Pentax Optio WS80 10MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Internal Optical Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Wh

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!"

Just got it today and here's my 2 cents' worth. It's cheap, , a cheaper version of Pentax W80. So please have realistic expectations. Yes, I've read the reviews before I bought it(see ). Other sites haven't bothered to review it. The noise and image quality issue is well known, as panned by the reviewers herein. The picture is too soft, too dull. But it fits my strategy. I need an inexpensive splash-proof camera for use while sailing. Getting any picture is better than getting no picture. For better quality shots, I can use a Panasonic TZ5 in a Dicapac waterproof pouch and look real dorky. Near future replacement for the TZ5 for me could be the Sony HX5 or the Panasonic ZS5. For dry conditions, I have a Sony A200 and A300 DSLR at my disposal.

I also have a Pentax Optio W10, bought in 2006. After taking a few comparison shots with these two Pentax cameras, I can confirm that the WS80 is noisier than the W10 at the same ISO 400, but the WS80 still has more resolution, less pixelated than the W10. The extra 4 MP help. The WS80 is also better in some other ways 5x zoom, cost, 720 movie, and kinda IS? One ergonomic problem I have with the WS80 is that I find it hard to fully depress the shutter button without causing some camera movement. My tweaks on the camera setting: set ISO at 200; crank up the sharpness and contrast in the P mode and do more post editing and add still more contrast. There's a little too much yellow, esp on grass.

If you want something more rugged with better image quality, then spend more money, ~$200+ more for a Panasonic TX1, TX2, Sony TX5 or Pentax W90. (Sorry, Canon looks too toyish and bulky.) For me this is cheap insurance against water damage to the DSLRs. Sailing pictures taken in brighter lights this summer may turn out OK then. Happy shooting!

Buy Pentax Optio WS80 10MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Internal Optical Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Wh Now

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.

Read Best Reviews of Pentax Optio WS80 10MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Internal Optical Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Wh Here

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.

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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