Wed - March 21, 2007

Pentax Optio W30 First Impressions Review from DigitalCameraInfo.com



Pentax optio w30 waterproof camera

DigitalCameraInfo.com provides a first impressions review of the Optio W30, a new model in Pentax W-series of compact waterproof cameras. You will get a good tour through the camera design and features. I noticed that the tripod mount was moved to the center of the camera bottom. It would make mounting the camera on a kayak deck less tricky if you want to get a symmetrical view.

Overall impressions and some conclusions:

Value The Pentax Optio W30 has a hefty price tag for a compact in this class. Shoppers looking for a standard point-and-shoot will probably steer clear, especially since better lenses and LCD screens can be found in other cameras with similar image resolution. However, the $300 price tag seems justified for the durable construction and waterproof ability, especially considering that it’s $100 cheaper than some comparable models.
It will be available from amazon.com by March 31 for $289.17 with free shipping. You can already buy it from other places: price comparison.
Who’s This Camera For?
  • Point-and-Shooters – Basic compact camera users may steer clear of the W30 because of the beefier price tag, but the waterproof, durable construction might reel in those with a few extra bucks.
  • Budget Consumers – People with limited funds would probably prefer a 7-megapixel compact camera without the waterproof abilities, many of which are available for at least $100.
  • Gadget Freaks – Techies will love the waterproof and dustproof slim design, perfect to impress your body-surfing or poolside friends with underwater stills or movies.
  • Manual Control Freaks – There are plenty of manual controls, albeit in a limited range, on the W30. However, the absence of manual shutter and aperture settings will probably keep this crowd away.
  • Pro/Serious Amateurs – While pros may be tempted by the rugged construction and waterproof abilities to use as a slim vacation camera, the lousy lens and LCD resolution of the W30 will totally turn them off.
They cannot imagine the use of this camera in paddling and other water sports. So, I belong to gadget freaks category.

Of course, this camera is not for everybody. There are many cameras to shoot pictures with ... Could you expect that a single camera is good for everything? See my post Many Boats, Many Cameras ....

Likes:
  • Rugged construction
  • Improved waterproof capabilities
  • Ability to set up to four different controls for the on-camera green button
  • Ability to reset menu order
  • Competitive price in the compact waterproof category
Dislikes
  • Poor lens
  • Low LCD resolution and angle of view
  • Lens position easily gets covered by left hand’s fingers
I am using Pentax Optio W10 quite intensively in my paddling and other outdoor activity as documented in this blog and my web pages. I shoot pictures and video clips (see the recent Thunderbolt paddling or Glenwood Canyon). For my paddling I need a compact waterproof camera which can be easily mounted on a deck with a suction cup or used as a helmet cam, and which can be taken to Texas Water Safari or other races. So far, Pentax Optio has been working pretty well for me.

I don't believe that the new Optio W30 has worse lens or LCD monitor than the previous models, but it would be interesting to see a direct comparison of different Optio models. You should also read other reviews of Pentax Optio W30 and older W10 and W20 before making a buying decision.

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waterproof digital camera

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