Pentax Optio S55

PENTAX Optio S55 — a compact digital camera that makes shooting so much more fun for the beginner. With a large, easy-to-view monitor, it makes composition simple. With all-round easy operation it's well suited to any user. And with a 3X optical zoom lens and the power of 5.0 effective megapixels, it captures stunningly clear pictures that satisfy.

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FEATURES

Large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor

Despite its compact body dimensions, the Optio S55 is equipped with a large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor, which makes it easy to compose images and play them back anywhere. Such an impressively large screen also makes operation easier too by making the function menu so much easier to see and use.

Mode dial makes for simpler mode selection

The Optio S55 offers diverse digital functions with very simple operation, and the selection of shooting modes is an ideal example. All the user has to do to access such modes is simply turn the handy mode dial to select from icons representing a choice of 6 still image shooting modes, movie shooting, voice recording and even digital effects.

Easy mode is ideal for beginners

The Optio S55 's Easy mode makes photography a cinch for those not used to taking pictures. Selectable from the mode dial, it gives users access to the Auto Select function that automatically selects the best shooting mode for the scene at hand from a choice of Program, Portrait, Landscape and Night Scene. Furthermore, it also provides optimal settings for white balance, AF area, exposure metering, sensitivity and more. And promoting even easier operation still, the OptioS55 features a handy Help function that displays explanations of button functions on the screen for shooting and playback too, making it easy to understand and operate the camera even without the manual.

12 picture modes suit a wide range of shooting situations

Picture modes can be selected by choosing an icon via the mode dial or the LCD monitor to suit the scene at hand. All in all, there are an impressive 12 picture modes to choose from, including Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene and flower — enabling the user to shoot virtually any kind of picture while the OptioS55 takes automatic control over settings to produce the best possible results for the conditions of each scene.

3X optical zoom within compact body design

Despite having such conveniently compact dimensions, the Optio S55 incorporates a 3X optical zoom smc PENTAX lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 35.6-107mm lens in 35mm format — a range that opens up a pleasing array of compositional capabilities.

Excellent image quality

The Optio S55 achieves high-precision imaging with a 1/2.5-inch, primary color CCD boasting 5.36 total megapixels. And imaging performance is taken even further through use of a renowned smc PENTAX lens that delivers clear, high-contrast images with minimized ghost and flare. The Optio S55 also incorporates a 12-bit A/D converter for the accurate reproduction of dark to light gradations and features a noise reduction function that produces better results in low-light conditions.

Stylish design

PENTAX has achieved a stylish, bold design for the Optio S55 through the extensive use of a high-quality aluminum alloy for the exterior with a textured matt finish that gives it a satisfying tactile quality and an understated luster. Such a basis for the exterior appearance contrasts well with the shiny finish applied for the grip and the area surrounding the lens for a highly effective sense of style.

A grip that simply feels better

The Optio S55 has been designed with a comfortable sense of depth on both sides of the body, which works in combination with the newly designed right-hand grip to impart a more confident shooting feel.

A battery compatibility

The Optio S55 is compatible with widely available AA batteries, making it easy to replenish the power practically anywhere in the world. Alternatively, the user can choose to use a single CR-V3 lithium battery as they like.

AV output terminal supports image playback on TV

Not only can users enjoy playing back images on the LCD screen or printing them out at will. The Optio S55 can also be connected to a TV via the standard AV cable enabling more impressive playback with audio capability.

Other features

Magnification display function enlarges the text on the menu screen
SD memory card compatibility; 11MB (approx.) built-in memory
Standard image viewer, ACDSee for PENTAX software
Function customization allows frequently used items to be assigned to the left and right positions of the four-way controller for swift, shortcut access
Up to 2.6X digital zoom
Super macro mode lets the user shoot as close as 6cm from the subject
Digital filters that can be applied to recorded images, in-camera
Voice recording function
PictBridge compatibility
World time function
DPOF function, Exif Print, PRINT Image Matching compatibility

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PICTURES

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SPECIFICATION

lens / zoom 36 mm - 107 mm (3x) (dig 2.6x)

focus / macro auto | manual / 40 cm / 6 cm

metering mode multi-segment, center-weighted, spot

aperture auto / F2.6 / F4.8

white balance auto / 5 presets

shutter auto / 4s - 1/2000s

exposure +/- 2EV in 1/3EV steps

flash / mode internal - 5 modes / 0.2m - 4.9m

viewfinder

iso ratings 50 / 100 / 200 / 400

image size 2560x1920 / 2304 x 1728 / 2048x1536 / 1600 x 1200 / 1024 x 768 / 640 x 480

image format jpeg (exif2.2)

image compr. good / better / best

lag/cycle times

remote control self-timer

video options avi 320 x 240 (30fps, 15fps w. sound)

audio options wav mono

connectivity usb / A/V (NTSC / PAL)

storage 11 MB internal, SD

platform Windows 2000/ME/XP, Mac OS 9.2 or later

extra features PictBridge compatible
histogram display