4-megapixel compact digital to join Pentax Optio range

Tuesday September 23, 2003

The Pentax OptioS4 digital compact offers 4.23 megapixel image capture, a shutter release time lag of 0.01 sec, a wide range of shooting modes and 3X optical zoom in a compact (83mm wide x 52mm high x 20mm deep) aluminium body, but it's the extra touches often overlooked in compact digital cameras, including continuous shooting, voice recording and image zoom integrated into the optical viewfinder, that distinguish the Optio S4.

The image capture is enhanced by the incorporation of a primary colour filter, which serves to bring out brighter, more natural colours and the 3X optical zoom (equivalent to a 35 - 105mm lens in 35mm format) can be combined with the camera's 4X digital zoom for a 12X zoom capability.

The tight body design is maintained with the use of Pentax' Sliding Lens system that reduces the degree to which the lens protrudes from the body.

Perhaps they key feature in the Optio S4, and the most important improvement in the latest wave of digital camera releases across the board, is the highly responsive time lag. The time lag of just 0.01 sec also improves the viability of the continuous shooting mode included in the Optio S4.

The eight shooting modes include night-time, 3Dimage mode, video (up to 60 seconds of with sound at 15 frames per second) and a "Panorama assist" feature that allows composition of sets of photos taken horizontally or vertically.

The audio recording capability provides 4 hours and 22 minutes of audio recording when using a 64MB memory card and optional remote control, built-in flash, 11MB of built-in memory, a choice of auto or manual focus and the ability to record time-lapse movies add to the versatility of the S4.

An Australian release of the Pentax Optio S4 is expected in late October/ Early November 2003 at an RRP of AUD$ 799.