I recieved the Pentax Optio W20 as an early Christmas gift this year and I could not be more pleased with it. It has avery intuitive user interface that allows you to switch modes on the fly. From a setting for fireworks, panoramic, and even one to help enhance natural skin tone! Though compact it has a large viewscreen (2.5 in) and easy to find buttons.

All that is great, but what is really cool is that it is water proof and dustproof. Not just splash resistant, you can actually take this camera snorkeling. No need to buy a bulky case to fit it in. I have not tested it fully submerged yet, since it is December even in Florida. A buddy of mine took his to Discovery Cove and shot snorkeling video with sound! Those clips got it on my list this year.

I can't tell you how many times I have been out kayaking, or in the dink and missed a great shot because my expensive digital camera was in the drybag to protect it. Not any more, this thing is getting a pocket on my PFD. Now even when relaxing on my raft tied behind the sailboat at Vinoy Park concerts I will be ready to catch some great moments. I will include more actual pictures and details as I use it more.

Pentax Optio W20 From Buy.com

Here are specs from the Pentax Website:

• JIS Class 8 Waterproof and Class 5 Dustproof performance allows underwater photography and video. Rinse away sand and dirt with ease.
  
• 7.0 megapixel CCD and 3X PENTAX optical zoom lens offer excellent image quality from 0.36 inch macro shots to expansive landscapes.
  
• 115,000 pixel 2.5 inch low reflection LCD monitor remains easy to view, even on sunny days. Power saving mode extends battery life.
  
• High performance 0.6 second start-up and 0.05 second shutter lag make getting the action shots effortless.
  
• Ultra-fast 9-Point Autofocus features Tracking AF. Portrait mode combines Face priority AF with Face priority auto-exposure for perfect results.
  
• High-quality extended movie captures QuickTime motion JPEG (640 x 480) at 30fps with anti-shake and a range of built-in editing functions.

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