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Press Release

March 3, 2011

PENTAX Optio S1
A standard-class digital compact camera,
packaging a host of user-friendly features
in a stylish, extracompact body

PENTAX Optio S1 ChromePENTAX Optio S1 BlackPENTAX Optio S1 Green

HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio S1 digital compact camera. In addition to a host of advanced, user-friendly features designed to make high-quality digital photography simple and effortless, it features a stylish, extracompact body with meticulous attention given to high-quality exterior finish.

The Optio S1 is designed to be a fashionable, everyday imaging tool, offering a host of solid features including: an extracompact, ultralight body; approximately 14 effective megapixels; an optical 5X zoom lens with approximately 28mm wide-angle coverage; and SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism. Its housing is made of a high-quality aluminum alloy, with different plating and gloss coating applied to each of three color variations (chrome, black and green), giving users a choice of body color that suits their own style. The color variations also extend to the lens barrel, which is in a matching color. The Optio S1 also features precisely laser-engraved logos and feature descriptions. With meticulous attention given to every design detail, the Optio S1 is the perfect choice for digital photographers who demand both the fun of picture-taking and the joy of possessing a high-quality, personalized imaging tool.

PENTAX Optio WG1
♦ Chrome [ ⇒ Product Image] ♦ Black [ ⇒ Product Image] ♦ Green [ ⇒ Product Image]
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.

Optio S1 Specifications
Lens   PENTAX zoom lens, 9 elements in 8 groups (4 aspherical elements)
Focal Length 5 - 25mm
35mm equivalent
focal length
approx. 28 - 140mm
Aperture F3.9 (W) - 5.7 (T)
Zoom Optical Zoom 5X
Digital Zoom approx. 6.7X 
Intelligent Zoom approx. 7X at 7M,  approx. 33.5X at 640 (including optical zoom)
Motion Blur Reduction Still CCD-Shift-Type (SR : Shake Reduction)
Hi-sensitivity anti-shake mode (Digital SR)
Movie Movie shake reduction mode (Movie SR)
Focus Type 9-point AF, Spot AF, Auto tracking AF
Focus Range
(From lens face)
Standard:
0.4m - infinity (at wide setting), 1.0m - infinity (at tele setting)
1.31 ft. - infinity (at wide setting), 3.3 ft. - infinity (at tele setting)
Macro:
0.1 - 0.5m (at wide setting),
0.3 - 0.5m (at the medium magnification length)
0.33 -1.64 ft. (at wide setting),
0.98 -1.64 ft. (at the medium magnification length)
Super Macro:
0.05 - 0.3m (at wide setting)
0.16 - 0.98 ft. (at wide setting)
InInfinity-landscape, Pan Focus, Manual Focus: available
Face Detection   Face Detection AF&AE is available for all modes up to 16 faces. Smile Capture. Blink Detection.
Number of Effective pixels   approx. 14 megapixels
Image Sensor   1/2.3" CCD
Number of
Recorded pixels
Still 14M, 10M (1:1), 10M (16:9), 7M, 2M (16:9), 640
Movie 1280, 640, 320
Sensitivity
(Standard Output Sensitivity)
  Auto, Manual (ISO 64 - 6400) 
White Balance   Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light, Manual setting
Display   2.7" LCD, approx. 230K dots, AR Coating
Exposure Control Metering System Multi-segment metering, Center-weighted metering, Spot metering
Exposure Compensation ±2EV (1/3EV steps)
Scene modes   Auto Picture, Program, Blue Sky, Landscape, Flower, Sunset,
Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Portrait, Natural Skin Tone, Food,
Digital SR, Kids, Pet, Sport, Surf & Snow, Fireworks, Frame Composite,
Party, Candlelight, Text, Minature, HDR, Movie, Green
Playback modes   Slideshow, Image Rotation, Miniature Filter, HDR Filter,
Digital Filter (B&W, Sepia, Toy Camera, Retro, Color, Extract Color,
Color Emphasis, Soft, Brightness Filter), Frame Composite, Movie Edit,
Red-eye Compensation, Resize, Cropping, Image/Sound Copy,
Voice Memo, Protect, DPOF, Startup Screen
Shutter Speed   1/1600 - 1/4 sec. 4 sec. at most (Night Scene mode setting)
Built-in flash Modes Flash-on and Flash-off modes.
"Red-eye" compensation function employs a pre-discharge
Flash Range Wide:
approx. 0.3 - 3.6m (ISO Auto)
approx. 0.98 - 12 ft. (ISO Auto)
Tele:
approx. 1.0 - 2.5m (ISO Auto)
approx. 3.3 - 8.2 ft. (ISO Auto)
Drive Modes   One shot, Self-timer, Continuous Shooting, Burst Shooting,
Remote Control
Storage Media   Built-in Memory (approx. 42.7MB), SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card
Power Source   Rechargeable D-LI78 lithium-ion battery
Battery life Still*: approx. 180 shots (Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery)
Playback**: approx. 120 min. (Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery)
Interfaces   USB2.0 (Hi-Speed): PC/AV terminal
Video Output   NTSC/PAL
Dimensions   approx. 90.5 (W) x 54.5 (H) x 20.5 (D)mm (including lens depth)
approx. 3.6 (W) x 2.1 (H) x 0.8 (D) inches
Weight With battery & SD card approx. 126g (loaded and ready)
approx. 4.4 oz.
Body approx. 110g (without battery and SD memory card)
approx. 3.9 oz.

