Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

Ok underwater
Waste of time to pull out in low light
BBQ, outdoor events its just fine
Switching from differnt modes via qick control dial or switch is not possible due to underwater use.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

Must have to your outdoor trips comes very versatile to all terrain activities I love it !!!

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

Although this camera is far superior to its competitors in many areas, including price, it has suffered from complaints about noise, even at low ISO.Because there is a simple solution to this prominent complaint, in contrast to others, I would recommend this camera for more general use, IF, and this a big IF, noise reduction software ("noiseware", to coin a phrase), is utilized routinely.While we have two Pentax DSLR's, for obvious reasons they often cannot go where we do. This camera can, and it offers some clear advantages over competitor "waterproof" cameras at almost twice the price. Any camera based upon a small sensor will capture noise, especially as ISO sensitivity increases amplifying noise along with the picture signal. If you don't want to deal with that, get a DSLR. Fortunately, however, there is a cheap (even free) way to remove noise without significantly affecting sharpness; "noiseware" software, to coin a phrase.If you do an internet search, you'll find reviews of many products in this category; some with free "community" versions that process one image at a time and even some with free two-week full function trials for upgraded functionality. I have a low-cost version that allows me to process large numbers of images in a batch, and the software I use does a truly incredible job of virtually eliminating noise from my W80 images: I routinely just process them all on auto before subsequent editing.The result isn't quite as good as our DSLR's, of course, but it is a heck of a lot better than any other compact image I've looked at in 100% crop without noise reduction; the images are excellent.Consequently, I strongly recommend this camera in combination with such a "noiseware-type" program. And Adorama has made it such an incredible value by adding the flotation strap and 2G card, not to mention the great, unique gold accent color: I would have paid more for that. [...] I think you will love this camera for outdoor use if you get some good "noiseware" for your computer to go along with it. I've given it a provisional rating of five stars with that caveat.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

This camera seems like a great upgrade from previous waterproof Pentax Models (I own a W20 as well) - the photos are more crisp and in general better quality, though the WB sometimes needs to be done manually in tricky situations. Held up well on a day of canyoning. One issue though, during my later travels it wouldn't turn on - might have been due to humidity at location with battery charger or SD card but W20 worked fine. About 5 days later the W80 was able to turn back on and finally could take a picture. Seems to be functioning properly again. Will continue to use and will post new review after a longer usage period.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

I would not recommend this for someone looking for a "primary" camera. The image quality is a bit noisy in low light situations. I've found noise removal software does a pretty good job at removing it but that just adds an extra step.

Photos are a bit noisy in low light. But its a great camera for taking out in the rain, snow, or to the beach. It allows you to get photos you normally wouldn't get.

I already have a dSLR and a Canon Powershot S90 so the W80 works well for me since I only use it in situations where there is a risk of the camera getting wet.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

I use this for fishing and was prompted by friends who have the earlier versions of this camera the w10 and w60.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

Still have to test it deeply

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

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Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

I use this camera as a take everywhere camera. I like to ski and kayak. Needed a rugged camera that could keep up with me and survive. So far so good. Trade offs between photo quality and ruggedness. In researching products, I found similar comments about the rugged and waterproof competitors. I would recommend this camera with qualifications.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

I purchased the camera for a cruise vacation because of it being water and shock proof. The camera is small and takes quality photos as well. Recommended this camera to several friends and they recently purchased the camera as well.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

This is a great little camera if you need something on the go that you don't have to worry about. It's not a serious camera and it won't replace my DSLR by any stretch but, I can take it places I'd never take my DSLR and get both pix and video which is fabulous. The macro is fun and I can put this little thing in places I'd never try with my full sized camera.

The video doesn't let you zoom while shooting so you have to set it before you start. And it DOES NOT DO WELL IN LOW LIGHT, so don't get it if you want it for those conditions. The battery is very limited so get a couple extras.

Having fun with it and am planning to take it out in the kayak as soon as the weather turns.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

Adoramas gold and black custom color is really cool, and what an excellent price... I love the interval timer. You can get some great animation clips. Flowers opening, that sort of thing.
The camera is also great for shooting in the rain or snow. Which i love to do. No more umbrellas strapped to my tripod.
The menus are very easy to navigate, and the mode button actually describes, in words, exactly what each program mode is for. So you don't have to try to remember what each and every tiny icon means.
The editing features (in camera) are excellent as well.
The built in filters offer a great variety of artistic impression, and are just fun to play with.
Water proof, shock proof, freeze proof,.. AWESOME... My new hiking/party camera.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

I am used to the Nikon D products. I needed something small and waterproof. This is no Nikon; but for the price, at Adororama, it's a real gem.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

I LIKE THE VERSATILITY OF THIS CAMERA AND THE CUALITY , IT'S VERY ACURATE FOR ALL CONDITIONS!!

