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  • Testing / Performance

  • Physical Tour

  • Components

  • Design / Layout

  • Modes

  • Control Options

  • Image Parameters

  • Connectivity / Extras

  • Overall Impressions

  • Conclusion

  • Specs

  • Testing / Performance
  • Physical Tour
  • Components
  • Design / Layout
  • Modes
  • Control Options
  • Image Parameters
  • Connectivity / Extras
  • Overall Impressions
  • Conclusion
  • Specs

Testing / Performance

In the chart below, for each color tile, the colors produced by the Optio S55 are displayed in the outer square, while the corresponding ideal is placed in the vertical rectangle. The small square in the center of each tile is a color-corrected version as might be attained by a software application.

In the chart displayed below, the same color testing results are again represented, in a more quantitative manner. The colors placed within the circles represent the tonal ideal, while the corresponding squares are the camera’s produced tones. The longer the line connecting the two shapes, the less accurate the camera’s reproduction of that tone.

The Pentax Optio S55 had difficulty reproducing accurate tones, rendering colors that were highly over-saturated and inaccurate. The camera earned a 6.62 overall color score based on the strong variance between the camera’s produced colors and the corresponding ideal. This will be a problem for users seeking a well represented reproduction of the scene straight from the camera. This is a major problem for an entry-level camera, requiring point-and-shoot users to invest large amounts of time post-capture adjusting the color on a software application. Therefore, users who are intent on image quality should expect the S55 to be more of a point-shoot-and-edit camera. By comparison, the Olympus D-425, a sub $200 (USD) camera, earned an overall color score of 8.42 and would be a stronger contender for this audience if color reproduction is more of a priority than a large LCD screen.
**Still Life Scene **

Below is a shot of our inspired still life scene photographed with the Pentax Optio S55.


*Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: the linked file is very large!)*

Note: This image was shot under nearly 500 lux of illumination - which is an immense amount of light. This should not have been a dark exposure! At ISO 50, the S55 selected an aperture setting of f/3.5 and 1/60 shutter speed. The white balance was set manually.

Resolution / Sharpness*(2.78)
*To evaluate the resolution of the Pentax Optio S55, we recorded a series of exposures of an industry standard resolution chart and imported the files into Imatest Imaging Software. The software reads the images and indicates the number of actual number of pixels used in composing the photo. We contrast the detected pixels with the advertised effective pixel count and report the score as both a percentage and actual pixel count. When this is done, cameras that earn a percentage score exceeding 70% of their advertised resolution are deemed "good" performers, while anything over 80% is "very good," and anything beyond 90% is "excellent."


*Click on the ISO resolution chart above to view the full res. file.*

**

The Pentax Optio S55 contains a 1/2.5-inch 5 MP CCD and 3x optical SMC Pentax power zoom lens formed of 6 elements in 5 groups with 2 dual-sided aspherical elements. Our resolution tests concluded the camera only utilizes 2.78 actual megapixels for imaging. This is just 57% of the advertised count and places the camera far below most similarly styled cameras we have tested. Users should expect strong limitations when cropping or enlarging photos and will be limited in print size. 4 x 6 sized prints should not display visible pixilation; however, when pushed to 8 x 10-inch prints, there will be a noticeable reduction in quality.

Noise - Auto ISO*(4.95)
*For cameras that offer manually selectable ISO settings, we test the amount of noise produced at each ISO setting as well as in auto ISO mode. Using the Optio S55’s auto ISO setting, in bright lighting conditions, the camera produced images that contained a marginal degree of visible noise, but still remained reasonably clean. The camera earned a 4.95 overall score in auto ISO mode, which is respectable among other similarly priced cameras within the sub-$300 or sub-$250 price range.

Noise - Manual ISO*(6.46)
*When testing the camera’s noise suppression capabilities using its manually selectable ISO settings, we capture a series of shots of our GretagMacbeth color chart under bright, controlled lighting conditions at each available ISO rating and import the results into a regression analysis to calculate an overall score. The results are displayed in the graph below, with the camera’s ISO ratings placed along the horizontal x-axis, and the resulting noise plotted on the vertical axis.

With manual ISO ratings of 50, 100, 200, and 400, the Pentax Optio S55 achieved a 6.46 overall noise score, which is an improvement over the auto mode rating. Users of the Optio S55 will find that the camera’s 50 and 100 ISO ratings handle noise well, producing crisp images with little noise; however, once pushed to the 200 and 400 settings, the noise is drastically increased. The two higher settings will remain usable, but image quality will be substandard and in many cases (as long as it’s not a night skyline), it might be wiser to rely on the flash.

Low Light Performance*(3.0)
*To perceive the low light capabilities of each camera we review, we capture a sequence of images at the camera’s highest offered ISO setting, without the assistance of the flash, to isolate the sensitivity of the imager. The tests are shot at decreasing light values of 60, 30, 15, and 5 lux to replicate common low light shooting conditions; 60 lux is comparable to a partially lit interior scene following dusk, while 30 lux is similar to a situation being illuminated by a 40 watt light bulb. Scenes being captured at 15 and 5 lux display the camera’s ability to capture an exposure in near darkness.

