Pentax Optio S40 Point & Shoot Camera
The Pentax Optio S40 is a 4MP 1/2.5 inch compact camera — with null video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Pentax Optio S40 Point & Shoot Camera
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Camera Overview — Pentax Optio S40
Key Features — Pentax Optio S40
4MP 1/2.5-Inch Sensor: Captures stills at up to 2304x1728 pixels, suitable for everyday snapshots and standard prints.
Ultra-Compact Metal Body: At 89 x 58.5 x 25.5 mm and 125g, the metal and plastic composite build is genuinely pocketable for daily carry.
Flexible Battery Options: Accepts two AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH) or a single CR-V3 lithium pack, making replacements easy to source anywhere.
Optical Viewfinder: Provides an alternative to the rear LCD for framing shots, useful in bright outdoor conditions.
1.6-Inch TFT LCD: 85,000-dot rear display for image review and menu navigation in a compact form factor.
SD Card + Internal Storage: Supports SD cards alongside built-in internal storage, giving users a backup option without a card.
Camera Specifications — Pentax Optio S40
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel |
| Type | Point and Shoot |
| Sensor | 1/2.5 inch |
| Resolution | 4MP |
| ISO Range | 50 – 400 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection |
| AF Points | Multi, Spot |
| Max Photo Resolution | 2304x1728 |
| Max Video Resolution | null |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Display | 1.6 inch TFT LCD |
Description — Pentax Optio S40
The Pentax Optio S40 is a compact point-and-shoot camera centred on a 4MP sensor with a 1/2.5-inch type format, capturing stills at up to 2304x1728 pixels. The body is constructed from a metal and plastic composite, measuring 89 x 58.5 x 25.5 mm and weighing just 125g — lightweight enough for all-day carry. On the rear, a 1.6-inch TFT LCD with 85,000 dots handles image review and menu navigation, backed up by an optical viewfinder for an alternative framing method.
Autofocus uses contrast detection with multi and spot focus point selection. The built-in flash operates in Auto, On, Off, and Red-eye reduction modes. ISO sensitivity spans 50 to 400.
Storage is handled via SD card or internal storage, and the camera connects to a computer over USB. Battery options include 2x AA (alkaline or NiMH) or 1x CR-V3, with NiMH recommended for extended shooting sessions. Video is supported at 30fps.
No image stabilization is present.
Pros — Pentax Optio S40
- ✓Ultra-compact body at just 89 x 58.5 x 25.5 mm and 125g makes it highly portable
- ✓Flexible battery compatibility: accepts 2x AA (alkaline or NiMH) or 1x CR-V3
- ✓Built-in flash with four modes including Red-eye reduction for everyday shooting situations
Cons — Pentax Optio S40
- ✗No image stabilization of any kind — neither in-body nor digital IS
- ✗ISO tops out at 400, limiting performance in low-light environments
- ✗1.6-inch display with 85,000 dots is small and low-resolution by modern standards
Videos — Pentax Optio S40
Retro digicam test | Pentax Optio S – Tiny gem from 2003 — Erik Söderlund