The new Pentax Optio S4 digital still camera features a 4-megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom lens plus some attractive features for photographers.

 

September 2003: The new Pentax Optio S4 digital still camera features a 4-megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom lens plus some attractive features for photographers.
The compact aluminium body measures only 83 x 52 x 20 mm and the 3x zoom lens is equivalent to a 35-105mm lens on a 35mm camera. A 4x digital zoom function gives a total zoom capability of 12x. Eight shooting modes are available, including Program AE, panorama assist and an innovative 3D function for taking stereo pairs of shots. Both monochrome (B&W and sepia) and colour (red, pink, yellow, green, blue and purple) digital filter effects are provided and a special User mode allows a combination of preferred settings to be saved for quick access, as required.
Seven shooting modes can be selected, including settings for self-portraiture, Autumn colours, surf and snow and sunsets. Movie clips are recorded with sound and voice clips can be added to still images or saved as stand-alone memos. Time-lapse movies can also created, with six recording speeds to choose from.
The Optio S4 can capture close-ups to within 18 cm of a subject in Macro mode, while the Super Macro setting focuses down to 6 cm. Two AF options are provided: 7-point AF and Spot AF and playback zoom is available for checking focusing accuracy.
The Option S4 carries a RRP of $799 and is expected to be available in late October or early November. Full details can be found at www.crkennedy.com.au.