Pentax Optio S5i 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

by Pentax

Product Details

Product Manual [2.64mb PDF]

• Item Weight: 3.5 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002B807W
• Item model number: S5i
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,448 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 25, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Chic. Sleek. And ultra-compact. The Optio S5i packs a myriad of performance and user-friendly features into an irresistible package. A 5.0 megapixel CCD for exquisite detail and clarity. A large, 1.8 inch LCD monitor to view the action even in bright light. Flash exposure compensation and an astounding 21 picture modes to ensure the best images possible. And it’s all housed in a gorgeous 3.7-ounce aluminum alloy body. The perfect pocket accessory for professionals, travelers, and people on the go.

The Optio S5i lets you achieve superior clarity that extends from macro shooting to expansive landscapes with the power of 5.0 effective megapixels. Compose and view recorded shots with a convenient 1.8 inch LCD monitor that offers a 100% field of view. Take your Optio S51 anywhere! With an innovative sliding lens that retracts to be flush with the body of the camera and an aluminum alloy design, the Optio S5i achieves exceptionally compact dimensions of just 3.3 x 2 x .81 inches. Zoom in on the action with a 3X zoom with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 36.5-107mm lens in 35mm format. The optical zoom can also be augmented with 4X digital zoom, which takes the camera's total zoom capability to an impressive 12X. Conserve power with an optical viewfinder that offers the advantage to switch-off the LCD monitor. Take shots without additional media. With approximately 10MB of built-in memory and compatibility with SD memory cards, the Optio S5i allows the recording of a substantial amount of images.

Recharge your Lithium-ion batteries by setting the Optio S5i in its compact, lightweight recharge unit. Choose from 22 shooting modes displayed on the LCD monitor via the Mode:

• Program mode allows you to take control over a combination of functions at once.
• Green mode allows you to achieve stunning shots while the camera automatically takes care of all the necessary settings. Night scene mode captures the mood of evening and night scenes and performs well shooting subjects with dark backgrounds.
• Movie mode allows you to record video with sound to the full capacity of available memory at 15 frames per second with the definition of 320 x 240 pixels. Video files are also recorded in AVI format, making it easy to play them back on a PC*. *System requirements for use of the Movie function: PCs running Windows 98/98SE, or Windows 2000 operating systems which came with Direct X8.0 and Windows Media Player pre-installed. PCs running Windows Me or Windows XP operating systems featuring Windows Media Player or QuickTime3.0 or higher. Macintosh machines running operating systems, which came with QuickTime 4.0 or higher pre-installed.
• Panorama assist mode allows a series of shots to be taken horizontally or vertically and then aligned and combined with ease on a PC through use of the included software.
• 3D image mode lets the user produce shots that have a genuine sense of depth and perspective. Two shots can be taken following the camera's guidance, printed out with postcard dimensions, and then looked at through the optionally available viewer for a real 3D effect.
• Landscape mode makes the most of the greens and blues of scenic shots.
• Flower mode brings out all the vivid color and detail of flowers.
• Portrait mode successfully captures skin tones in a more faithful manner for more flattering results.
• Self-portrait mode lets you point the camera at yourself and achieve results that come out satisfyingly crisp despite the close nature of the composition.
• Surf & Snow mode helps to reduce the highly reflective nature of snow or water.
• Autumn color mode makes the most of reds, browns, and other colors associated with the season.
• Sunset mode captures the warmth and splendor of sunrise and sunset scenes.
• Museum mode is ideally suited to photographing exhibits in museums, achieving optimal exposure while ensuring the flash doesn't fire.
• Text mode allows documents, notes or other written material to be photographed and recorded in a manner that assists in maintaining their legibility.
• Food mode enables the Optio S5i to achieve natural color, convey convincing texture, and communicate the real freshness of food.
• Soft mode applies a soft focus to the subject, which can be used for flattering portraits or to convey a sense of the romantic.
• Digital filters can be used to transform the mood of recorded shots. Choose Black & White or Sepia shooting for a marked difference in style, or from a range of colors (Red, Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple). A special Slim filter that makes subjects appear more slender or broader and can be adjusted to different degrees. A posterization filter converts images to resemble an artist's drawing.
• USER mode enables a combination of preferred settings to be saved for easy access whenever the user desires.
• Marine mode ensures blue tones are reproduced in a faithful, pleasing manner. *For use only with optional underwater case housing.
• Sport exposure mode allows users to stop fast moving action with a fast shutter speed.
• Marine movie mode applies the same advantage when recording video underwater. *For use only with optional underwater case housing.

