1. What are the primary features to look for in a digital camera?

New digital users may not know that megapixels and lens zoom capacity are two of the most important features of digital cameras. First, the more megapixels, or image points, on your camera, the larger your prints can be. For photo quality 4x6 prints, you'll need at least two megapixels. An 8x10 requires at least four megapixels. If you only plan to email images or post them on a website, two megapixels or less will do the job.

Second, digital cameras come with two zooms: optical and digital. The optical zoom functions just as it would on a 35mm film camera so you can follow and zoom in closer to your subject. The higher the optical zoom, the better the resolution. Digital zoom simply enlarges or "blows up" the image and crops in on the part you see on the LCD. This enlargement process will reduce the resolution or quality of the image.

Keep in mind that as a camera's resolution capability rises, so does the price of the camera.

Additional features you may want to look for include compact size, auto flash, movie mode, digital filters, ample-sized LCD monitors, built-in memory and red-eye reduction.

2. What factor most affects the quality of digital images?

Digital photograph quality depends on several factors including lens quality, camera construction, image processing circuitry and megapixels or the number of pixels (image points) which make up the photograph. Higher megapixel capability allows the camera to capture more detail and offer sharper photographs. Since the modern digital camera easily has a million pixels, one million pixels is referred to as a "Megapixel" (mega=million). The PENTAX Optio digital line of cameras have from two to five megapixel capability.

While more megapixels help deliver a better image, this does not go on to infinity. Around 80 pixels per centimeter are necessary in order to achieve a good quality print. Generally, 120 pixels per centimeter will give you a print of outstanding quality. More than this is unnecessary since the human eye cannot see more than this amount. As you print images, you will find that too few pixels in an image may cause you to see the individual pixels (squares), while extra pixels are only of use if you are planning to make larger prints. This table helps pinpoint which Optio would be the best megapixel choice for you based on enlarged image quality.

3. How does a digital camera record and store images without film?

Digital cameras have a sensor that converts light into electrical charges. The image sensor housed in most digital cameras is a charge coupled device (CCD). The CCD is a collection of tiny light-sensitive diodes, which convert photons (light) into electrons (electrical charge). These diodes are called photosites. Each photosite is sensitive to light. The brighter the light that hits a single photosite, the greater the electrical charge that will accumulate at that site. When a digital camera shutter is released, the charge is measured and sent as a digital signal that represents the values of the charge at each pixel. A processor interpolates the data from the different pixels to create natural color. On many cameras, it is possible to see the output on the LCD monitor at this stage. The recorded information is stored on some form of memory device called a flash memory card that may be removed from the camera and used to transfer images to your computer for viewing, emailing and printing. See Question Number 9 for more information on using flash memory cards.

USING A DIGITAL CAMERA: How to use, connect, view and print digital

Can I use my battery charger in Europe (and other countries)?

What SD cards can I use with my Optio?

Pentax Corporation designs Optio digital cameras to accept Secure Digital (SD) cards that meet standard industry specifications. However, card specifications and memory capacity constantly change, and that may potentially result in an incompatibility. If an SD removable media card does not appear to function with a Pentax camera, we suggest first trying a different SD card (if available), then, calling our consumer support line for additional assistance.

Why won't my camera work with Windows 98 or Windows 98SE? Where are the drivers?

How can I get the date to appear on my images?

Can I use the AC Adapter to charge the battery while in the camera?

4. What are the computer requirements for my camera?

With some specific exceptions, PENTAX digital camera products are compatible with Windows 98 or later and MacOS 8.6 or later.

If you use an operating system that is incompatible with your PENTAX digital camera, you may still be able to download your pictures. Since most of our digital products use a memory card such as Compactflash™, Secure Digital™, etc., you can obtain a reader (sold separately) for your memory card. Then, instead of connecting the camera to the computer, you can eject your memory card from the camera an insert it directly into your card reader. You simply will need to shop around for a card reader that is compatible with the operating system you use.

Some computers have the capability of automatically recognizing PENTAX digital cameras, and some do not. Depending on what type of computer you have and the OS you work with, you may need to download the appropriate driver from the CD-ROM that accompanied your camera or download from the PENTAX web site. Driver firmware updates, and other information can be downloaded in our section.

5. How do I connect my PENTAX digital camera to my computer?

PENTAX has prepared several special on-line "Getting Started" sections for each of its individual digital products. This information is available in our  and they contain step-by-step instructions (complete with examples and visuals) to assist you in getting your digital camera up and running with your computer. Here you will learn the following:

 

• How do I install the drivers on my computer?

   

• How do I properly connect my camera to the computer?

   

• How do I install the other software programs that were included on the CD-ROM that came with my camera?

   

• How do I uninstall the drivers from my computer?

6. What is the proper way to disconnect the camera from the computer?

 

• Depending on the operating system that you work with, there is a proper way to disconnect your camera from your computer to ensure smooth operation.

   

• With Windows 98, you can simply turn your camera off and unplug it. Make sure you are not in the middle of downloading when you disconnect your camera, or you might loose some or all of your pictures.

   

• In Windows ME and Windows 2000, you must go to the system tray (on your task bar usually located on the bottom of your screen) and look for the "unplug/eject hardware" icon. Click this "unplug/eject hardware" icon once to pop up a list of devices available for disconnection, then click on your camera's drive. When the computer tells you it is safe to disconnect your device, then simply turn your camera off and unplug it.

   

• Windows XP also has an "unplug/eject hardware" system tray icon, which you should use. However, if you are not in the middle of downloading your pictures, it is generally safe to simply turn your camera off and unplug it.

On a MacOS computer, you should drag the camera's disk icon to the trash can before turning off or unplugging it.

7. How do I view and/or download the pictures taken with my digital camera my computer?

Once you have properly connected your camera to your computer (see FAQ #2 listed above), your computer will see your camera (connected and powered on) as a disk drive - most likely listed as "removable disk." Now that you know where to look to find the images, they can be viewed and/or downloaded in a variety of programs. Please visit our  for specific step-by-step instructions (complete with examples and visuals) for further assistance in viewing/downloading images