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Pentax Optio S

Pentax Optio S
alaScore 85

350 reviews

Dec, 2024

alaTest has collected and analyzed 350 reviews of Pentax Optio S. The average rating for this product is 4.4/5, compared to an average rating of 4.3/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras for all reviews. Reviewers really like the price and portability. The image quality and usability are also appreciated, but views about the color and durability are mixed. There are some critical reviews about the focus and storage.

size, usability, image quality, portability, price

memory, shutter, reliability, storage, focus

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Digital Compact Cameras the Pentax Optio S is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 85/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 350 reviews)

Expert Reviews  

User Reviews  

Showing 19 review(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 19 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (278)

Expert review by : Grace Aquino (pcworld.com)

Pentax Optio S

 

An adorably small camera with features adequate for large point-and-shoot models.

Jun, 2003

Expert review by : Grace Aquino (pcworld.com)

Pentax Optio S Digital Camera Camera

 

WHAT'S HOT: Weighing only 4.1 ounces, the Optio S is the lightest and smallest digital camera we've tested to date. It's so small, in fact, that it fits inside an Altoids mints tin. The eye-catching camera sports a ridged aluminum-alloy body and a...

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...

Jun, 2003

Expert review by : Phil Askey (dpreview.com)

Pentax Optio S Review

 

Pentax announced the ultra-compact (in the most accurate sense of the phrase) Optio S at CES 2003 in January 2003. The Optio S measures just 83 x 52 x 20 mm (3.3 x 2.0 x 0.8 in) and weighs in at just 115 g (4.1 oz) ready to shoot, specifications we'd...

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)

May, 2003

Expert review by : Steve's Digicams (steves-digicams.com)

Pentax Optio S

 

Continue on to Page Two Optio S Specifications Effective Pixels 3.2 megapixels Image Capture Device Type - 1/2.5 inch interline transfer CCD with a primary color filter Total Pixels - 3.34 megapixels Color Depth - 10 bit x 3 colors Focus System Type -...

Apr, 2003

Expert review by (imaging-resource.com)

Digital Cameras - Pentax Optio S Digital Camera Review, Information, Specifications

 

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...

May, 2003

Expert review by : Jeff Keller (dcresource.com)

Pentax Optio S

 

Fancy engineering alone doesn't make a great camera. How did the Optio S perform in our tests? Find out now

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.

Apr, 2003

Expert review by : Gordon Kelly (trustedreviews.com)

Pentax Supercharges Latest OptioS

 

More slinky sexiness in the world of digital cameras.

Jul, 2005

Expert review by : Chris Hall (pocket-lint.com)

Pentax Optio WG-2

 

The Pentax Optio WG-2 is a waterproof compact camera that stands out from the crowd. It comes in two variants: here we're reviewing the model without the GPS. If you're looking for top-notch photos, with the option of getting wet too, then you'll find...

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.

May, 2012

Expert review by : Gavin Stoker (pocket-lint.com)

Pentax Optio M900

 

Pentax's plain yet not unattractive Optio M900 pocket compact has an asking price of a mere £100 - so it can't be all that much cop, can it? Our thoughts exactly - and yet the camera surprised us, up to a point, from the minute we eased it from its box...

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...

Nov, 2010

Expert review by : Stuart Miles (pocket-lint.com)

Pentax Optio S

 

Some say that small is beautiful, others believe that small equates to a lack of features. Pentax though are trying to break this mould with the Pentax Optio S. Not only is it small - it's the size of a pack of playing cards - but is also packed with...

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...

Dec, 2003
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