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Pentax Optio S1 $199.95
By Christopher Snow July 22, 2011
Pentax Optio S1
Review Highlights

Doesn’t look as cheap as it is

Poor resolution

Disappointing color

Score Breakdown
3.1
4.5
4.1

Introduction

The Pentax Optio S1 is an attractive point-and-shoot that looks more expensive than it is. Unfortunately, it still performs like a sub-$150 model. Our lab tests returned strictly-average scores for most applications, but a decent feature set keeps this camera competitive.

This review is organized into 16 pages
Page 1
Product Tour

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Page 2
Color

Default color reproduction is way off, but a menu tweak can improve things a tiny bit.

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Page 3
Noise

Noise results are consistent with the competition, although low-end artifacting is a bit disappointing.

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Page 4
Resolution

Resolution isn’t great, but a functional image stabilizer is a nice surprise.

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Page 5
Video

Video shooting is very inaccurate, though only slightly worse than the competition.

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Page 6
Sample Photos

A gallery of photos taken with the Pentax Optio S1

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Page 7
Playback

An interesting voice memo option rounds out an otherwise-typical playback mode.

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Page 8
Hardware

We were disappointed by cheap lens mechanics and a sub-par battery.

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Page 9
Controls

The omission of color modes leaves the S1 feeling a bit unwieldy, we wished for a more flexible Program setting.

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Page 10
Design & Handling

The chrome plating is gorgeous, but prone to smudging and slip.

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Page 11
Pentax Optio RS1500 Comparison
Pentax  Optio RS1500

We compare the Optio S1 to the RS1500.

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Page 12
Samsung PL120 Comparison
Samsung PL120

We compare the Optio S1 to the PL120.

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Page 13
Panasonic Lumix FP5 Comparison
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5

We compare the Optio S1 to the DMC-FP5.

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Page 14
Conclusion

Read our final conclusion of the Pentax Optio S1.

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Page 15
Photo Gallery

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Part 16
Comments

Read what people are saying about the Pentax Optio S1.

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Pentax Optio S1
Digital Camera Review

This review is organized into 16 pages

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