Caveman wrote: > If I were to look at Pentax, I'd consider the Optio 43WR. What I really > don't understand is why they have absolutely no lens protection. Mixed > with various keys and other objects to be found in a cavewoman's purse, > it would get scratched in no time. > > After living for a couple of years in a purse, the Olympus is all > scratched around, looks really beaten. However, it works perfectly and > the sliding cover did a wonderful job in protecting the lens, AF > sensors/illuminator, viewfinder, flash and whatever is there. > > Currently only Canon, Olympus and Konica/Minolta are using the sliding > cover design, and only for a few cameras in their lines (except Olympus > who really seems to enjoy it). I think this is a Good Thing (TM). >
The Pentax Optio 550 (and, from what I can tell, its successor the 555) has a cover to protect the lens also. My 550 is quite scratched about the body but the lens looks great. I chose the 550 over the S because I was looking for "more camera" than the S offered. As I regularly carry it in the front pocket of my jeans, it's definitely small enough for a purse. Although it's versatile enough for me most of the time, my four-year-old has also been able to get some nice snaps with it. ERN
