1. 6.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
2. 3x optical zoom; 2.0-inch LCD display
3. Manual exposure settings plus aperture and shutter priority modes
4. Optical and actual-image zoom viewfinder with automatic diopter adjustment
5. Stores images on SD cards (includes 12 MB of internal memory); powered by AA-size batteries

Editorial Review :

Perfect for digital newcomers, the PENTAX Optio60 offers 6.0 megapixel resolution and a 3X zoom in a compact, lightweight, and stylish design. An easy-to-understand "Simple" mode deserves credit for lowering the learning curve. With the Optio60 set in this mode, users are free to concentrate on subjects while the camera automatically selects optimal settings. Add to this a large 2.0 inch LCD monitor and an optical, actual-image zoom viewfinder with automatic diopter adjustment to enhance viewing, and the Optio60 is perfect for users who may lack perfect eyesight.

Customer Review :

A Great Affordable & Compact Camera!!!

I had read many (and I mean many) reviews regarding this camera. About half were reviews saying this camera was worthless, but the other half gave great solutions to some of the problems users were having. I am not a novice but not an expert either when it comes to cameras. I needed a camera that is simple to use with some extra features that was also affordable. This camera is the one! If you don't know some of the little quirks about the camera, you may think it is a piece of junk. For example, in order for your pictures to come out clear, it is best to have the focus set on infinity (always); otherwise the pictures may come out blurred. When taking pictures at night or in dim lighting, you will need to adjust the setting for nighttime. Also, the white balance needs to be adjusted with each different set of pictures taken. Without rechargeable batteries, it will cost you a fortune to keep batteries for the camera. When using regular batteries, you may be able to take about 7-10 pictures before the batteries die. I have found in the high speed continuous mode that pictures taken outside or in bright lighting works best. All in all this is a hot camera takes greats pictures, and it has a lot of wonderful features that you will not find in a lower priced camera. If you invest in 2500 rechargeable batteries and a memory card and you will love what this camera can do!

Rating :

Excellent picture quality if...

We pre-ordered this camera years ago before it even hit stores. The camera has its ups and downs. Here's the short of it:

Pros: If it's a bright and sunny day outside this camera is capable of some excellent photos. We've taken some bright, sharp, and beautiful photos of plants and landscapes with the Optio 60. I have taken some incredible close-up shots of flowers and other plants with the Optio 60.

Cons: If you're indoors, in low light, or taking photos of fast moving objects this camera leaves much to be desired. The battery life is terrible! We suggest you use only rechargeables with this camera as otherwise you'll be wasting your money. Not even lithiums will last long in this camera. It turns out that many of the Optio 60s had a short in the circuit board. The cost of repairing this short is more expensive than the value of the camera. This camera would be perfect connected to an AC power source and mounted on a tripod.

In the end get the Optio 60 if you can find it for $65 or less. Get it if you want something to use for photos of slow moving objects in bright light. We replaced this camera with the Optio M20. The Optio M20 is honestly 100 times better in every way shape and form.

Rating :

Good-but not the best

I was instantly attracted by this camera: nice size, look and what the heck 160 dollars for a 6 million pixel camera! Like most I read reviews on it and realised that most weren't happy with it at all, but I bought it anyways. And guess what? I have very few regrets about my choice. There are a lot a different ''tools'': turn of flash, change the quality of the picture, video... only problem: the pace ! You can't be in a hurry to take a picture or get your ''kodak moment'' because you're gonna have to wait about 10 seconds after you turn it on to be able to use it and 5 seconds between each shot.
Bottom line: good for small events or parties but don't take this to a wedding: you're gonna miss every opportunity to take a picture because you'll be waiting for the darn thing to turn on

Rating :

Good Camera

This camera worked great for me. However, the price of $414.00 is two hundred dollars over the price I paid for it two years ago. It took great pictures and it was easy to use. The only reason I upgraded is because I wanted the option of close cropping pictures and printing them. I only found out after I needed to print wedding photos of my step daughter that it wasn't capable of this. I love the portability and the slim stylish shape. However keep it in a camera bag so you don't scratch the viewer.

Rating :

Kind of like it, but could be better

I actually like this camera most of the time.. but there are a few flaws. One is the flash.. almost all of the pictures are over flashed.. not good. I have tried to hold my finger over the flash, but that does not work well...

The other problem is the focus... if you are a point and click person, you will be disappointed as it takes a bit of time to focus. I have lost some good shots because of snapping the picture before it is focused..

But, the quality of the pictures are mostly good..

Rating :

More reviews...

