1. Tiny digital camera, small enough to fit into mints tin
2. 3.2 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality prints up to 11 x 14
3. 3x optical plus 2x digital (6x total) zoom lens with autofocus
4. Store images on 11 MB internal memory; compatible with Secure Digital/MMC cards
5. Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port; rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery included

Editorial Review :

Early Adopters Pick: March 2003. The world’s smallest 3.2-megapixel, 3x optical zoom camera.

The Pentax OptioS is so small it can fit into an empty mints tin. Smaller than the size of an average credit or business card and just over .75 inches thick, the OptioS boasts a high-quality 3.2-megapixel resolution and a 3x optical zoom lens in a sleekly designed, tough aluminum-alloy body. A new "sliding lens" system allows this lens to move up, away, and lie fully flush with the camera frame to protect the lens and allow for the camera’s tiny dimensions.

Optics and Resolution
Featuring a 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor, the OptioS delivers images up to 2,048 x 1,536 pixels and prints up to 11 by 14 inches. The zooming capacity of the lenses is augmented with 2x digital zooming, which offers smooth operation and realizes a combined zooming power of 6x zoom. It features a focal range of 5.8-17.4mm (35-105mm equivalent in 35mm photography) and maximum aperture of f2.6-f4.8.

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 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 OptioS can also record movie clips of up to 30 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.

More Features
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.

• 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
• Autofocus: 7-point AF, spot AF, and infinity landscape mode
• 1.6-inch color TFT LCD screen with histogram display

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included). It measures 3.3 by 2.0 by 0.8 inches and weighs 4.1 ounces. This package includes the OptioS digital camera, battery and battery charger, USB and AV cables, hand strap, and CD-ROM with image software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.

Customer Review :

Pentax? Never Again!

I've bought Optios S from amazon 1,5 year ago. It came with a malfunctioning LCD. Thankfully amazon sent me another one because as I saw the service (!!??) of Pentax I don't think that they would accept such a thing.

The new camera was good for a while. Very light. Even with its original bag. Easy to use, easy to transfer. Fine picture quality for a 3mp camera. But...

Then one day it said memory card error. I've lost all my pictures in it and I was left with a broken memory card. I thought it was a problem of the memory card. But this happened with 3 other memory cards too. My one year was over. I don't think anything would change if it wasn't over.

Now it started to have focusing problems. I'm using my camera very rarely and keeping it in a good condition. I don't suggest Pentax to anybody anymore.

Rating :

Over a year now and I still love it

I've had my little Optio S for over a year now, and I still love it. So far I haven't had any problems with it- I was worried by some of the reviews that mention problems with the plastic hinges, the lens jamming up or the customer service problems. So far I haven't dropped it, the plastic is holding up well and I haven't had a need for customer service.

I wouldn't say I take pictures every day, but my Optio S has been used a fair amount. On average I take about 30 pictures a week up to 200+ pictures a day while on vacation.

It does fit in an altoids tin, but not when you put the wrist strap on it. I've found the "wrist strap" is actually long enough so you can wear the camera as a pendant.


Picture quality is great for the average photo taker. Battery life I'd rate as average. So I spent the money for an extra battery. With two batteries fully charged, I've never had a problem running out of juice.

I do wish it had a better optical zoom, but for such a small package I guess there had to be some trade off.

It does have a high "Wow!" factor.

All in all, I've been very happy with this little camera.

Rating :

Tough little camera...inside it's case

I bought this camera from an Army PX right before I shipped out to Iraq. I've been back for three years now, and it is still my one and only camera. It has survived every thing I could dish out; I even ran over it with a golf cart (don't ask me how that happened). The one catch? I keep it in the Altoids tin that it was designed to fit into. That is hands down the best thing about this camera.

Why hasn't other manufacturers done this? Who knows. Keeping it in that bulletproof (not literally) little case has made up for the flimsy battery cover, and the sensitive gear that extends the lens. You should see all the scratches on the outside of the mint tin.

It takes great pictures, and having a camera so small that you carry it around everywhere you go means you never miss a picture.

Rating :

Pentax Optio S4 - worked fine...for awhile!