*Click on any of the above chart for additional image analysis *

**

Not surprisingly, the Optio S55 did not perform well in low light conditions. At 60 lux, the recorded images were filled with noise and the rendered colors were muddy, lacking vibrancy. Dropping to 30 lux, the resulting photos decreased in visibility and color reproduction and were virtually unusable, although objects were still moderately perceivable. Images garnered at 15 and 5 lux with the Optio S55 contained minimal to no information and barely deserve to be considered a photograph.

**Speed / Timing **
*Startup to First Shot (5.55) *

From the time the Pentax Optio S55 first starts up to recording a shot, nearly 5 seconds elapse. With a 4.45 second wait, be prepared to lose those classic photographs of your first born and their first steps since they’ll be already running by the time the camera gets going.

*Shot to Shot Time (8.08) *

The shot to shot times of the Optio S55 were in line with the camera’s glacial startup rate, capturing a shot every 1.92 seconds. The camera contains a continuous shooting mode (not deserving of the "burst" label) which will continue as long as the shutter is held, but does not do anything to improve the camera’s sluggish speed. While most point-and-shoot users will not be taking many rapid-fire sequences, many point-and-shoot cameras now are marketed with burst rates of 2, 2.5, or 3 frames per second, making this camera seem a bit leisurely by comparison.

*Shutter to Shot Time (7.89)
*In terms of shutter lag, the Pentax Optio S55 put up another less than stellar performance, requiring 0.51 seconds from the time the shutter is depressed to capture. This delay shouldn’t be a huge issue for static portraits but may become problematic in low light situations or when moving subjects are encountered. Hopefully Optio S55 users will have a steady hand. 

Physical Tour


Front*(7.0)
*The Optio S55 presents a clean, simple face to the world, covered in a bright satin aluminum finish. The telescoping lens assembly is slightly right of center and dominates the front of the camera. When the camera is ready to shoot, the lens protrudes about an inch and a half off the frame in three concentric circles. The actual glass is pretty small in relation to the assembly, which is imprinted with lens specifications in small, unobtrusive type. A metallic ring with a mirror-finish surrounds the lens, with embossed text identifying the "SMC Pentax Zoom Lens."

Above and to the right of the lens are three small holes in a row, for the camera’s microphone. Not quite directly above the lens (slightly off to the right) is the camera’s very small flash. This slight offset from the lens is a pity, because it will cause ugly shadows. There’s a small red window above the lens and to the left. The self-timer light blinks through the window, and signals from an (optional) infrared remote control can pass through the window to operate the camera from a distance.

The camera thickens slightly at both edges. The thickening is more pronounced along the right side, where, combined with a mirror-finish tab, it forms a subtle grip. The mirror-finish tab is embossed with a large Pentax logo. Parallel to it, the camera is also embossed "Optio" in large type between the lens and the grip. The embossing is more subtle than printing (and stickers), and improves the camera’s appearance. It also adds texture to some very smooth surfaces, improving the user’s grip.

Back*(6.5)
*The 2.5-inch LCD dominates the back of the camera, taking up about two-thirds of the surface. It’s framed in black, with a small Pentax logo below. Above the LCD, on a beveled surface that runs the width of the camera, there are two small, widely-separated buttons. The one on the left switches status displays on and off, while the button near the center of the display initiates the multi-step procedure for deleting data. Further to the right on the bevel are two status lights, one for the flash and one for focus.

The third of the camera's back face that's not consumed by the LCD screen is off to the far right and clearly the busiest section of the camera. The zoom lever, which doubles as the magnification control for the LCD, is at the top, accessible with the user’s right thumb. The Playback button is below and to the left of the zoom, and the Help/Function button is below that. Further below is the circular four-way controller, with an "OK" button in the middle. Just above the bottom edge of the camera is the "Menu" button. The hinge for the SD media slot is also visible from the back, to the right of the navigational control.

Delightfully, the camera lacks an optical viewfinder. On cameras this size, the old, eye-to-the-camera viewfinders tend to be miserably small and thoroughly inaccurate, proving to be a waste of space. They're essentially included as a pure aesthetic novelty.

Left Side*(7.0)
*The left side of the Optio S55 features a rubber port cover shielding a combined analog/digital data terminal and a jack for an optional power supply. The rubbery cover is connected to the camera by a small strip of the same material. That’s a convenient, durable option that's superior to some cheap plastic hinged doors that some competing cameras have. Other than the ports, the left side sports only two Phillips-head screws.

Kudos to Pentax for leaving well enough alone, and not marring the side of the body with a big "5 MEGAPIXEL -- 3x Optical Zoom" label - they graciously restricted their advertisements to the front face of the camera, near the lens.

Right Side*(7.5)
*The right side of the camera is similarly spare. Just about centered, there’s a nice, heavy lug for a wrist strap, which is a logical choice for carrying a small camera such as the Optio S55. The door covering the SD media slot opens on the right side and secures with a latch. The latch offers a significant advantage to Optio S55 owners – similar doors on some cameras simply snap closed, and they are more apt to wear out and pop open, or break off. The door itself is also a bit more secure than most, particularly within its price range.

