Pentax Optio WS80 Waterproof Compact Camera WS80 720p HD Video Capable Waterproof Point & Shoot

Following on from their Optio W80 durable compact camera announced back
in June, Pentax have announced another waterproof compact camera in the
form of the Optio WS80 which, apart from coming in cheaper than the
aforementioned model, boasts waterproofing to depths of up to five feet
(the Optio W80 offers waterproofing to depths of 3.3 feet).
Sporting a 10 megapixel sensor offering 5x optical zoom, the Pentax
Optio WS80, is billed as being 'a perfect choice for travel, outdoor
activities and families' and apart from being waterproof (and hence
dustproof) comes with a 2.7 LCD display, 32 point face detection, smile
and blink detection, integrated shake reduction (image stabilisation)
and Pentax's Auto Picture mode which will automatically select the best
scene mode from the eight available so as to ensure that you get the
best possible images with the least amount of fuss.

Pentax Optio WS80 Key Features:

Exceptional waterproof performance for underwater shooting and adventure

The palm-sized Optio WS80 assures reliable waterproof performance that
allows underwater photography up to five feet for up two hours (JIS
Class 8 standard). The WS80 also features the PENTAX-exclusive, highly
water-repellent SP (Super Protect) coating on the protective glass panel
that covers the zoom lens. As a result, the Optio WS80 may be rinsed
clean with fresh water if it becomes covered with dirt or sand. Coupled
with remarkable dustproof capabilities equivalent to JIS Class 6, the
Optio WS80 may be used without worry in many different situations where
water or dirt is a major concern.

High-quality images delivered by 10.0 effective megapixels

Combining 10.0 effective megapixels with the PENTAX-developed imaging
engine and high-performance PENTAX zoom lens, the Optio WS80 produces
brilliant, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness even when
images are enlarged.

High-performance optical 5X zoom lens

The slim, palm-sized Optio WS80 features an optical 5X zoom lens
covering focal lengths from 35mm to 175mm in the 35mm format. The camera
offers an Intelligent Zoom function that extends the zoom range up to
approximately 28.5X for even tighter zooming in on the subject.

High-quality, widescreen, HD movie recording

The Optio WS80 captures beautiful, flawless HD movie clips at 16:9
aspect ratio (1280 x 720 pixels)* at a frame rate of 30 frames per
second. The camera also comes equipped with advanced, user-friendly
features designed to facilitate movie recording: the Movie SR (Shake
Reduction) mode, which automatically compensates for camera shake during
movie shooting; and the Underwater Movie mode, which automatically
optimizes color settings for underwater movie shooting.
*When the Optio WS80's AV output terminal is used, movie clips are
output as normal image-size data. If the user wishes to play back movie
clips at high-definition-TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels), the data
must be transferred to a personal computer for playback.

High-speed Face Detection, with a range of user-friendly features
The Optio WS80's advanced Face Detection AF AE function captures 32
faces in sharp focus and perfect exposure in a mere 0.03 seconds. It
also accurately detects a subject facing the camera at an angle or with
a tilted head. The Optio WS80 offers other user-friendly features,
including:

A Smile Capture mode automatically releases the shutter the moment the
camera detects the subject's smile.
A Blink Detection function warns the photographer when a subject's
eyes close at the time of shutter release.
A Small Face filter helps reduce a subject's face so that it appears
smaller in proportion to the body to produce more flattering
well-balanced portraits.
Triple anti-shake protection to prevent different types of camera shake

Pixel Track SR mode
When recording still images, the Optio WS80's Pixel Track SR (Shake
Reduction) mode effectively compensates for camera shake by processing
affected images.
High-Sensitivity SR mode*
When it detects low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, the
Optio WS80 automatically raises its sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400,
making it possible to use a higher shutter speed. This effectively
minimizes the adverse effects of camera shake and subject motion blur
under poor lighting conditions.
Movie SR mode**
During movie recording, the Optio WS80 prevents blurry images by
effectively minimizing annoying camera shake.
* When the High-Sensitivity SR mode is selected, the recorded size is
fixed to 5M (2592 x 1944 pixels).
** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes
narrower than normal shooting.

Large 2.7 inch LCD monitor for effortless image viewing

The Optio WS80 features a large 2.7 inch extra bright color LCD monitor
so photographers may view on-screen images, menus and mode-settings with
ease while shooting and during playback.

Additional Features:

Interval shooting mode, convenient for fixed-point observation of
starry skies, flowers and plants
High-speed 9 point AF system, with Auto-Tracking function, to maintain
constant focus on a moving subject
Auto Picture mode automatically selects one of eight shooting modes
for the optimum results in a wide variety of shooting conditions
A variety of digital filters including Toy Camera and Retro to add
distinctive visual effects to recorded images
Dynamic Range adjustment prevents overexposed and underexposed areas
in images
Digital Wide function creates a panoramic, extra-wide-angle image
(equivalent to an image taken with an approx. 25.4mm lens in 35mm
format) from two images
Digital Panorama mode creates a single panoramic picture from as many
as three images
Style Watch function displays the time with pushbutton operation, even
when the camera's power is turned off
Image recovery function recovers accidentally erased images
Frame composite function (with 90 frames stored in the camera) shoots
or composes images with decorative photo frames
Ideal for use whilst on holiday (lazing around - and in - the pool,
snorkelling, etc) the Pentax Optio WS80 is set to become available from
September when it'll retail at around the $250 price point.