Pentax Optio S4 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom - My Personal Recommendation
 | Product Id : B0000C4E4S Category : Point & Shoot Digital Cameras Brand : Pentax Price : Rating :  |
MD) CL) PENTAX OPTIO S4 DIGITAL CAMRaising 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
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.
What Makes This Pentax Optio S4 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom Stands Out?
- 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
See What People Said About This Point & Shoot Digital Cameras Product
improves on the already amazing optio S!
pentax had heads turning when they introduced the optio s because that camera could fit into an altoids tin. well, pentax has upped the ante. they've managed to a full megapixel of resolution without increasing the size of this amazing camera. the result is the optio s4.pros:
- yes, it still fits in an altoid tin! the main selling point of this camera is its small size: 3.3 x 2.0 x 0.8 in, weighing in at 3.5oz.
- relatively high "wow" factor.
- average four megapixel resolution.- good reliable metering.
- low image noise at low ISO settings.
- fast autofocus in well lit situations.
- very good macro performance for an ultra-compact.
- wide range of focus options including manual focus!
- histogram display in live view and play modes.
- allows decent manual control for what is billed as a point-and-shoot ultra-compact.
- no color cast from flash.
- fast startup time.
- solid build quality - stylish aluminum case...
I lost my camera twice already :)
I use film for most of my work, also I already had a 4 MP digital camera that was not getting a lot of use do to it's size. I wanted something for snapshots that I can carry with me non stop and take all those goofy Kodak moments. Controls are well placed and accessible. Since camera is so small, buttons may feel little cramped for users with big hands. Many cameras if powered on accidentally inside the case or pocket will try to open up and therefore break lens mechanism. Pentax on/off switch is very secured and if by any chance you still open it up by mistake and lens is blocked camera will not power on. I think this is an excellent feature since camera is so small and can
accidentally turn on when it's tossing and turning in your pocket.
Some people complained about slow write up time to the memory card. I haven't experienced that so I can't say anything bad. It took me a while to learn how to take picture properly. It is a small camera so you have to me more careful...
Great Beginners' Digital Camera
This review is from the perspective of an amateur photographer and a first-time digital camera buyer. My primary goal was to have a) something very portable with b) intermediate features that I could grow into. So this is what I think:Pros
* Excellent portability - extremely light and small
* Numerous settings allow you to take pictures under vast majority of conditions
* Very good macro function
* Great `WOW' factor!
* High resolution - 4MP
* Good optical zoom - 3x
* Records short videos - upto 60 seconds
* Decent-sized LCD screenCons
* Average picture quality (you have to print the photos to see the real quality)
* No SD card included (only 11MB of internal memory; budget for SD card)
* One proprietary battery not enough; budget for spare
* Battery cover somewhat flimsy - handle with care
* No case; you could get one from Fry's/BestBuy for less than $10Optio S4 serves my purpose very well. I hated lugging...
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