Top*(6.0)
*The top of the Optio S55 is pleasantly simple. At the far left, a cluster of six holes gives vent to the cameras speaker. Next to that, the camera is labeled "Optio S55," in moderately-sized type. Almost dead center is the mode dial, containing nine settings and encircling the camera’s power button. A green, glowing indicator mark shows which mode is set. At its right and toward the front of the camera is the large shutter release.

Bottom*(3.0)
*The bottom of a camera is usually the least lovely bit, and the S55 does not rise above its competition in this aspect. At the very, very far left, the camera sports a plastic tripod socket. Ideally, tripod sockets should be made of metal, and they should line up with the lens axis. However, this camera is so light, and intended for such casual use, that the majority of users will never utilize a tripod anyway. Though if you do, you'll have a laugh at the 30-degree pitch the camera takes on because of the socket's unconventional placement. The bottom also features a serial number and the battery compartment door.

Components

Viewfinder*(0.0)
*The Optio S55 does not include an optical viewfinder, relying solely on its 2.5-inch LCD display for composing and reviewing images.

LCD Screen*(7.0)
*A primary marketing point of the Optio S55 is its 2.5-inch, 115,000-pixel LCD screen. The 2.5-inch size is generous, but 115,000 is just not enough resolution to perceive subtleties in the scene or accurately display recorded images. A higher pixel count would make it easier to focus the camera and evaluate pictures after they’re taken. The menus would be more attractive, too. The Sony DSC-T1 has a 211,000-pixel LCD. Shoppers would be wise to compare the displays, and consider whether the better display is worth an extra $50 or so (although bear in mind, the T1 has been succeeded by nearly identical Cyber-shot models multiple times, so the current price is a result of numerous reductions, while the Optio S55 is still relatively new to the market). Furthermore, users should be warned that a barrage of moving colors will encircle the oversized screen when directed near a bright light source. When testing the camera, alternating green and red vibrations danced around the LCD’s border, and while this was mildly amusing, it became a bit of a distraction.

Flash*(7.5)
*The camera manual says that the Optio S55’s flash will light scenes up to 4.9 meters (16 feet) away when the lens is set to wide angle, or 2.8 meters (9 feet) at telephoto. This is an impressive range for such a small flash unit. The flash itself is tiny when compared to other compact cameras, which makes the light harsh, accentuating wrinkles and blemishes on skin. It’s also not directly above the lens, which means that it will cast ugly shadows behind and to the right of the subject. (If the flash were directly above the lens, the shadows would fall entirely behind the subject, and not be visible in pictures.)

There are multiple flash settings included that can be manually altered by the user. The user can turn the flash off, let the camera decide when to use the flash (auto), set the flash to go off for every picture, set it to go off with a red-eye reduction pre-flash, or let the camera decide when to flash, but turn on red-eye reduction when it does go off.

Oddly, the S55’s flash always fires twice, even when it’s not in red-eye mode. The manual doesn’t explain why, but presumably the first flash helps the camera determine the proper exposure.

Zoom Lens*(6.5)
*Pentax applied a 3x optical zoom lens to the Optio S55, which is equivalent to a 35.6 to 107mm zoom in 35mm format. An additional 2.6x digital zoom is included, but obviously not recommended for usage as it will significantly decrease image quality. The lens is formed of 6 elements in 5 groups, 2 of which are aspherical, and it contains an f/2.6-f/7.7 aperture range.

In practical terms, the lens offers a slight wide angle view, for taking group pictures or landscapes, all the way through a mild telephoto, which is good for taking portraits. Though the zoom range can cover many picture-taking chores, it is limited.

At the wide angle end, it’s not really wide enough for common interior shots – an extended family around the dinner table, for instance. At the telephoto end, it’s fine for portraits, but not for sports or wildlife.

Design / Layout

Model Design / Appearance*(7.0)
*The very bright matte aluminum finish and mirror-gloss accents make the Pentax Optio S55 gleam. The design is clean and uncluttered, but it doesn't quite fall into the same minimalist camp as the Nikon Coolpix S1 or the Sony DSC-T7.

The fit and finish of the unit we handled is very good, and the S55 feels like a solidly-built camera for its size. The various components come together without gaps or misalignment, giving the camera a good squeeze -- the kind you might give it when pulling out of a tightly-packed purse or backpack--didn’t cause creaks or groans.

There is an extra plane on the front face of the camera that bows out to either side for grip and also adds some visual interest to the camera's front face. The dominant 2.5-inch LCD on the back is encased in a thin black frame to help distinguish it from the rest of the camera body.

It would be too generous to say that the Optio S55 is elegant or beautiful, but the camera's design is pleasant. The controls and detailing on the Optio S55 are compromised but the general appearance remains acceptable.

Size / Portability*(7.0)
*At 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.1 inches (89 x 59 x 28 mm), the Pentax Optio S55 is fairly large for a compact camera, but still fits in most pockets and some very small purses. At 6.3 ounces, including batteries and media (SD data card), the camera is light enough to be ignored and provides the effortless portability sought in this type of camera styling. While many of the Optio S55's competitors (from brands such as Fuji, Sony, Casio, and Nikon) are thinner -- down to about 2/3 of an inch -- the width and height of the Optio S55 offers far greater handling and stability. The Optio S55 is able to blend portability and control beyond many similarly designed models, providing users with a camera they can easily hold on to and shoot with comfortably.

