• Brand
  • Products
  • Store
  • Support

Products

Digital Compact Camera: Optio V20

optio V20
<General function and specification>
<Storage Media>
<Battery and power sources>
<Capture and playback>
<Connecting with PC and software>
<Printer Connection>
<Troubleshooting>

<General function and specification>
What accessories are provided with this camera?
The Optio V20 kit includes the following:

  • Camera Strap* (0-ST20)
  • USB cable* (I-USB7)
  • AV cable* (I-AVC7)
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery* (D-LI78)
  • Battery charger (D-BC78)
  • AC plug cord (D-C024)
  • Software CD-ROM(S-SW77)
  • Operating Manual
  • PC Connection Manual
  • Quick Guide

*Note: No camera case or SD (SDHC) Memory Cards are included with the camera.
*Note: Accessories marked with an asterisk (*) can also be purchased separately.
What are the optional accessories for this camera?
The optional accessories are as follows:

  • Camera case O-CC79
  • Waterproof strap for underwater use O-ST30
  • Genuine leather strap O-ST24
  • Strap O-ST8
  • AC adapter kit K-AC78
    [AC adapter D-AC64, DC coupler D-DC78, AC plug cord]
  • Battery charger kit K-BC78
    [Battery charger D-BC78, AC plug cord]
How big is the LCD monitor and how many pixels does it have?
The monitor is a 3.0-inch LCD panel, wide viewing angle with approximately 230,000 dots
Can the camera be mounted on a tripod?
Yes, it can be mounted using the threaded tripod mount in the camera base.
Will a waterproof case be released?
There is no sale schedule now.
<Storage Media>
What are the storage media?
The built-in memory (approximately 51.1 MB) and SD or SDHC Memory Cards.
Does the camera come with an SD (SDHC) Memory Card?
No. Memory Cards should be purchased as required.

* The built-in memory can be recorded approx.22 images with default setting. (Recorded pixels:8M/ Quality Level: )
Which SD (SDHC) Memory Cards are recommended for this camera?
We recommend the SD (SDHC) Memory Card brands shown in the table below.

Panasonic SD card (64MB to 2GB), SDHC card (4GB to 8GB)
SanDisk SD card (64MB to 2GB), SDHC card (4GB to 8GB)
Toshiba SD card (94MB to 2GB) , SDHC card (4GB to 8GB )
As of March, 2008

*Note: When recording a movie, using a Class 6 or faster SD (SDHC) Memory Card with a guaranteed maximum write speed of at least 10 MB/sec. allows you to shoot the movie without having to stop mid-way.
*Note: When saving still images, using a Class 6 or faster SD (SDHC) Memory Card with a guaranteed maximum write speed of at least 10 MB/sec. gives no noticeable improvement in the continuous shooting speed.
*Note: "Recommended" denotes only that the operation of the product has been checked by Pentax and in no way constitutes a guarantee to customers that the product is suited to theirrequirements.
What are the figures for the number of recordable still images and the length of recordable video or audio for each of the SD (SDHC) Memory Card capacities?
The figures vary depending on the shooting conditions and the subject, but an approximate guide to the number of still images, the length of continuous movie recording time and the length of audio recording time in Voice Recording mode can be found here
Are there any precautions needed when using SD (SDHC) Memory Cards?
Please note the following point.
  • Card that are unused or that have been used on other devices, such as another camera or a computer, must first be formatted on the Optio V20.
    * Note that formatting a card erases all the data on the card, including protected images and sound files.
  • Do not remove an SD (SDHC) Memory Card or turn the camera off while you are recording data or playing back images or audio, or while the camera is connected to a computer via a USB cable. Doing so will result in the corruption of stored data and/or damage to the SD (SDHC) Memory Card.
  • Do not bend an SD (SDHC) Memory Card or subject it to violent impacts. And do not leave cards in locations where they will be exposed to moisture or high temperatures. Doing so will result in the corruption of stored data and/or damage to the SD (SDHC) Memory Card.
  • SD (SDHC) Memory Cards have a limited life-span.
    If a card is left unused for a long period, it may no longer be possible to read the data stored on the card. Important data should be backed up regularly.
  • Avoid using or storing the card where it may be exposed to static electricity or electrical interference.
How do I switch from using the camera's built-in memory to using an SD (SDHC) Memory Card?
There is no selector switch for this.
  • When an SD (SDHC) Memory Card is inserted into the camera, data is recorded onto the SD (SDHC) Memory Card.
  • If there is no SD (SDHC) Memory Card in the camera, data is recorded into the built-in memory.
  • No data is recorded in the built-in memory while there is an SD (SDHC) Memory Card in the camera.
  • You can browse the camera's built-in memory while there is an SD (SDHC) Memory Card in the camera by holding down the Play button.
<Battery and power sources>
What kind of battery does the camera use?
How long can the rechargeable lithium-ion battery D-LI78 be used for?
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery D-LI78.
Still image shot: Approx 200
Playback time (Slide show): Approx 210 minutes
Movie recording time: Approx 70 minutes
Audio recording time: Approx 300 minutes

