Editorial Review
Early Adopters Pick: March 2003. The world’s smallest 3.2-megapixel, 3x optical zoom camera.
The Pentax OptioS is so small it can fit into an empty mints tin. Smaller than the size of an average credit or business card and just over .75 inches thick, the OptioS boasts a high-quality 3.2-megapixel resolution and a 3x optical zoom lens in a sleekly designed, tough aluminum-alloy body. A new "sliding lens" system allows this lens to move up, away, and lie fully flush with the camera frame to protect the lens and allow for the camera’s tiny dimensions.
Optics and Resolution
Featuring a 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor, the OptioS delivers images up to 2,048 x 1,536 pixels and prints up to 11 by 14 inches. The zooming capacity of the lenses is augmented with 2x digital zooming, which offers smooth operation and realizes a combined zooming power of 6x zoom. It features a focal range of 5.8-17.4mm (35-105mm equivalent in 35mm photography) and maximum aperture of f2.6-f4.8.
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 storage-class connectivity, 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.
Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the OptioS can also record movie clips of up to 30 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.
More Features
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.
- 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
- Autofocus: 7-point AF, spot AF, and infinity landscape mode
- 1.6-inch color TFT LCD screen with histogram display
Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included). It measures 3.3 by 2.0 by 0.8 inches and weighs 4.1 ounces. This package includes the OptioS digital camera, battery and battery charger, USB and AV cables, hand strap, and CD-ROM with image software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.
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Customer Reviews
Tough little camera...inside it's case 
2008-04-16
I bought this camera from an Army PX right before I shipped out to Iraq. I've been back for three years now, and it is still my one and only camera. It has survived every thing I could dish out; I even ran over it with a golf cart (don't ask me how that happened). The one catch? I keep it in the Altoids tin that it was designed to fit into. That is hands down the best thing about this camera.
Why hasn't other manufacturers done this? Who knows. Keeping it in that bulletproof (not literally) little case has made up for the flimsy battery cover, and the sensitive gear that extends the lens. You should see all the scratches on the outside of the mint tin.
It takes great pictures, and having a camera so small that you carry it around everywhere you go means you never miss a picture.
bad quality, only last 2 years 
2006-12-02
We bought it in 2004, now 2006, it is broken. I'm very disappointed at the quality of this camera, wish it is me that look for digital camera at that time, I would check out some reviews people have here. I have used other digiatl camera, have much better experice. Don't waste your money if you want to keep a camera longer than 2 years.
Pentax? Never Again! 2005-06-23
I've bought Optios S from amazon 1,5 year ago. It came with a malfunctioning LCD. Thankfully amazon sent me another one because as I saw the service (!!??) of Pentax I don't think that they would accept such a thing.
The new camera was good for a while. Very light. Even with its original bag. Easy to use, easy to transfer. Fine picture quality for a 3mp camera. But...
Then one day it said memory card error. I've lost all my pictures in it and I was left with a broken memory card. I thought it was a problem of the memory card. But this happened with 3 other memory cards too. My one year was over. I don't think anything would change if it wasn't over.
Now it started to have focusing problems. I'm using my camera very rarely and keeping it in a good condition. I don't suggest Pentax to anybody anymore.
Pentax Optio S4 - worked fine...for awhile! 
2005-04-08
I've had my optio for almost a year and a half now, and it worked well for the first year. As soon as the warranty expired, the flash randomly stopped working. I had to bring it to a Pentax repair shop and luckily I lived in a city which had an official Pentax repair store (Vancouver). However, since my warranty had expired, it cost about $170 (including tax) to get it fixed. The guys who fixed it were super fast and it took only 1 week to repair - but still, $170 for a broken flash? Come on. This camera is very small and slim and it is easy to carry around in a purse. I found that the only problem that I had with it was that there is quite a delay between pressing a button to take the picture, and the flash going off and the picture being taken. After using a regular camera (non digital) for many years, I expected the picture to take immdediately while pressing the button. This can get quite annoying when taking action shots.
All in all, I am still really enjoying the camera after getting it fixed. Hopefully nothing else breaks. Perhaps getting an extended warranty would be a wise idea for those purchasing a new camera.
This camera is quite popular, as I know about 5 other people with it. However, they also share the same complaint about the delay problems.
Over a year now and I still love it 
2005-03-02
I've had my little Optio S for over a year now, and I still love it. So far I haven't had any problems with it- I was worried by some of the reviews that mention problems with the plastic hinges, the lens jamming up or the customer service problems. So far I haven't dropped it, the plastic is holding up well and I haven't had a need for customer service.
I wouldn't say I take pictures every day, but my Optio S has been used a fair amount. On average I take about 30 pictures a week up to 200+ pictures a day while on vacation.
It does fit in an altoids tin, but not when you put the wrist strap on it. I've found the "wrist strap" is actually long enough so you can wear the camera as a pendant.
Picture quality is great for the average photo taker. Battery life I'd rate as average. So I spent the money for an extra battery. With two batteries fully charged, I've never had a problem running out of juice.
I do wish it had a better optical zoom, but for such a small package I guess there had to be some trade off.
It does have a high "Wow!" factor.
All in all, I've been very happy with this little camera.
Takes great pix and really tiny! 2004-12-01
Early Adopters Pick: March 2003. The world’s smallest 3.2-megapixel, 3x optical zoom camera.
The Pentax OptioS is so small it can fit into an empty mints tin. Smaller than the size of an average credit or business card and just over .75 inches thick, the OptioS boasts a high-quality 3.2-megapixel resolution and a 3x optical zoom lens in a sleekly designed, tough aluminum-alloy body. A new "sliding lens" system allows this lens to move up, away, and lie fully flush with the camera frame to protect the lens and allow for the camera’s tiny dimensions.
