Pentax Optio W60 Review

The PENTAX Optio W60 features an internal 5X zoom lens that covers focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (approximately 28mm to 140mm in 35mm format) and a refraction lens that never protrudes from the camera while zooming. This system allows the camera to capture a variety of scenes including expansive landscapes, architecture, and group photos in confined spaces as well as close-up telephoto shots of subjects. When combined with the intelligent digital zoom function (up to 5.7X) zoom magnification may be increased to 28.5X.

The built-in flash has modes for Auto, forced on (fill), forced off, redeye reduction, and soft flash. The working range at wide angle is approx. 13 ft., and telephoto is approx. 8.2 ft. (using ISO auto.)

Controls on the back: Top right is the zoom rocker switch, in playback it controls the index and enlarge functions. 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 Green button enters the Easy record mode, and you can also set a desired shortcut function to this button (ISO, white balance, contrast, etc.). The face button toggles the face priority on and off and also turns on the smile shutter mode.

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

Images and movie clips are stored in its 36.4 MB 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: The PC/AV connector is for both the USB 2.0 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 specifications (Adobe .pdf format)

The Optio W60 is powered by a D-LI78 proprietary 3.7 680mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery. Pentax claims a battery life of up to 205 shots and a playback time of 200 minutes in accordance with CIPA measuring conditions. The battery is charged out of the camera with the provided AC charger.