Editorial Product Review:Item Description:The PENTAX Optio A30 features 10.0 effective megapixels, a 1/1.8 inch CCD with a wide dynamic range for superior tones, an SMC PENTAX zoom lens and an image processing engine that gives a rich color reproduction. The PENTAX original Shake Reduction (SR) technology in the A30 has been improved by adding both Digital and Movie SR for improved image capture in low-light settings and telephoto capture. A unique Face Recognition AF & AE function offers better results in photographs by automatically detecting faces, and then adjusting exposure and focus to properly capture portraits. As a DivX Certified digital camera, the Optio A30 makes it easy for users to create their own media for both business and social purposes. With the push of a button, users can instantly record high-quality DivX video and discover simple playback on any of the DivX Certified consumer electronics devices available today.
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Buyer Reviews
Average Buyer Rating:
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Compare to my sd600
This is a comparison with my sd700. I am an engineer, I tend to compare things how they are made and their features. These two cameras are both compact, but they have different sensor size. Pentax A30 has a sensor of 1/1.8 inch where sd600 has 1/2.5 inch. I value the sensor size very much, larger senor will give you better image quality if all other factors are the same; and normally larger sensor are more expensive. For example, DSLR normally have a sensor size roughly 1 inch priced from $500 to $2000 or 1.5inch for those top-of-line ones costing from $2000 to 9000.
For images, A30 gives better image quality in daylight for sure because it is a 10M camera and SD700 has 6M sensor; and the lens on A30 may be a little better than SD700.
But there are plus side for sd700 also, in continuous shooting mode, SD700 can shoot more than 2 frames per second, where A30 can only do 1 FPS. SD700 has 4X zoom range where A30 has 3X.
In video shooting, sd700 seems have a better image quality possiblly due to its less compression ratio format, and it also processes lighting changing smoothly. On the other hand, A30 has much longer shooting time, with 8GB memory card, its shooting time can compete with mini-DV camcorder, but you can easily detect the camera changing its exposure because you see the brightness changing in the movie.
Overall they are both good cameras, but I feel that Canon really maximized the potential of their camera where the Pentax used good stuff to make the camera, but left some areas to be improved.
Customer Rating: 
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DO NOT BUY PENTAX
BAD CUSTOMER SUPPORT- DOES NOT HONOR WARRANTY.
I had read this in other reviews, and chose to ignore it and purchase another pentax- I had an Optio S5i for 4 years and wanted a similar camera. When I bought the camera I also purchased an extended warranty. I have had this camera for less than a month, I was taking pictures on a field trip- and the next thing I notice the LCD screen is completely blank. I email Pentax, they tell me to send it in for repair- and once it gets there I get a bill for the repairs. Not only should the camera be covered under the standard warranty- the fact that I have extended warranty is ignored. I called the company, spoke to a couple of associates and a supervisor named Dorian, who was very condescending towards me- and insisted the damage was my fault and they were not going to cover the costs.
BOTTOM LINE-DO NOT BUY PENTAX- THE COSTOMER SERVICE IS TERRIBLE.
Customer Rating: 
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Superb Little Camera
A small slim pocket size camera. It is apleasure to own and use, produces excellent results. My only citisism is I do find if I am not careful in its use my right thumb will inadvertally ptress on the fourway controller and select operations I do not require.
Customer Rating: -
Another great Pentax product.
Pentax has done it again. They have incorporated shake reduction technology and great image rendering into a well-designed 10MP compact digital. It is small, powerful, sturdy and easy to use. There are also features for the more discerning photographers out there. The video clips are crisp and also uttilize the anti-shake technology! The large view screen on the back is a joy to use. Maybe the one thing I would improve is the battery life. If you're leaving on an extended trip, maybe buy an extra one for back up. The charger is a bit cumbersome if you're trying to travel as light as the A30's body size may suggest. Overall, I am VERY pleased with this product!
