In May of 2008, Pentax introduced the Optio W60, a waterproof and dustproof camera that can also operate in freezing temperatures. The camera was designed to be taken places that are usually off-limits for digital cameras, like boats, the beach, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling and even shallow diving. You can take the W60 down to 13 feet underwater. It’s been tested at that depth for a full two hours.
People who often take pictures outdoors will greatly appreciate a camera like the W60 that doesn’t need to be babied. It totally eliminates the anxiety of constantly having to worry about the camera getting wet. The W60 doesn’t mind getting wet or even getting dropped to the bottom of the pool. That kind of insurance is invaluable. And based on our own (considerable) experience with waterproof cameras like the W60, jaws drop every time you casually enter the water with a gleaming little digital camera strapped to your wrist.
I need to begin with a preface about waterproof cameras as they have lots to offer. Taking pictures in the water and underwater is a wonderful experience. And being able to take photographs by the pool or at a beach while splashing around can be priceless. That said, there are different kinds of waterproof and underwater cameras, and you need to pick one that makes sense for you.
First, while 13 feet is plenty good enough for snorkeling and playing in the water, if you are a scuba diver you’ll probably want a camera with an optional deepwater housing. Those are available for many compacts and digital SLRs, but the housing itself can cost more than the camera. The waterproof cases also add bulk and you need to meticulously maintain them so their seals won’t leak and flood the camera.
As a result of these inconveniences, a number of manufacturers now offer cameras like the Optio W60 that are waterproof to a certain depth as is. They don’t need special housings. However, while the optional deepwater cases are usually good for depths of 130 feet (the recommended limit for recreational diving), waterproof cameras can’t go nearly that deep. The Optio W10, a predecessor of the W60 we’re reviewing here, was rated at just five feet, and the still available Optio W30 can handle ten feet. There are models available rated as much as 33 feet.
There are also specialist manufacturers, such as SeaLife, that sell digital cameras with waterproof housings and flashes optimized for underwater photography. The cameras themselves are usually very generic, but their special underwater modes and the tight case/camera/software integration can make for very good pictures. Unfortunately, they are usually quite expensive.
With the Optio W60, Pentax chose a reasonable compromise. It’s not a true diver’s camera, but it’s waterproof and you can take it down to four meters (13 feet), which means it is suitable to be used in any pool and also for most snorkeling. The two-hour rating means you’re not limited to just brief dips; you can pretty much swim and snorkel with the W60 all day. And although we do not recommend it, it will probably survive depths deeper than its 13-foot rating.
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