Latest – Review by GoodGearGuide (added 22 January’09)
Pentax Optio S12 is a 12 megapixel point-and-shoot digital camera that features a 3x optical zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, “Digital” shake reduction and Face recognition.
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Read More Reviews – (updated 22 January’09)
GoodGearGuide
“Our overall impression of this camera is that it’s definitely worth considering if you want an ultra-compact point-and-shoot. We like they way it captures images, as well as the overall clarity of its pictures. It’s also very easy to use.”
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ePhotozine
“For the money, the S12 is a very well featured, high quality compact that can yield great results. Images have great colour, and sharpness, with the bizarre choice of aperture in the landscape setting being the only caveat.”
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PCMag
“Most nonprofessional photographers will find the S12’s still-image and video quality quite pleasing. But some may take issue with the camera’s inability to shoot still images in 16:9 or video in formats other than DivX.”
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CNET.co.uk
“Another impressive style camera from Pentax, the S12 continues its tradition of combining sublime ease of use with decent — if not staggeringly good — image quality. The S12 isn’t constructed as flawlessly as Canon’s IXUS range of cameras, but it isn’t as expensive either. For a real bargain, hunt out the S12’s predecessor, the 10-megapixel S10.”
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TrustedReviews
“Like its predecessors the Optio S12 is a very well made and easy to use camera, with a nice simple design that continues to look good even five years after its initial launch. Although it lacks image stabilisation, it makes up for it with numerous other fun and useful features. Performance is very good and it works well in low light, making it a good choice for a night out, as well as an excellent general snapshot camera.”
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RegHardware
“Some new products are a giant leap forward, but in the case of the Optio S12, it’s more a case of a tiny step forward. As with its predecessor, you’re getting a camera that will deliver a good performance almost every time you use it. If you already own the Optio S10, you wouldn’t want to rush to replace it with this model. Indeed, faced with a choice between the two, we’d opt for the S10 and use to £50 difference to buy ourselves a little treat.”
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Sample Photos
[Sample Photos at TrustedReviews]
[Sample Photos at RegHardware]
Specifications & Camera Profile
Owners Manual
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I recently got a Pentax Optio S12. Upon reading the manual I was shocked.
On page 2: “Some portions of the camera heat up during use, so please take care, as there is a risk of low temperature burns if such portions are held for long periods of time.”
On page 5: “Depending on a user’s physical condition, some users may experience itching, break out in a rash or suffer from eczema. If an abnormality occurs, immediately discontinue using the camera and seek medical attention.”
My eyes have started itching. Why would Pentax sell a camera that has health risks and don’t inform the public. I am going to return this camera.
Any electronics product can have risks, and warning labels.
Ive had this camera for over a year. Its nice and compact but it can take 5 or so shots to be able to get a decent picture, it can be unpredictable and even with the timer and on a stand, the photos arent always clear with or without a flash.
Kind of turns me off buying another pentax in the future.