Pentax S60 Review

The Pentax Optio S60 combines Pentax's 'Sliding Lens System' technology seen in some of the company's past models (which removes elements from the optical path as the lens retracts, allowing a slimmer profile when the camera is powered off) with the same body, lens and feature set as the existing Optio S45 and S55 models. The most notable change is that the image sensor has been upgraded to a 1/2.5" six megapixel CCD type. A related change is that the ISO sensitivity ratings have been changed from the old models, and are now 80, 160, 320 and 400 (the highest sensitivity remaining the same).

Other features include a Pentax-branded 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5" LCD display with 115,000 pixels - but no optical viewfinder - in a compact body with smooth lines that should make for pocket-friendliness. There's also 11MB of built-in storage memory, NTSC / PAL video and USB 1.1 data connectivity (rather slower than the USB 2.0 High-Speed connections offered on many cameras these days), as well as a built-in flash and a macro mode that allows focusing as close as 6 centimeters. Power comed from two AA batteries - alkaline or lithium disposable, or NiMH rechargeable. The Pentax S60 ships from October 2005.