14Dec/095
Pentax Optio WS80 10MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Internal Optical Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD
- 10.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 19-inch prints
- Waterproof performance allows underwater photography up to five feet
- 5x optical zoom; Intelligent Zoom function extends the zoom range up to approximately 28.5x
- Widescreen HD movie recording at 30fps
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Product Description
The water and dustproof Optio WS80 is a perfect choice for families, travel, and outdoor activities. Featuring a 10 megapixel CCD and a 5X internal optical zoom housed in a slim, palm-sized body that is less than an inch thick, the Optio WS80 has a large 2.7 inch LCD with 230,000 dot resolution for easy composition. Capture images up to five feet underwater or shoot HD video up to 720p at a full-speed 30 frames per second. Available in bold, fun colors, the WS80 features Fast Face Detection, Smile Capture, Shake Reduction, and an Auto Picture for more beautiful images in any setting.
Pentax Optio WS80 10MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Internal Optical Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD
December 14th, 2009 - 14:03
The most critical part of the camera, its picture quality, was not up to my expectations. The pictures that I took up close (a few feet away) came out pretty well. However, when I tried to take pictures of a group of people from about 10 feet away, nothing I did could get them to come out clear. They were all blurry to some degree. I had seen a similar review to this on a different waterproof camera model from Pentax, but I was hoping this one would be different. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case in my experience, so I’m sending it back.
Rating: 1 / 5
December 14th, 2009 - 16:37
This was my third ultra compact from Pentax. I have owned the Optio s4 and the Optio s7 prior to this camera. I really liked all the features this one offered, it has many more great features that the s7 does not, unfortunately the picture quality is just not up to par. There was far too much noise and grain even in good light conditions. The s7 has much better picture quality. Unfortunately the auto focus lag time on the s7 was terrible. This one focused much more quickly. Auto focus lag time is something I can work with, poor picture quality is not. I really wanted this one to work out, but after just a few days of testing, I will be returning this camera, which is really too bad, it should have been great for the upcoming vacation to Mexico.
Rating: 2 / 5
December 14th, 2009 - 16:40
I’ve had this camera a couple weeks and I finally got outside to take some pictures. Overall, for the price of the camera it takes OK pictures. If I wanted great quality pictures I would have bought a more expensive waterproof camera. I did however, buy this camera because it is waterproof. I did not buy it for the intent of snorkling but it will be exposed at some point to rapids, snow, and rain. After these entounters and no problems I will gladly raise this review to a five.
Camera is very easy to use. Takes nice pictures although on some pictures it looks a little blury in the background. When the shutter is pressed I experienced no delay even indoors. It was very easy to download pics to computer.
Overall, I would recommend this camera to anyone that wants a nice easy to use waterproof camera and is not to fussy about perfect pictures everytime. Camera is a good value at $169 w/free shipping. I’ll update as I use this under different conditions.
Rating: 4 / 5
December 14th, 2009 - 18:47
Since I just started using the camera, I have not yet utilized it to its fullest capacity, but so far I am very pleased. I like the fact that the camera is water proof so I do not have to worry about using it around water. Also, I like the feature that the zoom lens is encased so the lens does not constantly extend then compact every time you turn it on/off. The 5X optical lens is very sharp and even the digital zoom is quite sharp. Although the manual is thicker than the camera, it comes with a quick guide to let you start taking pictures quickly. I can always read the manual on an as-need basis if necessary.
I have owned a Pentax camera before (Optio S sub-compact)and really liked it also. However, this camera is much easier to use and produces very sharp photos. For a little over $200, very well worth the price!
JC
Rating: 5 / 5
December 14th, 2009 - 19:42
I ordered this camera to use during water activties on a caribbean cruise. I used it the weekend before on dry land and thought it did a great job – especially shooting “Wide screen” video.
We left for our cruise and took the Pentax on our first beach day. Used it snorkeling (note I stay on the surface and never dive down so the camera would never be more than 3 feet submerged) and took fabulous underwater photos and video. I was very pleased.
When we returned to our cabin, some hours after leaving the water, I took out the battery and put it in the charger and also downloaded the photos & video into my computer. Next morning, however, I took the battery out of the charger and noticed the contacts were all corroded. Looked inside the camera and the same thing.
I managed to get it working and it took photos one more day. Drained the battery during another water-filled day. I could never get the battery to charge again. Sadly, I had no waterproof camera to use during the two remaining water fun days.
Returned the camera to Amazon and will be shopping for something similar but more “Waterproof!”
Rating: 2 / 5