-
Introduction
-
01.Performance Expectations
-
02.Physical Tour
-
03.Components
-
04.Design/Layout
-
05.Modes
-
06.Control Options
-
07.Image Parameters
-
08.Connectivity/Extras
-
09.Overall Impressions
-
10.Conclusion
-
11.Comments
Pentax Optio E30
Previous: Page 3
ComponentsNext: Page 5
Modes
Shooting
Model Design / Appearance
The inexpensiveness comes through on the Optio E30. It's plain, but not elegant. Its simplicity stems from its lack of features, not of cunning design. The Pentax Optio line includes some attractive cameras, but the E30 is almost Kodak-like in its clunky look.
Size / Portability
Measuring 3.7 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches and 6.5 ounces ready to shoot, the E30 will fit in plenty of coat pockets, purses and backpacks. Its size is appealing, but it is not sealed against dust, dirt and moisture, so carrying it loose is a bad idea. Its lens mechanism will get gummed up, or its electronics will get flaky.
Handling Ability
The Optio E30 is comfortable to hold in the user's right hand. Though it doesn't have textured grips, it felt secure. All compact cameras perform better if users hold them with two hands. Unfortunately, the E30 doesn't really encourage a two-handed grip through design. The best option is to hold it with the left thumb supporting the bottom and the left index finger on top, but there are no divots or grips that indicate that.
Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size
The Optio E30's buttons are large enough, and well-spaced. We didn't have trouble operating them, or accidentally hitting the wrong one because it was too close to the one we wanted. The shutter release is large and has a good feel. The power button is too small, in a wrong-headed attempt to prevent the camera from being accidentally turned on. The zoom control is also difficult, overshooting the amount of adjustment we intended to make.
Menu
The Pentax E30 maintains the sensible and clear menu structure of the Optio line. Many items are superimposed over a live preview. The text is clear, and the entries are subdivided logically.
|
Set-up
|
|
|
Format
|
Erase all data in memory
|
|
Sound
|
Set volume, choose sounds for camera operations, or turn all the noises off
|
|
Startup screen
|
Choose from various artwork for image shown as camera is powered on.
|
|
Date/Time
|
Set date and time
|
|
Language
|
Choose from 13 languages for menu and alert text.
|
|
Folder name
|
Name image folders sequentially, or by date.
|
|
USB Connection
|
Set for image download or direct printing.
|
|
Video out
|
Set compatibility to NTSC or PAL
|
|
Power Save
|
Set to dim the LCD and save power. Interval can be set from 5 seconds to 2 minutes. The feature can also be turned off.
|
|
Auto Power Off
|
Set to turn off unattended E30 after 5 or 3 minutes. The feature can be turned off.
|
|
Quick Zoom
|
Set to have E30 playback mode jump to maximum magnification when zoom pressed.
|
|
Reset
|
Return E30 to default settings.
|
|
About
|
Show firmware version.
|
|
Playback
|
|
|
Slide Show
|
Show images in sequence. Choose interval, transition and sound.
|
|
Downsize
|
Reduce resolution and/or Quality.
|
|
Crop
|
Save just a portion of an image.
|
|
Rotate
|
Turn image 90, 180 or 270 degrees
|
|
Voice memo
|
Record sound to associate with an image
|
|
Protect
|
Prevent an image from being deleted
|
|
DPOF
|
Print directly, or create print orders for download
|
Ease of Use
The Optio E30 is very easy to use in its fully automatic modes. Features that allow a bit of user discretion are not easy to access, however. Exposure compensation is a menu item, for instance. One of the 4-way controller buttons should bring it up directly. The live previews are very good, reflecting changes in the white balance setting or exposure compensation. The E30 lacks a histogram, a feature that even casual snapshooters should use. Again, the zoom control has a backlash problem, and changing the SD card risks having the batteries fall out.
Shop for the Pentax Optio E30
Latest News
& Reviews
-
10-Feb-2012
Nikon Coolpix P310 First Impressions Review
The new Nikon Coolpix P310 comes with an impressive f/1.8 lens, but we’re not sure if this model can compete with the Canon S100. Read More...
-
10-Feb-2012
Nikon S9300 First Impressions Review
It’s not often that “18x optical zoom” and “compact” describe the same camera, but that’s the Nikon S9300 for you. We’ve taken the little devil for a spin here at CP+, read on for our full impressions of Nikon’s latest travel zoom camera. Read More...
Top Rated Point & Shoots
-
$459.991Panasonic Lumix FZ150
Excellent image quality, speedy performance, and a great design add up to the best superzoom that has ever graced our labs. That distinction seems to change hands every week, but trust us when we say that the FZ150 is a truly great camera. Read full 16-part review
$459.99TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels -
$378.892Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Canon's SX30 got a CMOS makeover that resulted in the SX40 HS, an impressive ultrazoom that captures beautiful shots in almost any scenario. Read full 16-part review
$378.89TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels -
$427.953Sony Cyber-shot HX100V
This professionally-geared ultrazoom offers some of the best color accuracy we've ever seen. It's a shame the other scores weren't quite so strong. Read full 16-part review
$427.95TypesUltra-ZoomAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels16.8 MP -
$314.954Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47
Panasonic resists the urge to cram more megapixels and more focal length into their latest ultrazoom. The FZ47 instead focuses on image quality and features, resulting in an incredibly strong camera that we loved shooting with. Read full 16-part review
$314.95TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels -
$417.005Canon PowerShot S100
Canon's PowerShot S100 improves on the popular S95 and takes its place at the top of the point-and-shoot food chain. Read full 16-part review
$417.00TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels
Features
-
DigitalCameraInfo New Year's Giveaway
Check back every day for the rest of 2011 to see what we’re adding to the grand prize package. It all starts with the Sony NEX-5N and ends with over $4000 in prizes! Read More...
-
DigitalCameraInfo.com 2011 Select Awards
After a year of tireless testing and deliberation, we’ve made our selections for the very best cameras of 2011. Read More...
(add your own)