What's in the box:
Optio SV Camera, Software (CD ROM), Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI8, Operating manual, Battery Charger Stand with AC Plug Cord, Serial number card, AV Cable (I-AVC7), Service network directory, USB Cable, Strap.

Product Description
Test the unbelievable limits of an ultra-functional digital camera. This easy-to-use Optio SV digital camera from Pentax has a 5-megapixel resolution and a 5x optical zoom for a combined 20x zooming capacity. Its compact and durable design is made of lightweight aluminum alloy and weighs 5-1/3 oz. The camera also has a 1.8” LCD screen bright enough to use in direct sunlight and a movie mode with a resolution of 320x240 recording pixels with sound recording capabilities. Made in USA. 3-3/5Lx2-1/5Wx1-1/5D”.

________________________________________________________________

Product Reviews:

         
Shutter Lag, February 10, 2005
Reviewer: K. Kinchen
There is so much shutter lag in this camera that any kind of action shot is just pure luck. Specifications never publish this kind of measurement, but I'm sure the lag time is at least 1.3 seconds. I also have the Optio S and this thing is five times as bad. I'm writing this reveiw while on vacation in Cozumel and I put the Optio SV back in my bag and will finish my vacation using the Optio S.
________________________________________________________________

         
Disappointing., July 1, 2005
Reviewer: Arthur Itis "rheumor"
I bought this camera to replace an original Optio-S (which has really been great), hoping to use the extra zoom to get better shots of a graduation ceremony.
As soon as I opened the box I was a bit disappointed by the relative heft. It is about twice the bulk of the earlier model and certainly no longer able to fit comfortably in a pants pocket much less in a mint tin. Anyway, I guess it's understandable as the extra zoom length has to create some size disadvantage.
However, the real zinger here is the shutter lag. It takes as long as 3 seconds to get a shot off after pressing the shutter release, and this with fresh batteries and a high speed (Ultra II) memory card. Not only does that render the camera unreliable, but its primary asset, namely the 5X zoom, becomes a liability as it accentuates any hand movement that might occur during the lag and therefore makes for a lot of blurry images.
I wound up leaving the SV at home and buying a new Canon SD400 which did great service and is now my favorite digital.
________________________________________________________________

          
Pentax Optio SV Digital Camera, August 29, 2005
Reviewer: L. Meyer

This camera takes amazing pictures. It has a ton of functionality, which I have not figued out yet. It will take some time, but it will be worth it.
________________________________________________________________

         
Great zoom, good picture quality, but two big problems, June 14, 2005
Reviewer: Gadgester

The new Optio SV differentiates itself from other slim-profile digital cameras by offering a whopping 5x optical zoom! This is just amazing achievement on the part of Pentax, being able to outgun all competition in this important area. The SV is comparable in width and height to the popular Canon SD300 and SD400 models, but is about 1/3 thicker. It takes good-quality pictures. Not quite as great as the Canon models or even the Casio EX-Z55/Z57, but still very acceptable both for screen display and for print.

But the SV suffers from two problems that may limit its appeal. Let me first say that these are not "fatal" problems. For *your* needs, you may find the pros of this super-zoom camera more than offset the two problems, so by all means if this fits your needs, go for it. I really, really like the 5x zoom, period.

The two problems are:

1) Shutter lag. All digital cameras have shutter lag (the time between you press the shutter button and when the picture is actually taken), but this one is a bit longer than its competition. It also takes longer time than many competitors (Canon, Casio, Nikon, Sony) to write an exposed image to memory. This results in a shot-to-shot time that was normal two years ago but is considered on the long side this day and age.

2) Battery life. This is where I've got a serious beef, as the rechargeable battery packs enough power for only 80 or so pictures. The Canon SD300, in comparison, can do about 200 pictures per charge and the Casio EX-Z55/57 can do 350 or more. With the Pentax Optio SV, you have to either buy 2 spare batteries or pack the charger with you wherever you go.

If Pentax could improve battery life and shutter lag, this would be the ultracompact digicam of my choice.

   Back to Pentax Optio SV 5MP