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Average rating:
3.57
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| Quick links: | Announcement | Forum |
| Announced: | Aug 31, 2005 |
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Average rating:
3.57
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Opinion: I was looking for a camera that can capture MPEG4, DIVX, or Quicktime video at 640x480 @30fps and very compact in size. The reason I wanted the MPEG4/DIVX/QuickTime movie was because I wanted to take longer videos at good video quality. So that eliminated the Canons. It came down to this camera, the Casio Z750, and the Kodak v550. The V550's video compression was too aggressive, so the quality was not great. The Z750 had great video, but I got scared off because so many people posted "lens error" problems on various forums. So I purchased this one. The video quality on this camera was very nice, and the camera features were good, easy to use, etc.
Problems: I returned this camera, however, because the focusing can be hit or miss. When it focused well, the photos looked great. However, I find that the # of photos which are not focused well was more than expected. Perhaps 1 out of 5 or 6 had some focus problems. Perhaps my previous camera, the Canon S400, was really good at focusing, so perhaps I'm expecting too much from other vendors. I give the image quality of 3.5 because of the focus problems. It would be 5 if the focusing was better.
Opinion: This is an update from a previous post after using the camera more.
I bought the original (3 MP) Optio S and carried it around with me everywhere in the Altoids tin. When it finally broke (lens got stuck in the extended position) I immediately got the S6. The increase to 6 MP seems a bit much for the tiny lens (I use 4MP) but the improved video at 640x480 with MPEG4 compression for as long as you have memory and battery is HUGE, the image stabilization is just ok (crops the outside edges). I feel that I do not need a video camera now. If you intend to take videos at all make sure you get a camera with 640x480 videos with MPEG4 compression, it makes all the difference in the world when compared to 320x240. Oh yeah, better get a big memory card too, 1G or more, you get about 3 seconds per MB.
Thank you Pentax for FINALLY switching the power & shutter buttons.
Unfortunately the photos are not as improved as the video on this camera. I was expecting an improvement in picture quality but other than more pixels, the images seem to be only marginally better than the optio s. The auto focus works in strong daylight but not so well in moderate or dark pictures. I also only use iso 64 and still see a little noise. Finally, the screen broke halfway through the trip (only 2 months old) so quality seems to be lacking in my 2 Pentax cameras.
I have returned my optio s6 and am now re-evaluating my next ultra compact purchase. I still feel this is a good camera considering its extremely small size but the newly announced optio A10 sounds like a better buy.
Problems: No viewfinder makes pictures in near dark a trial and error method, but the big screen is worth it (until it breaks)
Same lens as on the Optio S and that one broke (admittedly after several thousand pictures though)
Buy a second or even a third battery. The big beautiful screen drains the juice quickly.
Picture quality is ok, could be better though. Pentax needs to put a little more R&D into the lens.
LCD screen broke after 2 months of use
Opinion: I have chosen this camera for its design only. It is very compact and lightweight. Compared to my previous Fujifilm 6800 it has much bigger display and ability to shoot with IR remote control. I suppose it may be useful for travelers and amateurs who want to have camera everywhere. On the other hand do not expect from Optio S6 good results...
Problems: The main problems are usual as for other cameras of the same class but I emphasize the following:
1. images are out of focus; using tripod or manual focus helps some;
2. very noisy; noise may be noticed even in bright images;
3. when flash is powering-up camera turns-off sometimes;
4. battery capacity is enough for apprx. 50 shots;
5. charger is not suitable for local powering of camera, instead you have to buy separate AC adapter;
6. if you intend to by this camera prepare yourself for some image processing with computer otherwise images will be poor quality
Overall Pentax S6 is cheap camera with poor quality for begginers.
Opinion: Well constructed - impressive features considering the compacxtness of this camera. The main benefit apart from it's size is it's ease of use. Especially if you usually need glasses to read - the large screen & way the menus are oportrayed are excellent. Only slight downfall is the slight delay in the time it takes to focus & prepare to take photo. Very happy with it's features & overall design.
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 | 22.3 megapixels 3.2" screen Full frame sensor |
