The 10-megapixel CCD of the Pentax Optio WS80 enables the camera to capture detailed images that can be enlarged or cropped. It has a 5x optical zoom, but coupled with and Intelligent Zoom function, this is extended to 28.5x. Its 2.7-inch LCD display has a 230,000-dot resolution providing you with excellent image reproduction when composing or playing back images.
The camera has a Fast Face Detection technology that can detect up to 32 faces. This is great when taking group portraits. Its Smile Capture also sees your subjects’ smiles and will automatically release the shutter when it does. Also, it has a Blink Detection capability that lets you know if your subject’s eyes are closed when the image was captured. Apart from still pictures, the Optio WS80 can also record high-resolution HD video up to 720p at 30 frames per second.
Image stabilization is based on the Shake Reduction (SR) technology of Pentax that features Pixel Track SR, Digital SR, and Movie SR. These eliminate blurring from both still and video images.
The Optio SW80 boasts of 25 photo capture modes including Auto Picture, Night Scene, Underwater, Landscape, Sport, Fireworks, and Food. An ISO sensitivity from 64 to 6400 and shutter speeds that range from 4 to 1/1500 assures that all these modes are supported. Its built-in flash has Auto, Flash Off, Flash On, and Redeye Reduction modes.
All these features are encased in a 3.6 inches wide, 2.3 inches tall, and 0.9 inch thick polycarbonate shell that is both dustproof and waterproof up to a depth of five feet. It can also operate at a wide range of temperatures, from 32 to 104°F.
The Optio WS80 may look petite but it packs a lot of punch. Two color options are available: the black with orange highlights, and the white with purple.