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

Much better than my old Optio S4i. Haven't tried the underwater yet. Really need to use tripod with telephoto.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

This is a great camera for use in the outdoors such as fishing trips or rainy days. Indoor and low light shots are noisy. Fast action would require a camera with less shutter lag. Compact size makes it easy to carry for those unexpected photo opportunities. Silicone skin excellent accessory. Worry free use in rough handling situations. Photoshop helps fix below average shots.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

Great little camera right out of the box. I have not tried it underwater but I have tried it in the rain and I was great not having to keep the camera dry.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

small,waterproof,image ok if you take your time

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

liked the ruggedness, water proof, and shot stability. liked the size for traveling

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

I wanted it for a small portable rugged always on me camera, for times when I didn't have my SLR. It takes decent outdoor pictures, but its indoor pictures made me switch back to my older compact camera.

I found the best use for this camera was experimental pictures and projects. Especially with the timer, it allowed my to do things like take pictures while it went through the washing machine.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

Great camera to take anywhere for snapshots. I prefer DSLRs but this one I don't have to worry about getting wet or dirty. I can take family pics at the waterpark and participate too. Face and closed eye detection is neat but I haven't figured out how to use smile detection yet.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

This camera is all I expected and more. I wanted a camera for casual photography, family gatherings and for use at the Lake or Rafting. I have not had a chanch to use it in those situations but expect it will perform as my K10D SLR does.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

Well made weatherproof camera, good choice for banging around in a backpack. Great close focusing. Lots of features, well covered in extensive manual (quick guide too for starters).
Wish picture quality was better. Shots noisy, even with sensitivity forced to ASA 100, pretty much unusable when ISO auto sets for low light situations. Still looking for happy compromise between ruggedness and photo quality.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

Biggest issues is shutter speed. people move thinking the pic is taken so i have to ask them to go back and wait longer over and over again.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

I bought this camera so that I could have a durable little camera to carry around with me all the time when I didn't want to carry my DSLR. The camera works great outdoors and fun to play with in the water on my recent cruise- but if you are planning on taking pictures inside- I would not bother with this one. This camera is NOT good in lower light situations.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

purchased for snorkle vacation. after 2 days, it had water inside, and quit working. screen too dark to see underwater unless you hit zoom button every time to light it up. [...] I have to PAY to send it back to Pentax for repair or replacement. Spoiled my snorkle vacation as I had no camera to take pics of all the great fish and coral underwater. [...] I am very sorry that I wasted my money on this camera, and that I purchased from this company.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

So far this Camera seems to take whatever I've put it up against - which is some fairly cold temps & minor bumps, can't wait to get it pool side or even better, the beach. Seems very well built/solid constuction.
Pictures are nice (not great) but I bought this for the all weather factor & I'm very pleased with its overall performance.....so far.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

The camera is OK for a novice. I expected better image quality for a 12.1 megapixel camera. Pictures tend to have a grainy look. Even when the camera is locked on a subject the pictures are randomly blurry. The flash is very bright and can overexpose the subjects. The battery life is fair so buy another if you take many pictures. I bought the camera because it is waterproof and tough. Good to use while traveling in inclement weather and adverse conditions. Overall I could Take it or Leave it. I plan on keeping it but would not buy it again.

Comments about Pentax Pentax Optio W80 12.1 MP, Waterproof Digital Camera, with Float Strap & 2GB SD Card - Adorama Exclusive Color; Black with Gold Finish:

I have always used Pentax cameras and have been wary of digitals (the ole "can't teach an old dog new tricks" syndrome?). But when I bought the Optio W80 I was hooked! I keep this camera in my pocket everywhere I go. I "play" with it extensively, and have discovered new ways to photograph, even after 35 years of constant photography. I now photograph everything in sight. With the Optio W80 I can edit my photos right in the camera, I can get incredible detail from a 1 cm distance from a tiny subject (such as details of my jewelry creations or of the nose of my cat), I can take wide-angle photos of gorgeous sunrises behind my local college, I can make a full-length film with sound, I can add sound to a photo, I can record sound alone (although I have to admit it's not the sound you will get in a recording studio), and many more. The camera produces up to 12.1 megapixel photos. It has underwater capability, but I have to wait until summer to experiment with that.

I have so much fun with this camera, I love it to pieces and recommend it to anyone interested in a good digital camera.