The sleek, sophisticated Pentax Optio 550 digital camera offers high-level performance and is convenient enough to make you want to carry it everywhere. The Optio 550 features 5-megapixel resolution, a 5x optical zoom lens, automatic operation (as well as a wide range of manual control), and compatibility with Secure Digital and MultiMediaCard memory cards.
Optics and Resolution
Featuring a 5-megapixel CCD sensor, the Optio 550 delivers image detail up to 2,592 x 1,944 pixels for print enlargements up to 20 by 30 inches. The exceptionally compact lens offers a high level of performance with 5x optical zoom. Zooming power can be augmented through combination with digital 4x zoom for a total of 20x zoom performance.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on either Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory cards. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB storage-class connectivity, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.
Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the Optio 550 is capable of recording up to 10 minutes of video at 15 frames per second, with 320 x 240 recorded pixels. The Optio 550 can also be used as an audio recorder, with up to 30 seconds of sound added to images.
More Features
With the 3-D image mode, the Optio 550 adds a totally new dimension to digital photography. Just take two shots following a simple set of guidelines to achieve shots that have a genuine sense of depth and perspective when seen through the special viewer provided
Other features include:
- 1.5-inch TFT LCD display
- Optical viewfinder displays actual image zoom, which helps to conserve battery power by switching off LCD display
- Digital filter mode provides effects similar to conventional filters, from sepia to color tones (red, pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple)
- Built-in flash can be automatically set to fire; also includes red-eye reduction, flash-on, and flash-off modes
- A range of shooting modes to choose from, including metered manual and shutter priority AE
- Interval shooting mode lets you set the time to start shooting, the duration of the interval between shots, and the number of frames
Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included). It measures 3.9 by 2.3 by 1.6 inches and weighs 7.2 ounces.