For more information on Pentax Optio MX Digital Camera Camcorder please make sure to check out the Pentax Optio MX Digital Camera Camcorder FAQ in PDF format (~ 160 Kb).


Features of Pentax Optio MX Digital Camera Camcorder:

• 3.2 effective megapixel still resolution.
• Pentax Optio MX delivers 10x optical/100x combined zoom.
• The 1.8 inch low glare LCD screen is adjustable 180 degrees horizontal.
• Super macro up to 5.9 inches away.
• USB 2 and AV terminals.
• Slot for separately purchased SD Secure Digital memory card media.
• Filter and lens attachment thread 37mm.
• Power source: 1 CRV3 battery included, or separately purchased AC adapter kit K-AC7U or D-L17 Lithium Battery Power Source Kit or Pentax Kit Battery & Charger Set 39243.
• Compatible with Mac OS9.2 or later and Windows 98, Me, 2000 and XP, USB port required.
• Pentax Optio MX dimensions are 2.9 x 2.3 x 4.1 inches.
• This Pentax digital camera weighs 11.6oz.

• Pentax Optio MX Digital Camera Camcorder
• CRV3 battery
• Lens cap
• AV cable
• USB cable
• Strap
• Software CDROM
• Manual
• 16MB SD card
• Serial number card
• Service network directory

An entirely new concept in digital imaging - a single unique advance offering high-quality stills and enhanced movie performance.

Q: Which OS is the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder compatible with?

USB interface: Windows 98/98SE/Me/2000/XP, or Mac OS 9.2/10.1/10.2/10.3, and a standard equipped USB port (Driver installation required for Windows 98/98SE only).
An SD memory card reader is required for Windows NT and Mac OS 8.6 environments which do not support USB connection.
ACD Showtime! for PENTAX is compatible with Windows only.

Q: What are the accessories for Pentax Optio MX cameras?

The Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder comes complete with an exclusive broad and rigid strap, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and software as standard. A wide conversion lens is available as optional accessory.

Q: In which languages can the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder display messages?

The Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder can display menus and messages in 9 languages comprising English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese (both traditional and simplified), Korean and Japanese.

Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder  Product concept

What's so unique about the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder?

With just a glance, you'll recognize the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder from OpticsPlanet.com as a camera that flies in the face of convention. Born of the concept of true user friendliness and ultimate shooting comfort, each and every element has been reappraised to produce the most effective results possible. In order to make digital photography as comfortable and enjoyable as possible in myriad shooting situations, the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder has three key features - 10X optical zooming, refined movie capability in MPEG-4 format and USB2.0 compatibility.
10X optical zooming can even be combined with 10X digital zoom for a total zoom capacity of an impressive 100X. The Pentax Optio MX Digital Camera / Camcorder additionally has the ability to record up to 120 minutes of smooth, refined movies in MPEG-4 format. And for high-speed data transfer to a PC, the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder offers USB2.0 connectivity.
Another noteworthy feature is its innovative grip, which can be rotated back through 180 degrees and used at absolutely any angle within that entire range. In addition, the handy LCD monitor can be swiveled both through 180 degrees horizontally and 210 degrees vertically. With use of the grip and the LCD, low-angle and high-angle shooting situations can be tackled in a much more user-friendly manner.

When looking at the digital camera reviews about Pentax Optio MX Digital Video Camera / Camcorder, please keep the following points in mind.
Major features Pentax Optio MX Digital Video Camera / Camcorder:
1. 10X optical zoom (can be combined with 10X digital zoom for a total zoom capacity of 100X)
The Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder incorporates a renowned smc PENTAX 5.8mm-58mm power zoom lens, which offers 10X optical zoom capability, thereby offering a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 38-380mm lens in 35mm format. What's more, this lens operates throughout its entire range without extending from the body of the camera, allowing the camera to remain surprisingly compact and ensuring the lens mechanism is protected at all times by the camera body. Such 10X optical zooming can also be combined with 10X digital zooming to achieve a total zoom capacity of 100X. Just take a moment to imagine how much freedom of composition this gives the photographer and how the customer can benefit from the ability to take all kinds of shots ranging from wide-angle compositions to telephoto ones.

The Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder offers two-step zooming speeds of approx. 3 sec. in a high-speed mode and approx. 10 sec. in low-speed mode. With the low-speed mode, you will probably feel zooming is easier to control. With the high speed zoom mode, you can achieve stress-free fast zooming when using the 10X optical and 10X digital zooming capability.

2. The advantage of MPEG-4 movie recording

Whenever there are subjects or occasions that could be better expressed with a movie than a still, the customer will be free to enjoy the benefits of MPEG-4 compatibility - recording up to an incredible 120 minutes of movies in a satisfyingly smooth, refined manner. The user can also react to potential "movie moments" with speed and ease. In fact regardless of whether the user is in a still shooting or playback mode, movie recording can be instantly activated with the press of an independent movie button. Located at the top of the versatile grip, this can be easily, intuitively pressed with the thumb without delay. The movie function also provides the user with control over recording quality too, with a choice of 640 x 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120 recording pixels. Image quality and frame rate are also selectable, with the user having the ability to choose from Best, Better and Good, and 30fps and 15fps.
A unique single package offering the utmost in cost performance, PENTAX believes the Pentax Optio MX Digital Camera / Camcorder has big enough potential in worldwide markets to pioneer an entirely new market segment.

3. Pentax OptioMX camera USB2.0 connectivity for high-speed data transfer to PCs

To simplify and speed the transfer of large volumes of recorded images to a wide range of common PC applications, the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder features an exclusive USB2.0 port.

4. Vertical- & horizontal-swiveling, 1.8-inch, CG silicon TFT color LCD monitor featuring low-reflection glare control. The Pentax LCD monitor can be swiveled through 180 degrees horizontally and 210 degrees vertically. This makes it easy for the user to compose satisfying shots or record movies even when shooting from high or low angles. Furthermore, it also employs a new low-reflection system too, which has been specially designed to maximize visibility even when used in bright sunlight.

5. Flexible, backward rotating grip of Pentax OptioMX camera for easy shooting at any angle

The unique "gun grip" of the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder gives the user the freedom of a new style of shooting and also reduces fatigue when the camera is used over an extended period of time. From the resting position it can be rotated backward through 180 degrees. What's more this is done in a smooth, stepless manner, allowing users to set the grip exactly where they want it. And to make it easier to hold for people with large hands, the grip can be pulled out when rotating it backwards. This ergonomic grip also features an independent movie button, which can be comfortably pressed with the thumb, and the grip also acts as the housing for the battery too, thereby making the most efficient use of space. Furthermore, the rotating comfort of the grip is compounded by the ability to manipulate the LCD panel too, enabling the user to shoot from above the head, or from the hip with ease.

6. Optional wide conversion lens

In addition to its excellent zooming capabilities, the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder can also be combined with an easily mounted optional wide conversion lens available from OpticsPlanet.com as a special order item. This effectively modifies the focal range to cover angles of view equivalent to those of a 28.5mm lens in 35mm format. The camera also features a built-in auto flash too, which has been specially designed to pop up high enough to provide optimal lighting assistance despite the diameter of the wide conversion lens.

7.Exclusive power sources: rechargeable lithium-ion battery and AC adapter kit

Operating with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery housed within its versatile grip, the Pentax OptioMX Digital Cameras / Camcorders offer the user a choice of power source. What's more, there's also an international AC adapter kit available as an option too, which is ideal for conserving battery power when making full use of the camera's long-duration shooting capacity. As its name suggests, it can be used with different types of power sockets around the world.

8. ACD Showtime! software for easy movie editing

The Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder comes complete with a CD-ROM containing an application called ACD Showtime! for PENTAX, which allows the user to edit video files with extreme ease.

9. Streaming recording for movies

Unlike systems which pool all image data on a buffer prior to storing it in the memory in one go, the Pentax Optio MX Digital Cameras / Camcorders employ a streaming system. As a result, the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder directly processes image data while shooting a movie, writing it simultaneously to an SD memory card. Due to the use of this technology, the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder is able to shoot movies with significantly extended durations.

