Pentax's slim 2005 compact — 6MP CCD, 38-114mm f/2.7-5.2 zoom, 2.5in screen, MPEG-4 VGA video
The Pentax Optio S6 was a slim 6-megapixel compact announced in 2005 and shipped that October, continuing the credit-card-sized S line that began with the original Optio S. It sat near the top of the slimline range, a step up from the S5i and S45/S55 AA models in both sensor resolution and video capability.
It combines a 6-effective-megapixel 1/2.5-inch CCD with a 3x zoom equivalent to 38-114mm at f/2.7-5.2. The 2.5-inch, 232k-pixel LCD is the only finder. A five-point autofocus system offers continuous tracking, sensitivity spans ISO 80-400, and shutter speeds run from 1/2000 to 4 seconds. Video is a strong point for the era: 640x480 MPEG-4 at 30 frames per second with sound. Power comes from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and storage is on SD-type cards; the body is roughly 19mm thick and around 120g loaded.
The S6 suits buyers who want the smallest of the CCD-era Optios with respectable video and a brighter-than-average wide end. It slips into any pocket, making it a natural street and travel companion, though the lack of any stabilisation and the ISO 400 ceiling keep it firmly a good-light camera.
The proprietary lithium-ion battery is the main revival hurdle — confirm a charger and a pack that still holds charge, as third-party cells vary. Check the large screen carefully for scratches and bright pixels, verify the telescoping lens extends fully without hesitation, and test a small SD card, since this pre-SDHC camera may not accept high-capacity cards.