And More ...
Voice recording mode enables audio recording that rivals many standalone devices. This can be incredibly handy in a wide range of situations, offers index ability, and can be used to record audio to the capacity of the available memory. And you can connect your Optio S5i directly to your printer and gain control over printing, resizing, trimming, digital filters, and other functions without the need for a PC! The Optio S5i supports PictBridge, a new direct-print standard that allows the camera to be connected to a PictBridge-supported printer directly via USB cable.

The Optio S5i also comes bundled with a CD-ROM that features an exclusive USB driver as well as the popular ACDSee for PENTAX, which can be installed on both Windows and Macintosh systems. Take pictures of yourself or include yourself in group shots with a handy self-timer. Capture fast-paced action by activating continuous shooting and holding the shutter button down. Adjust light sensitivity easily with a selection of ISO 80, 100, 200 and 400 as well as an auto setting. Take control of the date function and the number of copies with DPOF compatibility. Produce prints that are more faithful to the original subject when you use your camera with Exif Print (Exif 2.2) and PRINT Image Matching-compatible printers. Attach up to 30 seconds of sound to recorded images. Assign two frequently-used functions to the left and right positions of the four-way controller for easier access in the future.

Achieve exceptional user-friendly operability through use of newly-designed processing circuitry and an innovative software algorithm. These elements work hand in hand to take responsiveness to a new level and support a shutter time release lag of a mere 0.01 seconds. Gain easy access to frequently-used shooting and playback functions and modes through use of the handy virtual mode dial. Switch from the menu screen and move into simple shooting quickly and easily with a Quick button that takes the user back to Green mode. The Quick button can also be configured to take the user to Mode Palette, White balance, Mode memory, Trimming, Resizing, other menus, and even sub menus should the user desire. Get great results with a built-in flash that fires automatically in low-light conditions. For greater control, the camera also features Flash-on, Flash-off, and red-eye reduction modes, and there's also the option of Slow shutter sync which is useful when shooting in Night Scene mode.

What's in the box:
Optio S5i Camera, Software (CD ROM), Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery, Operating manual, Battery Charger, Stand with AC Plug Cord, Serial number card, AV Cable, Service network directory, USB Cable, Strap.

Product Description

MD) CL) PENTAX OPTIO S5I DIGITAL CAM

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable feat of miniaturization, October 29, 2004

By 

David Brittan (Newburyport, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pentax Optio S5i 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

This is a remarkable camera. I've tried bulky full-functioned cameras and miniature no-frills cameras. But the Optio S5i combines the best of both worlds. The designers have managed to squeeze a wide array of desirable features (such as optical zoom, multiple focus modes, video, and many useful program modes) into a tiny, palm-size package. It is in fact the smallest full-functioned camera I found in an exhaustive search.

I went into many electronics stores and hefted all the popular ultracompact cameras, including the Sony Cybershot DSC-T1. But none could match the Optio S5i for sheer compactness and lightness. (Although only the earlier S4i was in stores at the time, I knew its weight and dimensions were the same as the S5i's).

Inevitably, there have been compromises: Shooting at full resolution, you have to wait a few seconds between shots while the S5i records data. The life of a battery charge is below average (you'll need to keep an extra battery handy). Noise (speckles and dots) creeps into images taken at the most sensitive ISO settings (200 and 400), a common problem among cameras that capture light with ultra-tiny CCDs.

But with patience and practice, I've managed to take some very high-quality photos (technically, I mean--I don't claim to be Ansel Adams). Right now I'm looking at a full-bleed 8 1/2 x 11-inch color print of a whale-watching boat, taken on a sunny day with the zoom at 3X. The focus is razor-sharp, the color is well saturated, and the resolution is extremely high--I can make out individual leaves on trees half a mile away. (I can also vouch for the Canon i560 photo printer, which is no longer made but still available for around $70.)

What I like best about the S5i is the convenience. I love to take photos, but always hated carrying a piece of artillery around my neck--I could never participate fully in the events I was photographing. The S5i fits neatly into a shirt pocket. I carry mine around in a little leather pouch attached to my belt. It's no more trouble than wearing a very thin cell-phone pouch. When I need it, I just slide it out of the pouch, power it on, and am ready to shoot in three or four seconds. (By the way, even though I have big hands, I've had no difficulty operating the tiny controls.) The Optio S5i provides something I've never before experienced with a full-featured camera: freedom!

