Compact Flash CF Card - EPCF/512
    6. Zigview R2-SRC Twin1 Transmitter/Receiver Remote Release Set for Canon SLR Digital Cameras
    7. Canon PowerShot SD630 6MP Digital Elph Camera + Deluxe Accessory Kit
    8. Vupoint 8.0 MP Digital Camera - Black
    9. Green Clean Digital Camera Sensor Cleaning Travel Kit
    10. Odor Eliminator Hidden Camera

    Electronics

    Electronics

    Consumer Electronics

    Polaroid PDC 640 Plus Digital Camera Creative Kit 8MB SmartMedia Card

    BenQ 17" LCD Monitor

    JVC GRDVL220

    HP OmniBook XE3 - PIII 650 MHz - RAM : 64 MB - HD : 5 GB - CD - Win98 SE - 12.1" TFT 800 x 600

    Plantronics Explorer 350 Easy-To-Use Bluetooth® Headset for all Bluetooth Enabled Phones

    Apple Powerbook Notebook M8622LL/A

    Casio HR-7 10 Digit Printing Calculator

    HP Compaq Business Notebook nx9010 - Mobile Pentium 4 2.8 GHz - RAM : 256 MB - HD : 40 GB - CD-RW /