Pentax Optio S5Z

Connectivity
Software (5.0)
The Optio S5z ships with ACDSee for Pentax, in a Windows and Macintosh version, and PhotoShow Express for Windows only. Let's take care of the Mac users first: ACDSee for Macintosh is a downloader and viewer, but does not offer any editing functions. It's inferior to iPhoto, which is already on your computer. Don't bother loading ACDSee onto your machine unless you don't have another option. A separate program for making panoramas works as well.

For Windows-based users, ACDSee for Pentax offers sorting, printing, emailing and a range of editing features, including color and tone correction, red-eye repair, sharpen and blur, cropping and sizing, and special effects that purport to make photos look like oil paintings. It also stitches images into panoramas. PhotoShow Express is similar. Both programs are limited versions of commercial software, and their menus include links to company websites where the full programs are for sale. Essentially, they have advertising permanently integrated.

Jacks, Ports, Plugs (6.0)
The Optio S5z has a single data port that serves as a USB connection and an analog video out. Since it's one port, the two functions can't be used simultaneously. The USB port can be set to connect with either a computer or a printer. There is also a port for a 4.5-volt DC power supply, which Pentax does not include. It would be useful for running long slide shows. A separate charger for the battery comes with the camera.

Direct Print Options (6.0)
The Optio S5z is compatible with PictBridge and DPOF, which allow the user to print images with the camera connected directly to a printer, or by putting the SD card directly in a compatible printer. The Optio S5z allows the user to set the print size, paper type, quality and border status. Many competing compact cameras do not offer these settings, so this is an advantage for the Optio S5z.

Battery (7.5)
The Optio S5z comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion is the best battery technology available in compact cameras. The batteries are very light, and typically provide long life between recharges. Competing cameras that use AA batteries (even rechargeable ones) don't work nearly as long between changes.

Memory (5.0)
The Optio S5z has 9.3MB of built-in memory. That's enough to hold four images at the camera's biggest file size, and about 100 images at the very smallest size (an image suitable for emailing), and various numbers of the many sizes in between. The camera accepts SD memory cards, when additional storage is needed.

Other Features (6.0)
Self-Timer – The Optio S5z's self timer offers a 2-second or 10-second delay. Some competing cameras, such as the Casio EX-Z57, have an option to take a few pictures after the delay, which is a useful option for group pictures – it gives you three chances to get a picture in which everyone has their eyes open.

Programmable Features – The Optio S5z offers the option to create a custom shooting mode, and to reassign the four-way controller buttons to directly access menu options.

Voice Recording – The Optio S5z can record sound clips. Clip length is limited by storage space on the SD media card.

Wireless Remote Control – The Optio S5z is compatible with two optional infrared remote controls.