Pentax Optio S4

Raising 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

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.

From the Manufacturer
The Pentax Optio S4 is a 4.0 megapixel digital camera that has precision and clarity with a 3x optical zoom. Not only does this camera take still pictures but it will also record 60 seconds of movie footage as an AVI file with sound.

Features

• Detailed imaging with a 4.0 MegaPixel CCD
• Precision and clarity through an smc PENTAX 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 35-105mm in 35mm film format, 12x combined zoom
• Ultra lightweight aluminum alloy body weighs only 3.5 oz
• Miniaturized Engineering Concept - Measures 3.3 x 2.0 x 0.8 inches
• Revolutionary Sliding Lens System contributes to stylish compact body design
• Voice recording mode – audio capability that rivals stand alone audio recording devices
• Movie mode records 60 seconds of footage as an AVI file with sound
• Seven Auto Picture Modes: Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Self-portrait, Surf & Snow, Autumn Color and Sunset
• Convenient USB connection to your computer
• LCD monitor bright enough for use in direct sunlight
• Three metering options: Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
• 11MB internal memory
• Includes a long-life rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
• Along with the intuitive, easy-to-use menu, there are a variety of shooting modes through use of Virtual Mode Dial
• Three capture settings with three JPEG quality settings each
• TTL contrast detection autofocus system with 7-point wide-focus, spot focus and infinity landscape mode
• Free Focus mode allows you to place focus point anywhere in the image area
• JPEG (Exif.) 2.2, DPOF and Epson PRINT Image Matching II technology assures the highest quality prints
• 3D and Panorama assist modes
• Alarm clock with sound and picture wake-up