Pentax launches ultimate rugged W80 digital camera

[johnnydeep2046]

Pentax launches the Optio W80 digital camera that withstands depths of up to 16 feet (5 meters) to protect from rain and spills, as well as allowing full underwater photos & video for up to 2 hours. The shockproof design protects against drops of up to 3.3 feet to protect the camera from hard use and occasional spills. The 12.1 Mp W80 features a 5x internal optical zoom, wide-angle lens (28mm) in a slim one inch body that will be available in Cardinal Red, Azure Blue and Gunmetal Gray. The W80 is available in July for $299.95...

[Csae]

I'd admit to being curious enough to follow up.

If i was ever to buy a p&s, it'd have to be a rugged one that can go underwater definitely.

When the time comes i'll probably start one of those threads with a tiny budget and 10 for image quality, IS, and Low light sports!

[K1W1]

I'm hesitant to use the word troll but that's the only thing that comes to mind with the glowing promotion for a product nobody has actually seen yet by a poster on only their second post.

Sure this new Pentax looks interesting in it's class but "ultimate rugged" is marketing department speak not user speak.

[David Metsky]

Well, his other post was about a camcorder, so maybe he's just not used to these boards yet. Up til now, all "rugged" cameras have compromised image quality, and until I see real reviews I'll assume this one does the same.

[Rhys]

Umm... It's really not very rugged nor very waterproof. The review says:

a SuperProtect coating that helps repel water, grime and finger marks from the len's crystal cover. The chassis is built to handle submersion in water up to 16 feet deep, not to mention extreme cold, dust and drops of one meter or less.

16 feet underwater is pretty worthless. My wristwatch will handle 100 meters under water if the label is to be believed. It might be OK for snorkeling although I believe snorkelers go deeper than just 16 feet. Temperaturewise, it can handle -10 degrees centigrade. Big deal! Can the batteries handle that?

[David Metsky]

The vast majority of users of these cameras aren't SCUBA diving, they're kayaking, swimming, playing at the beach, surfing, etc. Snorklers can easily go below 16 feet but not for extended periods. I've gone down to about 30' and used a disposable underwater film camera that was rated to 10' with no problems. The lighting requirements for real underwater photography pretty much rule out all of these "rugged" cameras.

Cold protection is all marketing anyways - all cameras will work at -10 F. Sure, batteries will drain quickly but that's why you keep a second set warm, next to your body.

But I agree, in the class of rugged cameras this one doesn't stand out.

[Rhys]

I thought the Casio GV-10 was pretty good. I never bought one and they went off the market due to their price.