Pentax Optio 430RS 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Rating:
Summary: Why I chose 430RS
Review: OK, I went through a long long process to find a camera. I previously owned a Nikon 995 (which was GREAT, but lost in France) and know all the advantages of semi-professional cameras. But I also know size is a big factor, meaning no matter how great looking the pix are, it ain't matter if you are not carrying the camera around cuz it is too big. So I basically went with the smallest camera that has got 4MP and has got many manual funtions, and I arrived at Pentax 430RS. This camera is really small (just a tad bigger than Elph 200) but still totally pocketable. Before I bought it, I went to the store and put it in my pocket to see if it really is pocketable, and it sure was. I now carry it around like my cell phone. 430RS has got many manual funtions which can make your pix look super good, and let's not forget the 3x optical zoom and decent battery life for such compact camera. Let's face it, this camera is not gonna be Canon G2, but for the size and what you usually need it for, is pretty good. I kinda think and actually have read here and there that Casio makes this and Casio QV R4, which are identical except the memory type, kinda slicker but I saved $40-$50 by going with Pentax and I got to use my CF and CF PCMCIA Adapter which I love, don't have to carry around the USB cable anymore. And speaking of CF, make sure to get 256MB, don't waste your time with 128 cuz at the highest resolution you can't take more than 60 pix, remember this is a 4MP camera.
Bottomline, it takes good pix and it is SMALL. If that is what you are looking for, 430RS is yours.

Rating:
Summary: Good form factor and picture quality
Review: The Optio takes true 4MP pictures, which are good for enlarged prints. The image quality is good, with decent colors and slightly soft edges. (I personally don't like sharp edges anyway.) The form factor makes it easy to hold, and the 3X optical zoom is fast and accurate. You can use either the LCD viewfinder or the optical viewfinder, the latter saving you considerable battery life. A solid product that I think you'll like. Do look around for the best price.

Rating:
Summary: Good form factor and picture quality
Review: The Optio takes true 4MP pictures, which are good for enlarged prints. The image quality is good, with decent colors and slightly soft edges. (I personally don't like sharp edges anyway.) The form factor makes it easy to hold, and the 3X optical zoom is fast and accurate. You can use either the LCD viewfinder or the optical viewfinder, the latter saving you considerable battery life. A solid product that I think you'll like. Do look around for the best price.

Rating:
Summary: This is just too cool!
Review: The reviews and specs do not give this camera justice. My favorite feature so far is the digital filter mode. You select the filter feature, and can take pictures in black and white, and use the following filters also: sepia, blue, red, yellow violet, and green. There is also a slim filter, where you can elongate vertically or horizontally.
In addition to the automatic mode, where you can zoom and the camera sets everything else, there is also a manual mode you can shoot in. For those of us who enjoy manual photography but don't want to pay the price for a super expensive manual digital camera, here is a good in between. You can set the shutter speed and aperture using the controls.
You can also do continuous shooting and a night-mode is also on this camera.
The 3-D feature is neat; the camera comes with a separate 3-D viewer. I am still figuring that one out.
The mini-movie (30 seconds long, no audio) is neat. It's good for when there is lots going on at once visually (no flash; need good lighting).
The zoom works quite well, also.
All in all, I love this camera and would highly recommend it.
I have Windows XP, and have had no problems. The only Windows software that the software is not compatible with is Windows 95. It comes with ACDSee, a photo editing software. I have Roxio's Photosuite 4 Platinum, and am able to edit my pictures no problem!

Rating:
Summary: Worst 4MP digicam ever!!!
Review: This camera may have 4 MP resolution but it has low definition and is one of the noisiest cameras I have ever seen. My old 2MP coolpix 950 looks much better. Exchanged it for the 3.2MP Canon Powershot A70 today.

Cool looks can be misleading...