Customer Reviews

Pentax Optio S7 Digital Camera 7MP 3x Optical Zoom

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The shutter lag on this camera is so bad that Pentax has disgraced its good name by putting this camera on the market. Just how bad is the shutter lag? If you ask a stranger who is unfamiliar with the camera to take a picture for you, nine times out of ten you end up with no picture at all. Why? The stanger pressed the button just like you said, but failed to hold the button down for the three seconds or so that the camera needs to take the picture. Yes, it is that bad -- and even worse when the camera needs to flash. I hate this camera.

This is an awesome little camera. It isn't going to be perfect and isn't going to please those that want a professional camera in a compact digital size and price.

Be reasonable, ask yourself what you are buying the camera for.

Here is my experience. I love this camera (s-7) because I take it everywhere, and it takes great pictures. I even have several on my wall blown up to 20 x 30 size framed and it looks great but it is probably on the limit of it's capability at that size. I mostly use it for 8x10 and smaller and it is more than great for that. I had an S-4 and it lasted 3 years, the S-7 has lasted almost 2 years now until I cracked it open on a rock but that isn't it's fault. I take it everywhere with me (I keep it in a leather the Pentax leather case). I love to travel and have traveled to humid, hot, cold environments. I have run with it in my hand for several marathons, and have ridden over 4000 miles on my mountian bike with it in my sweaty back pocket in rough single track on races and several crashes. One reviewer indicated that it felt plastic like. I don't think so but maybe it is. All I know is I have been hard on mine. I bought a digital point and shoot because it was small and cheap so I could take it everywhere with me and not feel bad if I broke it, and I found out it takes better pictures than I expected. I am totally happy with it. I crashed and broke it almost in half so I need to get another camera now. I am debating about buying another S-7 or plumping for an S-12. I have a wall full of pictures that testifies that it is a pretty good camera.

I am generally happy with the camera and quality of the pictures, but the start up time and the shutter lag are some of the slowest I've seen. My family has 6 p/s cameras from all different manufacters and this Optio is the worst.

I just don't understand why the companies promote "face recognition system", "anti shake",and high megamixel when what we really want is a camera that will take a shot when you press the button!

This is a great camera. Light weight. Takes amazing pictures. Speedy delivery. GREAT price. I recommend this camera to anyone. A++++++

This camera was recommended to me by a friend. I purchased based on price, the fact is so compact. And, the Pentax name. I will attest as do others, it DOES fit in an altoid can. And, for the most part, when I carry it in my pocket I have it in the altoid can. It is 100% protected from pocket knife, keys, etc. Others have reviewed that it is slow. But, I haven't seen that to be a too big of a problem. It's true..but not a terrible problem. If you want speed...spend $400 more and get what you want. I know this probably goes with all electronics, but my wife dropped my camera with the lens open and it messed it up pretty good. It wouldn't work any more. So, durability it doesn't have from a 4' drop to the ground. But, to let you know how much I like the camera...I ordered another that very day!

I love how small this camera is and that it easily fits in my pocket or purse. It is also easy to use. It takes pretty good pictures outdoors and in bright light but it definitely has it's limitations. Forget about catching anything in action/sport mode. The flash is weak and night time or low light pictures don't come out so great. I will keep this camera because it comes in handy when you're going to the amusement park or the beach and don't want to lug around a larger camera. I will use my advanced point and shoot (Kodak z812) or my DSLR (Olympus E420) instead when I want to make sure that I get some good photos.

This camera, which does fit in an Altoid box, has been a pocket companion of mine, ever since I bought it to replace my Pentax Optio S4. Yes, it is slow to the starting gate, but, in the bracketing or burst mode, there is some relief from this problem. That slowness cost it five stars from me. Intuitive controls, easy to learn. Great color. Prints are excellent. Low light and bright light handled about average. I'm a Canon fan for larger point and shoots, and have a digital Minolta SLR (yes, I know, they went out of business)--but this little charmer is what I carry day to day.