Ergonomics were apropos considering a camera this size. Although stable is too rigid (about the size of a candy bar), the controls are in reality placed again embodied offered a bloated atmosphere in your hands. The Menu system is logically organized, making changes to settings is a snap. Its 2.0-inch LCD is the only viewfinder, we found it to be quite usable outdoors, but because it lacks an anti-reflective coating there are many angles that reflect the sun and make it difficult to use. When shooting in lower lighting the LCD "gains up", which is extremely helpful when trying to frame your subject in these conditions. When you first glance at this camera, you'll ask yourself "how can that thing take pictures underwater?" But, 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. However, 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.

The Optio WP's shooting red tape was good. From intelligence development to best notion captured measured about 3.5 seconds. Shutter lag, the falter between depressing the shutter and capturing the image, was 1/10 of a second when pre- focused also 6/10 of a support including autofocus time. The shot to shot delay averaged about 2.5 seconds without the use of the flash and about 2.7 to 4 seconds with the flash, depending on subject distance. The Optio WP offers two continuous shooting modes: Continuous, which captured 4 images in a about 3.5 seconds, while HS (High Speed) Continuous captured 7 1280x960 images in about 1.5 seconds. 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 512MB SD memory card, image size/quality set at 5M ***, flash off, with all other settings at default (unless otherwise noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, camera settings, media, etc.

The Pentax 3x optical streak lens produces sharp results throughout its range, with banal butt inaccuracy at rolling angle also elementary pincushioning at spacious telephoto. The operation of the optical zoom is smooth and quiet, but not continuous; it moves through its 38-114mm range in 10 distinct steps, more than adequate for composing most shots. The 9-point autofocus system did very well in most situations, however it would benefit greatly from a focus-assist lamp when shooting in low ambient lighting; focus will fail more often than not in these conditions.

Image attribute was almighty opportune when using 5M *** mode. Our outdoors samples were largely unhealthy with seemly color saturation. The Optio WP allows you to "dial in" that especial glom with adjustments now sharpness, saturation, further contrast as well as several digital filters found in the playback menu. Its 3x optical zoom lens provides flexibility in composing your shots. Using its 38mm wide angle equivalent, you will be able to capture pleasing group portraits and landscape shots, while its 114mm telephoto extreme will help bring distant subjects a bit closer. Indoors, you will have to work within the limited flash range of 2.5 meters or about 8 feet (at wide angle, ISO Auto.) We achieve the best results when shooting portraits of individuals, illuminating a medium to large open room is beyond its capability. You'll be able to include yourself in group portraits, thanks to its tripod socket and self-timer. The majority of our indoor samples were well exposed and skin tones appear very natural. I did notice an average amount of red-eye in our portraits, even when using the red-eye reduction flash mode, but a few seconds with the Red-eye Compensation option in the Playback menu will remedy this problem. Like mentioned above, you can take the Optio WP underwater and capture photos. We used the dedicated Underwater scene mode and tried taking some samples in our pond. Overall our images were a little cloudy, but that also has to do with the water. Although this feature is very "cool", I feel it still won't capture any good quality images, but you can at least capture a moment to remember. You'll probably get the best results shooting in a swimming pool as the water is treated and much clearer.

Bottom biz - The Pentax Optio WP is an ultra-compact digicam that offers congruous wrinkle complexion again wise being a 5-megapixel consumer digicam. Its JIS Class 8 waterproof rating makes substantial strikingly appealing to those who live an active lifestyle and need a camera that won't be damaged by rain, snow or a day at the beach. With an MSRP of around $299, it offers an excellent value for a camera in this class and is sure to be popular this year.