Pentax OptioS

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This camera needs no introduction. Pentax has continually boasted that the 3.2-megapixel OptioS is small enough to fit into a can of Altoids. Well, we were certainly very impressed when we actually had it in our hands. The rather interesting features included with the camera also make it more appealing.

Fashion Statement
One of the most successful designs across most devices has been the metallic styling. The OptioS is no different. It comes in a lightweight aluminum-alloy body that is tough enough for normal usage. Unlike most other metal-body cameras that leave the surface either smooth or matt, Pentax has opted to put radial ridges on the front (lens) and back (navigation button) of the unit. Weighing just 120g with both battery and media installed, and having a size smaller than a credit card, the OptioS will sit easy in your pockets.

In terms of grip, this Pentax feels better than Casio's EX-Z3. Everything from the radial ridges to the recessed thumb rest works well together to give the user a surprisingly firm hold for such a small form factor. The layout of the controls is neat and clean, but this is due more to the size of the buttons than design, although for the minuscule size, these are responsive. One gripe: The circular navigational control proved too sensitive and just a tad too small for larger fingers.

The debate over the placement of the on/off switch on Casio's Exilim line is addressed here. Like the older card-sized cameras, the switch is recessed but located on the outermost edge. However, due to the position of the thumb rest, your index finger should fall naturally on the shutter.

Crossed-Eyed
The eagerly awaited OptioS doesn't disappoint in terms of features. While it does not sport all the picture modes that Casio has implemented in its Exilim line, the unit does offer something not many other cameras do. This Pentax allows pictures to be captured in three dimension either in cross or parallel mode. With the bundled 3D Image Viewer (which is really two small magnifying lenses), pictures captured in this mode give the images a perception of depth; though the novelty wore off after only about two images as it is quite taxing on the eyes.

Besides the obvious 3x zoom lens, the unit also offers (+2.0/-2.0 EV) exposure compensation in 0.3 to 0.4EV intervals and selectable white balance presets, including a manual white balance option. Additionally, there are settings such as resolution, light sensitivity/ISO rating, and three levels of JPEG compression. You are also able to choose from several metering and focus modes. There is even provision to alter saturation, contrast, and sharpness.

Storage wise, the OptioS comes with 11MB of internal memory with support for Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMediaCard (MMC). Unfortunately, the retail package does not include any external flash memory; hence, users will need to factor in the additional cost for an MMC or SD card if they intend to use the 3-megapixel sensor to its fullest ability.

In movie mode, the camera can record clips with sound at 320 x 240 resolution. A microphone is located at the front of the unit for capturing sound, but it isn't sensitive enough to pick up people speaking a few meters away.

Snapshooting
Power-up time is average-- clocking in at about 3 seconds. In terms of image capture performance, the OptioS comes out mediocre again. The unit's shot-to-shot time is about 3 to 4 seconds with flash on. However, the camera does have negligible shutter lag. It is a pity the OptioS isn't as zippy as the EX-Z3 as the form and style would suit the former for carrying around in the pockets, always ready for the special unexpected moments.

Composing pictures on the 1.6-inch monitor proved adequate and the LCD came out viewable even in bright light. The optical viewfinder seems identical to the one found on the EX-Z3, showing approximately only 80-90 percent of the actual image area. Typical of most consumer digital cameras, manual focus can be observed only through the LCD and the 1.6-inch size really inhibits the OptioS in this area. However, the manual focus option is effective only on subjects within 1m. Of interest to some, even though Pentax has specified a monitor size of 1.6-inch, in a side-by-side comparison, the LCD seems smaller than Canon's IXUS 400 screen which is 1.5 inches.

In terms of ease of use, the OptioS uses symbols a lot more so than other cameras. (In fact, we found ourselves referring to the manual more often than we were used to.) Other than this small shortcoming, most snapshooters should be up shooting in no time.

The OptioS also comes with a plastic tripod mount. Because of this, night or dimly lit scenes are feasible as the unit can actually be kept still while focusing on the right area.

Image Quality
Overall, the OptioS produced usable shots that were detailed and well exposed, although at times the colors were slightly washed out. Praiseworthy, though, was the picture quality of the night shots which had considerably less noise than the Exilim (see illustrations below).

The Pentax zoom lens found on the EX-Z3 gave Casio's Exilim line the sorely missed optical zoom. Does it do anything different for the original manufacturer? We think so. The OptioS has a super macro mode that proved a lot more powerful in our tests. However, the EX-Z3 had slightly better macro performance in terms of speed.

Like most digital cameras, the automatic white balance produced photos that are very warm under tungsten lighting. Otherwise, the unit was equipped to handle most lighting conditions, and colors captured were vivid.


Properly exposed and metered F/4.4; 1/30 second; 0EV	Washed out (most likely due to metering) F/4.8; 1/30 second; 0EV

Less noise in night shots F/3.5; 1 second; 0EV

Verdict
Unfortunately, like Casio's Exilim series, going small and stylish has a tradeoff. At S$831 (US$481), the OptioS is S$100 (US$56) more than comparable cameras. If you can get over the prohibitive cost and the ridges that make the unit resemble a nail file, this camera will go a long way in providing you hours of pocket fun. For readers still undecided between the EX-Z3 and OptioS, look out for our upcoming shootout.