Tell me about this Pentax camera, please...

[3dog2kidmom]

I just ordered DH the Pentax Optio W20 7 Megapixel Digital Camera for Christmas. He hasn't asked for one (still uses those disposables), but I think he would like a small, good quality, easy-to-use camera that he can throw in his pack for hunting and fishing trips. A friend of his had a Pentax waterproof that he admired a couple of years ago, so I am taking a chance that he will like this one.

Since you only have 14 days to return it, though, I would like opinions so I can decide if I'll give it to him before Christmas in case he wants to get something else. Does anyone have this camera? Love it, hate it, or do you have any tips for it?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Groucho]

Not many reviews of the W20 out there, probably because it's so new... at Amazon it has four customer reviews: two 5/5s, one 4/5, and an unhappy 2/5. There's a minireview of the W10/W20 here. A related thread, with a user's first impressions, is here.

Since the W20 is an updated W10, you can look at those reviews for some reference. There's one at Steve's Digicams, one at Trusted Reviews, one at CNet, one at Imaging Resource, one at Digital Camera Review... there are more but those are the first that Google found.

It sounds like it's really best as a specialty camera - if you need a small, underwater camera, it's probably the best. For taking pictures out of the water, it's OK but not great. Possibly some of the issues of the W10 were corrected with the W20, but new models can introduce new issues (usually image noise)... it's hard to say without more professional reviews.

If it's going to be used a lot in environments where it could get wet or dusty, it's probably a good choice. Otherwise, another camera may be a somewhat better choice - but he may be more concerned about protecting it if he's out tromping around in the rain or has a drippy fish in his hand nearby! Only you two can decide if the W20's waterproofing and dustproofing is the best choice for him.

 

[3dog2kidmom]

Thank you for pointing me to the reviews, Groucho. I think the dust/waterproof quality is what makes this so appealing as it may get splashed in the fishing boat or by a dripping wet bird dog

Doubt that we'll be doing much underwater photography, but we are going on a cruise in January so you never know

 

[extreme8]

I have bought the W10 last summer so I had a small Point & Shoot to bring to waterparks and other places I wasn't comfortable hauling a big expensive DSLR.
So far it's been great. Exposure is always right on, colors are good, flash is fine although it does tend toward overexposure, and my kids love taking underwater pictures. When they have friends over I just toss it in the pool and let them have at it.
The only negatives are the lack of optical viewfinder (LCD screen can get washed out in bright sunlight and make framing a shot difficult) and the always present p&s shutter lag.

Here's a shot I wouldn't have gotten with my DSLR!

And it's not half bad on land either. This one was taken while in the pool @ one of the Univerasal resorts.

 

[3dog2kidmom]

Thank you, Extreme8; I think we'll keep it. While it may not be all that he wants in a camera (he has mentioned he wants a digital rebel xt which is not in the budget right now!), I think this will make a good supplement to the Canon S2 I have and someday the DSLR. I hadn't thought about taking pictures of the kids in the pool -- I am really excited now and I think it will be fun at the Polynesian pool and on the beach at Castaway Cay.

 

[extreme8]

It's certainly not fair to compare it to a DSLR like the Rebel, it really is a handy camera to have around.
If you have kids there is no end to the situations where you're not going to want to subject an expensive camera to the elements. After you get over the apprehension and stick this thing under water the first time a lot of new photo opportunities open up.
I even let the kids take it on school field trips and things like that - it's really rugged.
I know I wouldn't have taken any of these pictures with my D200. In fact it wouldn't even have come to the waterpark or pools on any of these days. I'd be too worried about leaving an expensive camera alone on the beach or near my deck chair. With the Optio I just hang it off my wrist and go have fun with the kids.

Typhoon Lagoon;

And a second later....

Universal and our off-site timeshare

Have fun with it -

 

[StrwLady]

Great pictures Extreme8! I always love your shots!

3dog2kingdom, I think your hubby will be thrilled with the camera. Looking at the quality of shots extreme8 got with it, that camera will be head over heals better than the disposable. Hope he loves it!