The battery takes a maximum of approximately 150 minutes to charge.
(The appropriate ambient temperature for charging the battery is 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F).)

• The number of still images shot is measured in conditions that comply with CIPA standards. (Includes: With a 50% flash use rate and the LCD monitor ON at 23°C.)
• CIPA standards are standards formulated by the Camera and Imaging Products Association.
• The playback time, movie recording time and audio recording time are based on the result of in-house testing.
Is there an AC adapter for the camera?
There is the optional AC adapter kit K-AC78.
When the battery is removed, how long is the date set in the camera retained? And does the internal clock keep running?
Once a new battery has been loaded and left in the camera for at least 1 day, data in the camera remains backed up for approximately 1 day when the battery is removed. The internal clock also continues to run while the data is backed up.

<Capture and playback>
How long is the startup time?
The startup time is approximately 1.9 seconds. This is the time between the camera being turned on and the camera being ready to record with P mode selected, the built-in flash set to Flash Off, and no Start-up Screen or Start-up Sound selected.
How long is the shutter release time lag?
The shutter release time lag is approximately 0.003 seconds.
This is the time between the shutter release button being pressed fully and the camera starting image capture with the flash set to Flash Off and the focus locked.
How long is the interval between shots in continuous shooting?
It varies depending on the write speed of the recording media, the number of recorded pixels, the quality level and the recording conditions, but an approximate guide to the continuous shooting interval in Continuous Shooting mode using the Initial Settings is 1.43 frames per second.
What exactly is the "Digital SR" shooting mode?
This is a shooting mode that reduces camera shake and subject blur by automatically selecting a high camera sensitivity (up to ISO 6400) depending on the ambient brightness during shooting.
Note that the number of recorded pixels is fixed at 5M (2592 x 1944) in this mode.
With the "Auto" ISO sensitivity setting, what is the range of variation in the ISO sensitivity?
When the ISO setting is [Auto], the sensitivity automatically adjusts between ISO 80 and 800.
*Note: When [Digital SR] is selected, the sensitivity automatically adjusts up to ISO 6400.
Can the exposure be set in Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority and Manual modes?
No. No, it can't.
Does this camera have a noise reduction function?
Yes, it does. The noise reduction function automatically operates if the shutter speed is 1 second or more.
Can I use an infrared remote control?
No.
Can the camera be focused manually?
Yes. If the camera's focus mode is set to Manual Focus, pressing the four-way controller (up/down) enlarges the framed area displayed in the center of the screen to make manual focusing easier.
Can sound be added to still images?
Yes. Sound can be recorded for up to 24 hours after the image is recorded until the SD (SDHC) Memory Card or built-in memory is full.
Is the recording monaural or a stereo?
Monaural
Does the camera have a shake reduction function for movie recording?
Yes, it does. When the shake reduction function (Movie SR) is running, the angle of view is slightly narrower than for normal recording.

<Connecting with PC and software>
What are the system requirements for USB connection?
Please note the following system requirements:

[Windows]
Requires a computer with a USB port as standard equipment running Windows Vista, XP or 2000 pre-installed at shipment, with the latest system software updates installed.

