paddling with a camera

When Pentax announced a merger with Hoya in December 2006, they were going to focus on SLR cameras. So, I wasn't sure if we would see any new models in the Optio waterproof line.

Most of my pictures in 2008 in this blog and fitness paddling are shot with Optio W30 which is the last camera model on the market. There were no news on the next W40, but instead Pentax Optio W60 was announced in May. It will be available in August in two color versions, silver and ocean blue. You can preorder it at Amazon for $329.95.

What's new in Optio W60? These are new features which I noticed as a user of Pentax Optio Cameras (WP, W10, and W30):

• Redesigned case:

  With improved design and construction of the shutter button and controls, as well as reinforced, airtight joints, the Optio W60 allows underwater photography up to 30 percent deeper than previous Pentax waterproof models. In addition to the JIS Class 8 waterproofing standard, the camera is JIS Class 5 dustproof against dirt, sand and dust and operates in extreme temperatures as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius)

• More pixels: 10 MP. It doesn't necessary mean that the picture quality is better, but it is the current trend even in point-and-shoot cameras.
• New lens with zoom from 28 to 140 mm (equivalent to 35mm format) in comparison to 38-114mm in older W10-W30 models.
• Increased video resolution to 1280x720 pixels.
• Increased resolution of LCD monitor.