I've had my optio for almost a year and a half now, and it worked well for the first year. As soon as the warranty expired, the flash randomly stopped working. I had to bring it to a Pentax repair shop and luckily I lived in a city which had an official Pentax repair store (Vancouver). However, since my warranty had expired, it cost about $170 (including tax) to get it fixed. The guys who fixed it were super fast and it took only 1 week to repair - but still, $170 for a broken flash? Come on. This camera is very small and slim and it is easy to carry around in a purse. I found that the only problem that I had with it was that there is quite a delay between pressing a button to take the picture, and the flash going off and the picture being taken. After using a regular camera (non digital) for many years, I expected the picture to take immdediately while pressing the button. This can get quite annoying when taking action shots.
All in all, I am still really enjoying the camera after getting it fixed. Hopefully nothing else breaks. Perhaps getting an extended warranty would be a wise idea for those purchasing a new camera.
This camera is quite popular, as I know about 5 other people with it. However, they also share the same complaint about the delay problems.



Rating :

bad quality, only last 2 years

We bought it in 2004, now 2006, it is broken. I'm very disappointed at the quality of this camera, wish it is me that look for digital camera at that time, I would check out some reviews people have here. I have used other digiatl camera, have much better experice. Don't waste your money if you want to keep a camera longer than 2 years.

Rating :

More reviews...

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. Capture movies in QuickTime motion JPEG (320 x 240) at 30 frames per second; built-in movie editing functions
4. Up to 900 shots with lithium AA batteries
5. Powered by AA-size batteries (2 alkaline batteries included); stores images on SD memory cards

Editorial Review :

Master the digital world with this powerful, full-featured model at a surprisingly affordable price. The PENTAX Optio M10 offers outstanding image quality thanks to a 6.0 megapixel CCD and 3X optical smc PENTAX lens. The large 2.5" LCD screen gives you a brillian preview of your images and allows for in-camera editing. Obtain up to 900 shots with lithium AA batteries as the Optio M10 incorporates an ultra-efficient power management system. The option of using AA alkaline batteries means you'll never be far away from a fresh pair. These features and more make the Optio M10 a great choice for anyone looking for a value packed digital camera! 22MB Built-in memory; SD memory card slot An SD Card is NOT included, therefore we suggest purchasing an Optional 512MB memory card. It will allow you to store a lot more video and images, as well as take advantage of the camera's high Resolution abilities. 2.5 Color LCD Monitor; Optical Viewfinder Direct printing to any PictBridge compatible printer via included USB cable without a computer; ImageLink print system enabled for greater compatibility with snapshot printers Interfaces - USB, A/V (NTSC/PAL) Powered by 2 AA Alkaline or Rechargeable NiMH Batteries We suggest purchasing optional rechargeable NiMH batteries to be able to take approximately 3 times as many still pictures when compared to alkaline batteries with this camera (On average, when flash is used 50% of the time) Approximate Unit Dimensions - (WxHxD) 3.5 x 2.3 x 1; Unit Weight - 4.2 oz. without batteries and SD card, 5.8 oz. with batteries and SD card

Customer Review :

Great Camera

Nice Lcd
Great Price
Amazing battery life
So many features
Small size
Zooms in video
I like it alot :)

Rating :

Professional Quality Images for 1/10th of the Price!

My husband is an award-winning wedding and special events photographer - his secret? Instead of using bulky, heavy cameras for his work, he entrusts the Optio M10 to capture the images for him! The best thing is that it is so versatile and easy to use, I can use it on his days off to take pictures of our kids - and even though I'm not a professional photographer, you would never be able to tell by the photos this little camera takes! I HIGHLY recommend this camera to all of my friends and family, and am sure you will love it too! It is small enough to fit in your pocket and I've had 11x14 photos developed from it and they turned out better than my film camera. It weighs under a pound as well so that is always a bonus. Bottom line - you will LOVE this camera!

Rating :

great little camera, but it broke within 3 months

This is a great little camera. Small, takes great snapshots, and has lots of cool features. In fact i used, that is USED past tense, it often instead of my other "high end" camera.

One day after taking fotos with no problems, it would not close, retract the lens and turn off. I sent it in to Pentax service, which after two weeks sent me an "itemized estimate for 182.00 , and claimed that I had broken it. Itemized "repairs" included a replacing the plastic casing due to a scuff on the upper corner, where it had been scuffed about 2 weeks after I bought it. This wasn't the problem. I really felt they were welching on their warranty.

All in all, a great little cheap camera, but beware. It broke and the warranty was worthless.

Rating :

Best point and shoot I have owned

This camera is the best! I bought this camera 2+ years ago when it first came out and was very impressed. Then my lovely X lost it at a bar :(

I tried out two other camera's (Kodak and Canon) and they both did not compare. Both have a wicked reponse/memory lag which was so frustrating that I had to return both. I scoured the internet to find it again and bought it for the second time.

