Wayfarer on paddling and photography

I have already reported a review of Pentax Optio W10 from DigitalCameraReview. I've found two more reviews of this camera. They both provide some comparison between WPi and W10 models.

Jeff Howard at Popular Photography gives a solid review of Pentax Optio W10 including technical test results, gallery of underwater pictures and underwater video.

The W10 replaces the Pentax Optio WPi. Cosmetically, they’re very similar. The W10 is slightly larger at 4.2 x 2.1 x 0.9 in., and the controls on the back are a bit smaller to make room for the larger 2.5 inch LCD, which now offers brightness control. Optically, the two cameras are identical. It's what's inside the W10 that distinguishes it from its predecessor. The signal processing circuitry and firmware have been improved, and you get a performance boost in both still and video modes. The W10 has full-resolution sensitivity up to ISO 800. On the video side, it shoots 640x480 at 30 frames per second (fps), with sound.

Color accuracy is Excellent (Average Delta E: 8, ISO 64, Manual White Balance.) Noise is Low at ISO 64 (1.64), ISO 100 (1.64), and ISO 200 (1.79), Moderate at ISO 400 (2.43), and High/Unacceptable at ISO 800 (4.44). Resolution (HxVxD) is Very High at ISO 64 (1415), ISO 100 (1385), and ISO 200 (1385), High at ISO 400 (1233), and Acceptable at ISO 800 (1132). There is visible barrel distortion at 38mm (.55%), Slight Pincushion at 76mm (.15%), and Slight Pincushion at 114mm (.29%.)

The W10 certainly looks very similar to the WPi at first glance, although if you put the two cameras side-by-side the new model is noticeably larger, being 5mm longer, 4mm taller and 1mm thicker. It’s also 20g heavier, which is a lot on a 155g camera. However the extra space provides room for a bigger non-reflective 2.5” LCD monitor and a redesigned body shape that is much more secure and comfortable to hold, thanks to a large thumb grip that has been added to the back.

The main differences are internal, and they are much more than superficial. The WPi is based on the internal workings of the Optio S6, and although that is a great little camera it isn’t exactly the fastest thing around. For the W10 and its other recent launches including the E10, M10 and 8MP A10, Pentax has thankfully at last updated its electronics and software.

As a result the W10 is noticeably quicker to start up that the WPi, being ready to shoot in about two seconds. Focusing is also a bit quicker, although it is still slower than many other cameras in its class. Like both the original WP and WPi the W10 has no AF illuminator, but its low light focusing is among the best I’ve seen. It also features continuous AF and tracking AF, so it can follow moving subjects more easily, and the 9-point multi AF system seems to be much better at locking on to off-centre subjects than the previous models.

The W10’s biggest improvement however is in image quality, where it easily surpasses the slightly disappointing WPi. The W10 has a maximum sensitivity of 800 ISO, but it is at 200 and 400 ISO that the biggest improvement in image quality is noticeable, very useful for the low light levels of underwater photography.

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