After I lost my previous digital camera to a 3 foot fall, I was looking for a digital camera that could survive being thrown around a bit, and also something I could take kayaking. The Optio 33WR seemed tailor-made for my needs. The first weekend I had it I went hiking on one of the dustier trails in Northern California, I came back with some great shots of banana slugs, redwoods and hilly panoramas. The camera didn't handle the bright sunlight as well as I hoped (some of my panarama pictures were a bit washed out). However, you can knock exposure down in half steps manually (which I came to use frequently later).

The next day I tentatively dipped it under the running sink, dried it off, and waited for it to explode. Happily it behaved as though nothing had happened. Eventually, I took it kayaking, all day, in salt water. It handled splash, salt, and sun like a champ. As an added bonus, the batteries (not the default ones, but some fairly standard rechargeables I'd purchased seperately) managed to last the whole trip (about 120 shots and 4 hours on the water). I also got to use the phrase: "hang on a minute, I have to rinse off my camera" - and there's something cool about saying that.

Most recently the camera has survived 4 weeks of backpacking, much of which was spent on the plains of Kenya. Obviously, there's not enough zoom to make this the "safari" camera, but it was great for capturing some spontaneous moments, some landscape shots and the braver wildlife. I found it hard to get a good picture in lower light situations (dusk or dawn). But anytime there was some cloud cover during the day the pictures were deep and rich.

The quality of the photos are quite what I'd expect from a 3MP camera. The manual focus is a nice bonus, but the autofocus is responsive enough. The zoom is less then I would like, but is still acceptable. For digital camera features alone, I'd say this camera is an easy 3.5 or maybe 4 stars. Having the freedom to take it out on the water, get dirty and generally abuse it push it up to a shining 5 stars.

I can be rough on cameras so I wanted a digital camera that could take at least a little abuse. I considered the Olympus Stylus 300/400 but didn't care for some of the reviews and the kind of batteries they use (I'm a rechargeable AA fan). What I read on the Optio 33WR was impressive, it has more mode features than I'll probably use (even a specialty mode for fireworks!) Although not quite as easy to use as the Kodak 6330 I feel this is offset by the extra features of the Optio 33WR. Since the Optio 33WR is "immersible" it *should* be able to handle rain and splashing from white water rafting and other water sports (I'll find out the hard way next summer) which greatly appeals to me. Taking pictures is easy and the 3.2 megapixel results are great even for 8x10 prints. Pictures are easy to download to your computer w/the included USB cable and the ACDSee photo-editing software is surprisingly easy to use as well. With a 256MB SD memory card I can take over 100 max quality/resolution photos and battery life is very good. It's small enough to drop in a pocket yet controls are large enough to be easily used. However, the Optio 33WR is not *quite* perfect... A docking bay w/battery charger for downloading photos would be nice and very convenient, I can't locate the optional AC adapter *anywhere*, a *slightly* more powerful flash (adequate as is) would be good, the power on/off button is a little too close to the shutter release for my comfort and the camera strap can dangle in front of the lens/flash when holding the camera at 90 degrees for more vertically oriented shots. Despite these minor quibbles I'm *very* happy w/my Optio 33WR and recommend it to anyone looking for a good digital camera that isn't afraid of the water. I give it 4.75 stars out of 5.
Added: I found a suitable AC adapter at Radio Shack (...) and the ACDSee photo-editing software that comes with the 33WR does a good job of lightening/brightening photos that the flash couldn't quite handle.
Added: The Vivitar DF200 Digital Flash looks to be my choice for better flash performance: It takes AA batteries like my Optio 33WR, "learns" the camera's flash characteristics for better results, tilts/aims for more lighting options and comes with a mini flex tripod & a special bracket for attaching to the tripod hole of the 33WR.
EDITED 5/04: The Phoenix D91-BZS 4-Stop Digital Slave Flash looks to be even better than the Vivitar (even comes w/a camera bracket). I now have the Optio 43WR which is nearly identical to the 33WR except for slightly greater resolution (no big deal) and a much-improved movie mode (640x480@30fps instead of 320x240@15fps) which I really like. However, it requires hi-speed memory to achieve 30fps and the SanDisk 512Mb Ultra II will provide 7.5 minutes of movie recording time at 640x480@30fps. If the movie mode isn't that important to you then I suggest you stick with the 33WR and less expensive memory.

