Pentax Optio S

The Optio S comes with 11MB of internal memory, but no memory card (though it does have a slot for Secure Digital media). Pentax provides a rechargeable lithium ion battery, which lasted for 260 shots in our tests-below average, but better than we...

Average three megapixel resolution Good reliable metering, if slightly conservative (worth checking live histogram) Low image noise at ISO 50 and 100 Excellent macro focus performance (for an ultra-compact) Wide range of focus options including manual...

Lens softness, especially at corners and bottom of frame Some chromatic aberrations visible (although average for this size of camera) Some vignetting / light fall off in right-hand corner of frame at maximum aperture Power and shutter release buttons...

Here's my rating of the Pentax Optio S: (3 megapixel ultra-compact)

The Optio S has a 3x zoom, 5.8-17.4mm lens, the equivalent of a 35-105mm lens on a 35mm camera. The lens is where Pentax made their real innovation with this camera, in that its internal elements actually "unstack" as the lens retracts, arranging...

Incredible design and engineering ; Good value at under $400 ; Good battery life for a tiny camera ; Quite a few controls for a point-and-shoot ; Impressive playback mode ; Unique 3D photo, fast forward movie features

Photo quality -- blurry edges/corners, some noise ; Poorly designed four-way controller; Power/shutter release buttons too close together, too similar ; No AF illuminator ; Redeye ; Body scratches easily ; No memory card included; paltry 11MB of...

Food for thought -- I hope.

Great results in good light, it's tough, central lens means less likely to be covered by a gloved finger

Slow to focus and capture, design might turn some off, tripod mount location, poor screen visibility in bright conditions

If you're looking for top-notch photos, with the option of getting wet too, then you'll find that buying a cover for a better compact camera will garner you the best results.

Tactile rubber coated exterior, cheap price, easy to use, simple to navigate feature set

Basic feature set, no HD video, optical zoom disabled when recording movies, white balance issues and inconsistent performance, flash fires automatically in lower lighting

Okay, so the cost does chime with our apparent age of austerity, but the feature set and performance of the M900 unfortunately lean toward the poor too. We’ve been surprised in the past by Pentax cameras bettering expectation and offering great value...

Movie prop-styled looks; good performance

No memory card

Overall this is a great camera to take out and about with and ideal because it will fit into any pocket without you realising that it is even there. Picture quality is what you would expect from a 3 million pixel camera and would be ample if you plan...