Comments on: Pentax Optio WS80 10MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Internal Optical Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD

By: Mike W

Mike W — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 07:26:16 +0000

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

By: Robert Migliore

Robert Migliore — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:43:18 +0000

Bought this as a gift to replace a 3-4yr old Canon S70 digital camera, which took very good pictures, but was a bit bulky to put in your pocket (not to mention the battery was old and only did 30s of 640×480 video). I considered other small models by Canon, Sony, Olympus, Pentax and even Fuji. This one was waterproof (at least splashproof) and did 720p video at 30fps. The waterproof Pentax W60 lacked 720p/30fps and the W80 had poor image quality since bumping the sensor to 12MP. I thought this camera might have been the best of both worlds. It is nice and small. The picture quality is so terrible, I’m sending this back to Amazon ASAP. I tried changing the ISO to 100, made sure I was in the highest quality mode. But, no luck. I’m embarrassed to have given this to my wife. I would buy any of the Canon SD models, but I think we are going to stick with the old one and my 40D DSLR for now.
Rating: 1 / 5

By: John Gello

John Gello — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:35:03 +0000

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

By: Charles Confar

Charles Confar — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 03:14:17 +0000

Easy to use water proof camera you’ll want to take to any water activity. All functions are simple and user friendly. The large picture viewing screen is extra good for older eyes with no glasses. You will not find better for the money. Old NC surfer.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Startrain

Startrain — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:37:31 +0000

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