*Note: The driver's installation is unnecessary.
*Note: Operation is not guaranteed for all computers with the recommended requirements. Even on computers that meet the above requirements, the software may not run correctly depending on the computer settings and the other installed software applications.
*Note: This product does not support USB connections in Windows Me, Windows 98 SE, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 95, so USB connections are not possible. A separate card reader that is compatible with your computer's operating system is also required.

[Macintosh]
Requires a computer with a USB port as standard equipment and Mac OS 9.2 or X (versions 10.1.2-10.5) preinstalled, with the latest system software updates installed.
* Driver installation is not required.

<Printer Connection>
Can the camera be connected directly to a printer to print images?
The camera can print via a direct connection to any PictBridge-compatible printer using the bundled USB cable I-USB7. For details, refer to printer's instruction manual.
Can the camera be connected directly to a printer to print images with the date inserted?
Yes.
Selecting [Date Imprint] in the recording mode settings will imprint the date onto recorded images.

*Note: The date imprinted with the Date Imprint function cannot be deleted. Note that when the printer or the image editing software is set to print the date and when printing images with the date imprinted, the date may be printed twice
*Note: The date is imprinted on the picture with the date style set in the [Date Adjust] screen.

<Troubleshooting>
I made a mistake in the Initial Settings. How do I reset the settings?
The Initial Setting screen is only displayed once.
If any of the settings are incorrect, they must be reset individually.
*Note: If an option other than Japanese, English or Korean is selected in the initial settings, the video output is set to [PAL].

-- Adjusting the language --
  1. Press the power switch. (Capture mode)
  2. Press the MENU button.
  3. Press the four-way controller (right) once to open the Setting screan.
  4. Press the four-way controller (down) 5 times to select [Language].
  5. Press the four-way controller (right) once to open the Language screan.
  6. Use the four-way controller to select the your language.
  7. Press the OK button.
    *Note: To change the date and time, follow the steps in [Adjusting the date]
  8. Press OK button. (Back to the capture mode)

Setting menu   Select the your language

-- Adjusting the date (Date Style, Date and Time settings) --
  1. Press the power switch. (Capture mode)
  2. Press the MENU button.
  3. Press the four-way controller (right) once to open the Setting screen.
  4. Press the four-way controller (down) 3 times to select [Date Adjust].
  5. Press the four-way controller (right) once to display the [Date Adjust] screen.
  6. [Date Style] setting
    Press the four-way controller (right) once to move the selection frame.
    Use the four-way controller (up/down) to select [yy/mm/dd], [dd/mm/yy] or [mm/dd/yy].
    Next, press the four-way controller (right) once to move the selection frame.
    Use the four-way controller (up/down) to select [12h] (12-hour display) or [24h] (24-hour display).
    After making your selection, press the four-way controller (right).

  7. [Date] setting ([yy/mm/dd] selected as the date style)
    Press the four-way controller (down) once to move the selection frame to [Date].
    Press the four-way controller (right) once and then use the four-way controller (up/down) to select the [Year] setting.
    Press the four-way controller (right) once and then use the four-way controller (up/down) to select the [Month] setting.
    Press the four-way controller (right) once and then use the four-way controller (up/down) to select the [Day] setting.
    After completing the settings, press the four-way controller (right).

  8. Press the four-way controller (down) once to move the selection frame to [Time].
    Press the four-way controller (right) once and then use the four-way controller (up/down) to select the [Hour] setting.
    Press the four-way controller (right) once and then use the four-way controller (up/down) to select the [Minute] setting. After completing the settings, press the OK button.


  9. Press the OK button. (The Setting screen reappears.)
    Press the OK button (The camera returns to Capture mode.)
    Setting menu   Select the data style
    Adjusting the data   Adjust the time

-- Setting the video output (changing from PAL to NTSC) ---
  1. Turn the camera on. (Capture mode)
  2. Press the MENU button.
  3. Press the four-way controller (right) once to open the [Setting] screen.
  4. Press the four-way controller (up) 7 times to select [Video Out].
  5. Press the four-way controller (right) once and then use the four-way controller (up/down) to change the setting from [PAL] to [NTSC].
  6. Press the OK button. [Confirming the setting]
  7. Press the OK button. (The camera returns to Capture mode.)
Can the LCD monitor brightness be adjusted?
Yes. It can be adjusted through 3 levels up and down from the standard setting.
The camera makes a startup sound when it is turned on. Can that sound be turned off?
Yes.
Select [Sound] in the settings and then select [Off] for [Start-up Sound] to disable this feature.

