Pentax Optio W60 (blue)

By Phil Ryan, 05/22/08

Pentax's new waterproof Optio W60.

(Credit: Pentax)

Pentax has been making waterproof compact digital cameras for years now. While they used to have a strange square shape, the new Optio W60 could easily be mistaken for any compact camera. It includes a 10-megapixel sensor and a 5x optical zoom lens that covers an equivalent of 28-140mm. The wide 28mm end of that lens will come in especially handy when shooting underwater. Since you can use the camera down to 13 feet underwater for up to 2 hours, you can even take it snorkling with you. Interestingly, the camera's waterproof seals also make it dust- and sandproof, so it makes a very nice beach camera. This rough-and-tumble snapper can also function in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (aka -10 degrees Celsius), so it's also a good choice for skiing.

Don't think that Pentax forgot the features just because it's rugged. The W60 can also shoot video at up to 1,280x720-pixel resolution, and includes face detection and smile capture to make portraits easier, sensitivity of up to ISO 6,400, a 2.5-inch LCD, and a super macro mode that can focus as close as 1cm away from your subject. Pentax will offer the camera in silver and blue finishes and expects the Optio W60 to hit stores in July for about $330.