Pentax Optio W30

The Pentax Optio W30 is part of a growing line of weather- and dust-resistant cameras geared for active point-and-shooters. It is the fifth in Pentax’s W-series, a line of waterproof cameras. The 7.1-megapixel camera comes in a swimmer’s body, which allows for longer underwater time at increased depths over its predecessors. Among its other touted features are facial recognition technology and low light shooting abilities at ISO 3200. The Pentax W30 retails for $299.95.

Physical Tour

Front (8.0)
The front of the Pentax W30 has a matte silver finish and plastic wave-like design, consistent with its waterproof body - its most lauded feature. The 3x optical zoom lens sits directly in the center and looks like a submarine scope. The thick silver rim is inscribed with text: 6.3mm-18.9mm PENTAX LENS 3x OPTICAL ZOOM. Underneath the lens is the auto assist light for the self-timer. The thin-sized flash is off-center on the upper right of the camera. “Optio” is inscribed on the camera to the right of its lens. The W30’s most marketed element, “WATERPROOF,” is printed in blue text below the logo. To the left of the lens is a shiny surfboard-like hand grip featuring the Pentax name.

Back (8.0)
The 2.5-inch LCD takes up most of the camera’s back. To the right of the LCD screen is zoom toggle for wide and telephoto shooting. Underneath the toggle is the playback button and a Braille-like thumb grip. The four-way controller includes the self-timer, macro mode, scene mode, flash mode, and OK functions. Underneath the four-way controller are the Menu and Trash buttons, the latter doubles as the Green mode button, which access the preset image and calendar displays. There are screws in three of the corners. Screws aren’t normally this visible on cameras, but we assume this was a design call, as they draw attention to the camera’s rugged design and highlight its waterproof and dustproof features.

Right Side (8.0)
The only feature on the right side of the W30 is a thick eyelet for the wrist band.

Left Side (8.0)
On the W30’s left side is the battery and memory card slot, a feature that is traditionally located on the bottom of point-and-shoots. The lock system is an improvement from earlier models. It takes up the entire side of the camera and includes a grove to unlock the compartment door and an arrow that indicates which direction to slide the door. The words “Battery” and “SDHC” (the compatible memory type) are embossed on the right.

Top (7.75)
User controls are located on top of the camera. The capsule-shaped shutter button sits to the right of the Power button. In the center of the top, directly above the lens, is the speaker and microphone, noticeably placed for the user (not the subject) who wants to hear and record their own voice. The speaker and microphone are exposed and the perfect size for sand to get trapped in. The words “Optio W30” and “7.1 megapixels” are printed on the top left of the camera.

Bottom (8.25)
The W30’s well-covered ports are on the bottom of the camera. Under a tightly-locked compartment door is the PC/AV port (for connecting the camera to the computer or television set) and the DC port (for connecting the included charger). In the middle is the plastic 0.25-inch tripod socket, centered well under the lens. The camera’s serial information is on the left side.