* Recording capacity shows approximate number of shots recorded during CIPA-compliant testing.
Actual performance may vary depending on operating conditions.
** According to the result of PENTAX in-house testing.

[ Storage capacity ]

Still Built-in Memory* 1GB 2GB 4GB 8GB 16GB 32GB 48GB 64GB
14M
(4288 x 3216)
17 387 788 1547 3149 6335 12709 18214 24349
10M (1:1)
(3216 x 3216)
23 508 1024 2011 4093 8236 16522 24285 32465
10M (16:9)
(4224 x 2376)
23 521 1059 2081 4234 8520 17092 24285 32465
7M
(3072 x 2304)
33 746 1499 2943 5990 12053 24179 33116 44271
2M (16:9)
(1920 x 1080)
91 2015 4098 8046 16375 32947 66090 91070 121746
640
(640x480)
456 10076 20491 40233 81876 164735 330452 364283 486987

Movie
(H:M:S)
Built-in Memory* 1GB 2GB 4GB 8GB 16GB 32GB 48GB 64GB
1280 (1280x720) 30fps 0:00:20 0:08:13 0:16:45 0:32:55 1:07:00 2:14:52 4:30:38 6:37:50 8:51:50
15fps 0:00:35 0:14:36 0:29:46 0:58:31 1:59:06 3:59:46 8:01:08 11:47:16 15:45:32
640 (640X480) 30fps 0:00:34 0:13:55 0:28:23 0:55:48 1:53:34 3:48:36 7:38:42 11:14:18 15:01:28
15fps 0:01:05 0:26:30 0:54:01 1:46:12 3:36:08 7:15:04 14:33:04 21:23:20 28:35:40
320 (320X240) 30fps 0:00:50 0:20:32 0:41:52 1:22:18 2:47:30 5:37:10 11:16:36 16:34:36 22:09:38
15fps 0:01:33 0:37:47 1:17:00 2:31:22 5:08:04 10:20:06 20:44:22 30:29:08 40:45:20

Voice Recording
(H:M:S)
Built-in Memory* 1GB 2GB 4GB 8GB 16GB 32GB 48GB 64GB
0:11:38 4:17:56 8:44:33 17:09:56 34:55:59 70:17:10 140:59:32 207:14:07 281:13:05

*Approx. 42.7 MB
The maximum file size is 2GB for movie.
The maximum length is 18 hours for Voice Recording

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