Handling Ability*(6.5)
*As any camera that's not on a tripod, the Optio S55 is more likely to deliver optimal results when the user holds it with two hands. The camera is more stable, more likely to be level, and less likely to drop to the floor. However, the majority of point-and-shoot users will probably opt for a single-handed shooting position and Pentax has designed the camera to accommodate both shooting styles.

When looking at the camera face on, the left side of the Optio S55's front face sports a sweeping curve capped with an embossed Pentax label. Surprisingly, the vertical branding is at the proper height and length to act as an effective finger support. Mirroring the right-hand grip, along the right side of the camera's front face is a similar yet truncated curve to place the left hand. This unfortunately does not function as effectively as the right-hand support, as the shape attempts to conform to the way fingers would naturally curl if the left hand were set on the camera the same way as the right hand. But most point-and-shooters will apply the supportive left hand differently - placing hands on the top and bottom of the frame, not across the front as they would their right hand - and Pentax seems to have overlooked this.

While the camera's silver-coated aluminum alloy frame is moderately appealing to the eye, the Optio S55 doesn’t contain any rubberized material or textured surface for gripping. Other than the two curves on the front of the camera, there is nothing applied to the frame to aid in handling or control. The relative weight and general density of the frame will help stabilize the camera, but the general design requires the zoom toggle control to double as a support and sacrifices functionality.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size*(6.0)
*The Optio S55 shutter release is a large, rectangular, glossy metallic button with rounded sides. Pentax deserves credit for making it as big as it is; however, the build quality leaves a lot to be desired. The button itself is feeble and sits on a lose spring. It doesn’t seem like the control will hold up too well for long term usage, but for a potentially sub-$250 camera, sacrifices have to be made.

The mode dial is just barely big enough to read, though it couldn't be much bigger on a camera this size. Most of the settings on the dial are denoted with icons. That's great, because the type for the 'PICT' setting is vanishingly small. The dial's edge is heavily ribbed, making it easy to switch from setting to setting.

The On/Off button is in the middle of the mode dial. It is just about flush with the dial surface, and therefore a bit vulnerable to bumping and cumbersome to access. I decided to see just how vulnerable. I turned the camera upside-down and pressed it against a tabletop. That didn't turn the camera on, but when I turned it upside-down and pressed it onto a stack of paper, the camera sprang to life. This design will cause a fair amount of battery life to go to waste, and considering the extending lens barrel, it could lead to damage if the camera accidentally started up in a bag or pocket.

The zoom control is a small but prominent rocker, made of a single piece of plastic. The control protrudes significantly from the camera and is placed nicely for thumb operation; however, with the limited handling features provided, users are required to rely on the feature for stability as well. The other controls -- six buttons and a four-way controller --are also small, but adequately spaced. The three buttons to the right of the LCD display (Review, Help, and Menu) are all a bit loose and rattle when handled. This does not apparently cause any harm, but again, does not supply an overwhelming sense of durability. The small continuous mode dial might be tedious to access for users with larger fingers, given the limited space that's not consumed by the camera's oversized screen.

Menu*(7.5)
*Pentax uses tabbed submenus on the Optio S55, which makes navigation between options straightforward and relatively quick. The three submenus are: Record Mode, Playback and Set-Up. The submenus are relatively crowded, but Pentax compensates for this by implementing an "enlarged menu" option via the zoom control. The display doesn’t actually zoom, but the selected control appears in larger type and a more readable display. One potential problem with the feature is that the enlarged text appears centered over a black backdrop and omits all other information. This may be a bit confusing as users will lose the context of the particular setting within the menu; however, the magnified text is an option and will surely come in handy for more near-sighted users who have misplaced their glasses.

The Record Mode submenu includes the lion’s share of camera settings. They are: Image Quality (sets the pixel size of the image, as well as compression); Recorded Pixels (sets just the pixel size of the image); Quality Level (compression alone); White balance (calibrates the camera to a variety of light sources); Focusing Area (determines the area of the frame the camera will try to keep in focus); AE metering (selects how the camera will evaluate the scene when setting the exposure); Sensitivity (for setting the ISO, or level of light sensitivity of the camera); Frame Rate (frames per second the camera will capture in video mode); Instant Review (determines how long an image will display on the LCD after it is taken); Memory (allows the user to save other settings when the camera is turned off); Sharpness (selects how much the camera will process each image to make them appear more in focus); Saturation (sets the degree in which the camera will brighten or tone down colors); Contrast; and EV compensation (exposure compensation will brighten or darken images as they are taken). Many of these settings are overridden when the camera is set to most automated modes.

The Playback submenu offers controls that are related to images that have already been recorded. They are: Protect (secures images to memory so they cannot be accidentally erased); DPOF (for setting printing options for images, either via a PictBridge printer, or direct download at a photo lab); Slideshow (offers controls for a slideshow on the camera LCD or a television via the A/V cable); Resize (for shrinking an image); Image/Sound Copy (to copy files between the camera’s built-in memory and the SD memory card); Digital Filter (enables users to create a color effect on an image that is saved to memory); Record Voice Memo (to apply voice memos to recorded images); Quick Zoom (plays back images at maximum zoom); and Quick Delete (to shorten the process for deleting images).

