paddling with a camera

5. Dust protected. Ingress of duct is not totally prevented, but dust shall not penetrate in a quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of the apparatus or to impair safety.

8. Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible when the enclosure is continuously immersed in water under conditions which shall be agreed between manufacturer and user but which are more severe than for numeral 7.

Acoording to Pentax specifications Optio WP/WPi/W10 cameras satisfy the JIS Class 8 Water Resistance up to 30 minutes of continuous immersion at the depth up to 1.5 meter. It sounds pretty sufficient for paddling activities, but it may be restrictive for snorkeling and diving. Of course, you can risk to take the camera deeper under water - see the thread in Pentax forum with pictures from Bahamas including a plane wreckage in 15 feet deep water.

The information below is extracted from FAQ on H₂Ocamera.com website, which, I believe, is maintained by Pentax:

• Can Optio waterproof cameras be used in the water?
  Yes, they can be used to take pictures at a depth of 5 feet (1.5m) continuously for 30 minutes.

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• What about salt water?
  After used in saltwater, please maintain the camera as follows.
  1. Wipe saltwater from the camera and then wait ten minutes to maintain water-repellency of (dry-out) the microphone and speaker seals.
  2. Double-check that the power is off and the battery/card cover is firmly closed.
  3. Soak the camera in a bowl of fresh water for 2 -3 minutes.
  4. Wipe off the camera.
  

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• After using the camera in the water for 30 minutes, may I use it again in the water immediately?
  No. Wait ten minutes to maintain the water-repellency of the microphone and speaker seals.

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• Does the camera float on water?
  No. Optio waterproof cameras will sink if dropped in water, so be sure to attach the strap and slip the strap over your wrist when using the camera in or near water.

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• Can the Auto focus be adjusted in the water?
  Yes. It is possible that Autofocus may be "fooled" if light levels are low in the water. When this occurs, use Manual focus (MF) or Pan focus (PF) modes.

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• May the flash be used in the water?
  Yes.

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• May audio be recorded while taking a movie in the water?
  Yes.

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• Can the camera be used on the sand at the beach?
  Yes, however please pay attention the following points.
  1. The camera seals will repel sand, however, avoid placing the camera directly on sand or dirt at the beach to avoid wear and tear and scratching to the camera body.
  2. Be sure to check that the battery/card cover is securely locked before using the camera in an environment where it is likely to get wet or dirty, such as underwater or at the beach. Water, sand or dirt inside the camera may cause failure of the camera. Wipe off any water or dirt with a dry cloth as soon as possible after using the camera.
  3. Avoid opening the battery/card cover at the beach or by salt water. Wait until the camera is completely dry before changing the battery or the SD Memory Card. Avoid changing the battery or card where the camera is likely to get wet or dirty, and make sure that your hands are dry.
  4. Avoid getting sunscreen or sun oil on the camera as it may cause discoloration of the surface. If any oil gets on the camera, wash it off immediately with warm water.
  5. The waterproof function does not apply to the camera's accessories.

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• Can the camera be used in the bath?
  The temperature range in which the camera can be used is 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)

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• If juice or other beverages splash onto the camera, what should I do?
  The camera waterproof function may be compromised if the juice sticks on the waterproof seal contact surface. Make sure that it is turned off and the battery/card cover is closed before rinsing it under running tap water or leaving it in a bowl of fresh water for 2 or 3 minutes.

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