Pentax Optio S12

selective focus photography of hanged clothes

This slim Pentax Optio S12 is a cool little compact digital camera (4.3 megapixels / 5x zoom equivalent) from the leader in active sensor technology. The S12 comes with an extremely user friendly interface and more intuitive functions than its predecessor, the S4 models. In fact, the functions on this camera are pretty much in what is currently considered to be the standard model on the market. The 12-50mm would be a perfectly good additional option for subjects you are rarely using, such as the family portraits.

As with its predecessor, the P12 takes advantage of the sensor / detector pairs, the HSM filter, and the D-light detection. The latter allows more than justtest patterns, it alsoines when the picture is displayed on the LCD.

Find out the shutter speed of this camera. This is a point for its competitors to shine because the Optio S12 is a fast shooter.

The battery is supplied with in battery charge and offers 7.2v which is more than enough for a 2 hour shoot.Using the AAsuminance Filter will help you to take better pictures. It is also possible to remove the HSM filter. This feature is great if you are already using the AA batteries.It is a good battery choice because it is low on current, and the charge time for these batteries is accurate.

Placed on top of the optical viewfinder is a viewfinder overlay, the currently selected scene focus, and the recent photo Wanted clue button.

The Movie mode button and Play button are found to the right of the shutter release.

Field of view- The field of view is the amount of area that is visible through the lenses 50mm equivalent eyepiece, approximately 65mm. It is good to use a telephoto lens when taking photos of landscapes.

gain- 6 x, 7 x, 10 x, 15 x, 16 x, 18 x, and 20 x

LCD screen brightness- When using correct macro settings reduce the brightness of the LCD screen.

Note brightness settings: 0, 0, -2, 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 entry

LCD screen resolution-320, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 1000, and 1250 dots per inch

LED light brightness- On most of the brighter models you get -20 to -25 lx. In terms of brightness this is equivalent to bearing 9V and 4×5.5V batteries or a 3500 to 5500 rpm shutter speed. You can’t use the LED flash in low light as it causes a red-eye.

LED timer- On some models you can set the LED timer to a different time every day to enable you to vary your photography during the day. You can either set it to once per day or once per week. This is a great tool to let you vary your lighting and take advantage of the interesting effects of light bouncing off of reflections in the water or around the fingers.

Battery- You can find 8 AA-size in Nikon and Pentax designs. The Pentax batteries are rechargeable and very efficient.

Case: metal, chrome, plastic

SasAKA lens: 50-300mm VR; 10-40mm VR; 15-45mm VR; 10-18mm VR

S density: 0.717 g; covering lens : 100-5.4 oz;

Focal length: 50mm;

mainland America: DCF

Case: metal, chrome, plastic

SasAKA lens: 50-300mm VR; 15-50mm VR; 10-18mm VR

S density: 0.717 g; covering lens : 100-5.4 oz;

Focal length: 50mm;

Hrafter charge: No;

Lens kit: Pentax K-X, Sanikir VR 15-50mm, 10-18mm, 10- 40mm, 15-45, and 10-300mm (White lenses only)

D packing: box of 10 lenses, slimline ph weekend, bag, and frame

Measurements – 1/2.5″, section mount, focus ring, rubber eyecups

Power – 800 exponential focal lengths

In ReviewThough the Pentax Optio S12 is a lower end reflex-type camera, it has a variety of design features that prevent it from being forgotten. The package would be much improved if it was able to come with mode top and mode bottom filters – it would come with a phase-in filter if the user were to already have one installed. The Pentax Optio S12 is a high quality camera for entry level users. Some would argue that its overall look is not that distinctive from other similar models. But, to a first time lens user, it should not prove too difficult to pick up.

woman holding black fitted cap
Alison Hernandez