Pentax Compact digital cameras- recommendationsplease.

SWMBO (She who must be obeyed) has just decided that she now wants to move to a compact digital camera.

She has a pentax compact 35mm, which has been perfect for her, she still loves it, she can also handle my iSTD and my old Fuji S602.

But she is now looking for a compact digital similar in size to her 35mm compact, she does not want to carry around a digi SLR type.

She is not looking for the slimmest credit card type camera, she just wants something that will fit in her handbag, but preferably with optical zoom.

We like the look of the the W 20 but not sure if it has optical zoom. ( we like beaches and water) I have an proper scuba camera for real underwater pictures, we we just thinking that the W 20 might give better protection from sand and water damage.

Any advice on the new pentax compact digis appreciated.

Hi Mike,

The W20 does have optical zoom (3x), so it may well be just what you're after, although I haven't handled one myself. It's had good reviews, as far as I know.

Specs are here.

Dan

Mike,

I use the earlier Optio WPi (6 megapixel), the optical zoom works well, but chews up the battery life. I mainly use mine in situations where I wouldn't want to hump and SLR around - mainly up Big Hills, and I know it is waterproof as SWMBO took hers for an impromptu swim in the Guildford canal when she was supposed to be canoing!

And you were on the side of the canal taking pictures and laughing?

Unfortunately (or possibly fortunately) I wasn't present!

I now carry an A20 everywhere, and it gives pretty impressive detail and sharpness from its tiny 10.2MP CCD.

An update on the A20. Although noisier than a DSLR, for obvious reasons, it nevertheless makes a very nice constant companion. Quite versatile, with lots of features accessed via easy to find menus.

A nice touch is that the green button can be re-programmed to adjust a variety of features as the photographer desires. I have reset mine to mimic the Fn button of the DSLRs.

Like John Riley, I'm looking for a compact as a 'constant companion'; how many times have I cursed myself for not bringing a camera! I do like the look of the A20...and I have seen some prints from a friends camera which were pretty good. The only problem is - it doesn't have an optical viewfinder. Can anyone tell me if Pentax make a digital compact that does have an optical viewfinder?

Regards,
Mike

2xSPF + 28/35/50/80/105/135/200/300 +other M2 SMC Takumars: K1000 + 35/50/135 SMC Pentax : K10D +16-45 and 50-200 DA.

Yup, the Optio 60 has an optical viewer - with a diopter!

Thanks Mac.......I'll take a look

Regards,
Mike L

More of the discontinued models have optical viewfinders than the current ones. An advantage of buying second-hand, as well as saving money.

There's an S5i on ebay at the moment (with a viewfinder, though a small one).

Thanks for mentioning the S5i that's on eBay at the moment....