Pentax Optio W10

Comparisons
Olympus Stylus 720 SW - Olympus calls the 720 SW shock-resistant as well as waterproof, and marketing staff at the Photo Marketing Association trade show were dropping them on the floor left and right to prove the point. The Optio W10 is no tougher or more waterproof than the Stylus 720 SW, and at 6 megapixels, it has less resolution. The cameras' lenses are comparable as well. The Olympus lists for $100 more and, when reviewing it, we were disappointed in its image quality, and the fact that not all of the picture modes were availble at full resolution. The Optio W10 has a simpler, more straightforward interface.


Pentax Optio S55 - For much less than $200 online, the Optio S55 offers similar specs to the Optio W10, without waterproofing. The S55 is nowhere near as durable or as convenient to carry – it's squatter and, without the dust seals, needs much more protection. The S55 is a 5.36-megapixel camera, pretty close to the W10's 6-megapixel rating. Both cameras are very simple to use.



Value (7.25)
The Optio W10 is a very durable, simple camera for just under a $300 list price. Though its 3x zoom and 6-megapixel resolution are far from cutting edge, they are what many snapshooters are used to. Its resolution, at least, is fine for small snapshots. The zoom is as long as that on Olympus's 720SW, a competing waterproof camera. Unless one shoots in extremely clear water, a longer telephoto won't be much use underwater. It's likely that the constraints of such compact bodies and waterproofing would make it difficult to go longer.

We expect that most W10 users will take most of their pictures above the water's surface, but in situations where a camera is likely to get wet or dirty. In that case, $299.95 is a competitive price to pay for a camera that can survive rough or careless treatment.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - Point and shooters have a lot to like about the Optio W10. It's simple, tough, and stylish. It's small enough to take everywhere, with attractive and un-intimidating looks.

Budget Consumers - At about $300, the Optio W10 is an inexpensive option for underwater photography but not as a general compact camera. Users who can accept a less durable alternative can get similar dry-land capability for less than $200.

Gadget Freaks - Waterproofing might appeal to the gadget freak.

Manual Control Freaks - The Optio W10 lacks the most basic manual controls, and the few that it has are not all that convenient to use. Though manual controls are most common on advanced cameras, many compacts have better manual capability than the W10.

Pros/Serious Amateurs - The pros and serious types who buy the W10 will be those looking for a rugged, waterproof camera for situations that are too hostile for more sophisticated equipment. The quality hit will be obvious, though.