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New digital users may not know that megapixels and lens zoom capacity are two of the most important features of digital cameras. First, the more megapixels, or image points, on your camera, the larger your prints can be. For photo quality 4x6 prints, you'll need at least two megapixels. An 8x10 requires at least four megapixels. If you only plan to email images or post them on a website, two megapixels or less will do the job.
Second, digital cameras come with two zooms: optical and digital. The optical zoom functions just as it would on a 35mm film camera so you can follow and zoom in closer to your subject. The higher the optical zoom, the better the resolution. Digital zoom simply enlarges or "blows up" the image and crops in on the part you see on the LCD. This enlargement process will reduce the resolution or quality of the image.
Keep in mind that as a camera's resolution capability rises, so does the price of the camera.
Additional features you may want to look for include compact size, auto flash, movie mode, digital filters, ample-sized LCD monitors, built-in memory and red-eye reduction.
Digital photograph quality depends on several factors including lens quality, camera construction, image processing circuitry and megapixels or the number of pixels (image points) which make up the photograph. Higher megapixel capability allows the camera to capture more detail and offer sharper photographs. Since the modern digital camera easily has a million pixels, one million pixels is referred to as a "Megapixel" (mega=million). The PENTAX Optio digital line of cameras have from two to five megapixel capability.
While more megapixels help deliver a better image, this does not go on to infinity. Around 80 pixels per centimeter are necessary in order to achieve a good quality print. Generally, 120 pixels per centimeter will give you a print of outstanding quality. More than this is unnecessary since the human eye cannot see more than this amount. As you print images, you will find that too few pixels in an image may cause you to see the individual pixels (squares), while extra pixels are only of use if you are planning to make larger prints. This table helps pinpoint which Optio would be the best megapixel choice for you based on enlarged image quality.
Digital cameras have a sensor that converts light into electrical charges. The image sensor housed in most digital cameras is a charge coupled device (CCD). The CCD is a collection of tiny light-sensitive diodes, which convert photons (light) into electrons (electrical charge). These diodes are called photosites. Each photosite is sensitive to light. The brighter the light that hits a single photosite, the greater the electrical charge that will accumulate at that site. When a digital camera shutter is released, the charge is measured and sent as a digital signal that represents the values of the charge at each pixel. A processor interpolates the data from the different pixels to create natural color. On many cameras, it is possible to see the output on the LCD monitor at this stage. The recorded information is stored on some form of memory device called a flash memory card that may be removed from the camera and used to transfer images to your computer for viewing, emailing and printing. See Question Number 9 for more information on using flash memory cards.
Your Optio battery charger should properly function throughout Europe and worldwide with an appropriate plug adapter. Such a plug adapter may be available at electronics stores such as Radio Shack or at travel shops. No power converter is required.
Battery charger specifications:
Input: AC 100-240V / 50-60Hz / 7W / 0.12A
Output: DC 4.2V -_-_-_-_- 770mA
PENTAX designs Optio digital cameras to accept Secure Digital (SD) cards that meet standard industry specifications. However, card specifications and memory capacity constantly change, and that may potentially result in an incompatibility. If an SD removable media card does not appear to function with a Pentax camera, we suggest first trying a different SD card (if available), then, calling our consumer support line for additional assistance.
The Optio S40 is not Windows 98 or Windows 98SE compatible. Therefore, a driver is not featured.
If you are unable to upgrade your operating system, we may suggest purchasing an SD card reader, which should be locally available (and reasonably priced) at your local computer store.
The date / time feature is a display function, only, but does not imprint data on the image file.
In order to include this information, an image file must first be imported to the computer. Image-editing software (such as Adobe PhotoShop) must then be used to create data characters.
The AC Adapter is an alternate power supply, only, but does not charge batteries. The battery charger must be used for this purpose.
Optio models that feature "in-camera" battery charging were supplied with a battery charging stand.
With some specific exceptions, PENTAX digital camera products are compatible with Windows 98 or later and MacOS 8.6 or later.
If you use an operating system that is incompatible with your PENTAX digital camera, you may still be able to download your pictures. Since most of our digital products use a memory card such as Compactflash™, Secure Digital™, etc., you can obtain a reader (sold separately) for your memory card. Then, instead of connecting the camera to the computer, you can eject your memory card from the camera an insert it directly into your card reader. You simply will need to shop around for a card reader that is compatible with the operating system you use.
Some computers have the capability of automatically recognizing PENTAX digital cameras, and some do not. Depending on what type of computer you have and the OS you work with, you may need to download the appropriate driver from the CD-ROM that accompanied your camera or download from the PENTAX web site. Driver firmware updates, and other information can be downloaded in our technical updates section.
PENTAX has prepared several special on-line "Getting Started" sections for each of its individual digital products. This information is available in our Learning Studio and they contain step-by-step instructions (complete with examples and visuals) to assist you in getting your digital camera up and running with your computer. Here you will learn the following:
- How do I install the drivers on my computer?
