Pentax Optio S vs Minolta Dimage Xt (and yes, I've done searches and read up already)

Eric C said:

Hi Minolta Fans,

Help me out here. I'm currently deciding between the Optio S and
the Dimage Xt. (Like many others before me). I have already done an
archive search and read the other threads about this, but there
seems to be no clear consensus. I was hoping that since some time
has passed maybe you have some new perspectives you can share.

I already did reviews searches on megapixel.net, cnet.com, and a
plethora of all other sites. Most praise both units, but for
different reasons. Put them head to head and at times it seems
you're comparing apples to oranges.

I cut and paste one person's comments below on some of the main
differences. Before that, a little background:

I'm a point a shooter mostly who is looking for this as a
take-with-you in the pocket camera for all occasions. I already own
a Olympus UZI (2100UZ) and 2020Z and this is more of a parties/fun
occaisions camera. However, I see myself in these situations more
often than not, so this might end up being my main camera and my
UZI my secondary!

As such, it would be good to have good indoor flash photography,
proper indoor exposure, etc and be overall good. Let me say I LOVE
the 2020Z and it's excellent exposures.

Both of these cameras are small, it appears from reviews the Optio
S has a slight edge in functionality with more features (manual
white balance, 3d mode, filters), more battery life (35 percent
longer), and slightly better color reproduction (based on test
photos). It's also slightly smaller and fits in the Altoids case
which would be cool to show off.

The Xt however destroys it in terms of shot to shot speed and start
up time (around 1 second). This alone is a very serious
consideration I'm keeping in mind. It's also slightly cheaper and
more established in the mainstream marketplace.

My concerns based on BOTH cameras are that because they are so
small you'll get blurry photos due to shutter delay and small body
size.

Here are some other differences I got from other threads:

Optio S is 40 grams lighter, I can fit it into pockets easily,
because it IS a little shorter. You can't put Xt into cellular
phone cases, unlike the Optio S.

-The Optio S battery lasts longer (about 35% longer I think). Spare
battery is cheap (don't know about Xt)

-Unlimited video capacity of Xt.

-The non-telescoping lens of the Xt is convenient, especially if
you carry it on with you in extreme sports

-The Optio S has faster auto-focus and the lens zooms faster to
full tele than the Xt does. Plus the zoom buttons on Optio S are
better than Xt's zoom rocker.

-Minolta Xt has a lot better continuous shooting mode (2-3 seconds
between shots for Optio S)

-Optio S has more options (like shooting modes).

-Optio S has manual white balance (a very convenient feature) and
the Xt does not.

-If you want a really easily operated camera, then Xt is better
beacuse it has less buttons and options (doesn't distract you when
shooting in tough conditions)

-Xt has a marine kit, the Optio S does not.

It's like a tit for tat battle, each unit does some things better
than the other.

Given my circumstances, which do you think would be a better choice?

Thanks

Click to expand...

wazza said:

I was looking at the F700 and Optio 450. The F700 looked better
specs on paper (except the Optio had a 5x zoom but the F700 had
better video) so I tried them both and made the decision based on
that (Optio 450 !)

Don't rely on a review for your decision. It can help but shouldn't
be the solution.

Sorry I can't be more specific

Eric C said:

Hi Minolta Fans,

Help me out here. I'm currently deciding between the Optio S and
the Dimage Xt. (Like many others before me). I have already done an
archive search and read the other threads about this, but there
seems to be no clear consensus. I was hoping that since some time
has passed maybe you have some new perspectives you can share.

I already did reviews searches on megapixel.net, cnet.com, and a
plethora of all other sites. Most praise both units, but for
different reasons. Put them head to head and at times it seems
you're comparing apples to oranges.

I cut and paste one person's comments below on some of the main
differences. Before that, a little background:

I'm a point a shooter mostly who is looking for this as a
take-with-you in the pocket camera for all occasions. I already own
a Olympus UZI (2100UZ) and 2020Z and this is more of a parties/fun
occaisions camera. However, I see myself in these situations more
often than not, so this might end up being my main camera and my
UZI my secondary!

As such, it would be good to have good indoor flash photography,
proper indoor exposure, etc and be overall good. Let me say I LOVE
the 2020Z and it's excellent exposures.

Both of these cameras are small, it appears from reviews the Optio
S has a slight edge in functionality with more features (manual
white balance, 3d mode, filters), more battery life (35 percent
longer), and slightly better color reproduction (based on test
photos). It's also slightly smaller and fits in the Altoids case
which would be cool to show off.

The Xt however destroys it in terms of shot to shot speed and start
up time (around 1 second). This alone is a very serious
consideration I'm keeping in mind. It's also slightly cheaper and
more established in the mainstream marketplace.

My concerns based on BOTH cameras are that because they are so
small you'll get blurry photos due to shutter delay and small body
size.

