Home > Consumer Reviews > Pentax Optio WP Water Proof Digital Camera [5Mp, 3x Optical]

I recently found this camera in a copy of a 'lads mag.' It sounded perfect for my upcoming canoe trip to Canada. Once bought for a very resonable price from Amazon, I was anxious and wary to try it out in water. Firstly I took sme photos whilst running it under a tap. Everything was fine. Next I tryed in my outdoor pond. Once the 'Underwater' setting was turned on, the pictures were incredibly clear on the very good 2" screen.

This really is a cracking little camera. Stylish and practical at a very good Amazon price. The only problem is not the battery life (which is excellent) but is the internal 10MB memory supplyed. For good quality photos, it will hold 6 I found. So I have ordered a Viking SD 512MB card from Amazon (£25) which should give me about 150 good quality pictures. Also i recommend investing in Adobe Photoshop as the software provided is not top quality.

All in all this is a bobby dazzler of a camera.

I study environmental science and often find myself taking pictures at beautiful locations, but certain conditions sometimes limit me from shooting. When I saw the adverts for this camera, I thought 'I have finally found a digital camera worth buying'. Finally, a camera that I can take out in the wind, rain and snow. It won't matter if I'm knee deep in mud, or standing in the middle of a river. But a few things struck me once I'd got over that initial period of amazement.

One of the problems with this camera is the lack of lens cap. Considering it's aimed at people like myself who will want to use the camera in all conditions, it would have been sensible to include some sort of lens protection. Also, I think the body should have some sort of rubber casing to protect it if dropped.

Apart from these gripes I think this is a great camera and it's pretty good value for money. I'd like to see all cameras going in this direction and I'd like to see pentax bring out another model in future, complete with lens cap and rubber outer body.

Being new to the world of digital cameras meant that the process of buying my camera was long winded. In the end I decided to go for the Optio WP with the waterproof feature being the selling point for me.

On holiday snorkelling around a coral reef, I decided that it was the appropriate time for me to use the waterproof feature. With my heart racing and ensuring there was no way the camera would fall out my hand to the bottom of the sea, I started to take some photos. They were absolutely incredible and so clear. All worries about the waterproof feature being an exaggeration were out the window.

This camera was definitely a good buy and I can't wait until my next venture taking photos underwater.

I agree with the two above reviews, a lens cap might be nice - but not sure how it would fit on.
I bought my own protective case to stop it being damaged (as badly) if dropped - I bought the John Thursday Crumpler case (I think it was the 70 size but can't remember) as it's made from neoprene (seems to protect divers quite well and won't rot on the beach).
When this camera says it's waterproof you can be confident that it is - mine went through a 40 degree wash in the pocket of my jeans without the battery compartment locked and it's working fine , however, I strongly suggest that you DON'T test this, as the anguish that you will feel when you realise that your camera is IN the washing machine and you can't get it out really isn't worth it (and yours might not survive!)
Top marks to pentax :-)

I purchased this camera via Amazon and haven't been disappointed in the slightest. Initially I was looking for a decent underwater camera for my trip to Mexico (snorkling) but found that the camera in fact takes brilliant pictures in and out of the water. Only negative I would add is that the screen size is now small compared to other models but as underwater pictures go, its a great little camera and great for taking in and out of swimming pools!