Pentax Optio 230 Point & Shoot Camera
The Pentax Optio 230 is a 2MP 1/2.5 inch compact camera — with null video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Pentax Optio 230 Point & Shoot Camera
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Camera Overview — Pentax Optio 230
Key Features — Pentax Optio 230
2MP 1/2.5" Sensor: Captures still images at up to 1600x1200 pixels, suited for casual snapshots and prints at smaller sizes.
AA Battery Power: Runs on two AA batteries (NiMH recommended), offering approximately 230 shots per charge using a widely available power source.
Optical Viewfinder: Provides a traditional framing alternative to the 1.6-inch TFT LCD screen.
5-Point Contrast AF: Contrast Detection autofocus across 5 points handles everyday shooting, with a manual focus option also available.
CompactFlash Storage: Uses CF cards for image storage, a robust and widely available format for cameras of this era.
Built-In Flash: Covers Auto, On, Off, Red-eye Reduction, and Slow Sync modes for a range of indoor and low-light shooting situations.
Camera Specifications — Pentax Optio 230
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel |
| Type | Point and Shoot |
| Sensor | 1/2.5 inch |
| Resolution | 2MP |
| ISO Range | 100 – 200 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection, Manual Focus Only |
| AF Points | 5 points |
| Max Photo Resolution | 1600x1200 |
| Max Video Resolution | null |
| Max Frame Rate | Other |
| Bit Depth | 8-bit |
| Video Color Profiles | Standard |
Description — Pentax Optio 230
The Pentax Optio 230 is a point-and-shoot compact camera featuring a 2MP sensor on a 1/2.5 inch sensor format, capable of capturing stills at up to 1600x1200 pixels. The plastic body measures 104 x 64 x 42 mm and weighs 230g, making it genuinely pocketable. Framing is assisted by both a 1.6-inch TFT LCD display and an optical viewfinder.
The built-in flash supports Auto, On, Off, Red-eye Reduction, and Slow Sync modes to handle a range of lighting situations. Autofocus is handled via Contrast Detection across 5 focus points, with Manual Focus also available. ISO sensitivity covers 100 to 200.
For a creative touch, shooters can select from Standard, Black & White, or Sepia color profiles for stills. Video is captured at 15fps in 8-bit depth. Storage uses CompactFlash cards, and the camera connects to a computer via USB.
Power is supplied by 2x AA batteries (NiMH recommended), rated for approximately 230 shots per charge.
Pros — Pentax Optio 230
- ✓Lightweight and compact at 230g with 104 x 64 x 42 mm dimensions — easy to carry anywhere
- ✓Built-in flash with five modes: Auto, On, Off, Red-eye Reduction, and Slow Sync
- ✓5-point Contrast Detection autofocus system with Manual Focus option for added control
Cons — Pentax Optio 230
- ✗ISO range is very limited, spanning only 100 to 200, restricting performance in low-light conditions
- ✗No image stabilization of any kind — neither in-body nor digital
- ✗Maximum still resolution of 1600x1200 (2MP) is modest even for archival or print use
Videos — Pentax Optio 230
Are old digicams the new film? — Els Vanopstal