Small Wonder

My Pentax Optio S4i was purchased as a corporate "travel" camera. Associates at my company asked me to purchase an ultra compact camera for their upcoming trip to Australia. They were leaving the following day so my decision was rushed to say the least. I had my eye on this camera for a while due to the rumor that it fit into an Altoids Mints container. The staff at Ritz Camera, Monroeville PA were very helpful in my making an informed decision on what was right for my needs. My criteria was simple. The camera must be small and have excellent macro (closeup) capabilities. I have learned from years of outdoor activities such as canoeing and backpacking that if the camera is not small and instantly accessible it won't get used much. There is no excuse for not having the Optio with you at all times except in the shower.
As far as the macro capability goes, I work for a medical device manufacturer who gets used products returned as part of our corporate complaint system. When these products come in it is my responsibility to photograph them for diagnostic and archival purposes. All of the stuff is tiny, requiring the macro function. At the camera store I photographed half of my wristwatch dial with sharp resolution. I was sold and have not been disappointed since.

I also purchased the 256 internal memory card and an extra lithium ion battery. The battery was a waste of money as I have never had to use it. I use available light 95% of the time and lack of power-eating flash probably has a lot to do with having never run the battery down enough to need the spare. The dock/recharger sits on my office desk and is always ready for me or several associates to grab it and get some good images.

I have a few years of professional studio photography experience so I know my way around the f-stop dial pretty well. This camera gives you a nice choice of manual or automatic choices. In my opinion It is as intuitive as a digicam gets.

All cameras are a compromise. Where I need professional ultra-high resolution images (50 - 80 MB) for company publications I have the luxury of contracting this stuff out to vendors. My needs are for a convenient image capture device with great macro capabilities and the Optio S4i is one great compromise. Since taking the company camera home is frowned upon, it's a matter of time before I get another Optio for personal use.

Oh yes, I do keep my camera in an Altoids tin carrying case. You just need to emboss the lid and bottom of the tin where the Optio body fits a little too snugly.

I recommend the Optio S4i highly.