Overview

The Pentax Optio WPi is a 6 megapixel compact digital camera with a 3 times optical zoom. The Optio WPi is currently the only digital camera that features a waterproof and dustproof housing, making it an ideal camera for fun shots in the pool.

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Available Reviews

• Pentax Optio WPi review at TrustedReviews
• Pentax Optio WPi review at DigitalCameraReview
• Pentax Optio WPi review at Steve's Digicams
• Pentax Optio WPi review at LetsGoDigital
• Pentax WPi Waterproof review at DigitalCameraReview

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Features

Waterproof
The Pentax Optio WPi’s most interesting feature is its waterproof housing – in fact there is no other camera like it on the market. While you can’t use it for deep sea diving, the Optio WPi is waterproof up to a depth of 5 feet (1.5 meters), so it will be the ideal camera to take fun shots inside the pool.

Fast Performance
With a startup time of 0.6 of a second and a minimal shutter lag of 0.05 seconds, the Optio WPi will be quick enough to capture most of the unrehearsed action shots.

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Specifications

Resolution: 6.0 megapixels
Sensor: 1/2.5 inch CCD
Movie modes: 320×240 pixels at 30 fps
Focusing Range: Autofocus; Macro: 0.4 inches (0.01m) to 2.0 ft (0.6m); Manual Focus: 0.4 inches (0.01m) to Infinity
Focal Length: 6.3mm – 18.9mm 35mm Equivalent - 38mm - 114mm
Optical Zoom: 3X
Sensitivity: Auto, ISO 80, 160, 320, 400, 800
Exposure Modes: Program AE exposure mode
Shutter Speed: Approx. 1/2000 - 4 seconds
White Balance: Auto, Pre-sets, Manual white balance
Flash Modes: Auto, Flash-off, Flash-on, Auto + Red-eye reduction, Flash-on + Red-eye reduction, Soft flash
Flash Range: Wide Approx. 0.66 ft – 10.2 ft (0.2m – 3.1m); Tele Approx. 1.64 ft – 8.2 ft (0.5m – 2.5m)
Scene Modes: Program, Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Night scene, Panorama assist, Surf & snow, Self-portrait, Food, Museum, Sport, Underwater, Pet, Candle, Soft, Natural skin tone, Fireworks, Kids, Report Digital Filter
Storage Media: SD memory card
LCD Monitor: 2.0 inch TFT
PC Interface: USB
Battery: battery pack
Dimensions (W x H x D): 4.0 x 2.0 x 0.9 inches (102 x 51 x 22mm)
Weight: 4.2 oz. (120g) without

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Press Release

PENTAX announced another WP series compact digital camera that offers higher resolution for shooting performance in a variety of conditions. The new PENTAX OptioWPi features 6.0 effective megapixels packed in a slim body that captures images up to five feet underwater and offers a JIS Class 5 dustproof rating. Perfect for extreme indoor or outdoor adventure, the OptioWPi offers high resolution images with a quick start-up, a 3X zoom lens and an ultra-fast 9-point Autofocus to keep your subjects sharp.

“Our OptioWP series is more than just waterproof. These cameras are lifeproof and able to go anywhere there is likely to be a photo opportunity,” said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company.

The PENTAX OptioWPi also offers a 2.0 inch LCD monitor, a quick 0.6 second start-up, a recover function to retrieve erased images and overall operational ease. The camera will ship in October 2005 for $350 US.

PENTAX Imaging Company shipped the camera’s predecessor, the OptioWP, in April 2005 and followed with the announcement earlier this month of the limited availability of a protective, silicone Skin. Priced at $19.95 US, the new Skins are designed to fit both the OptioWPi and the OptioWP. The PENTAX OptioWPi is available in the alternative colors of navy blue and wine red as well as traditional silver. More information about the accessory Skins and the alternative colors is available from the PENTAX microsite: www.H2Ocamera.com […]
(source: Pentax)