Water resistance
Zoom
exposure control

size and weight

Great camera if you need something durable and waterproof and aren't concerned by the weight. I carried it on deck, uncovered on my sea kayak for a week straight and it performed like a gem. Just had to wipe the lens off to clean away the spray.
When I got home, I ran it under the faucet to remove any salt water, and it's going strong.

It's heavier and bigger than Minolta's offerings, but a lot more durable.

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None

Durable
Waterproof
Large number of options
Hardly ever have a badly exposed shot

Bulky
Noisy zoom
No built in lens cap
Quite pricey

I originally bought this camera a back up to my SLR for taking photos during geological fieldwork and boat trips in some very rainy places (Scotland, Southern Chile, Antarctica). I was amazed by the quality of photographs it produced, and now often use it more than the SLR, especially when it is wet. All the necessary options are included. I just have to get used to the offset viewfinder. However, one very irritating point about this camera is the lack of a built in lens cap. This means using it in the rain, you constantly have to keep wiping the lens (although it does have a clear protective plastic cover). However, the number of bad shots I take per roll of film is still minimal. Redeye also tends to be a problem, even with the anti-redeye flash turned on. The price is also quite high in comparison to non- weatherproof equivalent camears. However, if you need any camera for use in a wet environment, I would recommend it.

Customer Service

not yet used (touch wood!)

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My first point-and-shoot

light weight, small, zoom, good flash

just a beginner's camera

I like this zoom camera. It is easy to carry around with me especially on my mountain bike trips

Customer Service

n/a

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disposables, $20 junk

Waterproof; Cheap; Sufficient Exposure Options; Durable; Wireless Remote; Bulb setting

Big:not a shirt pocket camera; Slow lens like other P&s's; No mechanical lens cover.

1. Got real cheap during internet special. 2. No fear in ocean spray, morning mist, even rain. I killed first Minolta7xi in a downpour: I fear water. 3. Biggest negative was size: a bit big for everyday, stick in a pocket use. 4. Quality of pics:as good as expected.

Customer Service

Not needed

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Olympus Stylus(moisture but not waterproof)
Pentax EZYR

Well made.

Bulky. Very poor results
on 400ASA film and particularly Fuji film.

Bought this camera for hiking.Instructions recommend 400 film for all situations. All photos with just a hint of sunlight in them are hopeless.
Would be better off with a throwaway.Any ideas?

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Nikon TWAD

Waterproof, accurate exposures and AF.

Bigger, heavier than other choices. A bit stiff to close.

This is an excellent camera for heavy-duty outdoor work. I purchased this as a gift but used it myself for a couple of weeks. The results from Kodak Supra 400 and Fuji Superia 800 were excellent. Those reviewers getting bad results should blame the lab they are using, the camera works VERY well. Both prints and film scans (my prefered method) were of high quality.

My impression is that my Olympus and Leica P&S are sharper, but you have to look closely to see a difference. But neither of them could handle the deliberate abuse I and the gift recipient gave the Pentax. We pushed it underwater, swooshed it around in mud, buried it in snow, even spilled soda on it (OK, that was a bit sticky). No problems at all. This is the camera you want for all weather conditions outdoor activities.

I downgraded the rating a bit for the average quality lens but boosted it a bit for it's toughness.

Customer Service

N/A

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Olympus 115, Leica C1

I like this camera because the buttons are easily located without looking. The zoom works quickly so I don't lose my shot. This is the camera I use when I want fun, fast, unposed photos.

I get lots of red eyes, whether the red eye reduction is on or not.

Good sturdy family camera.

Customer Service

never used it.

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None

Excellent Pictures... Extrememly durable (fell out of back pack and survived long tumble down a rocky slope). Great for camping, biking, backpacking when you want zoom features

Auto shut off a little too quick.

Good camera for those who need durability and lots of features.

Customer Service

Have not dealt with Customer Service yet

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many others

Water resistant. Ease of use.

Flash failed on second roll of film.

Pictures good. Ease of use is good. It should have a built in lens cap and I think the red-eye reduction on the point and shoot olympus products does a better job.

Customer Service

Took about 4 weeks to get it back from California. Flash works now.

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Canon and Nikon 35mm products.

This product is tremendously easy to use, yet has some sophistication with the 38mm - 105mm zoom on demand and the programmable flash. I also love the water resistant feature - no worries if it gets splashed at the pool or in the boat! It's a great camera for general, all round use!

I've not encountered any real problems. I would suggest using 800 ASA film when shooting with the flash or with heavy zoom usage. The higher speed gives a sharper, clearer image in these conditions. For outdoor use 400 ASA seems fine.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this camera in the 8 months I've had it. I've shot about 20 rolls of film, with lots of flash and zoom pictures, and have used 2 batteries - I am pleasantly surprised that that's all! I get consistent quality without having to spend time focusing and setting F-stops! And I don't worry about taking it anywhere, even one the boat! I would not hesitate to recommend this camera to anyone!

Customer Service

I've had no experience with customer service.

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This is the first seriou P&S that I've used. I had a Pentax MiniSport 35 II, but it'snot in the same league.