The best thing about the Optio WP is that it's not just a gimmick. It would be hard to find any camera in the $350 price range with a 2-in. LCD screen, 5-megapixel resolution and an embedded 3X optical zoom lens, but especially one with such a slim case and a nice array of user-friendly pre-set shooting modes.

Still, the WP isn't exactly a paragon of photographic excellence. There's plenty of noise in low light shots. And, like many cameras, its digital zoom is all but worthless. But I was generally pleased with the snapshots. For the most part, details were crisp and colors were bright.

If there's anything missing from the WP, it's the extensive features found in its pricier Pentax precursors. The 5-megapixel Optio SV with 5X optical zoom allows for more manual control, and has extra creative shooting modes like 3D and panorama. But performance-wise, I felt the WP actually responded faster. Besides, the older SV is just too chunky to compete in the world of pocketable point-and-shoots.

In fact, inside that sleek body is such a full featured camera, it's easy to forget that the Optio WP can also be submerged and used in up to five feet of water for 30 minutes at a time. Early summer weather notwithstanding, I tested its waterproofing in the sink. It feels weird wiping your digital camera off with a towel after you've used it, but that's something I could definitely get used to. If you're looking for a camera worthy of beach, lake, river or pool, something that will capture not some but all of your aquatic fun, here it is.