Pentax Optio W60

A huge advantage that Pentax waterproof cameras have over Olympus's is the option for the camera to always be left turned on. This is a great feature when using it for surfing with the help of the Surf Camera case (found at www.surfcamera.com). You have to be very quick to get a surfer shot and if the camera auto turned off you will miss the opertuned surfer shot. The battery will last longer than a full 2 hour surf session.

It seems that the Pentax camera does not a viewfinder. I continue to look for a waterproof compact digital camera of good quality, with a viewfinder. I tried the Olympus WP770 and had to return it. It is almost impossable to use the viewing screens in sunlight on moving objects. Dog sports in my venue, but almost any sport/activity with movement is a problem. Any suggestions?

ok - as soon as someone take a picture while doing snorkelling, please post it.

As the contrast is usually reduced underwater, I don't agree with the comment that under-exposure would apply underwater. The underexposure is only evident when there is strong contrast.

I am keen to see whether the distortion is reduced.

Cliff - I like your approach of giving the full picture at minimum and maximum ISOs for compacts. I agree that the close ups show serious degradation at higher ISOs but reckon that the rest of my family would probably be quite happy with the high ISO shot of your cars - given the joy they get out of my 6x4 prints of their photos from their mobiles.