Pentax Waterproof Camera: Does the Pentax Waterproof Camera Deliver Value?

If you're looking to buy a waterproof camera I suggest you don't look beyond the Pentax Waterproof Camera.

Why? Because this camera satisfies on all the counts I consider crucial to making a buying decision.

For starters, it helps to know that Pentax is the world leader in the manufacture of waterproof cameras.

Pentax does not restrict itself to waterproff cameras, and also has a DSLR series. This is targeted at those who are not newcomers to photography. The K110D model among Pentax DSLR cameras is worth looking at. Similar to the Optio M20, this also has a 2.5 inch LCD screen. Contrastingly, this is a 6.1 mega pixel camera. The Optio M20 needs two AA size batteries, while the K110D needs four. Alternatively, it also works on two CR-V3 lithium batteries. This is recommended for people keen on action photography, as it can capture 2.8 frames a second.

The K110D is a sleek and light model, and with its steel-and-black profile, it's a good lifestyle product for those who like adventure vacations.

In this article we will concentrate on the Optio W30, the latest waterproof camera launched by the company.

Japanese Industry Standard (JIS) Waterproof Standard 8 and JIS Dustproof Standard 5: these are two international quality standards that the Optio W30 complies. The camera can be used continuously for up to 2 hours, at up to 10 feet of depth.

The camera has a rugged look about it, with its aluminum alloy body. The design is sleek, with the camera shaped like a soap-box. The silver, grey, and chrome profile is pleasing to the eye.

This camera is very portable and fits snugly in an adult hand. It weighs only 5.6 ounces. The sealing is excellent, with covers for the DC and the USB/AV jacks at the bottom. Rubber gaskets protect the battery and storage card compartment.

Though a digicam with a waterproof casing allows you to go to greater depths, it has its disadvantages. Usually, such a camera is much heavier, thanks to the casing, which makes it harder to handle. There is less fear of the Optio W30 or any other Pentax Waterproof Camera slipping from your hands, as it comes with a wrist strap.

Great image quality is assured as this 7.1 MP camera has an internalized optical 3X zoom lens. Also, it has a Digital Shake Reduction mode that enables it to take blur-free photos at high ISO of 3200. Underwater movie quality is good, too.

Some great features of this camera include a large 2.5-inch LCD display, Auto Mode, Movie Mode, Synchro Sound Record Mode, 22 MB memory, Digital Shake Reduction, Movie Shake Reduction, Drive/ Burst Mode, Playback Mode, Manual Control options, protective covers and doors with spring-loaded latches that secure automatically etc. It also has good shutter speed. In the movie mode, the internal memory size allows continuous shooting up to 20 seconds.

My only complaint: the aperture range is narrow, reducing one's options for landscape photos. But the moderate price combined with large number of positives make this camera a winner.