65 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Camera, but not for everyone, November 29, 2004

By 

Capt RB - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pentax Optio S5i 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Use your head when buying one of these tiny cameras. 5 MP does not mean you are buying a super high res camera. There are 4 MP units with larger lenses that can outperform a camera like this to some degree. I got the Optio S5I as a SECOND camera to supplement the bulky 8 MP Nikon 8800 that I also use.
Let me start with the negatives:
I think the 1.8 display is so-so at best. You can't judge 100% when a reviewed pic is sharp or not. It shows some noise. Clearly they didn't go crazy over the screen quality.
No focus assist lamp for very low light work, but amazing (really!) auto focus system in even dim light.
Mediocre movie mode.
Button placement is less than intelligent. Some folks will wonder why pentax put the power button next to the shutter release. It's fine once you train your fingers.
Cradle does not sync via USB...duh! Why have a cradle at all?
Built in memory is just an excuse to ship the camera with no SD card. The built in 10 meg will let you take 3 pics, so buying at least a 256 is a must.
Here are the positives....
With a little practice the camera can take some wonderful shots. I have taken indoor portraits with no problems. The AF system works very well in low light. Sharpness is better than I expected for such a tiny lens. The camera's size means it can go anywhere, even a shirt pocket. In daylight the Optio excels and there are plenty (19) of scene modes to play with. It also has a built filtering system with 9 colors and even a effects for slimming a subject! The camera also has a Program mode with manual WB, Focus and metering options. It allows for an unusual amount of control for such a compact P&S. You'll even find a manual focus mode that works better than the one on my expensive Nikon. Pentax also sells a tiny remote control (20 bucks) for the camera and a underwater housing!
On softness issues: Yes, I can see some softness with the camera at wide, mostly in the corners. You have to shoot a field of wheat to see it at all. It goes away if you just zoom in a bit. 8X10 Prints look FANTASTIC. Looking at ALL of the other cameras, they all have somewhat soft edges and some look soft overall, such as the little Minolta. I see the same kind of softness from the Sony L1 and Casios and the Optio is a smaller camera! If you're looking for a primary unit for "serious" or "ciritcal" shooting, an ultra compact is not the best way to go.
While the cradle has no USB connectivity, it does allow you to charge two batteries at once. Nice.
Overall the Optio S5I is well done, but a better screen and ergonomics would have been welcome. Casio sells the Z50 and Z55 which are just a hair larger, but feature better ergonomics. Panasonic has a new camera of the same size (Lx-7) with image stabilization, but the screen quality and battery life appear to be poor compared to the Pentax and Casio. The only other camera I considered was the Sony L1, but it has only 4MP and is too thick for a shirt pocket. A few folks have commented that the Pentax has a more film-like look than other cameras and I agree. Looking at sample pics from Casio, Sony L1, T1, the Pentax looked best. The T1 pics were very sharp, but looked very un-film-like. It's a subjective call obviously. The tiny Panasonic was even better, but I don't want to carry 3 batteries around and the Optio S5I is more than 100.00 cheaper.
Camera is actually smaller in height and length than a credit card. It can be tough to hold, but you WANTED a tiny camera! This camera goes into a shirt pocket and only the Panasonic can match it for size. The Casio 100 is even thinner, but 3.2 MP is a deal breaker.
If you want the smallest 5MP unit around, I doubt you'll be disappointed in the Pentax, but I'd still hesitate to recommend it as a primary camera simply because a larger lens set will give you better shots for the same money. I'm sure the next versions of all of these cameras will further improve.
Good luck!

Capt RB

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Small & Always A Conversation Piece, November 11, 2004

By 

Eric Schwartz (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pentax Optio S5i 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I recently purchased the Pentax Optio S5i and am very satisfied with the it. I was a previous owner of the Pentax Optio S 3.2MP camera and have always liked the size.

As I guy if I had a bulky camera, I would never carry it with me and would miss taking spur of the moment photos. Because of the size of the Optio S5i, I can keep it in my pocket and always am ready for a "Kodak" moment.

There are a few areas in which I am disappointed. Let me start by saying that I still would have purchased this camera had I known of these issues before.

(1) The on/off button it right next to the button to take a picture. This can be confusing for the first time user of the camera.

(2) When looking through the LCD display to take a photo, it looks very grainy or snowy. Once the picture is taken, the pictures are clear when viewing on the LCD.

(3) I think the USB cable should connect to the docking station. Right now, you have to insert the cable in the camera itself and when you have it in the docking station, it can be difficult to maneuver.

I have noticed other reviews of this camera point out that this camera doesn't have the best quality shots. This camera is not meant for a professional. If you are a critic or a camera enthusiast, you probably won't be purchasing a camera in this class.

If you are a casual user and are style conscious, this camera may be perfect for you.

I give this camera 4 out of 5 stars only because there is always room for improvement.