Customer Reviews
Good if you want waterproof 
2008-08-18
This camera works quite well and has all the normal features I would expect from a reasonable digital camera. The waterproof capability is the main feature I was looking for. I have a Canon SD750 (if I remember the model correctly...) that I use when I don't need a waterproof camera as the picture quality and overall camera are superior in my mind. However, the loss of picture quality and minor things I don't like about the Pentax are not enough to make me regret the purchase. I have used it several times in and/or under water with no issues and reasonable picture and film results.
I read a review from someone who added a closed cell foam type floating keychain to make the camera float. I did the same and it works very well. The keychain was around $1 at Wal-Mart. It seems like this could be a good feature to build into the camera. A thin closed cell foam covering in a few areas would serve the float the camea and provide some protection from bumps and drops. It doesn't take a whole lot to float the camera. The keychain can be a bit of a nuisance when taking pictures (it always flops in front of the lens), but this seemed like some good insurance.
W30 long term review 
2008-08-15
I bought the W30 as an upgrade for the Pentax WPi which I have had for about three years. That camera gave good service and met its waterproof claims. It was used extensively for kayaking, skiing and snorkelling and eventually failed after being taken too deep.
The W30 is now about 15 months old and has been used for skiing trips and travel in Oman but had not been used in water. I have been very happy with image quality and ease of use. I take mostly landscape photos so tend not to use a lot of the alternative settings. Reading other reviews I see a lot of comments about problems with use in water and I want to concentrate mainly on this area, especially as it is the distinguishing feature of the camera.
Last week I took it snorkelling and clipped it onto the diver flag bouy I was towing. This put it about about six inches below the surface. after swimming out to the reef I unclipped the camera and found the LCD screen was half full of water. Returning to the shore I found the battery compartment was wet as was the USB compartment. I had carefully checked both were closed correctly before starting into the water.
After drying out the camera was still not functional so I took it apart and did not find any obvious damage to the seals although water was still present in the main body of the camera. A check with a magnifying glass found no faults with the seals. It was not apparant where the water had initially got into the camera. I reassembled it making sure that the seals were installed correctly and took it back into the sea. This time the camera flooded before I even had my mask in place, again the camera was clipped on to the float. Water had penetrated battery compartment, screen and the main body of the camera. Again on strip the seals were in place properly.
At this point I conclude that assembly is correct, the design limitations were not exceeded. It would appear that there is either a manufacturing issue that results in some cameras with good seals and some with bad ones or the seals have degraded since new. As the camera is now useless I plan to carry out some more tests using additional sealing to see if I can determine the origin of the failure and to explore whether temperature is possibly an issue (hot camera going into colder water for example). I am buying a W60 to replace this one but I think it will be treated as a 'splashproof' camera rather than a waterproof one. It is a shame because this is a very nice camera in general use and reliable waterproofing would make it a great camera for so many people.
Pentax W30 - Dont buy it! 
2008-08-15
I used the Pentax W30 for 3 weeks and it already died. It won't turn on. Seems to be moister in the screen. Even when I did use it the picture quality in movie mode was poor. Underwater movies and normal movies were grainy and jerky, even though I set for max resolution. Thank goodness Amazon will allow me to return it - then I'll order an Olympus, which get better reviews online. And this from a lifelong Pentax camera user.
Great as my first waterproof, but there are better. 2008-08-11
This was the first waterproof camera I ever used, and I loved it! The flexibility of being able to take my camera into the water was great. The pentax is easy to use, takes decent pictures and I have never had any problems when using it for snorkeling, even for longer time periods than recommended. Since then, though, I purchased a waterproof Olympus and like the quality of the pictures better and the larger screen size is nice.
Do not buy this camera, it is not waterproof 
2008-08-03
I used this camera once in the water. The entire screen is water logged and the camera is broken. I don't know how Pentax can claim this camera is waterproof as it clearly is NOT. If you are looking for a waterproof camera, get the one by Olympus. I had that one and it was just amazing (until it was stolen). This camea also takes horrible photos at night, day time shots were just fine, but you could get much, much more for the price.
Pentax W30 x2 2008-08-02
Take your underwater images to a new depth. With an enhanced waterproof design, the compact Optio W30 performance capacity has more than doubled and now allows photographers to capture images underwater up to 10 feet for 2 hours. The generous 2.5-inch LCD monitor offers an LCD Bright Mode that can adjust the brightness of the screen as necessary for improved viewing in the sunlight. Ever the perfect camera for capturing adventure in the outdoors, the Optio W30 also features both Digital and Movie SR modes to reduce blur in both image and video capture. The Optio W30 also features the Face Recognition function and Macro Photography mode to allow image capture at under half an inch for stunning close-ups of photography subjects such as flowers, insects, jewelry and much more.
Don't by this for waterproof capability 2008-07-25
Don't buy this camera if you are buying it for it's waterproof capability. I had one and it took good photos, but the first time I took it near the water-- not even under water mind you, just to the beach playing in the surf, it leaked and got water behind the LCD. Upon inspection it had a small hairline crack, which I don't know where it came from because it had never been dropped, etc. I literally ended up throwing away $300. I now have the Olympus 1030SW and it's great! Go with the Olympus instead, it's tougher, takes awesome photos, can go deeper and for longer and takes great terrestrial and underwater photos. Don't waste your money on this one!
Disappointing Image Quality 2008-07-13
This camera was purchased for snapshots at the beach and around the pool, and fortunately it lives up to the waterproof claim. Unfortunately the image quality is disappointing.
Auto focus is slow and inaccurate - expect lots of blurry pics and missed shots (especially of fast moving subjects like kids or fish.)
Exposure controls offer many options, none of which seem to work very well. Expect lots of blown highlights and dark shadows.
Low light performance is very lacking. Images are very grainy at high ISO in available light. Images are prone to "purple fringe" artifacts.
The flash is also inadequate. If the subject is close enough to be within range the flash is likely to blow out highlights.
The battery charger requires a separate power cord - a very bulky design. The camera is compact, but you'll need a big case to fit the charger and cords in.
Watch the latches for opening the battery/card and AV/power ports. They are easy to open accidentally - a disaster if it happens under water. I place a piece of electrical tape over them to keep them secure.
If you plan to use this for snorkeling, be aware - the bright shinny finish looks just like an injured mackrel to that barricuda behind you.
In summary, this camera is just ok for snapshots around the pool or a day at the beach, but don't expect any great image quality. At 7 MP you can make some nice enlargements, but you probably will not want to.
Rugged! 2008-07-08
I pre-ordered this camera over a year ago. It is still great. I have a Canon SLR and didnt want to ruin it with the watersports that we do. This was the perfect option. The only issue I have is taking underwater pictures, at times I cant see what I'm trying to take a picutre of. (probably user failure!)Most times, I just aim in that direction and hope for the best. My camera has been in fresh water springs, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, pools and always with me while kayaking. I've never had any leaking, sand issues, etc.
Good camera- some things better left for an SLR 2008-06-25
I'm a wildlife/wetland ecologist who also does some photography on the side. When I heard about this camera, I was very excited to get one and try it out. Overall, it takes nice quality photos, if you can get the autofocus to cooperate with you. My best photos with this camera are in sunlight. There have been some good indoor photos, but overall, outside is much better. The waterproofing is FABULOUS. It takes pretty good photos in clear water and surprisingly good photos in slightly murky water. I've taken it places where I wouldn't dare take my Cannon XTI and was pleased with the quality of the photos I took. I think it's a little overpriced for the photos you get, but overall, it's a great investment as a second point and shoot to a fancy SLR.