Here are some other differences I got from other threads:

Optio S is 40 grams lighter, I can fit it into pockets easily,
because it IS a little shorter. You can't put Xt into cellular
phone cases, unlike the Optio S.

-The Optio S battery lasts longer (about 35% longer I think). Spare
battery is cheap (don't know about Xt)

-Unlimited video capacity of Xt.

-The non-telescoping lens of the Xt is convenient, especially if
you carry it on with you in extreme sports

-The Optio S has faster auto-focus and the lens zooms faster to
full tele than the Xt does. Plus the zoom buttons on Optio S are
better than Xt's zoom rocker.

-Minolta Xt has a lot better continuous shooting mode (2-3 seconds
between shots for Optio S)

-Optio S has more options (like shooting modes).

-Optio S has manual white balance (a very convenient feature) and
the Xt does not.

-If you want a really easily operated camera, then Xt is better
beacuse it has less buttons and options (doesn't distract you when
shooting in tough conditions)

-Xt has a marine kit, the Optio S does not.

It's like a tit for tat battle, each unit does some things better
than the other.

Given my circumstances, which do you think would be a better choice?

Thanks

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Eric C said:

Should I wait? Or should I get one of these two? HELP! I will try
to find a store to test them out in the meantime. Although I never
heard of a store letting you take them home and compare.

wazza said:

I was looking at the F700 and Optio 450. The F700 looked better
specs on paper (except the Optio had a 5x zoom but the F700 had
better video) so I tried them both and made the decision based on
that (Optio 450 !)

Don't rely on a review for your decision. It can help but shouldn't
be the solution.

Sorry I can't be more specific

Eric C said:

Hi Minolta Fans,

Help me out here. I'm currently deciding between the Optio S and
the Dimage Xt. (Like many others before me). I have already done an
archive search and read the other threads about this, but there
seems to be no clear consensus. I was hoping that since some time
has passed maybe you have some new perspectives you can share.

I already did reviews searches on megapixel.net, cnet.com, and a
plethora of all other sites. Most praise both units, but for
different reasons. Put them head to head and at times it seems
you're comparing apples to oranges.

I cut and paste one person's comments below on some of the main
differences. Before that, a little background:

I'm a point a shooter mostly who is looking for this as a
take-with-you in the pocket camera for all occasions. I already own
a Olympus UZI (2100UZ) and 2020Z and this is more of a parties/fun
occaisions camera. However, I see myself in these situations more
often than not, so this might end up being my main camera and my
UZI my secondary!

As such, it would be good to have good indoor flash photography,
proper indoor exposure, etc and be overall good. Let me say I LOVE
the 2020Z and it's excellent exposures.

Both of these cameras are small, it appears from reviews the Optio
S has a slight edge in functionality with more features (manual
white balance, 3d mode, filters), more battery life (35 percent
longer), and slightly better color reproduction (based on test
photos). It's also slightly smaller and fits in the Altoids case
which would be cool to show off.

The Xt however destroys it in terms of shot to shot speed and start
up time (around 1 second). This alone is a very serious
consideration I'm keeping in mind. It's also slightly cheaper and
more established in the mainstream marketplace.

My concerns based on BOTH cameras are that because they are so
small you'll get blurry photos due to shutter delay and small body
size.

Here are some other differences I got from other threads:

Optio S is 40 grams lighter, I can fit it into pockets easily,
because it IS a little shorter. You can't put Xt into cellular
phone cases, unlike the Optio S.

-The Optio S battery lasts longer (about 35% longer I think). Spare
battery is cheap (don't know about Xt)

-Unlimited video capacity of Xt.

-The non-telescoping lens of the Xt is convenient, especially if
you carry it on with you in extreme sports

-The Optio S has faster auto-focus and the lens zooms faster to
full tele than the Xt does. Plus the zoom buttons on Optio S are
better than Xt's zoom rocker.

-Minolta Xt has a lot better continuous shooting mode (2-3 seconds
between shots for Optio S)

-Optio S has more options (like shooting modes).

-Optio S has manual white balance (a very convenient feature) and
the Xt does not.

-If you want a really easily operated camera, then Xt is better
beacuse it has less buttons and options (doesn't distract you when
shooting in tough conditions)

-Xt has a marine kit, the Optio S does not.

It's like a tit for tat battle, each unit does some things better
than the other.

Given my circumstances, which do you think would be a better choice?

Thanks

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

wazza said:

A digital camera will always be a compromise. Hopefully we will get
the technology one day that will overcome this.

My advice would be to try both (even in store). The other options
could be the QV R4 (has focus assist so good for indoor and very
compact but poor video and no sound and no vid out) the F700 (great
video and focus assist lamp but some issues with image sharpness).
I like the Optio 450 for it's zoom and still being a compact but it
is ot so fast under low light. You can move up from there to the
Oly 750 which accepts add on lens but is not really a compact.