*Note: The shutter sound and operation sounds can also be disabled in the same way.
The subject is not in focus.
Check the following:
Are you trying to photograph a subject that is difficult to focus on with autofocus?
Certain subjects are not suitable for autofocus, such as subjects with little or no contrast (blue sky, white walls, etc.), dark subjects, finely patterned subjects, fast-moving subjects, and scenes shot through windows or mesh. First focus on an object that is at the same distance as your subject and lock the focus (by pressing the shutter release button down halfway). Then recompose the shot as you want to take it and release the shutter. Or you can also try using Manual Focus.
Flash does not fire.
Please check the following points.
* Is the flash mode set to [Flash Off]? Set the mode to [Auto] or [Flash On].
* The drive mode is set to [Continuous Shooting], the focus mode is set to [Infinity], or the shooting mode is set to [Movie] or [Digital Panorama].
The flash fired but the photo is too dark.
Please check the following points.
  1. The subject is too far away in a dark location.
    If the subject is too far away, the picture becomes dark because the light of the flash does not reach the subject.

    Use the following as a guide to flash photography:
    * Wide-angle: Approx. 0.2 m to 4.4 m (with Auto selected as the ISO setting)
    * Telephoto: Approx. 0.6 m to 2.8 m (with Auto selected as the ISO setting)

  2. The background is too dark.
    When you photograph someone against a dark background, even if your subject is correctly exposed, the light from the flash may not reach the background, so that it appears too dark in the resulting image. You can take a picture that perfectly captures both your subject and nighttime scenery by selecting Night Scene mode (with the [Flash On] flash mode selected) and using a tripod.
What exactly is the "Frame Composite" drive mode?
This allows you to choose from 3 pre-registered frames to provide a decorative surround for your picture.
You can also download other frames from the Pentax web site to replace the pre-registered frames.

*Note: The recorded pixels setting is fixed at 3M (2048 x 1536).
Drive mode palette   Frame selection   Capture mode with frame
Can data in the camera's built-in memory be copied onto an SD (SDHC) Memory Card?
-- Copy procedure --
  1. Press the power switch. (Capture mode)
  2. Press the Play-back button. (Playback mode)
  3. Press the four-way controller (down). (Playback mode palette)
  4. Press the four-way controller (right) 4 times to select [Image/Sound Copy].
  5. Press the OK button to display the screen for selecting the copy destination.
  6. Press the OK button to copy the data.
  7. Press the Play-back button or press the shutter release button down halfway to return to Capture mode.
Playback Mode Palette   Copy destination selection
*Note: This function can only be selected when an SD (SDHC) memory card has been inserted in the camera.
The "Card not formatted" message is displayed on the LCD panel.
The SD (SDHC) Memory Card you have inserted is unformatted or has been formatted on a computer or other device. Format the SD (SDHC) Memory Card in the camera before using it.



-- Formatting procedure --
  1. Press the power switch. (Capture mode)
  2. Press the MENU button.
  3. Press the four-way controller (right) once to display the [Setting] menu.
  4. Press the four-way controller (down) once to select [Format].
  5. Press the four-way controller (right) once to display the [Format] screen.
  6. Press the four-way controller (up) once to select [Cancel] -> [Format].
  7. Press the OK button to format the card.
  8. When formatting ends, the camera returns to Capture mode.

*Note that formatting a card erases all the data on the card, including protected images and sound files.
The "Memory card full" message is displayed on the LCD panel.
The SD (SDHC) Memory Card is full and no more images can be saved. Insert a new SD (SDHC) Memory Card or delete some unwanted images. Changing the quality level or the number of recorded pixels may enable you to save images.
The "Card locked" message is displayed on the LCD panel.
A locked SD (SDHC) Memory Card is inserted in the camera. You can only use the menus, change the camera modes or play back images.
The "Memory card error" message is displayed on the LCD panel.
Shooting and playback are impossible due to a problem with the SD (SDHC) Memory Card. It may be possible to view your images on a computer.
How to store the battery for a long period.
When storing the battery for more than 6 months, charge the battery for 30 minutes using the battery charger and store the battery separately. Be sure to recharge the battery every 6 to 12 months. Storing the battery below room temperature is ideal. Avoid storing it in high temperatures.
Can a third-party USB cable be used with the camera?
This is not recommended. The dedicated USB cable (I-USB7) should be used.
The camera is connected to the computer, but is not recognized as a removable disk.
Please check the following points.

