Pentax's waterproof Optio WPi reviewed

Steve's Digicams got ahold of Pentax's Optio WPi waterproof shooter and they seem to like the unit, a follow-up to the Optio WP from early last year. Both cameras have a lot in common, most notably their waterproof builds, which allow for around 30 minutes of hanging with the fishes at up to 5 feet underwater. The WPi does add one of those all important megapixels, bringing the count to six, but the 3x optical zoom and 2.0-inch LCD screen are the same old news, which didn't seem to bother the reviewer, who noted that the LCD worked well indoors and out, and the zoom was smooth and low on distortion. Overall the camera gets a thumbs up, especially for its $300 price, since the pictures are decent indoors and out, the camera is comfortable and reasonably fast, and of course since it doesn't mind getting dropped in the drink.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 7th 2007 7:26PM]

Can you really use this camera in salt water without a special protective housing? I'm usually in the water about 45 minutes -- has anybody tried keeping it submerged longer? (Maybe it's just a super-conservative limit to make sure they don't get a lot of returns during the warranty period.)

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 24th 2006 12:17PM]

Does it come w/ a fisheye lens?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 24th 2006 1:27PM]

Have had the WP since July, and it's been really great to me. Goes fly fishing with me constantly, and gets purty fish pictures above and below. I'd like a bit more delay before the digital zoom kicks in, but other than that, I love it. I imagine the WPi will be quite fine...

[JCA Posted Jan 24th 2006 4:04PM]

So I get the fact that you can't take it beneath a certain depth due to increasing water pressures....and 30 feet seems a respectable number. But why the crap is there a time limit on how long you can keep it under water? Do the pictures come out all wrinkled? Please tell me that's why.....it would be a much better reason than saying "Oh we made this sweet ass waterproof camera BUT it will self destruct if you keep our waterproof camera under the water for too long".

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 24th 2006 5:08PM]

kiss my bass!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 24th 2006 6:40PM]

First off I love this camera. It goes with me up to the mountain every weekend for, as good as gets, pictures without the worry of destroying the camera. Upon inspection of the physical construction I'd have to say the 30 minute timelimit is there in case water does eventually seep into the cracks and past the rubber seals.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 24th 2006 11:09PM]

I've had the wpi for about 2 months now, it goes with me EVERYWHERE... one of the most enjoyable features of the camera is "accidentally" dropping it into a pitcher of beer at the pub and seeing everyone's jaws drop in horror - then i laugh at them and take pics of their reactions.

great looking pics, durable, fast, effective & a great party trick ;)