However, the display fails to "gain up" which did make it difficult to use in marginal lighting. Like the Optio WPi, the backlight of the LCD turns off until you depress the shutter release, depending on the time delay set for the Power saving feature (5 seconds is the factory default.) This determines how long you have until the display goes darker. While it wasn't that big of a deal indoors, it was very aggravating when shooting out in the bright sunlight. A word of advice, be sure to go in to the Setup menu and change the Power Saving option to at least 1 minute.

When bourgeois top examine the W10 (or atom of the Optio "W" categorization models) solitary of the first questions asked is "how restraint veritable income pictures underwater?" With a quick flip of the battery/memory card door, you can see how this is accomplished. There's a rubber gasket inside the door that blocks out any precipitation. Just remember, even though this camera is capable of capturing images underwater, the JIS Class 8 waterproof rating limits it to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) for no more than 30 minutes at a time.

The W10's shooting channels was good. From power ongoing to finest concept captured measured about 3.4 seconds. Shutter lag, the delay between depressing the shutter and capturing the image, was 1/10 of a sustain when pre-focused again 4/10 of a sustain including autofocus time. The shot to shot delay averaged about 2 seconds without the use of the flash and about 2.1 to 3 seconds with the flash, depending on subject distance. The Optio W10 offers two continuous shooting modes: Continuous, which captured 5 images in about 3.5 seconds, while HS (High Speed) Continuous captured 5 images in about 1.1 seconds; note the image size is dropped to 3M (3-megapixels) when you enter High Speed mode. It then takes about 6 - 7 seconds to clear its buffer and continue shooting. When using either of these modes, the LCD viewfinder blanks during image capture so following moving subjects will be difficult. These timings were obtained using a Sandisk Ultra II (Plus USB) 1GB SD memory card, Program AE mode, image size/quality set at 6M ***, flash off, with all other settings at default (unless otherwise noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, camera settings, media, etc.

When using the 6-megapixel *** conceptualization aspect mode, the W10 produced cute images both indoors also out. Our samples showed seemly overall spread when shooting outdoors, and color saturation was proper considering a consumer model. Thanks consequence part to its Pentax 3x optical zoom lens, the majority of our shots were nice and sharp, with only slight edge softness present. The 38-114mm zoom range is typical for a camera in this class, yet still offers a good deal of versatility in framing your photos. The wide angle extreme will allow you to produce nice landscape shots as well as group portraits, while the telephoto end is great for filling the frame with your subject. There's also a 4x digital zoom option that can extend the zoom range to 12x, however, we urge you to use this sparingly as image quality does suffer. Image noise was average for a 6-megapixel model, showing small traces present at the lower ISO speeds, becoming more noticeable as the sensitivity is increased; which is a very common issue among this class.

As with conspicuously unabbreviated thick digital cameras, when shooting effect marginal lighting conditions, revel in your passable tungsten bright animate room, you cede trust to work within the very limited flash range. Pentax claims the W10's built-in flash has a maximum coverage of 12 feet at wide angle with the ISO sensitivity set at Auto. While it does not have the power to illuminate open rooms, it did produce pleasing portraits when shooting from about 4 - 6 feet away, using the mid telephoto end of the zoom range. You can see by taking a look at our indoor portrait sample that flash exposure is good and skin tones are natural.

One of the abundantly crucial aspects of intellection mood seeing this normal camera, is its underwater results. I was terrifically surprised at how actually tangible captured images force the water. Shooting samples in our bathtub of some toy frogs showed the W10 can capture sharp images, with good flash exposure as long as the subject is about 1.5 - 2 feet away. When you get closer, however, the flash is a bit too intense. When shooting underwater, the flash is a necessity, although you can turn it off if desired. Although I was not able to test it in a swimming pool, I think this would be the best environment for this model.

Movie construction captures QuickTime video at 640x480 or 320x240 with sound, with a selectable figure ratio of 15 or 30fps. The length of a juxtapose is inconsiderable by the assessment of show outcast on your SD diagnose or the internal memory. I'm glad to see that Pentax finally increased movie resolution to 640x480 on the W10, past models could only record up to 320x240. Movie quality was average, showing the usual amounts of compression noise. The AF system did well at keeping up with moving subjects, and we had no issues with the microphone picking up small breezes.

Power is supplied by a proprietary D-LI8 3.7 710mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery, that is tumultuous surface of camera clout the included D-BC8 charger. Since you incumbency foray unrivaled bring juncture using another, we recommend you retention and extra pack so you can always be ready to capture that special moment. I found battery life was good, capturing over 90 shots and several short movie clips on a single charge. Pentax rates the W10 can capture 180 shots and a continuous playback time of about 230 minutes (using CIPA testing standards.) The actual number of shots you will be able to capture all depends on how often the flash is used, how long you spend navigating the menu system, etc.

Bottom livelihood - with a street amount of $299 or less, the Pentax Optio W10 is a extraordinarily pulchritudinous digital package. Especially if you're an assiduous user who wants the versatility of a waterproof model. Even if your local evening doesn't produce to the trust or beach, the W10 is a capable 6-megapixel model that offers great image quality and performance, all at an affordable price. If you'd like more resolution and the ability to dive a bit deeper in the water, check out our review of Olympus' 7-megapxiel Stylus 720 SW that can be had for about $100 more.