* Check that [PC] is set as the camera's USB connection mode.
* If [PictBridge] is set as the camera's USB connection mode, the camera is not recognized correctly as a USB mass storage device and the images cannot be viewed.

-- Procedure for changing the USB connection mode (from PictBridge to PC) --
  1. Press the power switch. (Capture mode)
  2. Press the MENU button.
  3. Press the four-way controller (right) once to display [Setting].
  4. Press the four-way controller (down) 7 times to select [USB Connection].
  5. Press the four-way controller (right) once to display [PC] and [PictBridge].
  6. Press the four-way controller (down) once to select [PC].
  7. Press the OK button to change the USB connection mode to [PC].
  8. Press the OK button. (Capture mode)

* Check that the camera and computer ends of the USB cable are both inserted fully into the connection sockets.
* If the computer has multiple USB ports, try using another port.
* If the camera is connected via a USB hub, connect it directly to the computer.
How should the camera be disconnected from the computer?
The procedure differs depending on the operating system type and version.
The disconnection procedures for the different operating systems are shown below.

[Windows Vista / Windows XP / Windows 2000]
Double-click the hot plug-in icon in the taskbar at the bottom-right of the desktop and stop "PENTAX USB DISK Device" in the "Safely Remove Hardware" dialog box.
* The hot plug-in icon varies depending on the operating system.

[Mac OS 9.2]
Drag the "Untitled" icon on the desktop to the Trash and then turn the camera off and disconnect the USB cable.

[Mac OS X (10.1 or later)]
Drag the "NO_NAME" icon on the desktop to the Trash and then turn the camera off and disconnect the USB cable.
What should I do when I get the error massage "CarbonLib-xxxxx- ..." while installing the provided software to Macintosh?
If you see this error message, you should download the latest version of the CarbonLib files from Apple Computer, Inc: http://www.apple.com/ and install them on your computer. Then, you can install the bundled software for your camera.
The camera is connected to a PictBridge-compatible printer via the USB cable, but it still won't print.
Check that [PictBridge] is set as the camera's USB connection mode.

-- Procedure for changing the USB connection mode (from PC to PictBridge) --
  1. Press the power switch. (Capture mode)
  2. Press the MENU button.
  3. Press the four-way controller (right) once to display [Setting].
  4. Press the four-way controller (down) 7 times to select [USB Connection].
  5. Press the four-way controller (right) once to display [PC] and [PictBridge].
  6. Press the four-way controller (down) once to select [PictBridge].
  7. Press the OK button to change the USB connection mode to [PictBridge].
  8. Press the OK button. (Capture mode)
With a PictBridge connection, images will not print as specified in the camera settings.
On some types of printer, only some of the camera settings are applied.
For details, refer to printer's instruction manual.
Images do not appear on a TV.
Check the video output format. (In Japan, the format is NTSC.)

-- Changing the video output format from PAL to NTSC --
  1. Press the power switch. (Capture mode)
  2. Press the MENU button.
  3. Press the four-way controller (right) once to display [Setting].
  4. Press the four-way controller (down) 9 times to select [Video Out].
  5. Press the four-way controller (right) once to display [NTSC] and [PAL].
  6. Press the four-way controller (up) once to select [NTSC].
  7. Press the OK button. ([Setting])
  8. Press the OK button. (Capture mode)
When the camera is connected to a TV, the image no longer appears on the LCD monitor.
The camera's LCD monitor turns off while the camera is connected to a TV.
I want to restart the file numbers at 0001.
You can do that.

