Pentax Optio S4 Review

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Pentax Optio S4
3.5 stars
Average rating for this product is: 3.5 out of 5

From 0 ratings and 4 reviews

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bulti's Review of Pentax Optio S4

4th Jan 2004

Overall Rating

4.5 stars
  • Value for money
    3.5 stars
  • Ease of Use
    5 stars
  • Image Quality
    4 stars
  • Features
    4.5 stars
Good Points

It's tiny
4 Megapixel with 3x optical zoom
Quick and easy to use
Panoramic mode


Bad Points

4-way directional menu button can be a bit awkward
Poor sound on video playback through the camera


General Comments

This Pentax Optio S4 digital camera is incredibly small. About the size of a credit card and only 0.8 inches thick.
The image quality is pretty good. I'm also impressed with the movie quality, as long as there's plenty of light. The camera has plenty of features/settings, though I doubt I'll use most of them.
If the camera size is not an issue, then there are better cameras out there for less money. But it was the camera size/reputable manufacturer that most attracted me to it.
I was expecting to sacrifice some image quality because of the camera size, but I have to say I'm pretty happy with it.

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Members' Comments onbulti's Review

  • reverse side on 5th Jun 2005

    Couple of solutions to some niggles raised here...
    Movies CAN be a bit dark; but the solution is to simply increase the Light Sensitivity to ASA 200.
    The 60 seconds limit can be overcome slightly by importing several clips into Windows Movie Maker and merge them.; otherwise if you don't need an audio feed, is to use the time-lapse mode for upto 100 minutes action in the 60 second limit; the S4i has a capactiy equivalent to the memory
    For the awkward 4-way button; the secret is to place the middle of your thumb on the switch and then lever in any of the 4 directions, it's much easier when you don't try and click the extremity of the small disc.

    Social gatherings, Sporting occasions, walks in the park, impromptu opportunities, landscapes, portraits, extreme close-ups the list is endless... pocket rocket that won't burn a hole in your bank balance. Get a spare battery as you'll want to take it everywhere.

    Get a case for a £1 and get some nice sweets into the bargain; Altoid mints has a case the PERFECT size.

    Macro mode for close-ups of anything is great; insects, plants, eyes, text messages you don't want to delete, food that's been cooked for you. Optical zoom is great too, not just a poxy digital that's only good for framing a picture.

    No need for a card reader as there's a USB cable include - if you fancy a 3D picture that's covered too.

    After 18 months use, the grass is still as green and I love the fact I've got 20Gigs worth of treasured memories - most of my friends and family have had their heart lifted by what this pixie-magic-marvel has captured.