The 10-megapixel Pentax Optio A30 is one of the latest slim digital cameras to offer poster-print-worthy resolution. The A30 offers manual and automatic controls in a 0.9-inch thick flat body and retails for $349, but can now be found for about $100 less.

We scientifically test each camera we review for performance and image quality. After testing the A30’s resolution in our imaging lab, we found it’s an average performer for a 10-megapixel camera. The Canon PowerShot A640 markets the same resolution but more effectively captures details. The A30, however, performs better than the 10-megapixel Casio Z1000.

The A30’s pictures are oddly colored, with blues, reds, and yellows looking the most erroneous. Our lab tests show the Pentax A30’s color reproduction is worse than most compact digital cameras we’ve tested in 2007. If you must have the monstrous resolution but also value accurate colors, the Canon A640 is a better choice.

But if noise-free pictures are the priority, then the Pentax Optio A30 is a good choice. Its pictures are cleaner than the Canon A640 and Casio Z1000, but they aren’t as flawless as the 8.3-megapixel Fujifilm F40fd.

Higher ISO sensitivity generally translates to better illuminated pictures in low light without having to turn on the flash. The Casio Z1000 caps its ISO range at 400, the Canon A640 stops at 800, and the F40fd and Pentax Optio A30 top off at 1600. The A30 performs better than average in low light, beating out both the Fuji F40fd and Canon A640.

A 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen headline the A30’s basic set of components. The 3x lens has a sensor-shift image stabilization system that is effective at banishing blur from pictures and bumps from videos. The LCD screen has great 230,000-pixel resolution, but it’s tough to see when under the bright sunlight. There is also a powerful flash that lights up subjects within 23 feet of the camera.

The Pentax Optio A30 has a nice blend of Manual and Automatic modes, along with controls that can satisfy just about anyone. The Auto mode, also called Green mode, simplifies menus and blocks access to most features so users only need to frame the shot and press the shutter button. There is also a Face Recognition mode tailored to users who want portraits in perfect focus every time. There are also Program, Shutter Speed Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual exposure modes – a nice extra for the price. 

The A30 has a Movie mode that uses DivX compression technology so it can record longer videos and use less space on the memory card. The convenience of fitting more video on less memory comes at the expense of image quality, however. Videos record at 640 x 480 and 320 x 240-pixel resolution, but there are visible artifacts that creep into the footage and smooth over details. There colors are also oversaturated in videos, making the A30’s Movie mode one of the worst we’ve tested in 2007. 

The Pentax Optio A30 is a sturdy digital camera with basic components and a host of interesting features. It appeals to many photographers with its Automatic and Manual modes, and goes the extra mile by packing in perks like color filters and special effects. Users can transform photos to old-fashioned sepia tone or activate an illustration-like effect.

The problem is that despite the neat features and decent components, the pictures just don’t turn out the way they should. Inaccurate colors, limited dynamic range, and horrible videos make the $349 price tag much too high. There are better cameras out there.