8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Really Like it
Date of Review: May 29, 2007
The Bottom Line: This new A30 has many improvements over the Optio S4 it replaces. Good features, quicker shots, unlimited movies, great size. Nice optical zoom, easy to navigate menu
This camera replaces my Pentax Optio S4 I bought 3 years ago. I found found the Optio A30 takes shots faster, it's intelligence for the Auto settings is much better, pictures come out really nicely.
I have noticed two things that were on the old S4 that are not on the A30.
1. Panorama shooting mode. On the S4 you could take a picture, then it would help you line up to the left or right, you could take multiple shots to get a full 180 degree(or more) view. You would then use the software on the PC to combine the multiple shots into 1 wide view. This is not present on the A30
2. 3D mode, I never used it on the S4, so no loss. But again with a special setting on the camera, then printing them on paper and using special glasses you could take 3D pictures. This feature is Not on the A30.
More improvements, 10Mb (I've only been using it on 5Mp)
Video until your memory runs out (was 60 second limit on S4)
Bigger LCD screen, but the view finder is not on the A30
Lots of Auto settings, for Landscape, Text, Pets, Kids, Sports, etc.
Quick easy navigation.
Powers up quicker, and takes shots quicker
Great price! I'm very happy with the new A30, my old accessories an Extra battery and a Remote control I had for the S4 still work with the A30. The remote doesn't work at much of a distance, but it's good for indoor family shots. It would be better if it worked at a further distance for outdoor self/landscape shots.
I found the Auto timer is only 2 seconds, not enough time to push the button and get into place before the picture is taken. Otherwise, it's great.
