Pentax Optio 30 Review

Click to take a QuickTime tour of the Optio 30

The latest Optio from Pentax is designed for newcomers with little or no digital photography experience. In addition to 3.2 megapixels and a 3X optical zoom, the Optio 30 sports a simple menu prompt that provides helpful tutorial messages about frequently used digital camera functions. With a simple touch, this feature will guide new, and old hands, through the camera's array of digital features.

The PENTAX Optio 30 makes digital easy and fun. Equipped with PictBridge technology, a new direct-print standard released by the Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA), the Optio30 connects directly to your printer so you may print images without a personal computer. You can also record a favorite shot on the start-up screen and select customized wallpaper choices for the menu screen on the ample 1.6 inch LCD monitor. In addition to a variety of conventional picture modes (Landscape, Nightscene, Nightscene Portrait, Portrait, Surf and Snow, Flower), the Optio 30 features new lifestyle-oriented modes including Party, Cuisine, and Pet.

The Optio 30 sports a round-edge design that offers an easy-to-hold, steady grip, and the camera permits you to customize a wide range of camera settings so you may select how you use the camera features as your digital confidence grows. With 16MB of built-in memory, it will always be ready to capture that special moment, even if you forgot your larger memory card behind.

For added value, the Optio30 does include an ACDSee computer software package that is designed exclusively for PENTAX digital cameras. Valued at $150, the package includes ACDSee 5.1, FotoSlate, FotoCanvas and Photostitcher. ACDSee digital camera software makes it easy to retrieve, view, manage, print, enhance and share your digital photos.

Optio 30 Features:

• 3.2-megapixel CCD for images up to 2048 x 1536 pixels
• 3x optical zoom (38-114mm) with 4x digital zoom
• Macro mode focuses as close as 0.79 in.
• 1.6-inch TFT color LCD (approx. 85,000 pixels)
• Shooting Modes: Program, Picture mode, Movie, Panorama assist, Landscape, Night scene, Night scene portrait, Portrait, Surf & Snow, Flower, Pet, Party, Food
• Single-shot, Continuous, Multiple Continuous, Self-timer Drive modes
• Multi-segment, Center-weighted or Spot-metering
• Record Movies w/out audio up to capacity of memory
• Built-in flash with Auto, Flash-Off, Flash-On, Auto + red-eye reduction, Flash-On + red-eye reduction modes
• Digital Filters: (During play mode) Black & White, Sepia, Red, Pink, Purple, Blue, Green, Yellow, Brightness
• White Balance: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent
• USB Mass Storage compatible for PC and Mac OS
• PictBridge, Exif Print and PRINT Image Matching II compatible
• 16MB of internal flash memory, SD Memory card slot
• Uses 2 AA-type batteries or one CR-V3, RCR-V3 battery pack

Physical Views

Pentax Optio 30 and the Optio S40 for comparison

Pentax Optio 30 and a standard CD for size comparison

Pentax Optio 30 Specifications