I've waited a long time for a decent digital camera that's rugged enough for going outdoors and enduring a little punishment. This thing is all you could ask for if your looking for a camera to go fishing, duck hunting and anything else you throw at it. It's simple and well laid out but still has all the features of a mid-range camera. It takes great pictures and comes with ACDsee for a wonderful software package.
Enjoy!!!!

I am new to Digital cameras, but have been shooting film in a variety of formats and systems for over 30 years. After much research and agonizing compromises, I waited and purchased this Pentax Optio 33WR. It is small, but fits my small hands well. All the controls are nicely defined and laid out. I began using the camera prior to consulting the manual because the camera is logically engineered. The manual is well done and thorough, and Pentax also spells out the accompanying ACDSEE software - not needed if you own a Mac. You can also download the manual and specs for this and many Pentax cameras directly from Pentax's doc site - free, prior to purchase if you want to study this. The specs available are quite accurate. Output is great! Sharp lens, fast focus, accurate exposure, and it fits in my pants pocket. It has a lot of flexibility for a P&S and a fair number of manual features if you need them. Nicely sealed, all weather unit. solid feel! Lots of positives! Negatives are: Came with 2 inexpensive alkaline batteries instead of lithium versions - I replaced them, but one can find power for this camera anywhere. The camera comes with an 16MB SD memory card which is good for about 8-10 hi-res pix, so I replaced it with a 64MB version ($34). All-in-all, 4 stars may be conservative because I like it and it is nearly all I need and want.

This camera really fits a niche if you like to hike, bike, canoe, raft, kayak, etc. From the rubberized corners to the sealed design, it's made for adventure. I've dropped mine, been rained on, and splashed big time- without problems.

Also, it has most features all other camera's have. Easy to use, rugged, good pics- I highly recommend it.

I use it often for my blog: www.riverrant.blogspot.com. Many photos from this camera are posted.

I got this camera to replace an Olympus C4000 that was too slow focusing and bulky for my needs (shooting my toddler). I have had it for about 9 months now and still think its great. One reason I bought it was the price (under $200) and the reviews I saw on the web (like dpreview.com). It is small enough to go in your pocket. It can be used in the rain without fear of damage. The fireworks shots I took , a couple can be seen in the user images for this camera, where unexpectedly good and done HANDHELD without a tripod using the fireworks program! There are a couple of cons, but minor and are to be expected for a camera of this type, ie. weak indoor flash (fix with software), sometimes takes long in low light to focus, no lens protection. But in all, would buy and recommend again. Make sure you invest in NiMH batteries and a charger and you will be all set! Happy shooting!

The camera came with no memory chip. The online store had no more of this camera or chips so the only thing they could suggest was to return it for a refund. Not a great experience.

Small, good picture quality, rugged...I've taken this camera camping, canoing, hiking, biking, etc. It's covered with scratches, it's been in the rain, and yet it still takes great pictures. It fits in a pocket or backpack without any problem. I'd highly recommend this camera.

This little camera is the cats meow. Not only does it take wonderfull pics with adjustments that rate right up there with the "big dollar" camers. It is the most rugged little thing i've ever owned. Last summer, '06, i crashed on my motorcycle. I had my Pentax Optio 33WR in my shirt pocket and when i went down my camera flew out of my pocket and went tumblin down the road. It traveled about 75feet down the pavement then tumbled off into the weeds.Was it fased or damaged?..NOPE, in fact, i picked it right up and took pics of the crash.It gits a solid 10 in my book.

This camera and its companion the 43WR have three features I want in a camera that I can take with me wherever I go. It has an optical viewfinder, uses AA size batteries and is weatherproof. It doesn't matter if it's raining or you're riding down or hiking up a whitewater river, you can still take pictures. Also, it easily fits in a shirt pocket. It is my "I always take it with me camera."