Pre-Ordered Camera
This post probably doesn’t interest many people, because it’s about a new toy I ordered, and is mostly devoid of actual information. There will probably be a similar (but more informative) post after the camera arrives.
I’ve had my current pocket digital camera (a Sony DSC-T1) for several years. It’s not a high-end camera, but it’s an excellent set of features packed into something I can always have with me, which means that I take a lot of pictures with it. My DSC-T1 has served me well. I’ve had a difficult time finding a non-Sony replacement (since Sony’s DRM rootkit fiasco, I’ve stopped buying Sony products) that matched or beat the DSC-T1 for my purposes (basically, a durable pocket-sized camera with super-close macro capability).
A while ago my DSC-T1 began allowing dust into the optics. It’s difficult to clean out, but quick to accumulate (since I keep the camera in my pocket), so I’ve been looking for a replacement.
A week or so ago, I identified what looks like an excellent replacement, with the main feature I’ve always wished I had in my DSC-T1: it’s waterproof and dust-proof! Today I pre-ordered my Pentax Optio W30 and an 8 Gig SDHC card.
The one major down-side is that it uses QuickTime Motion JPEG for video. I hope that doesn’t turn out to be too much of an inconvenience.
March 18th, 2007 at 5:55 am
How are you finding it?
I just ordered one as well mainly for use when snorkelling. I’ve been pretty happy with the Sony DSC-L1 as my “always in my pocket” camera.
May 27th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
I, too, am curious as to your experience(s) with the W40 as your go-to pocket camera. After two months and ### pictures, what do you think? Would you buy it again?
May 28th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
I’m not very happy with the W30. Compared with the Sony DSC-T1 it replaced (several years older than the W30), the W30′s pictures in general are significantly blurrier (the W30 is 7 megapixel, but I captured more detail on the 5 megapixel DSC-T1), it takes longer to power on, and auto-focus is extremely slow. Also, video is saved in proprietary Quicktime format.
A week or so ago, my W30 developed a problem where there are several light vertical stripes on the left side of the LCD obscuring part of the frame. I suspect this issue will be covered by warranty, but I’m not looking forward to that hassle.
I would not buy another Pentax Optio W30. In fact, I’m looking for a replacement.