Best point and shoot for the money that I have come across. Thanks Pentax!

Rating :

Very Blurred pictures

I have a Sony DSC P8 and I got the Pentax for a friend. One needs a very steady hand on the Pentax, and even then, the pictures are not good, when compared to the pictures from the Sony DSC P8.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 6-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for up to 2,816-by-2,112-pixel photos
2. 3x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom; waterproof operation for up to 5 feet underwater for 30 minutes
3. 2-inch LCD screen and MJPEG movie recording
4. Stores photos on 10.5 MB internal memory and SD and MMC memory cards
5. Transfers photos via USB; compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems; rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Editorial Review :

The PENTAX Optio WPI is all about lifeproof digital and high resolution images. With 6.0 megapixels and a large monitor, this waterproof digital goes just about anywhere life takes you - including 5 feet underwater for up to 30 minutes. Capture stunning on land or see images with the quick start-up, 3X zoom and an ultra-fast 9-point Autofocus that track and keeps your subjects sharp. Picture Modes - Program, Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Night scene, Panorama assist, Surf & snow, Self-portrait, Food, Museum, Sport, Underwater, Pet, Candle, Soft, Natural skin tone, Fireworks, Kids, Report Digital Filter - Playback - Black & White, Sepia, Red, Pink, Purple, Blue, Green, Yellow, Soft, Brightness Drive Modes - Single-shot, Continuous (Standard, High speed), Self-timer (2sec, 10sec), Photo frame Movie Mode - Shooting Time - From approx. 1 sec. to memory card capacity Programmed AutoExposure modes AutoFocus modes JIS Class 8 waterproof 1.5m, 30 minutes Built-in multimode Electronic-Flash Image Storage - Storage Media - SD memory card removable, Built-in memory (approx. 10.5MB) File Formats - Still - JPEG (Exif 2.2), DCF (Design rule for Camera File system), DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), PRINT Image Matching III; Movie - MOV (Motion JPEG) approx. 30fps/15fps with sound Sound - WAV (ADPCM), Monaural, Recordable time depends on the remaining capacity of the memory card We suggest purchasing an optional 512MB SD memory card along with this camera to enjoy more practical use. Interfaces - AV output terminal, USB terminal, DC input terminal Video Output - Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats (monaural sound) PictBridge compatible for printing images without a computer Easily transfer images to PC or Macintosh

Customer Review :

Great little camera at a great price

I bought the Pentax Optio WPi 6MP specifically for shooting while kayaking and boating - and I was willing to accept any shortcomings for the piece of mind of knowing that a little water wouldn't hurt it. So far, however, I've found no shortcomings! The controls and menus are easy and logical to use - I was able to set up and use the camera without referring to the extensive manual that comes with it. Shooting, focus, and flash mode selection is intuitive and simple, and I've found the color and clarity quality of the photos I've taken to be good, though a little grainy in low light. It's definitely a snapshot camera, and will not replace my Canon S2 IS for "real" photography, but it's great on the water (Check out this shot on the Hudson River: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1279/921201487_2017fd1d92_o.jpg . I paid $200 (from Pavilion Electronics - unbelievably quick customer service response and delivered 3 days before earliest estimated delivery date) and couldn't be more pleased with the camera.

Rating :

I love my camera

I bought this just before we went snorkeling with the whale sharks off Holbox island this summer and loved it. I wish I'd have tried more of the features before we got there so I'd have known more about the underwater videos, etc. It's very cool, lots of features! The only complaint is that the screen is impossible to see underwater and very difficult to see in bright sun. I tried to find a camera case that floats so it wouldn't sink to the bottom of the ocean but failed. I did buy a skin for it and then cut that to fit it exactly. That really helped because this is a slippery little camera!

Rating :

A nice digital upgrade.

This is my first digital camera. Before that I had a film camera that was also by Pentax. Here is my review of that camera: This is not a sophisticated camera but it is very convenient for vacations or just taking pictures here and there. It is also good for its price. Not too expensive if you want a good camera on a low budget.
The same thing applies to this camera but it is more sophistication with much more capabilites. All of this makes this a great first time digital upgrade for a point and shoot camera.

Rating :

Excellent camera

I got this for my teenage son. It's a sturdy little camera that takes great pics on land or underwater. The best thing is he can take it to the beach and not worry about ruining it.

Rating :

Great all-around waterproof camera for the family!!

