Pentax Optio S4 Digital Camera [4MP 3xOptical]

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 aluminium-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. Seven-point autofocus helps you achieve sharp focus even when subjects are off-center. Spot AF, on the other hand, lets you place the centre 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 rivalling 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 colour 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 colour, sunset
• white-balance control: TTL auto, preset, custom white balance

Storage and Transfer: images can be stored in the internal 11 MB memory or on optional Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCards (MMC). Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

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).

Sporting the tiny dimensions and light weight of its predecessor, the Optio S4 boasts a hefty 4.23 effective megapixels, a 3X zoom lens, and a variety of features including a large, easy-to-use manual control playback button.The Optio S4 features an innovative Sliding Lens system that allows the camera's powerful 3X zoom lens to move up and away so the retracted lens is completely flush with the camera body. This novel system protects the lens and helps reduce the size.Despite the size, the Optio S4 boasts all the features found on other Optio digital cameras: a movie mode with sound playback, a voice recording memo for attaching 30 second memos to select images, a well-placed 1.6 monitor, and approximately 11MB of built-in memory. All these features and more are made even more accessible through a larger, well-placed manual control playback button on the Optio S4.

• Optio S4 digital camera
• Battery and battery charger
• USB and AV cables
• Hand strap
• CD-ROM with image software
• Instruction manual