The Set-up submenu controls a range of underlying settings and general camera parameters. They are: Format (to format an SD card or the built-in memory); Sound (adjusts the volume when recorded sounds are played back on the camera, and controls the alert sounds for various camera functions); Date Adjust (sets the time and date, as well as the date style); World Time (selects the time zone); Language (changes the menu language - interestingly, Pentax is making various editions of the camera, each with a different set of languages available); Screen setting (for adjusting the startup screen image, background color, and other effects); Video format (selects between PAL and NTSC); USB (sets the USB mode); Auto Power Off (to determine the length of time the camera will sit unused before shutting itself off to save battery life); Fn Setting (enables users to assign a custom function to the Help/Function button when the camera is not in Auto Select mode); and Reset (returns all the settings to their defaults).

Ease of Use*(6.5)
*The Optio S55 is very easy to use in its automated mode, and generally produces its best results in Auto-select mode. On the other hand, it's difficult to exert much manual control over exposure or focus, so attaining any degree of precision can be frustrating. There is no print or share button included on the Optio S55 body, as many similarly priced cameras tend to include due to the target audience and intended users of compact cameras within this price range. While there is a text magnification option available within the camera's menu, once enlarged, all other settings dropped off the screen making it mildly difficult to scroll through and utilize. The lack of endurance or reasonable use of battery life was also enough of a problem to make the camera more difficult to use. The camera is not difficult for any level user to adapt to; however, if ease of use and simplicity is a priority, there are far more straightforward cameras out there within this price range.

Modes

Auto Mode*(7.0)
*The Optio S55 offers two highly automated settings - a Program auto mode ('P') and an 'Auto select' mode. The "P" setting is the camera's true Auto mode and sets both the aperture and the shutter speed for the user, conforming to the camera settings for focus, metering mode, ISO, white balance, contrast, sharpening and saturation. When the camera is set to its defaults, focus, ISO and white balance are also automated, so "P" is essentially fully automatic. The S55's "Auto Select" mode is denoted on the mode dial with a smiley face and selects from the camera's scene modes, overriding all camera settings except for options related to file size.

Movie Mode*(5.5)
*The Movie mode on the Optio S55 is either solid or lacking, depending on whether your priority is good resolution or high frame rate. The S55 records video at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, which is well short of the 640 x 480 resolution offered by most current cameras. However, the user can choose a recording rate of 30 or 15 frame per second; 15 fps will look choppy, but 30 fps is a standard rate to capture full motion video

In movie mode, the optical zoom does not function, and the camera does not focus.

Drive / Burst Mode*(4.0)
*The Optio S55 offers a continuous shooting mode. The speed varies with the size and quality of the image, but our tests concluded that the Optio S55 requires just under 2 seconds between images. The camera continued for 13 shots before resting to write the images to memory. This is pretty sluggish by today’s standards; however, some entry-level cameras don’t even include a burst option at all.

Playback Mode* (7.0)
*The Optio S55 allows the user to review images on the LCD screen, and to watch all the images in the camera as a slideshow. Reviewing images on the S55 is straightforward. The last image taken appears on the screen when the Playback button is pressed. Pressing the Display button will cycle through options to show the image by itself, with a status display, or with the status display and exposure data. The zoom rocker switch can be used to magnify images up to 12x, if the telephoto side is pressed, or switch to show the nine most recent images taken with the camera. The four-way controller can be used to navigate through all the pictures in the camera’s memory, or, if the displayed image is enlarged, to navigate from one part of the image to another.

The slideshow option is limited, compared to many other cameras. The slideshow sequentially displays all the images in memory (both built-in and on the SD card). The user can set the length of time the images are each shown to 3, 5, 10, 20, or 30 seconds. The Optio S55 does not offer a choice of transitions or the option of choosing certain pictures for the slideshow.

Custom Image Presets*(7.0)
*The Optio S55 offers 12 image presets. They are: Portrait (designed for close-up shots of people, with a color balance that is flattering to most light skin tones); Landscape (focuses the lens at infinity, and boosts greens and blues); Night Scene (allows for long exposures of dark scenes); Flower (garners vivid pictures of colorful subjects); Self Portrait (for including the photographer in the picture – note: this setting does not automatically engage the self-timer; it’s apparently for holding the camera at arm’s length, and snapping a shot of yourself); Surf (for pictures in bright sun, with bright backgrounds); Snow (for pictures in bright sun against snow – compensating for the blue tone that snow scenes often take on); Sunset (catches the warm colors of twilight); Museum (turns off the flash, for use in places where flash is prohibited or not polite); Text (for taking pictures of documents); Food (for taking pictures of food); and Landscape Portrait (to take pictures of people in front of image-worthy backdrops, in a way that shows both well).

That’s a quirky group of presets, both for what’s included and what’s left out. Food? It’s not exactly clear what Pentax has done to make food pictures more attractive – does it make sense to boost color saturation so that fruits and vegetables look great, or tone it down a little so the roast beef looks less like major surgery? The food setting and the Flower setting share quite a bit in common. Self Portrait, given that it seems adapted to hand-held self-portraits, doesn’t seem distinct from regular portrait, except for a somewhat closer focus.

