Although it bears a name that can easily lead to confusion, the recently
released, the Pentax Optio 330 GS is a different camera from the
very similarly named Pentax
Optio 330, or from the Optio 330RS, the 3-megapixel version of the
430RS.
Moreover,
the 330GS has one major difference with other Optio models: its LCD screen
is articulated and can swing out so as to be visible from the front of
the camera.
Regrettably, the concept does not go to the next logical step in this
case, which would permit the screen to rotate around its hinge, thus allowing
it to remain visible from the back while facing up.
As
it is, the fact that the screen swings out is limited to a use such as
self portraits.
The
top of the Optio 330GS supports a Mode Dial with the shutter release at
the centre, and an On/Off switch. The Mode Dial provides 5 positions:
Standard
(Auto) Mode
Picture
(Scene) Mode
Night
Scene Mode
Movie
Mode
3D
Image Mode
All
the other controls are organized on the back of the camera. One of these,
located just below the 1.6 inch LCD monitor, serves to flip the image
from right to left and left to right according to the position of the
screen. This way, when the monitor is facing in the same direction as
the lens, the image can be inverted so as to be similar to what will
be recorded — in effect, showing the scene as it will be captured,
and not the way a mirror would.
The
upper right section of the camera's back is dedicated to the zoom control.
Wide angle is to the left, and telephoto to the right.
In addition, the zoom control can also be used in playback, magnifying
an image shown on the LCD monitor up to 12X; or showing nine thumbnails
of the images captured by the camera
when pressed to the wide angle side.
To
the right of the optical viewfinder, the Optio 330GS provides 2 buttons
which have a role in the image capture modes as well as the playback mode:
Flash
Modes: Auto, Forced On, Forced Off, Auto with Red-eye Reduction,
Forced on with Red-eye Reduction.
Delete:
erases one or more images in Playback.
Self-timer:
offers a 10 second delay.
Macro
Mode: used for subjects 10 to 50 cm (3.9 to 19.5 in.) from the camera.
Landscape
Mode: sets the focus to infinity.
Manual
Focus: allows setting the focus manually with the up and down arrows
of the controller, while the screen presents a magnified image of
the subject to assist focusing.
Protect:
adds write protection to selected images to prevent them from being
accidentally erased.
Four
additional controls are arranged on the right side of the LCD monitor.
Two of these are grouped together: the 4-direction control and the OK
button. The OK button confirms menu selections, while the 4-direction
control allows navigation. In addition, when used by itself, the OK button
serves to start the Playback mode.
The other two buttons, Menu and Display, each function as
labeled. Menu calls up the camera menu, which includes an access to the
Set-up menu; while Display controls the LCD monitor and its information
overlays, and also provides the access to a real-time histogram.
A well-finished camera with a clean and efficient design, the Optio 330GS
offers good value.
