Pentax Optio w-series

[Curtis Martin]

I have only read good reviews of the Pentax Optio waterproof cameras. I know some people on other forums have liked the w-10, w-20 and the newer w-30. I have seen macro shots of flys on the vise that looked real good as well.

With the upcoming release of the w-60, the w-30's have dropped about $100 in price. I have tried everywhere I know to get a w-60 today, but they are only available in Japan. My w-60 is on the way and I can't wait. Here is the link for the w-60: http://www.h20camera.com/camera/w60

Anybody on here have any experience with the Pentax Optio's?

Curtis

[Steve Wright]

I have had the Optio WPi for 2 1/2  yrs. No problems & takes great pictures ....from extremely cold to hot humid conditions.

[grumpy]

i'd be happy if someone gave me a w-30

Grumpy

[reddog]

I have the 43WR and love it. Great to not worry about getting it wet. Takes great photos

[TWiles]

I have the Optio 10 and I bought Crystal the Optio 30...We both LOVE our cameras! 
From underwater shots to good grip and grin shots, it's the best option I've found for a care free camera that clips off the side of your fishing pack or vest.  It's so easy to grab at a moments notice that you barely ever miss an opportunity for a good shot.
You'll definitely notice resolution differences compared to some of our more talented, technical photographers.  Macro is OK in Flower mode, low light options are weak...but for the most part, no complaints.

I have a buddy who has even used the underwater video function to chase down fish while snorkeling.  There are plenty of capabilites.

[Mike Hill]

I think Amazon has the W-60 and shipping.   Just be sure you follow the warnings, rules, whatever you want to call them.  w-10 is good to 10 feet while the new w-60 is good to 13 feet for 2 hours.   I would not exceed that for any reason - customer service is not particularly that good and it seems that it will be assumed you did not follow the directions.  I believer there has also been a number of failures because the cameras were opened while still wet or dirty.  There is also a decent chance you will receive a unit that fails upon the first contact with water - with no way of checking it out ahead of time.  All in all it sounds like a pretty good choice for people to take on the river for taking pics. 

This new genre of cameras has several manufacturers and also includes one video camera.  They seem to be fun carefree cameras, but they are not actually.  Care has to be taken - and they have limitations that need to be obeyed.  But then even the best underwater cameras do. I looked at them all, held a few in my hands, but opted for a better camera in a housing.  It is still a non-dslr point and shoot though.  I'm not sure I will ever scuba - I hope to, but if I do, I would not want to have to buy another camera if I do (because of the depth restrictions)  Years ago I wanted a Nikonos, but could not justify the expense, so I took a bombproof manual camera into harsh conditions - still couldn't put it underwater though.  While shopping I thought about the Nikonos again, but wanted digital and wanted something smaller.   Ended up with something that is just a little smaller (definitely can't put in shirt pocket), is digital, takes great pics, even underwater, and has the capability of shooting HD videoes.  The housing is good to 130' depth.  Better peace of mind, plus I can test it everytime before I put the camera in, and if there is a slight leak, there is a chance the water does not get into the camera.   

[ALflygirl]

I am looking at the Optio as well as the Olympus Stylus waterproof.  Anybody know about the Olympus?

[adamtn]

the olympus is great and takes some nice macros. I have the 850sw and love it. It has some nice features and takes good point and shoot photos. The stonefly macros i took were with that camera.

[RonS]

Somebody post about prices. Where can a shopper find the best deals? I see the W60 on Amazon for $329.00 with free shipping.

Anybody ever heard of Everyprice?? Check this out--Is there a catch? Same camera as low as $235.00?? Sounds a little fishy.. Any experience? Any way to check the site out?

http://www.everyprice.com/item.asp?item_Id=230162&partner=g123&keyword=pentax_w60&gclid=CP39utG7vZQCFSaiiQodpmq-Sw

EDIT: I just called both of those retailers listed at the everyprice dot com site.  Though their individual websites say they have the camers in stock, the telephone sales reps at both places told me they were out of stock and it would  be approximately 2 weeks before they receive their next shipments.

I'm thinking maybe they are playing a shell game.

Just thought of another question--I don't see information on what size memory card comes with the w60. Curtis-do you know? Surely it comes with one, though it may be small!!

[Curtis Martin]

Ron,

The internal memory is 36.4 MB. It has a slot for the SD card, but unfortunately does not come with one. I ordered an 8GB SD card for mine.

If the camera can be bought for a little over $200, then I feel robbed

I really like the idea of a waterproof camera for the just in case it gets wet factor. If I was going to scuba or shoot primarily underwater video, then I would definitely get the waterproof submersible bag. The lens on this Pentax doesn't extend past the body like some point and shoots, therefore  "bagging" the phone for underwater is a no brainer.

Thanks for everyone's interest in the Product Review Board!

Curtis

EDIT: Here is the link to the specs http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/product_specs/digital_camera--Optio_W60/reqID--10524531/subsection--null

[RonS]

Thanks, Curtis!

[Mike Hill]

Olympus is near the same as the Pentax.  Good point and shoots, that are more rugged than all other point and shoots.  Just have to take care to follow directions pretty good or you might have a problem.  In doing my research, it seemed that most kayakers and outdoors people, seem to like the Pentax a little better.  On the good side, the Olympus cameras are rated to 30 foot depth, but the bad side they use the xD cards - not as many options, not as easy or as cheap to find as the SD or CF cards.  Plus, supposedly few if any computers read the xD cards directly - you would need a card reader if you don't want to hook the camera directly to the computer.

Ron, doubt if it comes with a memory card unless you buy a kit that includes one.  It however probably has a small amount of onboard memory.  Enough to do a few jpegs.  Ron, watch out for some of those places with prices much less than more legitimate ones.  Many times, those places consider batteries, and chargers, etc... as options and charge extra for them.  And then there is the gray market.  Not too sure there is much gray market problem in the point and shoots though.  Gray market the equipment is basically the same, but was ordered and sold by non-USA companies, therefore, they have not US warranties and the US repair centers will not repair without payment from you.

[bd]

I am looking at the Optio as well as the Olympus Stylus waterproof.  Anybody know about the Olympus?

I've got the Olympus.  Great, easy-to-use fishing camera.

bd

[troutwag]

I have the w30, it takes some really nice pictures, it can stumble in low light though.  I think it trys to keep the shutter open rather than flash on occasion, so in low light I pretty much turn on the flash.
low light
Good light
Gratuitous fish pic!
The only time I have had it stumble has been low light and once in really cold water, it took one pic, but would not take another.
Good otherwise.  With the new memory cards you can put an awesome number of pics on one card.
Best,
John

[Rockyraccoon]

I love my W-30 for all the reasons mentioned.

However, I'd like to mention that the W-30 model (and maybe the other pentax W models too) has an issue with the lens that needs to be considered while using and storing the camera. The lens cover is in a position that will allow fingerprints or other debri to smudge on it. It's exposed so make sure you check for fingerprint smudges before you snap that "grip -n- grin".