Pentax Optio W20

I bought a Pentax Optio W30 online. This is a waterproof camera
submersible upto 10 feet for upto 2 hours. As part of testing it, I
took it in thigh deep water on Waikiki beach on Oahu and took some
pictures. The camera began to take water and ceased to function.

I contacted Pentax using the online form. I did not hear back. I
complained again, only to hear back after more than a week that they
will not cover the damage as it is not covered under warranty. I was
clear in my message to them that the waterproof seal is faulty--but
they, WITHOUT EVEN INSPECTING THE CAMERA, said that the seal is not
faulty and that it will not be covered under warranty.

What is more, the highly insolent customer service staffmember,
Spencer Todd (photo_end_US@pentax.com) who responded to my message
told me in his email to "stop smoking that stuff"! I wrote back and
complained further, only to hear back from Dorian Black, who while
much better mannered, still maintained the position that the damage to
the camera was not covered by the warranty. Here is an extract from
his email:

"The seal is not faulty. The camera was not defective. We have already
explained that we cannot cover your camera under warranty, and we are
not going to change our mind on this issue. Writing us threatening
emails is completely unnecessary, and is not going to change the fact
that this camera is damaged in a way that is clearly not covered under
the warranty."

I really feel that Pentax's customer service is absolutely horrible.
Furthermore, I have spoken to about 8 other people who have had bad
experiences with Pentax. I strongly advise against buying any of the Pentax waterproof cameras.

However, if you need a waterproof camera then I suggest getting the Olympus Stylus 770SW, and get a silicone sleeve separately. The camera is waterproof upto 33ft. I suggest getting it from Ritz Camera with a coverage plan. Ritz will cover water damage too, so you are indeed safe and covered.

BTW, if you have had any problems with the Pentax contact me. I am putting together a group of people so we can approach Ikuzo Okamoto, the CEO of Pentax about this issue.