Pentax W60 likes it wet

Pentax's new waterproof Optio W60.

(Credit: Pentax)

Pentax has been making waterproof compact digital cameras for years now. While they used to have a strange square shape, the new Optio W60 could easily be mistaken for any compact camera. It includes a 10-megapixel sensor and a 5x optical zoom lens that covers an equivalent of 28-140mm. The wide 28mm end of that lens will come in especially handy when shooting underwater. Since you can use the camera down to 13 feet underwater for up to 2 hours, you can even take it snorkling with you. Interestingly, the camera's waterproof seals also make it dust- and sandproof, so it makes a very nice beach camera. This rough-and-tumble snapper can also function in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (aka -10 degrees Celsius), so it's also a good choice for skiing.

Don't think that Pentax forgot the features just because it's rugged. The W60 can also shoot video at up to 1,280x720-pixel resolution, and includes face detection and smile capture to make portraits easier, sensitivity of up to ISO 6,400, a 2.5-inch LCD, and a super macro mode that can focus as close as 1cm away from your subject. Pentax will offer the camera in silver and blue finishes and expects the Optio W60 to hit stores in July for about $330.

[Skorpii]

Olympus as a better camera then this with same 'specs'....model is ' Stylus1030sw '

[carguy622]

Yes, but the Olympus does not have the wide angle lens, which is a nice feature. None of them have Optical Image Stabilization though, which is even nicer.

[CALSGR8]

Yes, The Olympus 850 has image stabilization but not mechanical stabilization

[dandycat]

Skorpi, how do you know "Olympus as (sic) a better camera then this..." ? This camera isn't even available yet. Have you actually used this camera?

[Mattock]

"Since you can use the camera down to 13 feet underwater for up to 2 hours, you can even take it scuba diving with you" - What kind of scuba diving do you only go down to 13 feet?

[markb1967]

Gee, a whole 13 feet, and I can use it for Scuba diving? Wow, hate to see what would happen if I accidently went scuba diving 14 feet?

[Phil Ryan]

My bad- I changed it to snorkling, which is really what I intended to say in the first place.

[ev61]

the 1030sw can take pictures up to 33 feet. That makes it a better underwater camera.

[nexgen03]

I've been looking at both these cameras (w60 & 1030sw) in detail. The Pentax would be my choice for waterpoof cam because of the super macro feature, wide angle lense, the HD recording and that it uses SDHC cards for less money then the Olympus. If your going deeper then 13ft the Olympus would be your better choice. The olypus is also crushproof up to 220lbs so it might be a little more ruged for mountain climbing. Other then that they are pretty similar.

I Just placed my order for the Pentax w60 for my vacation pics. Cheers!!

[themonk1]

i think the fighting is funny the pentax w20 i have has some good features the itruval shooting and super macro and i sat on mine on a rock it put a little dent put was unscaved but if i took it in water other than splash it got wet was glad i got the warenty from inklies