The Optio 230 was introduced by Pentax early this year, superseding the EI-200 in the 2-Megapixel class of digital compact cameras, priced around $500. For the photographer wanting pictures for viewing and storing them on PC and, from time to time, getting prints up to 12x18cm, 2 Megapixel are enough. For that reason, such digital cameras suit well most demands and can be a clever choice, balancing good quality and cost. Also, there is a growing opinion among serious photographers that super-compact cameras cannot give you the best possible quality, due to optical limitations of the design specifications, especially when you consider zoom lenses. In other words, apparently the lens is the main limit of today’s digital cameras and when you want to get the best, you have to choose cameras where the size allows a better lens. This doesn’t mean you cannot get really good pictures from super-compact cameras, but probably it is not worth going beyond 2 to 3-Megapixel, hence the Optio 230 makes sense to me, even in this era of 4-Megapixel little marvels. I’m pretty sure one day something will happen, contradicting that opinion, but so far I still haven’t seen such a revolution. This said, let’s start looking at the Optio 230.

Hands on

The Optio 230 looks nice and very well built and finished. Yes, it’s plastic, not steel like its brothers, but truly you can hardly criticize it at all. All parts are assembled very well (in the Philippines), the movement of the LCD screen is well damped and all controls are intuitive and work very well. At first contact, I cannot think of many possible improvements about handling and operation. Pentax expertise after so many years of successful Espio line of compact cameras is evident here. My only concern is about the battery cover, needing more strength than expected when closing it, so I’d advice you to be careful with its operation, in order not to overstress its plastic hinge and lock.

The camera size, although still very compact (103,5x63,5x42mm) is noticeably bigger than that of the Optio 330/430, due to the swing-out screen and different battery size.

Camera operation is simple and easy to master. People already accustomed to the Optio 330/430 like me will find some difference, but nothing you cannot understand within seconds. For those who begin with the Optio 230, reading the instruction manual will be important at first, but after a few shots you’ll only need it from time to time, just in case you want to try such uncommon operation as movie clips or 3D shots.

The LCD screen folds out through 180°, so that you can take shots of yourself. As I seldom take self-portraits, I’d prefer a flip-up movement instead of side folding-out, for using the camera at waist level. However, that’s matter of taste, and probably most of the public to which the camera is targeted could prefer the self-portrait option. Also, any kind of LCD movement can help when viewing in direct sunlight.

About battery type; why did Pentax choose the non-rechargeable lithium CR-V3 in place of the rechargeable lithium-ion D-LI2 of the Optio 330/430? Perhaps the answer is that the design specifications allowed the Optio 230 to be bigger than the 330/430 and that allowed the use of AA-size batteries, surely the most available in stores worldwide. In fact, the single CR-V3 can be replaced by two AA-size alkaline or NiMH batteries, thus allowing you to get fresh batteries almost anywhere. However, due to heavy power consumption of digital cameras, I’d recommend you to buy four NiMH rechargeable batteries and proper battery charger (not included with the Optio 230), so that you’ll have no more battery problems.