Optio W60

By Phil Brown

ummer is officially rolling in and we all know what that means: you’re desperately going to need to take pictures underwater. I mean, come on. When it’s swimming weather, it’s time to take some submerged snapshots. And if you’re going to be doing that, you’re going to want a state of the art digital camera. Every photo worth taking is worth having in a digital format. This is the 21st century baby. Paper is a waste of time.

If you’re like me, you’ve ruined at least 8-10 digital cameras by assuming that they’re waterproof or trying to make them work underwater in a Ziploc bag. It’s a painful experience, but one that is finally over thanks to the good people at Pentax (god bless those camera-loving bastards). They have just released the fully waterproof Optio W60. As far as dig-cameras the specifications are pretty standard (10 megapixels, 5x optical zoom, and a 2.5-inch LCD screen), but you’re paying for that sweet, sweet waterproof goodness.

You can take this camera up to 13-feet underwater and never have to worry about dust and sand sneaking into the cracks. Plus, if you still plan on taking pictures in the winter, you don’t have to worry about taking it out in sub-zero temperatures. This camera can take it. It can take anything you throw at it. And it’ll ask for more. If you’re someone who uses the word “extreme” at least four to five times in a conversation, this is the ultimate camera for you. It really should come with a free bottle of Gatorade, a stencil for a barbwire arm tattoo, and an unjustified sense of superiority. Pick up yours in July.