We purchased the W10 in 2006. So far I have taken over 10,000 photos on it. It has been to Hawaii 4 times and the Bahamas once. I have had it snorkeling in the water up to an hour several times a day. Sometimes I rinse and sometimes I don't. I have also used it here in Oregon to take pix in the rain to get those sports shots of my kids. It has been dropped, banged, scratched and otherwise benignly abused. So far, no leaks and still going!

Comments:
1) Photo quality: as long as I stay within the optical zoom range, photo quality is terrific. I am not looking for a camera that will take super-high quality shots (like a 10 mega pix), but one that will give me good resolution and color. No small point and shoot is going to be able to give the highest quality...SLR cameras are better for that (still trying to talk my husband into one of those.)I have gotten great shots of fish, kids, scenery and such. I still have not utilized all the menu options!!

2) Underwater shooting: be sure to set the program to underwater photos (or video) and turn off the flash. Particles in the water will reflect back and the water will look cloudy. Best shots of fish are to float for a moment and try to pre-focus on the area, then snap the shot.

3) Action: as with all point and shoot camera, action shots are not the greatest; however, if you program the camera to take multiple shots on the "sports" setting, you have a better chance of catching a good one. Cameras with shutter speed options are best for sports shots.

4) Viewfinder: It took me awhile to adjust to not having a viewfinder and using the LCD screen. I still have trouble when I have my sunglasses on (or is it the bifocals?) I initially purchased a little attachment that sticks on around the LCD and pops open. It cut the glare and protected the screen. Unfortunately it did not survive multiple dips in the water. I have now adjusted to the screen and only occasionally miss something.

5) Battery life: I have found that, for the most part, the battery life is terrific. I do have to remember to recharge it if I take alot of pix or video. Just noticed that it seems to be running down a tad bit faster. I prefer having the rechargable rather than having to use regular AA or AAA because of the environmental impact. Plus, AA, AAA don't hold a charge as long and you have to replace them often (having had a previous camera that only took AA batteries.)

6) Overall operation: Either my kids are secretly devils (which I doubt) or I just can't really figure out how to prevent red-eye. Even using the red-eye reduction doesn't help. Shutter can be slow to respond, especially if the battery juice is running down. I try to snap the shot before the action happens (anticipate the shot.) The kids (ages 7 & 10) can use the camera with ease and I don't worry about them dropping it in the water (like our son did when he was 2...the camera was NOT waterproof, but did work again after 6 months of sitting around in a drawer.)

As mentioned above, we have been 100% satisfied with this camera. It fits our needs as an active family who wanted a no-fuss, waterproof, "tough" camera!

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 5 MP CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
2. Waterproof body enables approximately 30 minutes of continuous underwater shooting at a depth of up to 1.5 meters
3. 3x optical zoom; recovery function makes it possible to reclaim images and audio files erased accidentally
4. Large, 2.0-inch LCD monitor with low-reflection technology and a backlighting system
5. Powered by a long-life rechargeable Lithium-ion battery; stores images on SD memory cards and has approximately 10.5MB of built-in memory

Editorial Review :

Snorkel, ski, or attend a stunning wedding, and you'll never stop snapping with the OptioWP. This digital delivers both on land and in the sea with a faster .6 second start up, a quick .05 second shutter release, movie mode and a generous 2.0 inch monitor. A beautiful, petite JIS Class 8 waterproof-rated exterior promises you'll capture images proudly just under the water's surface or in the most formal settings. Finally, your wait is over for petite, durable, go everywhere digital.

Customer Review :

watersports camera

I purchased this camera for watersports only. Have used in on my boat in rough weather and I have found it small, compact, and easy to use. The quality picture digitally is good but have not yet printed. Am very happy with the camera.

Rating :

Nice little camera

Great little camera. Very reliable. Takes nice pics. I get it dusty all the time and its working fine.

Rating :

I love this camera

I have taken this camera everywhere! I have snorkled with it in Hawaii, Costa Rica, Florida, and the Mediteranian. It has been dropped multiple times but I have never had a moments problem. I think my favorite feature is that it fits perfectly into your pocket. It is a perfect camera for an active person who doesn't want to carry another thing around in their hands and runs a high risk of destroying their camera. It takes a lickin and keeps on clickin!
It does have it's shortcomings however. The zoom isn't really amazing and the lag between when you press the shutter release butten and when the camera takes a picture isn't very good but it's the best you can expect from a point and shoot.
The quality of the photos are great. It is probably the best point and shoot camera anyone could ask for. It won't do the things the digital 35mm types will but then again, you can't just stick them in your pocket and drop them and take them underwater.

