Pentax Optio 33WR 3.2MP All-Weather Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Rating:
Summary: Goes anywhere camera
Review: After I lost my previous digital camera to a 3 foot fall, I was looking for a digital camera that could survive being thrown around a bit, and also something I could take kayaking. The Optio 33WR seemed tailor-made for my needs. The first weekend I had it I went hiking on one of the dustier trails in Northern California, I came back with some great shots of banana slugs, redwoods and hilly panoramas. The camera didn't handle the bright sunlight as well as I hoped (some of my panarama pictures were a bit washed out). However, you can knock exposure down in half steps manually (which I came to use frequently later).

The next day I tentatively dipped it under the running sink, dried it off, and waited for it to explode. Happily it behaved as though nothing had happened. Eventually, I took it kayaking, all day, in salt water. It handled splash, salt, and sun like a champ. As an added bonus, the batteries (not the default ones, but some fairly standard rechargeables I'd purchased seperately) managed to last the whole trip (about 120 shots and 4 hours on the water). I also got to use the phrase: "hang on a minute, I have to rinse off my camera" - and there's something cool about saying that.

Most recently the camera has survived 4 weeks of backpacking, much of which was spent on the plains of Kenya. Obviously, there's not enough zoom to make this the "safari" camera, but it was great for capturing some spontaneous moments, some landscape shots and the braver wildlife. I found it hard to get a good picture in lower light situations (dusk or dawn). But anytime there was some cloud cover during the day the pictures were deep and rich.

The quality of the photos are quite what I'd expect from a 3MP camera. The manual focus is a nice bonus, but the autofocus is responsive enough. The zoom is less then I would like, but is still acceptable. For digital camera features alone, I'd say this camera is an easy 3.5 or maybe 4 stars. Having the freedom to take it out on the water, get dirty and generally abuse it push it up to a shining 5 stars.

Rating:
Summary: Finally!!!!!!!
Review: I am new to Digital cameras, but have been shooting film in a variety of formats and systems for over 30 years. After much research and agonizing compromises, I waited and purchased this Pentax Optio 33WR. It is small, but fits my small hands well. All the controls are nicely defined and laid out. I began using the camera prior to consulting the manual because the camera is logically engineered. The manual is well done and thorough, and Pentax also spells out the accompanying ACDSEE software - not needed if you own a Mac. You can also download the manual and specs for this and many Pentax cameras directly from Pentax's doc site - free, prior to purchase if you want to study this. The specs available are quite accurate. Output is great! Sharp lens, fast focus, accurate exposure, and it fits in my pants pocket. It has a lot of flexibility for a P&S and a fair number of manual features if you need them. Nicely sealed, all weather unit. solid feel! Lots of positives! Negatives are: Came with 2 inexpensive alkaline batteries instead of lithium versions - I replaced them, but one can find power for this camera anywhere. The camera comes with an 16MB SD memory card which is good for about 8-10 hi-res pix, so I replaced it with a 64MB version ($34). All-in-all, 4 stars may be conservative because I like it and it is nearly all I need and want.

Rating:
Summary: Nice little AW Digital P&S camera!
Review: I am new to Digital cameras, but have been shooting film in a variety of formats and systems for over 30 years. After much research and agonizing compromises, I waited and purchased this Pentax Optio 33WR. It is small, but fits my small hands well. All the controls are nicely defined and laid out. I began using the camera prior to consulting the manual because the camera is logically engineered. The manual is well done and thorough, and Pentax also spells out the accompanying ACDSEE software - not needed if you own a Mac. You can also download the manual and specs for this and many Pentax cameras directly from Pentax's doc site - free, prior to purchase if you want to study this. The specs available are quite accurate. Output is great! Sharp lens, fast focus, accurate exposure, and it fits in my pants pocket. It has a lot of flexibility for a P&S and a fair number of manual features if you need them. Nicely sealed, all weather unit. solid feel! Lots of positives! Negatives are: Came with 2 inexpensive alkaline batteries instead of lithium versions - I replaced them, but one can find power for this camera anywhere. The camera comes with an 16MB SD memory card which is good for about 8-10 hi-res pix, so I replaced it with a 64MB version ($34). All-in-all, 4 stars may be conservative because I like it and it is nearly all I need and want.

Rating:
Summary: *Almost* Perfect For My Needs
Review: I can be rough on cameras so I wanted a digital camera that could take at least a little abuse. I considered the Olympus Stylus 300/400 but didn't care for some of the reviews and the kind of batteries they use (I'm a rechargeable AA fan). What I read on the Optio 33WR was impressive, it has more mode features than I'll probably use (even a specialty mode for fireworks!) Although not quite as easy to use as the Kodak 6330 I feel this is offset by the extra features of the Optio 33WR. Since the Optio 33WR is "immersible" it *should* be able to handle rain and splashing from white water rafting and other water sports (I'll find out the hard way next summer) which greatly appeals to me. Taking pictures is easy and the 3.2 megapixel results are great even for 8x10 prints. Pictures are easy to download to your computer w/the included USB cable and the ACDSee photo-editing software is surprisingly easy to use as well. With a 256MB SD memory card I can take over 100 max quality/resolution photos and battery life is very good. It's small enough to drop in a pocket yet controls are large enough to be easily used. However, the Optio 33WR is not *quite* perfect... A docking bay w/battery charger for downloading photos would be nice and very convenient, I can't locate the optional AC adapter *anywhere*, a *slightly* more powerful flash (adequate as is) would be good, the power on/off button is a little too close to the shutter release for my comfort and the camera strap can dangle in front of the lens/flash when holding the camera at 90 degrees for more vertically oriented shots. Despite these minor quibbles I'm *very* happy w/my Optio 33WR and recommend it to anyone looking for a good digital camera that isn't afraid of the water. I give it 4.75 stars out of 5.
Added: I found a suitable AC adapter at Radio Shack for $21 and the ACDSee photo-editing software that comes with the 33WR does a good job of lightening/brightening photos that the flash couldn't quite handle.
Added: The Vivitar DF200 Digital Flash looks to be my choice for better flash performance: It takes AA batteries like my Optio 33WR, "learns" the camera's flash characteristics for better results, tilts/aims for more lighting options and comes with a mini flex tripod & a special bracket for attaching to the tripod hole of the 33WR.

Rating:
Summary: Finally!!!!!!!
Review: I've waited a long time for a decent digital camera that's rugged enough for going outdoors and enduring a little punishment. This thing is all you could ask for if your looking for a camera to go fishing, duck hunting and anything else you throw at it. It's simple and well laid out but still has all the features of a mid-range camera. It takes great pictures and comes with ACDsee for a wonderful software package.
Enjoy!!!!