Having just written an op on a camera pouch it was suggested that maybe I should write about the camera itself. (There were other suggestions that I’ve chosen to ignore!). How did I end up with a Pentax Optio 430RS and how well does it work?
Although digital cameras have been around for several years they are only becoming available at prices that seem reasonable to the average consumer and can produce pics of a quality equal to the traditional methods. They are also more and more consumer friendly and less seen as gadgets for people with computers. In fact most cameras can be used successfully without a computer. Link to a TV for viewing, link to a special printer for your own prints or take your camera/digital film to a camera shop or traditional film processor and they produce the prints you need i.e. only the ones you like.
My first digital camera was funded by selling all my traditional equipment to a local second hand camera shop and there was enough to buy a Fuji 1500 – 'smart media' for storage, telephoto lens (x3), some software on a CD and of course 1.5 megapixels.
Quite enjoyed it, but as the number of pixels in other cameras increased rapidly as time passed I decided it was time to upgrade. Bought a few digital camera magazines for detailed reviews and looked up various consumer reviews on the internet. Set a budget of £300 having pre sold the Fuji to my daughter. (Funny don’t remember the cheque arriving yet!).
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I eventually chose the Pentax at £295. It has four million pixels, telephoto lens (x3), 11mbyte built in memory and 'compact flash' removable memory (none included), lithium ion removable battery with mains charger, wrist strap and USB cable to connect to a PC. It has a normal viewfinder and a small colour display on the back. In the reviews there were no complaints of any substance.
Case is a robust feeling metal, that looks like brushed aluminium and the size is a very compact 90x60x35mm. Instructions come in a printed booklet in English only. I hope its not a racist comment, but I get fed up with manuals with a single set of diagrams followed by instructions in ten different languages. It’s a game called spot my language.
A pouch for the camera is not included – you can read of my search for one, in an op under Lowepro Photographic Accessories. Extras I’ve bought, are a spare battery – in shopping around I discovered that it’s the same as a Fuji model – usually cheaper and available from compatible manufacturers as well and two compact flash memory modules. E-bay a good source for both.
At this point I will happily admit that I have still not got to grips with all the facilities built into this camera (and probably never will). If I’m going away from home the camera manual always goes with the camera as does the battery charger - you can’t use Duracells in an emergency.
The camera can be set easily to operate as automatic - point and shoot.
However some optional facilities that I do use are:
the flash options – always on, always off, automatic and red eye reduction.
The number of pixels for recording – low number (640x480), lower quality but more than adequate for a displaying on a computer monitor, emailing, web site etc. higher number (2304x1712) for higher quality, for use in a newsletter or magazine.
The telephoto lens – operated by a rocker switch on the back. Its 3x optical and a special macro mode for that close up. So far as already mentioned I operate the camera in automatic mode.
My only complaint so far is that because of the cameras very compact dimensions it can be a little difficult to hold – I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone with particularly large hands or with even a small degree of arthritis.
For processing I simply remove the compact flash card and plug it into a USB reader connected to my PC. This can be done directly using the supplied USB cable. Our holiday pics are transferred to CD for storage and others are transferred to friends or family by email. I haven’t really got into picture manipulation with computer software but obviously anything is possible. Picture quality is excellent though as with any automatic camera the auto focus and auto aperture can occasionally get confused.
Overall I am delighted with the purchase but I am sure that there are many equally good models out there. The difficulty is deciding which one best meets your needs assuming you know what your needs are in digital camera terms.
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So if you are choosing a digital camera for the first time or as an upgrade and it's to be used for general purposes, the key issues to consider are:
Your budget – cameras from £30 upwards
The number of pixels - the more the better (but remember you don’t need a large number if your viewing is only on a computer monitor). 4 mega pixels should be more than adequate. Don’t go for a large number of pixels and forget a spare battery or extra memory module.
Availability of removable media and is any included in price
Lithium ion battery they are the best for capacity and lack of memeory effect but more expensive – normal batteries will expire very quickly. Can the battery be removed, is the charger separate. (in some cameras the battery can only be charged in situ)
Telephoto lens – 3x is now a norm but 5x gives that added flexibility
Included software, especially if you want to try building up libraries of photos or do touching up work. Will the software work on your computer ? Is it compatible with my version of windows? Or Mac Os?
And a few concluding points - unless budget is very tight I would go for a well known brand. Some of the budget brands work well but difficulties can occur with incompatible software, poor quality lenses, low capacity batteries, low power flash if any, and poor documentation. Spend some time reading reviews before going into a shop and after you’ve made your purchase expect a more up to date model to be released within a month – it always happens!
29.10.2003 10:44
excellent op
28.10.2003 21:33
excellent review and a great sounding camera. kim :)
28.10.2003 20:59
Very good op on a very good product.