Rating :

Did exactly what I needed it to do.

I purchased this camera while on vacation in Hawaii. It took VERY decent underwater and daytime pictures. The flash kind of drowned out inside close-up pictures, but I didn't use for night pictures much althought the Nightshot mode pictures worked well for me on a fixed mount. My underwater snorkeling videos made this purchase well worth it. I would not have some great shots & video with a disposeable camera. I ended up upgrading to the Sanyo Xacti, but miss my Pentax already. It was super easy to use and had a fast start up time (I think 0.7 sec).

Rating :

2nd camera

I love this camera! This is my second one. I keep my camera with me at all times so it really gets banged up. It eventually died after about 3 years... doesn't seem long but I really put it through a lot. I bought the same one again because I love it so much. Perfect for the beach and pool

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More reviews...

1. 5.0-megapixel sensor creates photo-quality 2560 by 1920 pixel images
2. 3x optical, 4x digital zoom
3. 2.0-inch LCD screen, AVI movie mode with sound
4. Store images on 16 MB internal memory or SD memory card (not included)
5. Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Editorial Review :

The OptioX is a compact digital camera with a unique design that divides the body into two distinct parts. On the left side (from the user) there's the lens that can be easily revolved over a range of 180 degrees upward and 90 degrees downward according to your compositional demands. On the other side there's a large LCD monitor that can remain stable in the hand regardless of the movement of the lens side. The result? 5.0 effective megapixel clarity, 3X optical zooming and the freedom of above the head or from the hip shooting - all while confirming the composition or focus with confidence on the large, high-performance, 2.0-inch, 210, 000-pixel (approx.), low-temperature poly silicon TFT color LCD monitor.

Customer Review :

Optio X: Strange but interesting Camera

The Optio X has two halves: One side containing the lens, Flash< Processor, 14mb of memory, The other half has all the controls, two inch LCD, Battery and SD Slot. Both sides are constructed from stylish black and silver metal panels and are extremely thin. they are linked by a central spine that enables them to rotate through 270 degrees. So when it comes to the cool factor i say it really looks great, especially when rotated to 180 degrees.

The Optio X is anything but fast, The burst shooting mode is extremely slow and when switched to movie mode it flickers at an irritating 15fps. The good part is that it does its work as a camera, you can take decent pictures with this. So if you are looking for a useful and unusual camera this Pentax X is for you.

Rating :

WARNING

All seemed fine when I first got my optio x 2 years ago. It took great pictures, although in the "no flash" mode, the pictures are blurred. Overall, I was satisfied. On a trip, the camera was dropped in the snow but it works fine, it has endured blazing heat, and everything seemed to be going fine and I never had a problem with it until yesterday when it froze up completely. It hadn't gotten wet and nothing out of the ordinary had occured, i just turned it on and went into "play mode" and red lines came across the screen and none of the buttons worked, not even the power. There is no "reset" button I'm pretty sure, so my only option was to put it to charge. Luckily when i put it in the charger it turned off by itself. After fully charging it up again, i tested it at home. Everything seemed to be in working condition. But when I took it out again the same thing happend. My warranty expired, and the only thing i can think of is that fall in the snow it took a while back, but it seems strange that the effects would come 6 months after the accident. I am looking into buying an Optio WP because of that.
If you are a careful person, the camera is probably right for you. In my case, I'll go for the waterproof one.

Rating :

SUPER CAMERA

I am using this camera since 2004 and it is the only availabe compact twist camera in the world.
NIKON has one (S4) but it is 3 times thicker and much heavier than this Pentax Optio-X
Anytime I use this camera everybody is asking where I bought this camera, it is amazing that Pentax discontinued this model.
unfortunately mine was damaged some months agoo. After searching hours at the web I found 3 available at Amazon.com and I bought them all tree...
Pentax should start reproduction of this model or similar models again, as there is a big market for these cameras


Rating :

Great couple cam option!

The pentax optio x, it?s a great camera for some many reasons, but the most important for me, is that i can get great pictures from me an my couple, without asking help to any other person to hold the camera......

Rating :

Great little camera

This camera is great and worth the money spent on it. It is compact and fits in any bag/pocket.....the manual is very daunting and I cannot see that anyone would actually read it...once you start playing with the camera the features are easy to figure out. The only feature it lacks is image stabilization which I need as I am very shaky

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More reviews...