It’s more notable that Pentax left out any setting for action or sports. That’s not necessarily bad, though – it may simply be a matter of setting appropriate expectations of the camera. The Optio S55 does not operate quickly enough, or have a long enough telephoto range, to do a credible job photographing anything that moves faster than a friendly game of croquet. Nor is it fast enough to catch children (or adults) who can’t sit still.

Control Options

**Manual Control Options **

The Optio S55 does not offer manual control of aperture or shutter speed; however, it does include ISO control, manual white balance setting, and an EV compensation function to increase or decrease exposure. Flash modes are also selectable by the user of the S55, and so are manual options for altering image sharpening, saturation, and contrast.

**Focus
***Auto Focus (6.5) *

The Optio S55's autofocus system evaluates five spots in the frame for focus, and selects one to focus on. The standard system is usually the best choice, because it can often account for subjects that aren’t centered in the frame, and other typical photographic situations. The system can be set to "Spot Mode," which forces the camera to focus on the center of the frame. In either the standard mode or the spot mode, pressing the shutter release halfway will cause the camera to focus. Holding the release down halfway locks the focus until the shutter is pressed all the way, or released.

*Manual Focus (2.0)
*The Optio S55 offers a digitized manual focus feature projected on the LCD screen. The central part of the frame is enlarged to make focusing easier, but the enlarged portion is not sharp enough to accurately judge focus. It’s not as effective as many other cameras' manual focus features, particularly with just 115,000 pixels of resolution on the oddly kaleidoscopic display.

Metering* (7.5) *

The Optio S55 contains three selectable metering modes: Multi-segment, Center-weighted, and Spot. These three options are all useful, and they are typical on digital cameras from simple compacts like the S55 to more complicated professional-level DSLRs.

The Optio S55 is set to Multi-segment by default, which is a good thing. In Multi-segment, the camera takes separate light readings of several different sections of the image, and then evaluates them to achieve an even overall exposure. The system should be able to figure out that bright patches in the upper third of the image are sky, for instance, and not be fooled into setting an exposure that makes the sky look perfect, but everything else too dark. In practice, Multi-segment metering consistently produces better results than other metering modes for casual snapshots.

The Center-weighted mode meters the whole frame, but emphasizes the center of the image. The Spot mode meters only a small spot in the center of the frame. Both Center-weighted and Spot are useful when the photographer wants close control of exposure, rather than more generalized snapshot photography.

The Optio S55 metering system performed well, yielding well-exposed images in a variety of situations. The Multi-segment mode handled a bright sky background well, maintaining detail in the foreground subject.

Exposure*(7.25)
*The mode dial offers eight shooting modes: Auto Select, Program, Pict (which allows the user to choose from several settings appropriate to the subject), Portrait, Night Scene, Landscape, Artistic (which allows black and white and some special effects), and Movie.

The Optio S55 also includes an exposure compensation adjustment for users to manually lighten or darken the picture. Exposure compensation is offered in a +/- 2 EV range, moving in 1/3-stop increments. While the +/- 2 EV range is typical, 1/3-stop adjustments offer a bit more control and precision than the typical 1/2-stop increments on many other similarly priced models.

White Balance*(6.0)
*The Optio S55 sets its own white balance by default, but also offers four preset settings and a customizable option. The four settings are: Daylight, Shade, Tungsten and Fluorescent. Four settings really is not sufficient; neither "Daylight" nor "Shade" is really quite right for an overcast day, and a single "Fluorescent" setting doesn’t begin to cover the range of ugly, pallor-inducing colors from fluorescent tubes and energy-saving lights. Even tungsten lights range widely. However, the Optio S55 does compensate for the lack of preset options by including a manual setting. This will allow engaged users to attain proper color calibration when desired. The process is pretty straightforward, requiring users to call up the manual setting in the White Balance submenu, and then press the OK button while the camera is focused on something white.

ISO*(7.0)
*The Optio S55 offers four ISO settings: 50, 100, 200 and 400. The ISO setting will determine how sensitive the imager is to light, and will enable users to adapt to a range of light conditions with some sacrifice of image quality. The 50-400 ISO range is typical of point-and-shoot digital cameras and does not provide much flexibility for shooting indoors with available light. And while this has typically been a common sensitivity range, more and more point-and-shoot cameras intended for casual snapshooters have begun to include 800 and some even 1600 ISO settings. So users of the S55 should prepare to familiarize themselves with the camera's flash settings and capabilities.

Shutter Speed*(0.0)
*The Optio S55 does not offer manual control of shutter speed, but rather relies on the camera to determine an appropriate setting when balanced with the ISO speed (set by the user) and the aperture (also set by the camera). The S55’s user manual says the shutter speed functions within an automatic range of 4 seconds to "Approx. 1/2000." I set the ISO to 400 and pointed the camera up into a bright, sunlit sky to check how high the shutter would go. The camera displayed an exposure of 1/1000 of a second at f/4.3. If it could have used a faster shutter speed, it should have – the picture was overexposed.

Aperture*(0.0)
*The Optio S55 does not offer any direct way of setting the aperture, but the onscreen display shows what setting the exposure system has chosen. At the wide angle end of the zoom range, the aperture ranges from f/2.6 to f/4.8. At the telephoto end, it ranges from f/4.8 to f/7.7.

