Pentax ZX-30 / MZ-30

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.08 of 5,
12 votes

Price Paid:  $250.00 from Used at Thompson's P

Summary:
I love this camera. This camera was introduced to me as a great begining camera that I would have a hard time outgrowing and it has proven true. Through book after book that I read, this camera has kept up with each trick and skill that I want to improve and work on. It has the right buttons to make it dummy proof and all the features to make it a competitive camera. I plan to stay with it until I feel that I need to move up and then I will continue to keep it in my bag for backup or for a different film type. This camera has made me a lifetime Pentax user.

Strengths:
Dummy-proof modes Features for advanced photography Lightweight, but sturdy Always ready to go Reliable Pictures always perfect (if I don't screw them up)

Weaknesses:
Needs the 2 extra sensors that the brother Zx-7 has when using long lenses, but TTL flash has remedied with stronger signal (still like better than ZX-7)

Similar Products Used:
ZX-7 Cannon Elan

Customer Service:
Great but not needed for the camera, I just wanted a Pentax shirt to show my Pentax Pride

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Price Paid:  $300.00 from Singapore

Summary:
this is a camera that has almost everything you need...be it outdoors or indoors...good value for your money...comes with an all-around 35-80mm lens on purchase...no problems so far...power efficient...no battery change even after 40 rolls (use the flash sparingly)...consistent pictures everytime even under extreme conditions (poor lighting, fast-moving subject)...lightweight, easy to carry around in a backpack...doesn't need a lot of space...rugged design...a good second camera for the professional.

Strengths:
lightweight...good value...picture modes are great...consistent shots...accurate settings...easy to operate...rugged...power efficient...a good all-around camera for beginner to experienced amateurs

Weaknesses:
body paint easily scratched but very rugged (aesthetic concerns)...watch out for camera shake since this is very lightweight...small grip for big palms

Similar Products Used:
nikon fe, canon sureshot,

Customer Service:
never needed their help so far

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
4.33 of 5,
3 votes

Price Paid:  $400.00 from Conselheiro Crispini

Summary:
I bought this camera because I was going to buy the new MZ-60 but I found a lot of disadvantages in that camera. This one has more features and a similar price. Plus, it came with a 28-90mm Pentax lens.

Strengths:
- Easy to use. - Good features.

Weaknesses:
- No DOF. - Can´t use an old lens that don´t have automatic functions.

Similar Products Used:
Pentax ME Super

Customer Service:
Never used.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
2.11 of 5,
9 votes

Price Paid:  $314.00 from Ritz Camera Boston

Summary:
I like how it can set the lighting and aperature itself- I can't say I miss doing it manually. I know I should. i also like that it has flash, my manual didn't, so all my pictures were outdoors.

Strengths:
Does what I want it to

Weaknesses:
How it flashes in the dark to focus. Hurts peoples eyes.

Similar Products Used:
Vivitar Manual

Customer Service:
Very Boston.

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
2 votes

Price Paid:  $270.00

Summary:
This camera is perfect for beginners as well as ameteurs. I originally considered the equally good-value-for-money Pentax MZ-50, but opted for the MZ-30 for its multiple exposure and auto-flash capability. Having used the trusty Ricoh beforehand, the move up to an autofocus SLR was logical. If one wants something simple as a frame and shoot without playing with controls, but still would like a little extra to experiment with (without being too complicated), then go for this camera. One gets what one pays for, and for the price I paid, it was fantastic value. The sliding manual/auto focus selector is much better than those dial types found on other brands (less fiddly!). The standard of construction and design is therefore a credit to Pentax. The focusing speed is good, although its predecessor MZ-50 feels slightly faster. Overall, highly recommended!

Strengths:
Ease of use
Program modes
Solid feel
Great value for money

Weaknesses:
Focusing may "hunt"
No cable release

Similar Products Used:
Nikon N80
Ricoh Kr-10 Super

Customer Service:
Haven't the need so far.