Pentax Optio A30

Value (6.75)
The Pentax Optio A30 has a 3x optical zoom lens, a 2.5-inch LCD screen with an impressive 232,000 pixels, a full palette of manual controls, including shutter and aperture, as well as a fully equipped Movie mode that can record simultaneous monaural audio files. Its array of features make it a better value than the Canon SD40, but the Panasonic TZ3 has similar features and a longer 10x zoom and bigger LCD screen. Considering all these features, the well built camera body and layout that can appeal to both experienced and utter novice photographers, the initial $349.95 price tag isn’t unwarranted.

Comparisons
Canon PowerShot SD40 – This point-and-shoot camera by Canon has a stainless steel body and available in Precious Rose, Twilight Sepia, Olive Gray, and Noble Blue. It had an initial $349 retail price. This 7.1-megapixel SD40 comes with an underwhelming 2.4x optical zoom lens, face detection technology, and a camera station for charging, image transfer, and printing. The specifications of this camera just don’t quite stand up to those of the Pentax Optio A30, with a rather small 1.8-inch LCD screen with a mere 118,000 pixels. The A30's external interface is simpler and better designed. Similar features to the A30 include manual control of ISO, metering modes, exposure compensation, white balance, and a surprisingly long shutter speed of up to 15 seconds. The maximum aperture is f/3.2 and the ISO 1600 maximum isn’t quite the ISO 3200 of the A30. There is a large number of photo effects and the handful of preset shooting modes keep this camera in the same company as the A30. In the end, the A30's more impressive features and specifications make the camera a more tempting option.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 – The 7.2-megapixel TZ3 has an impressive 10x optical zoom with MEGA optical image stabilization. This camera has a number of manual control settings, including white balance, ISO up to 3200 in High Sensitivity mode, exposure compensation, backlight compensation, auto bracketing, metering, shutter, and aperture. However, it doesn’t come equipped with a manual focus control. Other features of note include five autofocus modes, standard color effects settings, full resolution Movie mode at 30 or 10 fps, as well as a unique 16:9 feature for 848 x 480 aspect ratio at either 10 or 30 fps. This model by Panasonic also has Burst mode, 12.7 MB of internal memory, and a large 3-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels. It is available in blue, black, or silver and is priced at $349.95 through Panasonic’s website. The TZ3 was also fields ahead in terms of performance, delivering some of the highest image quality scores we've seen on any point-and-shoot camera.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-N2 – This stylish and impressively slender digital camera by Sony was originally priced at $399.99 but has dropped in price to $349.99, and can be found through online retailers for less. This 10.1-megapixel camera has a 3x optical zoom lens, touch screen operations, still and video capture modes, and a 3-inch LCD screen. The camera has 25 MB of internal memory and accepts proprietary Sony memory cards and lithium-ion batteries. Other features include a free AF setting, D-Range control to compensate for washout, and ISO sensitivity up to 1600. Unfortunately for the manual control enthusiast, this stylish camera doesn’t include full manual control over white balance, aperture, or focus. Manual controls include exposure compensation, ISO from 100 to 1600, and shutter speed. Considering the price of this camera, the lack of controls makes it an unlikely option for photographers looking for more flexibility beyond automated modes.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – With a simplified Shooting mode and a host of Preset modes to select from, the point-and-shoot photographer should feel comfortable using the Pentax Optio A30.

Budget Consumers – This isn’t really a camera the budget consumer is likely to consider, particularly since there is an abundance of sub-$200 cameras on the market today. Manufacturers like Panasonic are even equipping point-and-shoot cameras with formerly unique features like optical image stabilization for less than $200.

Gadget Freaks – Although face recognition AF and AE and mechanical image stabilization are appealing, practical features, the Pentax Optio A30 doesn’t boast a set of gaudy controls or features that are going to turn heads and cause whiplash. 

Manual Control Freaks – The manual control freak will find the wealth of options included on this camera to be rather appealing, with full adjustment of focus, white balance, ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and metering.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists – There are enough options and features to help this camera make its way into a pro's travel bag, however, the A30's image quality just isn't strong enough for this constituency.