7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice!, June 6, 2005
This review is from: Pentax O-WP2 Waterproof Case for Optio S4i Digital Camera (Electronics)
Very nice gear, except for all the maintenance. It has to be well cleaned before every use, to prevent moisture and sand damage. Too bad it doesn't come with a protective bag, since it's made out of plastic that can get scrached over time. But overall it's a very nice addition to the S4i and S5i line of cameras.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great for point and shoot camera quality, but there are limitations., June 19, 2006
This review is from: Pentax O-WP2 Waterproof Case for Optio S4i Digital Camera (Electronics)
I have used this O-WP2 housing with a Pentax s4i camera.
The trip was to Kona, Hawaii and snorkeling at Kahalu'u Beach Park (3 miles South of Kailua-Kona).
This snorkeling spot has many green turtles swimming in 2-5 feet of water.
The Pentax s4i camera with housing worked very well - clear pictures and the 'digital ability' to snap hundreds of photos - I got 1 keeper for every 10-15 shots. It's difficult trying to photograph a turtle in shallow water with me getting flipped over by the incoming waves.
Some operational observations (snorkeling about 2-3 feet from water surface).
1. Flash is next to useless - the debris (deterius?) in the water reflect back and show up as spots or diamond-shaped anomalies in the image.
2. Second day use - I forgot to use the dessicant packs (included) and the camera got all fogged up on the lens and was useless (and potentially damaging to camera). Read the instruction book as recommended ;-)
3. The LCD is next to useless underwater - the glare of the water above makes it hard to frame - use the viewfinder instead.
4. Sound actually records under water too! People talking above surface not clear, but the swishing sounds of my swimming were clear - any other noises may be audible.
5. Continuous mode is best for capturing sequences of fast-moving fish.
6. Keep strap on your wrist at all times - camera/housing will sink if you lose grip.
I recommend at least 1 GB SD card (battery will run out before your memory does) as you won't get a chance to change the battery in the water (too impractical).
Save power by using viewfinder only (turn off LCD).
The housing has a diffuser for the flash - it helped soften the deterius effect, but you still see spots in the images.
For pictures of my wife surfing above surface- it works just fine - controls are reasonably accessible for zooming, etc.
For most folks, the Pentax W10 would be sufficient and not much more money.
Just remember the O-WP2 housing can be used for scuba at deeper depths v.s the W10.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect Case for the Optio camera, March 3, 2006
This review is from: Pentax O-WP2 Waterproof Case for Optio S4i Digital Camera (Electronics)
The case is specially made for the Pentax Optio s4i and s5i camera's. As such, it fits perfectly with the camera. The best part about this case is the high quality contruction and parts used. Some of the buttons are difficult to push, but this is understandable due to the design of the case. The case was completely water tight when i recieved it. I have had no problems with it whatsoever. Also, because the case itself is relatively small, you can keep the camera inside of it most of the time, only needing to take it out to recharge the batteries.
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