Pentax Optio 430rs Review

Click to take a QuickTime tour of the Optio 430RS

PENTAX expands its digital product line by introducing two innovative digital cameras, the 4-Megapixel Optio 430RS and the 3-megapixel Optio 330RS . Following last year's Optio 430 and Optio 330 twins, these two new models inherit the same stylish, compact and durable design and have been further enhanced with advanced features.

The exterior of the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS has been stylishly crafted from stainless steel. This makes them feel surprisingly comfortable in the hand and gives them a sleek and elegant appearance. Acrylic has been used for the area surrounding the base of the lens to enhance the look of each model from a range of different angles. These cameras have achieved even more compact dimensions through the incorporation of an ultra-compact zoom lens, which retracts in two stages whenever the power is switched off. The Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS also employ the newly developed Multi Chip Module (MCM), which integrates the CPU, ASIC, and the memory chip for a more compact overall design.

Both of these new additions to the Optio line feature an ultra compact, high- performance 3X optical zoom lens. This achieves images with high resolution and a low-level of distortion. The lens on each camera is easy to operate with the handy zoom button. Zooming performance is extended with 2X digital zoom capacity, which allows smooth zooming action and a total capability of 6X zoom when combined with the power of the lens.

Precision imaging is, of course, not confined to the lens and zooming mechanisms. Both the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS also excel in terms of image recording. They make use of advanced image processing technology and offer the precision of 4.0 and 3.2 megapixels respectively.

Through the incorporation of a newly developed image processing circuit, the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS offer surprisingly simple operation. They feature an improved Easy View function which allows the simple playback of images via the central "OK" button on the four-way controller. For additional shooting ease, the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS are always ready to shoot. All you have to do is point and press the shutter, so there is never an excuse for missing the action. Manual selection of shooting modes has been made simple with a single dial that allows you to choose from Standard, Night Scene, Metered Manual, Movie, 3D image and Digital Filter modes. Special attention has been paid to ergonomics in the design of the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS and this is apparent in the logical and strategic placement of buttons and controls. These two cameras feature standalone buttons for the frequently used shooting and playback functions. They also offer quick delete and quick enlargement for greater convenience.

Both the Optio 430RS and the Optio 330RS add a new dimension to digital photography with the innovative 3D image mode. This feature for stereoscopic shooting provides pictures that have a genuine sense of depth and perspective when viewed through the special 3D viewer provided.

The Digital filter mode gives you the power to control the tone of your pictures. Achieving similar effects as conventional filters, this feature gives you a choice of monochrome and sepia shooting as well as a range of other tones (red, pink, yellow, green, blue and purple). The purple filter could be used, for example, to add mood to a sunset and tone down brighter elements. In addition to changing tone, subjects can also be made to look more slender through use of the Slim filter, which also offers different degrees of slimming.

Optio 430RS Features:

• Very compact (3.6 x 2.3 x 1.3") and lightweight (7.1 oz)
• Stylish and durable stainless steel body
• 4-megapixel CCD for prints up to 13 x 19"
• 3x optical zoom (37-112mm) with 2x digital zoom
• 1.6-inch color LCD monitor
• Five shooting modes: Standard, Night Scene, Metered Manual (up to 15 seconds), Movie and Multi-exposure
• 3D mode for stereoscopic shooting and 3D viewer provided.
• Exposure compensation of ±2EV in 1/3EV steps.
• Six white balance modes, including Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light and Manual
• Seven-point wide autofocus and spot AF with selectable focus point
• Matrix, Center-weighted or Spot metering modes
• Histogram display during record and playback
• QuickTime 320x240 video @ 15fps up to 30 secs.
• Time-lapse Movie mode runs all of the frames in order as though viewing a short film. Video can be played at different speeds: X2, X5, X10, X20, X50 or X100
• Auto or Manual focus with Macro to 5.5 inches
• Exif 2.2 and Epson PRINT Image Matching™ compatible
• USB port for image downloading
• Includes rechargeable lithium battery and charger
• 11MB built-in memory and CompactFlash Type I memory cards

Optional O-WP1 Waterproof Case for the Optio 430RS.

Physical Views

The 3-Megapixel Optio 330RS and the Optio 430RS.

The Optio 430RS compared to a standard CD disc.