Pentax Optio S, Optio S4 and Optio S4i

[Parham]

It feels good to be able to inaugurate the Pentax forum!

I currently own a Pentax *ist D and I am thinking about buying a small carry-anywhere camera. I am at this point considering the Pentax Optio S, the S4, or the upcoming S4i.

For those with experience with the first two: Are you satisfied with your cameras? What are the pros and cons of each? Should I wait for the S4i, or the current models would be enough for what I want?

[MikeB]

Hi Parham,
I had the Optio S and now own the S4 (as pocket size alternative to my istD)- both are excellent. The only advantage of the S4 is the easier handling due to the bigger 4-way scroller and inproved on/off set up. The camera is capable of surprisingly good pictures and is the only one I have found which is truly "take anywhere" capable - I have it in my pocket when I am out and about on my motorbike.
The S4i may be the better option if you can wait, the present display is too snall to take a series for future stitching accurately, ok for daily use though - I am sur you wont be disappointed with this remarkable little camera, I aren't
Mike

[Parham]

Thanks a lot for the reply, Mike. That's also what I imagined -- besides a few reports that the S4 has a tendency to oversaturate the blues. Is that true, or is it part of the usual blabla?

I think what I'll do now is to sell my Nikon CP 4300 (it really doesn't get used that much anymore) and a couple of my film SLRs that I don't use any longer. Knowing that the S4i will hit the shelves in April, I guess I could wait a bit and perhaps get that one as my pocket cam. I just had the occasion to handle the S4 and I was almost instantly amazed by the sheer fun of the camera.

Cheers.