Customer Reviews
Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice

  good camera, but know this going in: By chrishibbard7 on August 19, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Great Zoom, Short Lag Time, Good Image Stabilization Cons: Short Battery Life Other Comments: do NOT expect a 12 MP camera, buy extra batteries, and you'll love it: At 12 megapixel setting, there is noise ("pixelization") at EVERY light level, even very bright light (full sun). The CCD might have 12 million light sensors, but the CCD is too small to collect meaningful information at this level. Use this camera at 7 MP and below and you'll do fine. I've printed MANY photo-quality 24" x 36" posters from 5MP images, and they look great; 7MP is fine for almost any application. HD video is awesome, but realize 2 things about it: High-Def videos just suck with more clarity if you don't know what you're doing. Use a tripod. Image stabilization for video only works is you're VERY close to still... if you don't have a VERY steady hand or if you zoom in, it won't stabilize your videos at all. Underwater capabilities are amazing, but with 1 problem: the "lid" opening to change battery/ get SD card/ plug in USB traps water inside the lid, but keeps it from getting into the actual electronics while the "lid" is closed. You need to let the camera "dry" for more than an hour before you open the lid or the water it traps can drip into the waterproof innards when you open it. And recording HD video sucks your battery life down like CRAZY. So you can't swap batteries at the pool. 1 last thing: no lens cover! metal mechanich lens covers would rust, or trap water against the lens... so you need to clean the glass plate over the lens elements A LOT and though it's supposed to be somewhat scratch proof, you need to protect it when the camera is off. A pocket-sized camera that needs an EMPTY pocket, and extra care while using. Still, awesome camera if you can live with these cons. Buy cheap extra battery no-name for $5 each (bought 2). Google it. BTW, this is of course the same camera as the W90, same lens, computer, CCD chip, etc, but the W90 case is harder, and has an LED ring around the lens with 1 use only: using "super macro" mode, somethign LESS THAN 4cm from the lens, in low light (too close for flash). Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  This camera is fantastic...love it! By Jayhawk on August 16, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Nice Body Color, Good Image Stabilization Cons: Poor Flash Other Comments: I particularly like the size and feel of an all-around versatile camera. This one provides me this opportunity for land and sea. The picture quality is very good; obviously not as good as my Nikon D70 or my Canon. However, gets the job done! Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  Great for active water-side activities By Annie B on August 14, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Nice Body Color, Never miss a shot again, Great Zoom, Good in Low Light, Good Image Stabilization, Short Lag Time Cons: Short Battery Life Other Comments: So many times I missed terrific shots because I didn't want to expose my digital SLR to salt spray, rain, chance of splash... This camera is with me ALL THE TIME. It is easy to switch programs or use manual settings. I've only had it two weeks and I find it to be incredible... Definitely deserves "Choice Pick". I'm an artist & want to take shots to include in my work. Whether it's wildlife or wave action, kids in sports, birds landing... I am on the shot NOW. I did purchase a second battery. The battery life is very short. Charges quickly. But, wouldn't be good for a week+ in the wilderness... Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  All dental offices should have this came By Skippy the dentist on August 07, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Great Zoom, Good Image Stabilization Cons: Other Comments: This is without a doubt THE best, smallest, most inexpensive dental camera available anywhere. The super-zoom setting is Outstanding!! I also use a heavy, bulky, well-known brand introral camera, but the Optio W-80 is better for the assistant photographers. I have purchased nine, one for each of my operators. For before, during and after treatment shots, in my opinion, this camera is hard to beat! Pentax should advertise this camera as an ideal dental intraoral digital camera!!. Bottom line, if you are a health care professional, buy this camera. Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  works well, easy to learn & use By photo fan-atic on July 28, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Great Zoom, Nice Body Color, Working in water sports, Self-timer Cons: Other Comments: have been pleased with this camera. using it on Colorado vacation & have taken wildlife photos (bear!)and taken it white water rafting. got some great landscape pix, action shots, and been able to use the self-timer to get some together photos on hikes, etc. Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  Awesome By Kraco on July 20, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Good Image Stabilization, Good in Low Light, Short Lag Time, Nice Body Color, Great Zoom Cons: Other Comments: Really awesome product; seeing some reviews that pictures are bad, nonesense if use right setting the photos are awesome; this camera really is great. Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  This is an awesome product, I love it! By airforcemom on July 19, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Good in Low Light, Great Zoom, Short Lag Time, Nice Body Color, Good Image Stabilization Cons: Other Comments: My daughter loves this camera for at the pool. Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  Very nice camera, By restinyou on July 11, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Good Image Stabilization, Great Zoom Cons: Other Comments: Its my sons camera. He really likes it and all the features that is has. Didn't take him long to read the manual and start setting up the features. Takes really nice pictures Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  OUTSTANDING CAMERA By Rob on July 08, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Nice Body Color, Great Zoom, Good Image Stabilization, Good in Low Light Cons: Other Comments: outstanding camera at great price Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  Great closeups By Boris on July 06, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Good image color, Great Zoom Cons: A little confusing Other Comments: I haven't had a chance to try all the features on this camera, but I've taken some amazing close-up flower and insect pictures around the ranch. A cooperative Cicada let me take a picture from about 1" from it's face. The detail is amazing. Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  I would buy this product again By Misael Rivera on July 03, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Short Lag Time, Great Zoom, Good in Low Light, Good Image Stabilization, Nice Body Color Cons: Other Comments: I like the product is good camera. Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  Exceeded Expectations By Cameron on June 28, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Nice Body Color, Short Lag Time Cons: Other Comments: I bought the camera for its underwater, HD, and rugged features and let me tell you it delivers. The HD video, both in and out of water, is incredible as well as the 12 mp resolution. The underwater aspect, and its rugged design, is worth much more than the price tag. My friends and I toss the camera around the pool to each other in underwater video mode and the shots are still very crisp as long as the light is ample. Great camera, I recommend to anyone in search of a tough underwater camera that preforms just as well out of water. Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  Great camera By jen the novice camera girl on June 28, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Nice Body Color, Good Image Stabilization, Good in Low Light, Great Zoom Cons: Short Battery Life Other Comments: This camera is very neat, it has frames you can put around your pictures. It also has funny images you can add to your pictures. We've had a blast using that feature. Takes panoramic pic's. It's just a great camera so far. Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  I love this underwater camera! By GreenEyedMe on June 27, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Great Zoom, Nice Body Color, Short Lag Time, Good Image Stabilization Cons: Poor indoor pics, Short Battery Life Other Comments: This camera takes amazing outdoor pics when on the "flower" or "landscape" mode. Underwater pics are fantastic and the video is great too. It doesn't take great indoor pics due to the "artificial" light. Pics come out yellowish. Best if used for outdoor activities. Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  Great beach camera By T.B. on June 24, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: GREAT PICTURE QUALITY Cons: Low light, Short Battery Life Other Comments: Great camera for boogie board pics at the beach. Low light not too good, but I bought it for outdoor action shots. It is the perfect camera for this application. Battery life is very poor, so buy the extra battery, but the outdoor picture quality is excellent. A very good buy for the price. Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  Very nice camera and quality for price By Indy Q on June 23, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: User friendly, Nice Body Color Cons: Limited depth, Short Battery Life, Difficult to zoom Other Comments: Camera works great for underwater pictures & video in a pool. 15 feet allows it to work well up close for snorkeling. Video works well once I learned how to move slowly with the camera as I snorkeled. Out of the water it takes very nice pictures, decent optical zoom, but digital zoom gets more grainy but I understand how that works so I expect that. Used in the ocean, pool, beach & zip lining on vacation and the camera delivered some really nice pictures and video. I'm using a 16GB class 10 SD card. I found the zoom controls hard to use when trying to operate the camera with one hand. The image stabilization on video is OK, but worse when you zoom, as would be expected. The battery gave me a full days use, but was completely drained. I shut it off between taking pictures and it lasted much longer. Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  Optio W80 Rocks By Miz Nita on June 17, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Short Lag Time, Great Zoom, Nice Body Color, Good Image Stabilization, Good in Low Light Cons: Other Comments: I am thrilled with my new Optio W80. I have taken it on hikes where I took close up floral shots and also zoomed in on wildlife. I have also used it at sporting events, and the quality of pics is superior. The view screen is easy to see in any light, the controls are simple to use, and the quality of photos is exceptional. I would definitely recommend this camera to others. Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  Great compact camera!! By Finster on June 16, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Great Zoom, Short Lag Time, Good in Low Light, Good Image Stabilization, Nice Body Color Cons: Other Comments: the macro focus works very well ,i also like attaching sound to photos Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  I love my camera By The Photo Master on June 10, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Great Zoom, Good Image Stabilization, Nice Body Color Cons: Other Comments: This camera is my new best friend. I was at an outdoor event when it started to rain. I was the only one with my camera out because I wanted to test it. It worked fine. A bit slower but never died on me. 2 weeked after that and it still worked great. It takes amazing sky photos, catches the light and the clouds. This was a perfect way to spend my money. I'm glad I did. Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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  Camera takes great photos. By JWM on May 07, 2010
Verified Purchase Review submitted for Pentax Optio W80 Waterproof Digital Camera (Cardinal Red)Outdoor Photo Editor's Choice (PKOPTW80R) Pros: Short Lag Time, Good in Low Light, Good Image Stabilization Cons: LCD a little grainy Other Comments: Pretty Good Camera. Takes great photos. Haven't used it yet underwater, but it's been out in the rain taking pictures many times. The camera's photos look great through my apply-TV displaying them on my living room tv which is a 50" LCD. I was a little worried because the LCD on the back of the camera makes photos look a little grainy. Even when you zoom in. But as stated above the photos are clear and crisp even on a large TV screen. Its a small thing, but I mark it down (really a half star, but they don't have that) a star for the bad LCD which makes it tricky to tell clear photos from not clear photos. Yes, I recommend this product Was this review helpful?     |     Report this review
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