1. Pentax Optio S12 12MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom - Pink (Includes manufacturer's supplied accessories)
2. 4 Gigabyte SD Secure Digital Memory Card - Secure Digital USB Card Reader - Pretty 6 Pocket Memory Card Wallet
3. D-LI68 Rechargeable Lithium ion Replacement Battery - Package of LCD Screen Protectors
4. Pretty Digital Camera Carrying Case w/Inner Pocket, Mirror & Strap - Lens Care & Cleaning Kit
5. Flexible Legged Mini Tripod - BONUS!! FREE 25 Quality Prints (promo code# on invoice)

Editorial Review :

Pentax Optio S12 12MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom: 12 mega pixels and full featured. The tiny, pocket-sized, 12 mega pixel Optio S12 features Face Recognition and Dynamic Range Adjustment that's ideal for portraits. For easy composition and review of images, the S12 offers a generous 2.5 inch LCD monitor with an Anti-reflective coating and Bright mode. Digital Shake Reduction automatically selects a higher ISO, up to 3200, for blur-free images. ++PLUS++ 4GB DELUXE ACCESSORY KIT: 4 Gigabyte SD Secure Digital Memory Card - Card Reader - Pretty Universal Memory Card Wallet - D-LI68 Rechargeable Lithium ion Replacement Battery - Pretty Digital Camera Carrying Case - Lens Care & Cleaning Kit - Package of LCD Screen Protectors - Flexible Legged Mini Tripod - BONUS!! FREE 25 Quality Prints (promo code# on invoice).

Customer Review :

No review yet

1. 6.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
2. 3x optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
3. Stylish, ultra-compact body with an aluminum alloy exterior measures just 3.3 x 2.2x 0.8 inches
4. Quick response with an approximately 0.01-second shutter release lag time
5. Stores images on SD memory cards; powered by one rechargeable Lithium-ion D-LI8 battery

Editorial Review :

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 Review :

Awful camera

My husband bought this camera for me for Mother's Day last year. We just had our first child and wanted something real small to fit in the diaper bag. Being small is pretty much its only good feature. My husband and I are so so disappointed in this camera. I prefer pictures without a flash, but even in a well-lit room this camera can't take a single picture without the flash. They ALL turn out blurry. I end up taking 10 of the same shot just to SOMETIMES get one good one! And it's not user error...we went back to the store where we bought it to ask if we were using it wrong or if there were some settings that needed to be changed. We had it on the fastest shutter speed and we were told we're using it correctly. So, the only way I can get a good picture out of this camera is outside where there's PLENTY of daylight (not dusk or dark) and when I use a flash. I hate the photos taken with the flash though because they're so washed out. Anyway, this camera is pretty much only good for mid-day pictures. Other than that, forget about it.
p.s. The battery life REALLY stinks too!

Rating :

The smallest, highest quality digital camera I've owned!

I decided to buy this after comparing all of the other ultra-compact digital cameras, and found this was the smallest one. My boyfriend also had the S5 version, and absolutely loved his-- he has sworn never to buy another brand other than Pentax.

Needless to say, I have been SO impressed with this camera! The picture quality is second to none-- I honestly would have guessed the quality of pictures to be taken from a 10 MP camera, not a 7 MP. They are colorful, clear, vibrant-- I feel as though I could reach through the pictures and touch the actual objects.

A+++!!! Pentax is the best!

Rating :

ok camera-WARNING Pentax is a horrible company

Bought this camera to take pics of my new son. Had the camera a couple of days and the lens stopped retracting. Sent it in (under warranty of course). Pentax told me it wasn't working because it got wet. The camera was never even near water and was always in the case when not used (for about 3 days). I was taking a photo of my sleeping husband and son when it happened. I did some research and found numerous other people who complained that Pentax did the same thing to them. They lie so that it is not covered under warranty and you have to pay the couple of hundred dollars to get your camera back! Very poor way to do business. Would NEVER buy from them again.

Rating :

SD limitation?

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.

Rating :

OK basic, point-and-shoot pocket camera - but buy an extra battery

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.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 1/2.5-inch primary color 6.0-megapixel CCD for outstanding image quality
2. Large, 2.5-inch LCD color monitor for easy viewing
3. Features auto-focus, autoexposure, and auto flash capabilities
4. 3x optical zoom and 2.6x digital zoom for combined 8x zoom
5. High-quality aluminum alloy body for sleek design

Customer Review :

Good, solid little camera

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!

Rating :

Great transition from 35MM SLR to Digital Photography

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.