Image Parameters

Picture Quality / Size Options*(7.5)*

The Optio S55 offers three quality levels and six image sizes. The image sizes are: 2560 x 1920, 2304 x 1728, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768, and 640 x 480, all of which can be set to "Good," "Better," and "Best" quality settings. Quality levels indicate the amount of compression the camera imposes when creating JPEG files. Best images are much less compressed than Good images, so they are about three times larger. Compression works by reducing the amount of data in a picture, so as compression increases, quality goes down. "Best" quality is significantly better than "Better" or "Good."

Picture Effects Options*(7.5)
*The Optio S55 offers some unusual picture effects. In-camera digital effects can appear superficial, and editing effects are generally higher quality when applied post-capture in a software application. However, in-camera effects are good for some occasional fun and the S55 has included a far wider range of options than most cameras in its class.

The "Two-in-One" mode allows the user to take two images side by side to form a single "split-screen" picture. The "Panorama Assist" mode takes a row of pictures to be later combined into a panorama. Though the camera cannot combine images, this mode provides data to help ACDSee software combine them on a computer.

The most mainstream, and perhaps the most useful, is a setting to make black-and-white images. There is also a setting to make "Sepia" images, which are black-and-white images turned brown.

The other settings fiddle with color. "Black-and-white + Red" renders everything in the scene black-and-white, except for red things, which appear red. "Black-and-white + Blue" and "Black-and-white + Green" also drain out all colors except one. A typical use for this setting would be a wedding portrait, in which the bride holds a bouquet of red roses. Three other settings, called "Red," "Green" and "Blue" add a tint of their color to everything in the picture, except very brightly-colored objects. So, on the "Red" setting, you might be able to take a picture of a bright green bottle and a blue flower against a rosy red background.

Connectivity / Extras

Connectivity
*Software (5.0)
*The Optio S55 comes bundled with ACDSee for Pentax, for Windows and Macintosh, as well as PhotoShow Express, a photo organizing and editing program for Windows. The ACDSee version for Mac is merely a viewing tool, which is much less capable than the Windows version. ACDSee for Pentax for Windows allows sorting, printing, and emailing, as well as editing features such as red-eye repair, sharpening, blurring, resizing, cropping, tone and color correction, and stylized effects like 'Oil painting' and 'Emboss.' There is also a provision to combine images into panoramas.

PhotoShow Express for Windows is also included with the Optio S55, and offers a similar feature set as the bundled ACDSee. Both programs are free, less-capable versions of programs that are available at extra cost. Advertisements and enticements to buy the upgrades are integrated into ACDSee and PhotoShow, and are essentially unavoidable when the programs are in use.

*Jacks, Ports, Plugs (6.0) *

The Optio S55 sports a miniature USB port, which also serves as port for analog A/V. The A/V output can be adjusted for either NTSC or PAL formats. There is also a jack for an external power supply, which is sold separately.

*Direct Print Options (6.0)
*The Optio S55 supports PictBridge, an industry-standard protocol that lets users make prints without computers, either by connecting their camera to a printer directly via USB, or by taking the SD data card out of their camera and putting it into a slot on their printer.

It's possible to select individual pictures for printing, or to print all the images and specify how many copies to print. It's also possible to print the date on the pictures, but unfortunately, a print or share button was not applied to the camera body.

The Optio S55 does not offer a way to print only a selected area of an image, or a way to set the size of the final print. These options are part of the PictBridge standard, and some other cameras do include them.

Though the AC adapter is not included in the price of the camera, Pentax recommends using the adapter when printing. If the batteries die while the camera is connected to a printer or computer, pictures can be lost -- not just the prints, but the electronic files. Given the rate at which this camera goes through batteries, it's a significant risk.

*Battery (0.5) *

The Optio S55 eats batteries faster than a blue jay eats June bugs. In the course of testing the camera over two days, the S55 chewed through seven pairs of AA cells - SEVEN PAIRS! This is significantly worse than any other camera we have EVER tested. The camera takes two AAs, and it would be wise for the user to invest in NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries, for both economy and convenience. Rechargeables are cheaper in the long run, and they take more shots between recharges than alkalines take in their entire useful life.

*Memory (3.5)
*The Optio S55 includes 11MB of internal memory. That will hold 3 images at its highest resolution and best quality, and only 15 at 'Better' quality. Additional memory by way of an SD card or two, available for anywhere from $30 to $80, depending on the capacity, would be a must for nearly any user.

**Other Features **
Self-Timer - The Optio S55 contains a self timer with either a 2 or 10-second delay.

Remote Control - The Optio S55 is compatible with two cordless remote controls, which are sold separately. Remote control unit E controls both the shutter release and the zoom setting, and Remote control unit F controls the shutter only. An on-camera setting offers the option of a three-second delay when using either of the compatible remote control units.