- How do I properly connect my camera to the computer?
- How do I install the other software programs that were included on the CD-ROM that came with my camera?
- How do I uninstall the drivers from my computer?
- Depending on the operating system that you work with, there is a proper way to disconnect your camera from your computer to ensure smooth operation.
- With Windows 98, you can simply turn your camera off and unplug it. Make sure you are not in the middle of downloading when you disconnect your camera, or you might loose some or all of your pictures.
- In Windows ME and Windows 2000, you must go to the system tray (on your task bar usually located on the bottom of your screen) and look for the "unplug/eject hardware" icon. Click this "unplug/eject hardware" icon once to pop up a list of devices available for disconnection, then click on your camera's drive. When the computer tells you it is safe to disconnect your device, then simply turn your camera off and unplug it.
- Windows XP also has an "unplug/eject hardware" system tray icon, which you should use. However, if you are not in the middle of downloading your pictures, it is generally safe to simply turn your camera off and unplug it.
On a MacOS computer, you should drag the camera's disk icon to the trash can before turning off or unplugging it.
Once you have properly connected your camera to your computer (see FAQ #2 listed above), your computer will see your camera (connected and powered on) as a disk drive - most likely listed as "removable disk." Now that you know where to look to find the images, they can be viewed and/or downloaded in a variety of programs. Please visit our Learning Studio for specific step-by-step instructions (complete with examples and visuals) for further assistance in viewing/downloading images.
You will need to archive or save your images either directly on your computer or to another form of removable storage media. The nice part about this is that you have many options to choose from - some relatively inexpensive. You can transfer your images to your computer's hard drive, but we don't recommend this as the best long term solution. (Pictures can quickly accumulate and take up a lot of storage space which can slow down the speed and operation of your computer. Also, if your computer crashes, and you do not have a backup disk, you could loose your pictures.) A better solution is to archive and index your images through one of the following removable storage options:
- CD-R / CD-RW Drives (CD-RW drives allow you to write new data to this type of disk by overwriting old data.). This is the most common type of long-term storage, since recordable CD drives are common and the disks are inexpensive. Each disk also holds up to 650-700MB worth of pictures and other files.
- External hard drive
- Zip or Jaz Drives
- DVD recorders
Some internet photo web sites will allow you to download and store your images with them. The idea is that you will order prints from them when you decide you are ready for them. Prices and fees may apply depending on the site.
There is no single storage medium that suits every need and budget. The key is to select the one that works best for you.
The answer depends on your personal needs and your budget. Memory cards are available in many sizes 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, 256MB and 512MB. The larger the card size, the more storage space and the greater the cost. One recommendation is to select a card that allows you to take images without having to worry about changing cards or downloading images very often (one of the advantages of digital photography). Among the most popular are those in 64MB, 128MB or 256MB sizes. You may want to purchase a second card to use as a back-up or replacement card that can be used if you run out of space on the first card or to use when the first card is unavailable (you may be downloading or printing images from the first card.)
The PENTAX Digital Update page located at www.PENTAXusa.com/digitalupdate provides the latest firmware and software updates from PENTAX (including all USB drivers). Occasionally new firmware will be added to a product to enhance its overall performance. When it becomes available, it will be added to this page.
You can connect your PENTAX digital camera to a TV to view your images individually or in a slide show through the use of a video cable (included with supported cameras). To do so, make sure that both the TV and camera are turned OFF before connecting the cable. Connect the video cable to the video output terminal on the camera. Connect the other end of the cable to the video (and audio for supported models) input terminal of the TV. Be sure also to set your TV or video device to receive auxiliary video. Setting your TV to receive external/auxiliary video can vary from device to device, so consult your TV's documentation for specifics. Once you turn on the TV and the camera, the TV monitor will now display what you would normally see on the LCD monitor - which includes images, as well as the menu items for navigation. (The LCD monitor on the camera is turned off when the camera is connected to a TV.) (The following cameras DO NOT support a video connection: Optio 330RS, Optio 430RS.)
PENTAX digital cameras are known for easy-to-use design. Most users find they can pick up the camera, turn it on, set it on automatic, point and shoot. Yet the best way to capture quality images is to become familiar and comfortable with your new camera from the start. Don't wait for a special occasion to practice taking and viewing images. You will want to review the owner's manual to help you understand how to use all the features and functions before your first significant photo event.
PENTAX bundles each digital product with everything you need to start using the product right away. However, a variety of optional and replacement accessories are available to help make your picture taking experience even more convenient.
For example, many users purchase a spare rechargeable battery (or an AA battery charger depending on your camera model). AC adapters, cases, and replacement cables are also available. PENTAX offers a waterproof casing for the 430RS to allow use it underwater. These and other digital accessory items may be purchased directly through select PENTAX dealers (if they do not stock an item, some dealers will special order it for you) or may be ordered through the PENTAX on-line store. Also consider a higher capacity memory card for your camera (available independently), which will allow you to capture many more pictures before having to download them.
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