Optio W90 housing

[rogerdaltx]

<p>I just read the DPReview announcement about the Optio W90 rugged water proof camera and got pretty excited about an announced new accessory. There is a bullet that in June 2010 a 60 meter diving housing will be available. I know it's something few here will be interested in, but as someone passionate about SCUBA diving it means there is now a Pentax camera that I can consider. I was pretty much locked into another Canon or Sony/Oly. It's a real bonus having a water proof camera in a diving housing because housing failures do happen, but they are usually slow leaks, so with double protection you and your buddy can complete the dive without ruining the camera. Oly was the only manufacture with a waterproof camera with an available housing. This will be a plus with the casual diving crowd and a new market for Pentax. To be better for underwater I wish it was a little wider than 28mm and faster than f/3.5. But this will be the first Pentax that can go SCUBA diving and that's cool. They stepped it up with this camera's specs all around for outdoor, rugged travel, enthusiasts. I can't believe I'm excited about a Pentax point and shoot, that's never happened before.<br>

http://www.dpreview.com/news/1002/10022411pentaxoptiow90.asp</p>

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[MattB.Net]

<p>Sounds pretty interesting. I don't dive much (I live in the mountains of Colorado) but last year in Kona I really wished I had something like this.<br>

I'll be interested to see how some real world images from it look.</p>

[mountainvisions]

<p>Actually, I might get the W90 which Pentax just sent me an email for. I really liked my Dad's W20 that after 4 years my sister finally killed in Mexico snorkeling.</p>

<p>Just a note, the waterproof gaskets on these do fail eventually under pressure. A camera that is brand new will last to 5 or 10 feet no prob, you can even swim with it (moving water increases pressure) when new, after a few years the seals start to get brittle, and eventually fail under pressure. This is normal, so the alarmist saying that it's poor build are just wrong. Even when I change the battery on my altimeter watch, it comes with a new gasket for a reason.</p>

<p>However, they still remain intact for rain, mist, snow, drizzle, sleet, and even a quick dunk.</p>

<p>I'm definitely keeping an eye on the W90, if not that I might go with the Panasonic version. I never liked Olympus forcing me to use the xD card, so will never buy an Olympus.</p>

<p>I don't dive much (was NAUI certified at one time), but I definitely spend a lot of time on/in the water during the summer, and having a camera I can leave on the deck of the boat or take rafting/whitewater canoeing is a huge bonus.</p>

[johnw436]

<p>I am very interested in this camera. I live on the coast in Florida and spend lots of time in and on the water. I get really nervous taking my expensive stuff out there. Normally I'm shooting the kit lens anyway so this camera actually fits the bill perfectly.</p>

 

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<td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/X4d1p7yCgPNr3sK3rDZGqw?authkey=Gv1sRgCNfT88Xzu4K6Jw&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OoQ7VkErqWQ/SqhUQB7dL_I/AAAAAAAAElk/Ws1oR0vW7fU/s400/IMGP4224.JPG" alt="" /></a></td>

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<td >From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/john.jwphoto/2009PineIslandKids_K20d_inCamBW?authkey=Gv1sRgCNfT88Xzu4K6Jw&feat=embedwebsite">2009 Pine Island kids_K20d_in cam BW</a></td>

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<p>K20d in the salt to my waist</p>

[14mm 2.8l]

<p>I'd still like to get one of these waterproof point and shoots. When Justin mentioned the Panasonic I then searched B&H and came up with 46 of them !<br>

I had no idea there are so many.</p>

<p>Pentax W90 $329 is about top of line price. It looks cool. Maybe I'll spring for one of these handy P&S before the planned summer excursions, once I research the numerous options, memory cards, reviews, ect... :</p>

<p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=8612&N=4294538180+4294956508">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=8612&N=4294538180+4294956508</a></p>