-- Resetting the file numbers --
* Before beginning this procedure, you should back up the data in the camera's built-in memory or on the SD (SDHC) Memory Card.
  1. Press the power switch. (Capture mode)
  2. Press the MENU button.
  3. Press the four-way controller (up) 6 times to select [Memory] in [Rec.Mode].
  4. Press the four-way controller (right) once to display [Memory].
  5. Press the four-way controller (up) once to select [File No.].
  6. Press the four-way controller (left/right) to clear the checkmark from the [File No.] setting.
      File No. checked   File No. unchecked
  7. Press the OK button twice. (Capture mode)
  8. If you use [Delete All], the file numbering will restart at 0001 from your next shot.

* If any of the images are protected, the numbering may not revert to 0001.
Remove the protection and use [Delete All] again, or use [Format].
What are the software applications bundled with the camera? And what languages are supported?
The bundled CD-ROM S-SW81 includes the following software

[Windows]
ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 (image viewing, management and editing software)
<<Supported languages: 9 (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese(traditional / simplified), Korean and Japanese)>>

[Macintosh]
ACDSee 2 for Mac (image viewing and management software)
<<Supported languages: 6 (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese)>>
Are there user manuals for the bundled application software?
No. For detailed information on the functions, refer to the "Help" menu in the ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 menu bar.
Can sound recorded in Voice Recording mode and in voice memos be played on a computer?
Yes, it can.
Sound files can be played back together with the images using the bundled ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 software. Sound files can also be played back independently.
Can the camera focus be adjusted during movie recording?
No it can not.
Can the zoom be used during movie recording?
Only the digital zoom can be used.
Can movies be played on a computer?
Yes, they can.

[Windows Vista / Windows XP / Windows 2000]
* Movies can be played using "ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0".

[Macintosh Mac OS X 9.2 later] (QuickTime 4 or later required)
* Movies can be played using "ACDSee 2 for Mac".
* Movies can also be played using just QuickTime.

>> Apple Computer web site (http://www.apple.com/)
With a PictBridge connection, can the paper size be specified on the camera?
You can choose from 11 paper sizes (Card, L, 2L, Postcard, 100 x 150 mm, 4" x 6", 8" x 10", Letter, 11" x 17", A4, A3). However, you can only select sizes that are available on the printer. You can also select the [Printer dependent] setting. On printer models not equipped with a print settings function, images may be printed using the printer's default paper size.
With a PictBridge connection, can borderless printing be specified on the camera?
Yes.
You can select With Borders, Borderless, or Printer Setting. However, you can only select this option if it is available on the printer.
What is the procedure for printing images with the date imprinted?
The procedure is as follows:
  1. If [Date Imprint] is set to [On] in the camera's recording menu The date is embedded in the image itself, so the image should just be printed normally.
    * If printing using PictBridge
    If your printer supports PictBridge date imprinting, the date may be imprinted twice on your images. The PictBridge date imprinting setting must be disabled.
    * If you are printing your images using the bundled ACDSee for Pentax 3.0 software, you should uncheck the [Imprint Date] option in the print output settings when printing.

  2. If [Date Imprint] is set to [Off] in the camera's recording menu
    * If printing using a print service
    You can have the date imprinted on your images by taking a memory card with DPOF AUTOPRINT settings in which the [Date] option is checked to a DPOF-compatible print service. Some photo processing lab services may not print using the specified settings. Check with your photo processing lab for details.
    * If printing using the bundled ACDSee for Pentax 3.0 software
    You should check the [Imprint Date] option in the print output settings when printing.
    * If printing with PictBridge
    Your printer must support PictBridge date imprinting. On some printers, date imprinting must be specified on the printer itself. Refer to the printer's instruction manual for details. You can have the date imprinted on your images by taking a memory card with DPOF AUTOPRINT settings in which the [Date] option is checked in the print service (DPOF) settings to a DPOF-compatible print service.
Suddenly, the camera stops operating.
Very occasionally, static electricity may cause camera malfunction. In this case, remove the battery and install it again. If the camera is then working properly, normal condition is restored and you can continue using the camera
Playback on a television monitor
his camera is set to the NTSC format before leaving the factory.
When you wish to use it in a region that uses the PAL format, first switch the video output to PAL. You cannot connect the output of this camera to a SECAM format television.
Back to Top