Rating :

Mediocre

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.

Rating :

Decent Camera, but not the Greatest

I've had the Pentax Optio S60 since Christmas of 2006. Right at the beginning, the things that bothered me about this camera were: 1) it came with no memory card and the built-in memory only allowed me to take about 5 pictures, and 2) AA batteries last for maybe 40 pictures (if you're lucky). I found right away that lithium where the only batteries that worked well for me. I did like the picture quality at first.

Now that I've had it for a year and a half, here are the pros and cons as I see them with this camera:

Pros:
Seems to be sturdy. Has held up for a year and a half with toddlers always trying to get ahold of it. It's had its share of drops and it still works.
It's pretty easy to use.
It has a nice large screen (but no viewfinder)

Cons:
Does not take fast pictures (especially with a flash). I don't hardly have any good pictures of my kids, b/c they only smile for a second and then they are done. The camera just doesn't shoot fast enough to capture their smiles.
The quality seems to have diminished (unless it's my imagination). I recently ordered about 50 pictures from Kodak.com and the quality of most of the pictures is sub-par at best. They almost seem foggy and the color looks off. I know that it's not just the prints, b/c some that we ordered were taken from a different camera and they turned out much better.

Overall, after a year and a half, I'm done with this camera. I just ordered a Canon Powershot, so I'm hoping that I have better success with that one. It definitely isn't worth the price that it's listed at now (as of 8/08). If it weren't for the fact that this camera has held up so well and did seem to have decent quality pictures at the beginning, I would give it 2 stars.

Rating :

Pentax S60- Big price little perks

$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.

Rating :

1. 6.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality prints up to 14 x 19 inches
2. 2.4-inch LCD display; 3x optical zoom
3. Built-in primary-color filter produces more natural, vivid colors
4. Mode dial for clear-cut selection of the cameras eight versatile modes
5. Powered by 2 AA-size batteries; stores images on SD memory cards (approximately 10 MB internal memory included)

Editorial Review :

PENTAX is a leader in easy-to-use digital photography, and the affordable Optio E10 offers entry-level compact digital with 6.0 megapixels and a 3X optical lens. Even novice digital photographers will enjoy the slim, lightweight body and the Simple mode selection dial. Add a high resolution 2.4 inch LCD, 10 MB of internal memory, travel-compatible AA battery power, high quality AVI Movie capture, and the Optio E10 makes a perfect digital choice.

Customer Review :

Don't waste your money on this piece of junk

I was very excited when I purchased this camera as it was very small and could fit in your pocket or purse and looked like it took really good/clear pictures. WRONG!! Its the worst camera ever. You must be completely still in order to get decent pictures that aren't blurry and you will spend the cost of the camera plus in batteries. When using the flash it will only take about 30 pictures before you have to replace the batteries. Pentax normally makes great cameras, I don't know what happened with this one. Don't waste your money buying something you'll regret..

Rating :

They're not kidding, this camera blows!

I looked at the reviews for this camera before I bought it and, like and idiot, I went for it anyway. Satan create this camera to make you cry! Seriously, it takes forever to snap a picture, the battery dies in less than a half hour, and your pictures don't even come out that great. Buy a disposable camera before you buy this one! Buy an elephant before you buy this camera! Anything just don't buy it!!!

Rating :

You wait for your good pictures.

This was my first ever digital camera, and right from the beginning I was not overly pleased. It takes SO long for a picture to be taken, that it definitely did not suit my purposes of catching surprise moments. I would have to ask my friends to hold a pose for a good 5-10 seconds in order to get the picture I wanted.

It eats through AA batteries like crazy, especially when the flash is on.

It does take nice, clean and clear photos however. As long as nothing is moving, or you're not trying to catch a snapshot.

Rating :

takes a little getting use too.

can take a really good pic for a inexpencive point and shoot. you have to be carful on the focusing bracket. playing with adjustments helped me take better pics with camera.

Rating :

Horrible!

This was my very first digital camera. At first I was really excited but there were many problems with this product. My biggest problems were as follows:

1. The pictures were very blurry. (The pictures could only turn out decent if you had a steady hand and could not take pictures of moving objects whatsoever.)
2. Even with flash, the pictures were dark and noisy.
3. The battery life was horrible. This product runs on AA batteries and uses them up very quickly (especially with the flash).

Overall if you want a decent camera, this is not the product for you. You will save tons of money on batteries that fuel this camera which doesn't even take decent pictures. I do not recommend this product to anyone and your money is better spent elsewhere.

Rating :

More reviews...