Pentax Optio 230 (2.1MP, 1600 x 1200, 3X Opt, 16MB CF) (Pentax Technologies-18092)

Pentax Optio 230

Optio 230 (2.1MP, 1600 x 1200, 3X Opt, 16MB CF) (Pentax Technologies-18092) Review, by Tracey Capen August 21, 2002

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• Reviewed by: obooker

  Strengths: Light, small, uses AA batteries in a pinch, VERY easy downloading to computer, excellent pictures, easy to use, built-in lens cap, has LCD that you can use for self-portraits

  Weaknesses: Time between pics a little long, LCD doesn't swivel

  Overall: I bought this little jewel on a whim - no research. I believe I picked the right one! I don't like complicated cameras, even though I own several. The Pentax Optio 230 gives decent pics for a 2-megapixel camera, and the greatest thing about it is the ease of download to the 'puter. Just download the driver, plug the camera in, go to Windows Explorer and copy pics over - that's it. Other cameras (like Kodak) are frustrating to use and download. No lens cap to keep up with. No proprietary battery. Small and light - easy to carry around. My girlfriend borrows mine all the time, so I'm thinking I'll get her one for Christmas!

• Reviewed by: Lem Metro

  Strengths: Size, weight, slick design, Exif2.2 file format, F2.6-F5.0 aperture, flip out LCD, TIF mode, custom white balance, manual focus, uses CR-V3 lithium battery. Built in lens cover.

  Weaknesses: Limited ISO settings, limited low light capabilities, no manual exposure modes, no portrait mode, plastic body.

  Overall: Self portraits are a snap with this 2MP, 1600 X 1210 in TIF mode, point and shoot digicam. The 180 degree flip out LCD makes it so easy. Although it is basically a point and shoot, it has plenty of fun and effective functions like manual focus, three types of AE metering, landscape mode, a nifty exposure bracketing mode with memory, selectable auto bracketing of sharpness, contrast, saturation and even white balance. Now that is unusual for a digicam at any price point. The Optio 230 even offers a quirky 3D image mode, with glasses and software for viewing. Fluff? Maybe. But it works and is fun. Macro shooting capabilities seem to be a strong suit. At a price point around $220.00 as of 10/25/02, it is a genuine bargain. Canon's A40 is comparable in most respects, but you give up compact size, TIF mode and lithium battery capability in exchange for a manual exposure mode and sound with the AVI movies, for about the same price. Definitely a cute little platform with a lot more bells and whistles than most standard point and shoot models. My overall evaluation is to recommend this digital camera to anyone on a budget who wants lots of extras and good image quality for 2MP. At 8 ounces fully loaded, it is small enough to fit into a pocket, yet powerful enough to deliver crisp, clean 4"X6" prints.

• Reviewed by: MiracleMike

  Strengths: Sharp Images, Great Color as well as B&W, all in a Very Compact, Light Weight, Inexpensive camera that go's anywhere and takes good pictures with great color, and it will easily fit in any pocket.

  Weaknesses: Considering the price, I can't really think of any... but if I really have to slit hairs, I would say that the ISO range is a little weak.

  Overall: Great little camera! Just drop it in your pocket and go. I own a lot of equipment, SLR, Medium Format, Large Format, but none of this stuff will fit in my pocket. The 230 takes good shots with great color, and the contrast is under control as well. There are manual adjustments of course for all the basics like contrast,saturation, sharpness, etc., but the defaults work well enough in most cases. In terms of Price verses Performance you just can't beat this one.

• Reviewed by: shiway

  Strengths: Cool design with twistable LCD, good color effect, good features.

  Weaknesses: Plastic body, no sound movie recording, poor digital zoom, under average indoor effect.

  Overall: Stylish with a lot of features. Nice picture effect. good value for the money. But I would prefer a metal body. I failed to play the movie in my computer although I have all the software installed.