Posted to Digital Cameras 2010-02-22
The Pentax Optio WS80 is a new 10 megapixel waterproof point-and-shoot camera from Pentax. It allows underwater photography to a depth of 5 feet. The camera is also dustproof, and can be rinsed with water if it becomes covered in dirt or dust. Other features include a 5X optical zoom lens, HD video recording at 30fps and digital image stabilization with 3 modes of operation. The Optio WS80 has a zoom range of 35-175mm (35mm equivalent), advanced Automatic Face Detection technology with smile capture and blink detection and memory storage of images on SD/SDHC cards. It features a large 2.7 inch LCD monitor, a high-speed 9-point autofocus system with subject tracking and a variety of digital filters which can be applied to images. The camera also has a Digital Wide function, which creates a wide, panoramic image from two images. It is housed in a slim palm-sized body that is less than 1 inch thick.
QualityThe Optio WS80 gets high marks for quality due to its rugged construction. It strikes a balance between a regular point-and-shoot camera and a fully ruggedized model by being waterproof and dustproof. This takes care of two of a camera's worst enemies. While the camera may not operate properly in freezing conditions, it will certainly survive them. The ability to rinse the camera off if it becomes dirty is a big plus. And the underwater operation to 5 feet, coupled with the HD movie mode, makes this the perfect camera for snorkeling at shallow depths. ValueThe Optio WS80 represents an excellent value in a waterproof and dustproof camera at its street price. Several manufacturers offer fully ruggedized cameras (crushproof, drop-proof and freezeproof), but you will pay for the difference. If you just need a good point-and-shoot camera that you can use in most weather conditions, and can survive a day at the beach, the Optio WS80 is hard to beat. And Pentax didn't scrimp on other features to achieve the rugged construction. One drawback is that Pentax did not include an HDMI port for viewing HD videos on your HDTV - you'll have to transfer them to your PC first. SummaryOverall, the Optio WS80 is an excellent camera. At this price, and with its features, even if you don't need a camera for underwater use, it makes an excellent choice in a general purpose point-and-shoot camera. You won't have to worry about the elements taking their toll on it. And the HD movie mode is a big plus at this price. All in all an excellent offering from Pentax. Pros
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