Can Pentax’s W series waterproof camera make a splash with it's images?

Product Overview

Overall rating:

78%

Pentax Optio W10

Overall score:78%
Features:80%
Value:75%
Design:80%
Image Quality:75%
Performance:80%

Pros:

  • Convenient and stylish design combined with weather- and dust-proof resilience makes this a camera you’ll want to be seen with

Cons:

  • Image performance is disappointingly wishy-washy while some aspects of performance are sluggish

Product:

Pentax Optio W10 Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£369.00

Pentax has a history of producing compact digicams with a penchant for underwater functionality, and the W10 continues this tradition. Released in time for the 2006 summer season, this addition sports a subtly revised design and a smattering of fresh features including Pentax’s Face Recognition AF.

Features
Like its Optio WPi stablemate, the W10 offers 6MP courtesy of a 1/2.5in CCD and it pairs this resolution with 18 scene modes, 64-800 ISO sensitivity and a 3x optical zoom. As part of the Optio W series, the camera’s standout feature is waterproof functionality without the need for a waterproof case. In line with JIS Class 8 waterproof performance, the W10 can withstand 30 minutes of continuous operation at an underwater depth of 1.5 metres.

Design
Smooth and slim, the W10 sports an elongated body design that is compact enough to slip comfortably into a pocket. Consequently the 2.5in LCD screen does not dominate the rear panel, leaving ample space for a simple collection of controls that include a multifunctional D-pad, zoom lever and menu and playback buttons.

Performance
Though it’s not the fastest camera at springing to life, the Pentax manages a generally sprightly performance. Write and shutter times are both prompt, though shot-to-shot speeds can drag frustratingly. On the plus side, Pentax’s user interface is clear and user-friendly, offering access to essential options such as mode and white balance at a swift touch of a button.

Image Quality
Despite its wealth of automatic and semi-automatic shooting options, image quality is resoundingly so-so. The camera is capable of taking clean and precise images in bright and fine conditions, but ghosting is common in high-contrast scenes while the majority of photographs lack definition and punch, both in terms of contrast and colour reproduction.

Value For Money
It’s of optimum value for users looking for a physically durable camera, but a poor imaging performance means that outside of the underwater shooting sphere there are many more superior cameras out there in this price bracket.

Verdict

Offering weather and waterproof functionality, Pentax has produced a stylish and durable model that is sure to appeal to all-terrain photographers looking to shoot in the great outdoors. However, a sluggish performance and lacklustre images makes the W10 a one-trick pony that’ll struggle to make waves in the competitive compact market.

Details

Weight:Refer to manufacturers website
Dimensions:Refer to manufacturers website
Power:Li-ion
Flash Modes:4
Memory Card:Refer to manufacturers website
Connectivity:USB
White Balance:Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light, Manual setting
ISO Range:Refer to manufacturers website
File Formats:JPEG
Shutter Speeds:Refer to manufacturers website
Exposure Modes:Refer to manufacturers website
Metering System:Refer to manufacturers website
LCD:Refer to manufacturers website
Lens:Refer to manufacturers website
Sensor:6MP