10. PictBridge compatibility

The Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder supports PictBridge - a new direct-print standard released by the CIPA (Camera and Imaging Products Association). PictBridge compatibility means the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder can be easily connected to a compatible printer via USB cable to make printouts of recorded images without the need for a PC. The Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder handles
Single Image Print, All Image Print and DPOF Auto Print. PictBridge also offers a range of other handy direct functions too, enabling even more freedom of control with functions such as resizing, trimming, and digital filters.
1.8-inch, CG silicon TFT color LCD monitor featuring low-reflection glare control CG silicon TFT Whereas the LCDs of competitors use low-temperature silicon TFTs and TFDs or amorphous silicon TFTs, the
Thin-Film Transistor of the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder's LCD is made of a material known as CG (Continuous Grain) silicon. This enables the LCD of the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder to feature a higher dot density. It also allows the circuit to be positioned directly on the LCD glass panel. Low-reflection glare control maximizes visibility in bright light
With conventional TFT LCDs, no particular additional treatments are applied to the transmissive area. In the case of the TFT LCD employed by the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder, however, the LCD is specially treated so that only the area not used  for transmissive display is reflective. As a result, it provides a level of transmissive quality on a par with conventional TFT LCDs, yet also provides improved visibility when used in circumstances with high levels of ambient light, such as when shooting outdoors in fine weather.
The smc PENTAX 5.8mm-58mm power zoom lens An excellent example of the renowned smc PENTAX series, the lens of the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder is composed of 8 groups of
12 elements and enables impressive 10X optical zooming. 7 Wide-angle shooting  Enabling the capture of expansive scenes, the lens of the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder offers an angle of view equivalent to that of a 38mm lens in 35mm format.

Telephoto capability

The Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder also allows the user to benefit from the versatility of telephoto shooting too, zooming in to an angle of view equivalent to a 380mm lens in 35mm format.

Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder Specifications

Wide conversion lens  The attachment of a wide conversion lens provides the photographer with a wider angle of view for shooting. And because it reduces the focal length, depth of field is extended at each aperture compared to that offered by a lens of greater focal length. Such qualities make it an ideal choice for capturing landscapes or making the most of relatively close subjects with a limited sense of depth.

MPEG-4 - Standing for Moving Picture Experts Group phase 4, MPEG-4 is a type of image data compression complying with the MPEG format. In terms of playback, MPEG-1 offers quality akin to that of a VTR, while MPEG-2 offers quality comparable to that of a high-definition TV. Because the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder employs MPEG-4, it offers smooth VGA 30/15fps movies for extended periods of time.

Streaming -
Streaming refers to the ability to simultaneously handle a series of tasks, such as data processing and writing to an SD card while recording a movie at the same time. In the case of models featuring no streaming capability, image
data is piled into a buffer until shooting is completed. This results in limited shooting time due to limited buffer capacity. With the streaming function the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder does away with the need for a buffer and thus offers a maximum of 120 min. of movie shooting.

Low-reflection LCD monitor - Low-reflection LCD monitors actually use external light to an extent in order to enhance LCD visibility. When compared to conventional LCD monitors, they offer improved visibility in bright sunlight.

USB2.0 - Standing for Universal Serial Bus 2.0, this is the latest advance in the USB format. It features 3 data transfer modes of LS (Low Speed: 1.5Mbps), FS (Full Speed: 12Mbps) and HS (High Speed: 480Mbps). FS mode is comparable to the speed of USB1.1. The Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder supports HS to achieve the fastest data transfer rate possible when it is connected
to a PC.

MOV format - Developed by Apple, this movie file format makes use of a software called QuickTime, which has the ability to handle a variety of multimedia information on a computer. The Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder produces files in the MOV format and compresses the data in line with MPEG-4. MOV format files can be easily recognized as they feature ".mov" at the
end of the file name.

PCM - PCM stands for Pulse Code Modulation - a non-compression conversion format used to convert voice into digital data.

ADPCM -  ADPCM stands for Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation. It is also a conversion format used to convert voice into digital data. ADPCM format has the ability to compress 16-bit data existing in simple PCM format into 12-bit data - without causing any deterioration in quality. The Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder employs ADPCM when recording, which allows 16-bit data to be compressed to 4-bit data.

