Review of the Pentax Optio A30

Pentax Optio A30
www.pentax.co.uk
The compact market is forever evolving with growing pixel counts and a multitude of features. The A30 possesses several of the latter yet offers full manual control in a chic and compact body.
Image capture takes place on a 10MP 1/1.8in CCD. The 3x optical zoom (38-114mm equivalent) is modest, as is the maximum ISO 1600, with the result of all of the above displayed on a striking 2.5in LCD screen.
It is in use that the A30 really impresses, though, both in shooting and its general look and feel. The matt black finish and steel highlights of the body give the A30 a real feel of quality. The weight, while not heavy, continues the overall impression of a refined compact. And whereas a lot of compacts impress in design yet frustrate in use, the A30 continues the advanced feel throughout. Images are consistently but not overly sharp while noise is minimal right up to ISO 800.

Our Verdict
A beautifully designed compact with full manual mode and impressive functionality.

What We Like
Quality build, Full manual mode, Design and feel

What We Don't Like
Lack of wider zoom range

Features: 18
Design: 18
Performance: 18
Image Quality: 17
Value: 18

What Digital Camera Score 89%