Pentax Optio W20 Review

With an internal Pentax 3X power zoom lens (equivalent to a 38-114mm lens in 35mm format) the Optio W20 is designed for maximum protection against water. The lens operates within a full range without protruding from the body of the camera. The glass lens is constructed of 11 elements in 9 groups with three aspherical elements. The aperture range is F3.3 - F4. Combined with a 4X digital zoom it has a total zoom of 12X.

Featuring a 9-point, TTL contrast detection autofocus system with selectable Spot focus, infinity landscape and manual focus options. The AF range is from 1.31 ft (0.4m) to infinity in normal mode and from 0.4 in. (0.01m) - 2.0 ft (0.6m) in macro mode. Manual focusing is available from 0.4 in. to infinity.

The built-in flash has modes for auto flash, fill-flash in low lighting and backlight condition, flash-on, flash-off, "Red-eye" reduction function which employs a single discharge and soft flash. The flash working range in Wide approx. 0.66 to 12 ft. (0.2 - 3.6m) Tele approx. 1.64 to 9.8 ft. (0.5 - 3m) at ISO auto .

Controls on the back: Top right is the zoom rocker switch, in playback it controls the index and enlarge functions. The Green button is for the Easy record mode. The "blue arrow" button is the Play mode button, press it to review images. The 4-way selector switch is for navigating menu options, press the OK button in the center to accept selections. Press "Up" to change Drive modes in record, press "Down" to change the recording mode (see the next page for the modes available), press "Right" for focus modes and "Left" for flash modes. The MENU button calls up or dismisses the onscreen menu system. The DISPLAY button controls the amount of information on the LCD screen.

On top is the speaker, microphone, power button and the shutter release.

Images and movie clips are stored in its 21.9MB of internal memory or on Secure Digital or MultiMedia cards. The camera is compatible with all SD type cards up to 2GB in capacity and with the new SDHC memory cards offering capacities of 4GB and 8GB.

Approx. Still Image Storage Capacity

Approx. Movie Storage Capacity

I/O Ports:  DC IN port for an optional AC power supply. The PC/AV connector is for both the USB 1.1 data cable and the Audio / Video cable for connection to a TV set (NTSC or PAL). The USB cable can be connected directly to any PictBridge compatible printer.

The black rubber gasket inside the door helps to waterproof the camera. Click here to see the JIS Class 8 waterproof specifications (Adobe pdf format)

The Optio W20 is powered by a D-LI8 proprietary 3.7 710mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery. Pentax claims a battery life of up to 240 shots and a playback time of 360 minutes in accordance with CIPA measuring conditions. The battery is charged out of the camera with the provided D-BC8 charger.