Pentax Optio S55 Summary

5 Megapixels5 MegapixelsLow-Quality Video: 320x240 resolution or less.Low-Quality Video: 320x240 resolution or less.Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Spot MeteringSpot MeteringRuns on standard AA batteriesRuns on standard AA batteriesAccepts Secure Digital (SD) memory.Accepts Secure Digital (SD) memory.Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed reviewDiscontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.Discontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.

Pentax Optio S55 Assessment

The Pentax Option S55 is a good ultra-compact camera that improves well on its predecessors. The S55 produces better pictures than most ultra-compact cameras with great color,  excellent contrast, good sharpness, low noise and low chromatic aberrations. Users of this camera will be amazed of the amount of useful features packed into this camera including a customizable interface, a live histogram, image parameters adjustment, manual focus, custom white balance, panorama-assist mode and voice-recording. This is also one of the rare ultra-compact cameras powered by AA batteries. The main weakness of this camera is its slow focus speeds, particularly in low-light and low-contrast situations.

The Pentax S55 competes with the Konica-Minolta X50 which produces pictures with slightly more details but also more noise. The S55 is slower and not as well built as the X50 but does pack more features and has the advantage of using AA batteries.

Our full-length review focuses on usability and suitability rather than intricate feature descriptions. The review emphasizes information necessary to make an informed buying decision.

Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed review
PROS CONS
Ultra-compact using AA batteries
Trouble focusing on low-contrast subject
Very good color and contrast Slight corner blurring at wide-angle
Low noise up to ISO 200 No optical viewfinder
Good battery-life Slow performance
Feature-rich
Good ergonomics
Good super-macro mode
GoodGood Good

Recent Similar Cameras

Pentax Optio S55 Related Information

Sister Cameras
Pentax Optio S45: 4MP
Pentax Optio S50: 5MP, 1.6" LCD, 15 FPS Movie mode
Pentax Optio S40: 4MP, 1.6" LCD, 15 FPS Movie mode
Pentax Optio S55
By Neocamera on 2005-05-05

Please Support Neocamera

All information on Neocamera is provided free of charge yet running this website is a huge endeavor. Purchases made via affiliate links found throughout the site help keep it running and up-to-date. There is no additional cost to you, so please consider buying via these links to our affilates:

  • BH Photo Banner
  • Essential Photo Banner
  • Photography Store Banner
  • Adorama Banner

If you found any information on this site valuable and did not purchase via our affiliate links, please considering donating via PayPal:

Any amount will be greatly appreaciated. Thank you for your support!

Pentax S55 Highlights

Pentax Optio S55
Compact digital camera

Sensor-Size: 6 x 5mm

1/2.3" Sensor

Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI

5 Megapixels Fixed LensISO 50-400
3.1X Optical ZoomShutter 1/2000-4s
1 FPS Drive, Unlimited ImagesCustom white-balance
320x240 @ 30 FPS Video RecordingSpot-Metering
2.5" LCD 115K PixelsStandard AA Battery
Secure Digital

Camera Bag

Clear

Your camera bag is empty. To add a camera or lens click on the star next to its name.

Your camera bag is empty.

Add cameras or lenses by clicking on the star next to their name.

Updates

    2023.11.20

  • 2023.11.20

    Best Digital Cameras of 2023 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras of 2023

    Find out which are the Best Digital Cameras of 2023. All the new Mirrorless Digital Cameras from entry-level to high-end professional.

  • 2023.07.10

  • 2023.07.10

    Fujifilm X-H2 Review Update Poster

    Fujifilm X-H2 Review

    40 Megapixels APS-C Hybrid Mirrorless Digital Camera with 7-stop IBIS. Fastest shutter ever and 8K video capture. Large builtin EVF with 0.8X magnification and 5.8 MP, plus an Eye-Start Sensor. Packed with features and large number of controls in a weatherproof and freezeproof body.

  • 2023.05.07

  • 2023.05.07

    Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review Update Poster

    Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review

    Review of the unique Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G lens. The optical zoom of this lens spans ultra-wide-angle and medium focal-length coverage, making it one of the most versatile Full-Frame lenses on the market.

  • 2023.01.15

  • 2023.01.15

    Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review Update Poster

    Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review

    Review of the Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 tablet, a medium sized drawing surface with dual dials and customizable buttons. Connects via USB-C or Bluetooth 5.0 with Windows, Linux and Android support.

  • 2022.12.08

  • 2022.12.08

    How to Pack for a Photo Trip Update Poster

    How to Pack for a Photo Trip

    Find out how to pack for a travel photography trip, carry your gear safely while meeting airline regulations.

  • 2022.11.13

  • 2022.11.13

    Best Digital Cameras of 2022 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras of 2022

    The best digital cameras of 2022. A short list of the most outstanding models in their respective categories. Choose one for yourself or as a gift.

  • 2022.09.21

  • 2022.09.21

    Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM, the constant-aperture telephoto zoom with the highest zoom-ratio on the market.

  • 2022.09.20

  • 2022.09.20

    Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM, the lightest professional telephoto zoom native to the K-mount.

  • 2022.09.10

  • 2022.09.10

    Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW, the widest professional ultra-wide zoom native to the K-mount.

  • 2021.11.24

  • 2021.11.24

    50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021 Update Poster

    50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021

    50 Gifts photographers will love. All for under $50 USD. 2021 Edition.

  • 2021.11.17

  • 2021.11.17

    Best Digital Cameras for 2021 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras for 2021

    Neocamera shows which are the very best Digital Cameras for 2021 in every category: Mirrorless, DSLR, Premium Compact, Ultra-Zoom and Rugged.

  • 2021.09.04

  • 2021.09.04

    Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW Review Update Poster

    Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW Review

    Exclusive review of the Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW professional lens of Pentax K-Mount APS-C DSLR cameras.