Review 4 of 5
Price Paid:
$399.00
from Amazon.com Summary:
Upon seeing it in person for the first time, I’m immediately pleased with the body styling. It has a contemporary classic look to it, and I can see this camera in a museum one hundred years from now, inside a glass case. Its small size would make it ideal for candid photographs, but its bright finish easily catches light and attracts attention to itself. Because of this, I thought it would be a good idea for Pentax to produce it in black or gunmetal grey for added stealth.
The ergonomics of this camera is quite good for its size. The face is aluminum with arching ridges cut into it. The back of the camera where you would place your right thumb has a one inch long rectangular-oval depression; which is about 1/16th of an inch deep for an excellent hold. At the top right is the shutter button and the power switch. The shutter button is to the left of the power switch, which to some should be the other way around. It’s a minor inconvenience, because the shutter button is twice the size of the power switch, and the power switch is recessed into the body of the camera. Just by feel, you can easily distinguish the two.
The battery door is made of rigid plastic. It is hinged with a 1/8th inch wide piece of flexible plastic. Pentax’ use of such a flimsy-looking hinge must be due to the material’s special durable properties. Only time will tell.
As I quickly pored over the operating manual, I was pleasantly surprised that the only language inside it was English. This makes the manual less visually confusing and thus easier to read.
I happen to find the picture quality to be a grade B+ at the highest quality setting. Its competition has an edge over it, but not by much. 8x10” prints made from this camera is excellent (use the highest quality setting). A photographer with artistic and professional-caliber abilities would certainly make the B+ into an A grade. For some examples, go to Photosig.com, and go to Photos, then Categories, then Cameras. Scroll to the Pentax brand, and model: Pentax Optio S.
At about $400, you certainly get what you pay for in this camera. It is well worth the price. Strengths:
Stealthiness, compact size, good ergonomics (I've no problems with any of the buttons), good picture quality, uses high-capacity SD or MMC card, charges in 1 hour, 40 minutes; more than adequate quality for up to 8x10" prints. Weaknesses:
Flimsy plastic battery door & hinge. If you're a careful person, it's no problem. Big-fingered people might have a hard time handling it. The bright finish almost defeats its usefulness as a candid or spy camera. Similar Products Used:
Pentax UC-1 (35mm ultracompact camera) Customer Service:
I've not yet had to contact them; hopefully never.
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