Pentax Optio 230 (2.1MP, 1600 x 1200, 3X Opt, 16MB CF) (Pentax Technologies-18092)
| Overall rating | 77 |
| Image quality | Fair |
| Ease of use | Good |
| Features | Good |
| Effective pixels at maximum true resolution | 2 megapixels at 1600 by 1200 |
| Bundled media | 16MB CompactFlash |
| Focal range (35mm equivalent) | 38mm-114mm |
| Aperture range | f2.6 to f5 |
| Shutter speed range (seconds) | 4 seconds to 1/1500 second |
| Viewfinders | Optical viewfinder, 1.6-inch LCD |
| Video/audio recording | Yes (AVI)/No |
| Exposure and focus modes | Two program modes; manual focus |
| Optional lenses | None |
| Software | None |
| Battery score | Outstanding |
| Battery life | 572 shots, 200 minutes |
| Battery type | One CRV3 disposable lithium ion |
| Support policy score | Fair |
| Support policies | One-year parts and labor warranty, toll-free support for 8.5 hours on weekdays |

Bottom Line
Though the Optio 230 is a solid camera with a couple of interesting features, it would benefit from higher resolution.
Pentax Optio 230
Optio 230 (2.1MP, 1600 x 1200, 3X Opt, 16MB CF) (Pentax Technologies-18092) Review, by Tracey Capen August 21, 2002

WHAT'S HOT: The Optio 230 is a compact and easy-to-use camera. It's just large enough to fit comfortably in your hand, yet small enough to drop into a shirt pocket. The functional control and navigation buttons are nicely spaced and well sized, even for large-handed users. In full-automatic mode, the menus are kept to a minimum, and in "Full" control mode--where you can change settings like ISO, white balance, and color--the longer menus are relatively well organized. The menus' black text on a white background makes them especially easy to read in bright sunlight.
One feature of the Optio 230 may be frivolous, but if you love self-portraits, it's just what you're looking for: The LCD folds out, so you can view it while the lens is pointed at you. More useful, and rarely found on a camera in the Optio's price range, is the manual white-balance setting; you point the camera at a white object, such as a piece of paper, and press the trigger. In our experience, this is the best method for ensuring accurate colors.
The Optio 230 is extremely kind to batteries. We took well over 500 shots in our battery-life tests before the single CR-3V gave out.
WHAT'S NOT: Unfortunately, the camera's overall image quality failed to impress us. In our lab tests using the Optio 230's default settings, it received relatively low scores both for on-screen images and for printed shots. Though it produced relatively good color in daylight-balanced lighting, our model had a somewhat corpselike complexion in our flash shots. Our outdoor test image was a bit underexposed and washed with a slight bluish tint. The 4-by-6 prints that we made looked relatively sharp, but when we enlarged the images they blurred noticeably.
WHAT ELSE: The Optio 230 also accommodates folks who never threw away their 3D glasses. Using a special setting in the camera, you take two shots of the same object and then print out the double image. To see the effect, you have to use the special 3D viewer that comes with the camera. It's sort of fun, but seems like more work than it's worth.
As you would expect for a camera that costs less than $300, the Optio 230 includes few extras. However, you do get a long strap that lets you hang the camera around your neck. Most cameras offer only a short wrist strap.
Pentax bundles ACD Systems' ACDSee image management software with the Optio 230. While it lacks the fine image editing and repairing controls found in Adobe's Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, ACDSee has a great set of tools for managing a large collection of digital photos, including features that let you create contact sheets, find duplicate files, and quickly rename groups of shots.
UPSHOT: Though the Optio 230 is a solid camera with a couple of interesting features, it would benefit from higher resolution.
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Review Now! Already own it? Tell us What You Think
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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