Major Features

1. Stylish body with well-conceived design

   The Optio S1’s chrome model combines a high-quality aluminum-alloy housing with a mirror-finish plating on the body surface — a process that demands advanced technology and a high degree of skill. The black and green models have also been treated with different gloss-coating processes to produce unique textures. Each model comes with a lens barrel that matches its body color, while all models feature precisely laser-engraved logos. Thanks to the meticulous attention given to every single design detail, the Optio S1 is a stylish, beautifully designed imaging tool that’s almost a fashion accessory.

2. Versatile optical 5X zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle coverage

   Despite its compact dimensions, the Optio S1 features an optical 5X zoom lens covering focal lengths from 5.0mm to 25.0mm (equivalent in the 35mm format to approximately 28mm wide angle to 140mm telephoto). Thanks to its wide zoom range, the Optio S1 can be used for a wide variety of subjects and scenes — from breathtaking landscapes, majestic architectural photos and group shots in confined spaces, to tightly cropped snapshots taken from a distance. When coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function, which allows even tighter zooming in on the subject, the zoom range can be extended to approximately 33.5 times.

3. Exceptional image quality

   Combining the exceptional image resolution assured by approximately 14 effective megapixels and a state-of-the-art imaging engine with a high-performance PENTAX zoom lens and a reliable SR (Shake Reduction) system, the Optio S1 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details. Even when enlarged to poster sizes, the images ensure sharp, high-resolution prints with excellent edge-to-edge sharpness.

4. Triple anti-shake protection to prevent different types of camera shake

   1. CCD-shift-type SR
      The Optio S1 incorporates an advanced CCD-shift-type SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which assures sharp, blur-free images even in shake-prone shooting conditions — such as when using a telephoto lens, or when shooting a sunset or indoor scene in incident light only — by effectively compensating camera shake for up to approximately three shutter steps.
   2. High-Sensitivity anti-shake mode*
      When it detects low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, the Optio S1 automatically raises the sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400, making it possible to use a higher shutter speed to effectively minimize the adverse effects of camera shake and subject shake under poor lighting conditions.
   3. Movie SR mode**
      During movie recording, the Optio S1 prevents blurry images by using exclusive PENTAX software to digitally minimize annoying camera.

   * When the High-Sensitivity anti-shake mode is selected, the recorded size is fixed to five megapixels (2592 x 1944 pixels).
   ** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.

5. High-quality, HD-proportioned movie recording with single-action REC button

   The Optio S1 captures beautiful, flawless movie clips at 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels)*** at a frame rate of approximately 30 frames per second. It even comes with an independent Movie REC button on the back panel, so the user can start movie recording from any shooting mode without delay.

   *** When the Optio S1’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output at normal image size. If the user wishes to play back movie clips at high-definition-TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels), the data must be transferred to a personal computer for playback.

6. Advanced, user-friendly Auto Picture mode for hands-off selection of the appropriate shooting mode

   The Optio S1 features the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by accurately and instantly accessing all photographic conditions affecting the subject or scene. It unfailingly detects 14 different subjects and scenes including people, landscape, blue sky and sunset, and instantly optimizes all camera settings such as sensitivity and shutter speed. Thanks to this convenient feature, the user is assured of sharp, beautiful images with minimal effort.

7. Upgraded face detection for greater fun and convenience

   The Optio S1 features a new-generation Face Detection AF&AE function, which instantly and accurately detects the subject’s face in the image field, then catches it in sharp focus and optimum exposure. It also comes equipped with other convenient features to make portrait and snapshot photography simple and effortless, including: the Smile Capture mode that automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile; and the Natural Skin mode that reproduces natural, healthy skin texture.

8. Creative image-editing tools to broaden visual presentation possibilities

   The Optio S1 comes equipped with nine digital filters, including Toy Camera and Retro, to add various visual effects to recorded images without requiring a computer. It also offers other creative tools such as the Miniature filter, which turns an actual scene into an image full of miniature models, and the HDR filter, which produces images with an extra-wide gradation range. Thanks to these creative tools, the user can create a wide variety of unique visual effects with very little effort.

9. Other features

   1. Wireless remote shooting using an optional PENTAX remote control
   2. Large 2.7-inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots for easy viewing of images and menus
   3. In body recharge system for simple, cellphone-like battery recharging
   4. Compatibility with SDXC memory cards for recording of high-quality images over extended hours****
   5. D-Range setting to prevent whitewashed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas in an image
   6. Image viewing, editing and filing software included:
      MediaImpression 3.0 for PENTAX (Windows version) and
      MediaImpression 2.1 for PENTAX (Macintosh version)

   **** UHS-speed-class data transmission not available.