CG silicon - CG stands for Continuous Grain. CG silicon is therefore a kind of silicon in which each crystallized grain is adhered to another, thereby adding resilience by eradicating all gaps.

TFT -  TFT stands for Thin Film Transistor.

Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder  FAQ

Q: Once the power is switched off, are the settings automatically lost?

It depends on the setting. However, if the user wants to preserve settings even when the power is turned off, they can easily do so by setting them in the Mode Memory.

Q: Is it possible to record movies without sound?

No, it isn't.

Q: Is it possible to shoot a still shot while recording a movie?

No, it isn't. You would need to stop recording a movie momentarily in order to shoot a still image.

Q: Is it possible to edit a movie using only the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder?

No it isn't.

Q: While shooting a movie, is it possible to use the optical zooming feature?

Yes, it is. The digital zoom can also be used.

Q: Can sound be edited also?

No, it can't.

Q: Does the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder have a sound recording function?

There is a voice recording function (enabling recording up to available memory capacity) and a voice memo function  (enabling recording up to 30sec. for attachment to a recorded still image).

Q: Is it easy to tell when optical zoom is switched to digital zoom?

Yes, a magnifying glass mark will appear.

Q: Is the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder equipped with a super macro function?

Yes, it is. In comparison to other models, the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder has much fewer mechanical restrictions, which results in its capability to shoot from a position of actually touching the subject*.
*When shooting at such proximity, light must be allowed to permeate.

Q: Can the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder shoot using a self-timer?

Yes, it can. There is a choice of a 2- or 10-second self-timer. The LCD panel displays the countdown. The self-timer can not, however, be controlled by using the remote control unit.

Q: Can images be inverted or manipulated in a similar manner during playback?

Yes, they can.

Q: Can a date be imprinted on recorded images?

The Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder does not have a date imprinting function, however date imprinting can be done easily with the ACDSee software.

Q: How long does the date setting remain accurate when battery power runs out?

When a new battery is inserted into the camera and then removed after at least one day, the date setting will remain accurate for up to one day. During this day, the built-in clock will also continue to function accurately.

Q: Does the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder have a built-in memory?

No, it doesn't.

Q: Does the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder have a camera image stabilizer function?

No, it doesn't. However, the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder design does maximize holding stability in order to minimize shaking caused by the hands.

Q: Does the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder have a noise reduction function?

Yes, it does.

Q: Where does the name "MX" come from?

The M stands for Movie, while the X stands for 10X zooming capacity.

Q: Does the grip have to be pulled out when it is rotated backward?

No it doesn't. Pulling it out when holding the grip simply allows people with large hands to achieve a more comfortable grip. People with regular or smaller hands should find that the grip can be rotated backward easily
without it being pulled out first.

Q: What is the range of the grip's movement? How rigid is it?

The grip rotates through a range of 180 degrees. It has passed a rigidity test that verified it as withstanding torque of up to 30kgfcm. Technically speaking, this figure means that the grip can support a weight equivalent to a 30kg
child.

Q: How fast is the zooming speed?

Depending on the angle to which the zoom lever is turned, the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder offers two-step zooming speeds (approx. 3 sec. in high-speed mode and approx. 10 sec. in low-speed mode) enabling excellent maneuverability between wide-angle and telephoto extremes. This feature is not offered by any competitor models. With the handy high speed mode, you can achieve stress-free fast zooming even when using the 10X optical and 10X digital zooming capability.

Q: What types of batteries are compatible with the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder?

The Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder is compatible with the exclusive, rechargeable battery D-LI7. It is not compatible with AA batteries.

Q: It looks like the grip should be able to house AA batteries. Why isn't it compatible with them?

From the perspective of optical design, the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder needs to be able to control two groups of lenses simultaneously when zooming and focusing. This means that two pulse motors need be driven simultaneously when zooming. And though we did want to make the Pentax OptioMX Digital Camera / Camcorder compatible with two AA batteries (alkaline, nickel manganese, nickel hydride), unfortunately such a specification of battery is not capable of supplying sufficient power for these purposes.