Overall Impressions

Value*(6.5)
*In the crowded field of compact, automated snapshot cameras, the Optio S55 is unusual because it includes a 2.5-inch display and sells for less than $300. A 5 megapixel camera with a 2.5-inch LCD and a 3x zoom is a good tool for making snapshots, and many of the Optio S55's competitors sell for somewhere in the low $300's. However, the S55 does have a number of flaws that will impair quality and ease of use. The lack of grip and substandard quality of the LCD screen will make utilizing the camera with one hand no small task. The lack of battery endurance will also increase the cost of the camera substantially, whether users purchase a charger or many, many pairs of AAs; users should expect to pay more than just the initial price of the camera.

**Comparisons
***Kodak EasyShare C360 -*The Kodak beats everything else, including the Optio S55, in ease of use. At $279 alone, or $379 with an ImageLink compliant EasyShare Series 3 printer dock, the C360 should be attractive to users looking for the simplest possible system for making snapshots. Both cameras offer 5 megapixel CCD imaging sensors with 3x optical zoom lenses. However, the C360's smaller 2-inch LCD could be harder to use than the Optio S55's 2.5-inch screen, though the additional space granted to handling on the camera may be a worthy tradeoff for some. The C360 is more ergonomically designed, making it easier to handle and transport. While the Optio S55 includes more flashy preset options, and while both include a help feature, the EasyShare C360 also includes a large, easily discernible menu font and its help feature is more easily accessible. For consumers looking solely to capture automatic snapshots, the EasyShare C360 is the more suitable option.

Canon PowerShot A520 - The PowerShot A520 has vastly superior manual controls to the S55 -- it has essentially all the manual settings that many higher-end cameras offer, exceeding almost anything else in its class. With only a 4 megapixel imaging chip, its resolution is inferior to the S55, and its construction feels less durable than the S55. Its LCD display is only 1.8 inches, but boasts the same 115,000 pixel resolution. The A520 does contain a specified print/share button which helps to simplify and expedite the printing process. It is compatible with additional lens and flash options. Available online for nearly identical prices, both cameras are powered by two AA or NiMH batteries; however, if using both cameras solely with AAs, the A520 could save you $100 the first month.

Casio Exilim EX-Z55 - The EX-Z55 costs about $50 more than the S55, but otherwise seems very similar. It offers an optical viewfinder which the S55 lacks, but the optical viewfinder is tiny and fairly inaccurate. The EX-Z55 comes with 9.3MB of internal memory, considerably less than the S55's 11MB. The EZ-Z55 is powered by a Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery, which is a significant advantage. The Casio's battery will last longer between charges, and be cheaper to run than the Optio on disposable batteries. A set of rechargeable batteries and a charger for the Optio S55 would cost in the neighborhood of $30, and would be a bit less convenient to use than the Casio's Lithium-Ion battery.

**Who It’s For **
*Point-and-Shooters - *The Optio S55 is absolutely a point-and-shoot camera. It stresses automation and convenience, and the lack of manual options may well be an advantage to users who don’t want to be confused by extra, seemingly extraneous settings. Its build quality suggests that it will be durable, an advantage for casual users who might occasionally bump or jostle it.

Budget Consumers - In terms of specs, the Optio S55 is an ideal choice for budget consumers - a 2.5-inch LCD screen, 5 megapixel CCD, and 11MB of internal memory for under $250 - should be ideal; however, with its exasperating appetite for batteries, the Optio S55 will cost a lot more than its initial purchase price, turning the once economic alternative into an endless financial drain.

Gadget Freaks - Gadget freaks might simply like the looks of the S55, but that’s probably not enough to prompt a purchase. There are some intriguing digital effects included, but what true gadget freak could look at their reflection and retain any sense of dignity following a night of cheap amusement over a handful of superficial digital camera effects?

Manual Control Freaks - The S55 does not offer enough manual control to catch the eye of the elusive manual control freak.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists - Again, this is a point-and-shoot camera. There are cameras of roughly this size and price that offer better image quality and more manual controls to be a serious user’s "fun camera."

Conclusion

 

**Conclusion
**Many fundamental aspects of the Optio S55 – its size, 5 megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom lens, 115,000-pixel LCD, $250-or-so street price – are decidedly middle-of-the-road. There are loads of cameras with those specs, because many, many snapshooters will get the results they want with cameras like that. The camera is easy to use in automatic mode and built well enough to survive rough handling – if you forget about it in the bottom of your backpack for a while, it will probably emerge okay. The on-screen help features should be useful to casual users as well. Unfortunately, the S55 also contains some glaring flaws that will frustrate even the most complacent snapshooter. Pentax heavily markets the camera’s large LCD screen, omitting the fact that its quality is extremely substandard, making it difficult to accurately perceive the frame and review images. There is also no manual mode included, forcing those beginner users looking to grow into the medium to look elsewhere or buy multiple cameras. Furthermore, the S55 eats through batteries faster than any other camera that we have reviewed, and for those who like the freedom of AAs, the seemingly affordable point-and-shoot will soon become a constant cash-consumer. Therefore, those users looking to learn more about photography should look at other cameras that offer more manual control, but for the snapshooter on a tight budget, with a slight decrease in price (below $200), the S55 would be a reasonable choice.

Specs

**Specs Table **
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Meet the tester

Patrick Singleton

Patrick Singleton

Editor

Patrick Singleton is a valued contributor to the Reviewed.com family of sites.

See all of Patrick Singleton's reviews

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