Optics and Resolution
Featuring a 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor, the OptioS delivers images up to 2,048 x 1,536 pixels and prints up to 11 by 14 inches. The zooming capacity of the lenses is augmented with 2x digital zooming, which offers smooth operation and realizes a combined zooming power of 6x zoom. It features a focal range of 5.8-17.4mm (35-105mm equivalent in 35mm photography) and maximum aperture of f2.6-f4.8.
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 storage-class connectivity, 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.
Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the OptioS can also record movie clips of up to 30 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.
More Features
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.
- 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
- Autofocus: 7-point AF, spot AF, and infinity landscape mode
- 1.6-inch color TFT LCD screen with histogram display
Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included). It measures 3.3 by 2.0 by 0.8 inches and weighs 4.1 ounces. This package includes the OptioS digital camera, battery and battery charger, USB and AV cables, hand strap, and CD-ROM with image software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.
Flimsy Camera, Useless Warranty 2004-10-15
I also bought my Optio because of the out-dated reputation of Pentax. And, like numerous others, was met with lies and cover-ups for a flimsy camera. I had my camera for four months. I was taking a picture of my sleeping husband and baby and when I went to turn it off, the lens did not retract. The camera was very lightly used, always in its case when not being used, and never out of my sight. Having the extended warranty (although it was still under the original warranty), I sent it back to Pentax. They told me it would cost $180 because "Excessive force" was used on it. Totally untrue, as I'm sure all the other reviewers with problems had. Pentax customer service is horrible. They told me they'd call back and didn't, would not let me talk to a technician, and tried to tell me that maybe I didn't know I dropped it. "You know, like when you see a bruise on your knee and you don't know where you got it from." They need some serious help. I also emailed and snail mailed a letter to Pentax stating my disappointment. Never heard back from them. Not even a courtesy email. I, like many others, will never buy a Pentax again. And if you decide to buy, don't bother with the warranty because they are great at lies and excuses.
Warranty will not be honored, no matter what 2004-08-16
I bought my Optio based on the reputation of the Pentax name. I used it happily for about five months and then the auto focus began to fail. In a series of five pictrues I am able to document the moment things went from crisp, clear images to blury and undistinguishable. When my five month old camera started to fail, I was not too concerned because it was still covered under the warranty. Imagine my surprise when I recieved a letter from Pentax telling me it would cost me $150 to repair the camera due to it being dropped or crushed. They even went so far as to include the cost of replacing the outer casing, which was in no way damaged when they camera was sent to them, very well-packed, and insured. No amount of arguing the point will change their stance--either I pay them $150 or they will not repair the camera, plus, I must pay the return postage if I opt to have them return the now-useless 6 month-old camera to me.
Never again will I buy a Pentax product.
Pentaz Optio S 2004-08-14
This I would have to say has been the best purchase I have made in years. I figured it was some sort of joke and my wife was pressing for a small camera that could be easily put away when need be. We found this one on sale and never been happier.
The pros out number the cons on this product. Here is my list.
The Pros are:
The size (it is small, I mean really small)
The LCD screen, for a camera this size you wouldn't expect much for a screen but you will be surprised.
The quality of picture.
Battery life is great.
Easy to use.
The cons:
The cost of replacement batteries( 50 Bucks)
The size of the buttons( can't complain the camera itself is small.)
I recommend this camera if anyone is looking for a unique camera and that is durable in all areas of the world. It went with me to Alaska and survived the temp there and the turned around and went to Hawaii a few months later and survived the temp and humidity out there with no problems.
Altoid? 2004-06-27
The Pentax Optio S contains a lot of features for its size. Small enough to fit inside my Altoids container, the Optio S sports a 1.5" screen that is clear and easy to see. The buttons are big enough for human fingers (unlike some others that I have viewed...) and they are clearly labeled. The menu is easily readable and easy to use. There are almost too many different options for this small camera its stunning.
PLUS-SIDE:
The Optio sports different color schemes including blue, red, purple, yellow, black & white, and sepia (my fav.) in addition to a few others.
It offers 3x optical zoom, which I was personally impressed by exactly how far it can zoom in. It has an adjustable flash option for any lighting. The Optio takes pictures in four different pixel measurements. Its video card is usually cheaper than any other card (and holds the same). Its movie capability is spectacular for any digital camera. Its computer software is easy to use, including options such as downloading, uploading, and sychronizing.
Some features it contains are Self-Portrait, Night-time Photos, Movie Filmer, Stretching (distorting the pictures, sometimes this can give an unusual effect to those who desire it), a 3D option with included 3D glasses, the aforementioned colors and many, many other variations. Lighting can also be specified.
DOWN-SIDE
Shutter-speed. It's shutter lag is very annoying, and can drive anyone nuts. For me, shutter speed is a small consequence for such a stunning machine, but the lag can immediately turn anyone away, so buy carefully.
Internal memory. Without the card, the Optio has a pathetic 11mb storage--or about 10 pictures at high quality.
Battery length. This is what almost crossed the camera off my list. At full length, this battery can last anywhere from 1-4 hours. It's been a heartbreak on some instances when I could not take anymore pictures. One has to recharge it for about 3-6 hours just to get 1-2 hours of decent camera usage. Unpleasant.
OVERALL:
Like any camera, it has its setbacks. But for this $300- miniature super-camera, I think it is worth it above others. Its inexpensiveness and its eclectic of features makes it a must-buy for camera-lovers or family members. Its perfect for that summer getaway to Rome or that Winter break in Colorado with the extended family.
