Amazon.com Review
Packed with a host of features including an optical and digital zoom, swiveling LCD monitor and a plethora of pre-programmed picture modes, the Pentax's Optio 33L has it all.
Offering a 3x optical and a 2.7 digital zoom all in a camera that resembles a standard 35mm compact the first question you're likely to ask is where is the LCD display and optical viewfinder? The later has been disregarded just like latest cameras from Nikon. The monitor however, can be raised through 180 degrees and rotated horizontally through 180 degrees. This not only allows you to protect the screen from scratches as it hides it away - a very good idea - but it also allows you benefit from still being able to see the screen if you are holding the camera above a crowd at a gig or sporting event.
Powered by two standard AA batteries, the camera weighs 230g (with batteries) giving it a sturdy feel and it sits comfortable in the hand. The zoom capabilities give it 38 - 114mm equivalent to 35mm standards with a f-stop range of 2.6 - 5.0.
On the inside, the camera offers plenty to the aspiring photographer with eight picture modes (Picture scene mode, Program, Night Scene, Movie, 3D image, Auto bracket, Digital filter, and Panorama assist) plus a manual focus option. Further searching within the camera's simple to use menu system, you'll also find a live histogram option (not normally found on entry level cameras) and the ability to change shutter speed, aperture settings, white balance and flash settings on a whim.
The 33L copes admirably with greens and multiple focus points. Even on the auto focus setting, pictures were impressive, holding plenty of detail and producing low amounts of noise. The four images size options (2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480) give plenty of choice for both picture quality and memory usage. Using the digital zoom on its highest setting produced images that were affected by noise, making this the only downside to the cameras performance.
This is a great entry level camera that offers users slightly more than they might need from a camera in its category.--Jason Denwood, Amazon.co.uk
Product Description
Optio 33L is a small, smart, full-featured 3.2 effective megapixel digital camera with a versatile, bright, 1.5 inch LCD monitor that both swings up and rotates a full 180 degrees. The Optio 33L is a perfect digital camera choice for self-portraits, group shots and high or low angle photography.The Optio 33L offers a variety of exciting features including unique picture and shooting modes. The Optio 33L illustration mode gives images a unique animated appeal while the digital filter mode provides effects similar to conventional filters. Just select from black and white and sepia shooting as well as different colors (red, green, and blue). An additional function allows shots in black and white, with an option to highlight areas in the image that match your choice of color from a selection of red, green, and blue.
Please note the picture & info above were obtained from a supplier website and does not reflect the actual condition of the camera!
The camera works well, but plastic bracket the lcd screen clipped in,is off and needs replacement/fixing. you can use the camera this way, since it works fine.
Condition is fair, since it shows handling and worn marks!
It takes penlight batteries and comes with a compact flash card!
Happy bidding and buying!
