Pentax Optio A30

Connectivity
Software (6.0)
The Pentax Optio A30 comes with a software package for image editing and viewing on a computer. The ACDSee for Pentax software has been the standard included software platform included with Pentax cameras for several years, and can be described as rudimentary at best. If working with a Windows computer, the user will also have the ability to run ACD Showtime!

The ACDSee software positions a file list along the left side of the program window and allows users to easily scan through devices, folders, and drives. It is also possible, but more of a hassle, to scan these files through the small buttons located horizontally along the top of the window. These buttons include previous folder, next folder, up a folder, refresh, add to favorites, find, view, print, set to desktop picture, file info, preferences, thumbnails view, wide thumbnail view, small icons view, and details view.

The image alteration settings in this software are unimpressive considering how much the camera costs and the manual controls it houses. Users can adjust the image rotation, image flipping, crop, auto levels, and slide show viewing. Considering the ability of other post-production editing programs included with competing cameras, it’s definitely time for Pentax to step up its game. As it stands currently the ACDSee software is merely a glorified viewer, not a capable image-editing program.

Memory (4.25)
The Pentax Optio A30 comes with an included 22 MB of internal memory, which will only hold five or six high-resolution images. Users will need to invest in at least one SD or SDHC memory card. The memory card slot is located on the bottom of the camera in a terrible position if needing to swap out memory cards while shooting on a tripod. By not employing a proprietary memory format, however, the Pentax Optio A30 allows a wider variety of cards at a variety of prices.

Direct Print Options (6.75)
The Pentax Optio A30 is equipped with the ability to send photos directly to a printer. Direct printing is an exceptionally easy process with this camera. Users connect the camera’s PC/AV terminal, located beneath a port cover on the right side of the camera, to the USB port on a PictBridge compatible printer. From there, an opaque display on the LCD screen has options for Print All, Print One, or DPOF setting. Users can scan individual photos using the left and right arrows of the four-way control if printing individual photos. Once a desired image is found the up and down arrows of the four-way control adjust the number of copies to be printed. The green button adjusts whether the date will or won’t be shown.

Once this is set and the OK button is pressed the next screen allows for adjustments to paper size, paper type, quality, and border status. Once these settings have been adjusted or ignored the user must press the OK button twice for the image to be printed. Pressing the menu button cancels printing. In addition to printing images individually, the user can also print all images simultaneously, with control over the number of copies, setting of the date, and print setting.

Battery (3.0)
The Pentax Optio A30’s lithium-ion battery slides into a slot on the bottom of the camera body, unfortunately positioned near the tripod socket. It holds a charge for approximately 150 shots, which is not very long. If you plan to use the camera for an extended period of time, we recommend buying an additional battery for back up.

Jacks, ports, plugs (5.0)
The jacks, ports, and plugs for the Pentax Optio A30 are concentrated on the right side and bottom of the camera. The lithium-ion battery and SD/SDHC memory card slots are located under a cover on the bottom right half of the camera. Press the cover while sliding it to the right to pop it open. The tripod socket to the left of this cover is poorly placed and will compromise access to these ports if being used during shooting. The DC in and PC/AV ports are located under a plastic cover on the right side of the camera.

Other Features (5.0)
Shake Reduction Modes – The Pentax Optio A30 is equipped with a more advanced shake reduction system in comparison to less expensive Pentax models. It includes a sensor-shift shake reduction system (mechanical image stabilization) to compensate for camera shake. Additionally, the Digital SR mode extends the sensitivity range to ISO 3200 to increase the shutter speed in low light scenes. While this can be useful, it degrades image quality. The Movie mode’s Shake Reduction marginally reduces camera shake when compared to footage captured with the digital SR turned off.

Face Recognition AF and AE – This feature works as part of the Portrait and Kids Scene modes. It automatically detects faces and adjusts focus and exposure.