The Pentax Optio W90 is a 12.1MP point and shoot camera that features a shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof body, along with a 2.7-incd LCD, 720p HD video capture and a Digital Microscope mode with LED lights providing lighting for up close subjects. The W90 will include a carabiner for attaching the camera to a belt or backpack for quick access.

Our Rating (4/5)

Good: Robust enough to allow pictures that would prove impossible for standard cameras, more compact mobile phone-like dimensions than we’re used to from a camera of this ilk, plus unique creative features and image quality that’s better than expected

Bad: You’ll pay extra over a non-protected digicam, and the modest battery life is its Achilles’ heel

Despite its compact dimensions, the Pentax Optio W90 features an optical 5X zoom lens covering focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (equivalent in the 35mm format to approximately 28mm wide angle to 140mm telephoto).

Thanks to this wide zoom range, the Pentax W90 can be used for a wide variety of subjects and scenes, from spectacular landscape, majestic architecture and group shots to tight snapshots from a distance.

We also expect that the new Pentax Optio camera features the Intelligent Zoom function. Coupled with this function, the Pentax Optio W90 allows even tighter zooming in on the subject.

The Pentax W90 waterproof digital camera features the advanced Face Recognition, a great tool in casual shooting of people. This user-friendly function automatically detects multiple faces in the image field, then optimizes their focus and exposure settings. The Pentax W90 is also equipped with the Smile Capture mode, which automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile, as well as the Blink Detection function, which warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes close at the time of shutter release.

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Steve’sDigicams writes:
“Overall, the camera produces nice 12-megapixel photos for a camera in this price range. Outdoors the camera captured good exposures with accurate color reproduction. Images are also nice and sharp, with only slight edge softness along the right hand side of the frame.”
Rating: N/A

PhotographyBlog writes:
“Overall though, the W90 acquits itself better than expected. And whilst it’s not the sharpest compact we’ve ever seen, it nevertheless delivers a consistent and so reliable performance in terms of image quality that puts it up there with Panasonic’s rugged offerings and slightly betters that of recent Mju Toughs..”
Rating: ★★★★☆

DigitalVersus writes:
“The W90 is pleasant to use and has a nice design. Unfortunately the technology isn’t really up to scratch, as there’s no real stabilisation system and picture quality is nothing more than average..”
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Pocket-lint writes:
“One of the more successful attempts at a toughened digicam; though it’s pricier than the average point and shoot this looks the part and takes decent images too”
Rating: ★★★★☆

ImagingResource writes:
“The camera is missing some pieces, such as optical image stabilization, and it’s HD video recording leaves a lot to be desired. Still, the camera does not want for features, leaving you plenty to play with when you’re done subjecting it to nature’s wrath. Better yet, the image quality’s pretty good for a rugged camera, earning it a Dave’s Pick in the Underwater/Tough, Macro and Travel categories.”
Rating: N/A

Specifications:

Sensor:
• 1/2.3″ sensor
• 12.1 million effective pixels
• 12.39 million effective pixels

Image stabilization:
• Pixel Track SR
• Digital SR

Movie mode:
• 1280 x 720
• 640 x 480
• 320 x 240

Lens:
• 5x zoom
• 11 elements in 9 groups (5 aspherical elements)
• 5-25mm (approx. 28 – 140mm in 35mm format)

Digital zoom:
• approx. 6.25X

Focus modes:
• Standard
• Spot
• Auto Tracking
• Infinity Landscape
• Super Macro
• Macro
• Manual
• Pan-Focus

AF assist lamp:
• Yes

Scene modes:
• Auto Picture
• Program
• Night Scene
• Night Scene
• Movie
• Underwater
• Underwater Movie
• Landscape
• Flower
• Portrait
• Digital Wide
• Surf & Snow
• Digital SR
• Kids, Pet
• Half Length Portrait
• Sport
• Fireworks
• Candlelight
• Night Scene Portrait
• Text
• Food
• Digital Panorama
• Frame Composite
• Report
• Green
• Digital Microscopic

Metering:
• Multi-segment
• Center-Weighted
• Spot

Sensitivity:
• Auto (80-1600)
• 80 – 6400

Shutter speed:
• 1/1500- 1/4 sec.
• 4 sec in night scene mode

Aperture values:
• F3.5 – F5.5

White balance:
• Auto
• Daylight
• Shade
• Tungsten light
• Fluorescent light
• Manual Setting

Drive modes:
• One shot
• Self-timer
• Continuous Shooting
• High-Speed Continuous Shooting

LCD monitor:
• 2.7″
• approx 230K dots

Flash:
• Flash-on
• Flash-off
• Red-eye reduction
• Soft-Flash

FLash range:
• Wide: approx. 0.3 – 3.9m (ISO Auto)
• Tele: approx. 0.98 – 2.5m (ISO Auto)

Connectivity:
• DC Input
• AV Output
• USB 2.0 High speed

Storage:
• Built-in Memory (approx. 26.7MB)
• SD/SDHC Memory Card

Power:
• Rechargeable D-LI88 lithium-ion battery
• Optional AC adapter kit is also available

Dimensions:
• 108 × 59 × 25 mm (3.9 x 2.2 x 1.0 inches)

Weight (with battery):
• Approx. 144g (4.8oz)