So, I agree there are lots of options. Just try each out and look
at the images and decide what feature YOU need. Any of the cameras
above are great cameras but they all have their strengths and
weaknesses.

I suggest you don't wait for too long - just buy one and enjoy
digital photography. There will always be newer better models. I
have accepted that I will probably probabaly upgrade every 4-5
years just like my computer. Then give the old model to your kids
or sell it.

Click to expand...

Eric C said:

Hi Minolta Fans,

Help me out here. I'm currently deciding between the Optio S and
the Dimage Xt. (Like many others before me). I have already done an
archive search and read the other threads about this, but there
seems to be no clear consensus. I was hoping that since some time
has passed maybe you have some new perspectives you can share.

I already did reviews searches on megapixel.net, cnet.com, and a
plethora of all other sites. Most praise both units, but for
different reasons. Put them head to head and at times it seems
you're comparing apples to oranges.

I cut and paste one person's comments below on some of the main
differences. Before that, a little background:

I'm a point a shooter mostly who is looking for this as a
take-with-you in the pocket camera for all occasions. I already own
a Olympus UZI (2100UZ) and 2020Z and this is more of a parties/fun
occaisions camera. However, I see myself in these situations more
often than not, so this might end up being my main camera and my
UZI my secondary!

As such, it would be good to have good indoor flash photography,
proper indoor exposure, etc and be overall good. Let me say I LOVE
the 2020Z and it's excellent exposures.

-The Optio S has faster auto-focus and the lens zooms faster to
full tele than the Xt does. Plus the zoom buttons on Optio S are
better than Xt's zoom rocker.

-If you want a really easily operated camera, then Xt is better
beacuse it has less buttons and options (doesn't distract you when
shooting in tough conditions)

Click to expand...

Garth Sweet said:

Garth Sweet said:

-The Optio S has faster auto-focus and the lens zooms faster to
full tele than the Xt does. Plus the zoom buttons on Optio S are
better than Xt's zoom rocker.

-If you want a really easily operated camera, then Xt is better
beacuse it has less buttons and options (doesn't distract you when
shooting in tough conditions)

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Garth Sweet said:

2) The Dimage X does have a slower Zoom BUT (big BUT) the Dimage X
allowed the zoom to be stopped anywhere between Full Wide and Full
Zoom. The Optio S has 7 zoom positions from full Wide to Full Zoom
which I find very annoying! You cannot exactly frame your subject
with the Optio S like you can with the Dimage X.

Click to expand...

Garth Sweet said:

3) The Dimage X had fewer features but for 90% of Point and Shoot
shots it's better. The Dimage X did a better job with it's
Automatic choices then the Optio S does. To get a really good
picture with the Optio S I have to tweak some things each time.
With the Dimage X I quickly took a shot, knew it would be decent
and could move on.

Click to expand...

Garth Sweet said:

4) I've mentioned this to others. The Dimage X (and Xt) have a
screen with 110,000 pixels. The Optio S have 84,000 pixels.

Click to expand...

Arn said:

Arn said:

4) I've mentioned this to others. The Dimage X (and Xt) have a
screen with 110,000 pixels. The Optio S have 84,000 pixels.

Click to expand...

You´re really mistaken here. Must be mixing with Cazio Z3, which
has that amount of pixels in the LCD. Optio S has more.
my 2 euro cents...
-Arn

Click to expand...

Nudibranco said:

I have an optio 550 and an xi minolta.

For P&S the Minolta has no equal. The fact that its zoom does not
extend is just unique, nobody knows it's on, it is perfect for
underwater, it is fast.

That alone is what makes me put it on top. The lens is maybe a bit
softer but hey I get great portrait shots and 3MP is enough for
letter size prints.

I wished focusing was better and I cannot compare that to the Optio-s.
More control on speed or aperture would have been perfect.

Cheers,

andrea

Click to expand...

Garth Sweet said:

Garth Sweet said:

Garth Sweet said:

4) I've mentioned this to others. The Dimage X (and Xt) have a
screen with 110,000 pixels. The Optio S have 84,000 pixels.

Click to expand...

You´re really mistaken here. Must be mixing with Cazio Z3, which
has that amount of pixels in the LCD. Optio S has more.
my 2 euro cents...
-Arn

Click to expand...

I think I am correct regarding pixels. I was so dismayed when I
first saw the LCD screen that I emailed Pentax. I've subsequently
seen the same resolution mentioned somewhere else too. Here is the
response I got when questioning Pentax Canada.

----------------------------------

Dear Garth Sweet,

THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING PENTAX CANADA INC..
Please accept our apologies in the delayed reply to your inquiry.
In regards to your e-mail, the Optio S LCD Resolution is as follows.

Optio S 1.6-inch TFT 84K pixels. K=1000

I hope that I have been of some assistance to you today.

Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not
hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
Dan Savoie
Technical Support
Pentax Canada Inc.

----------------------------------

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