Pentax FluCard O-FC1 Review

Build Quality

The Pentax FluCard is of above-average build quality.  It features a sturdy plastic casing and unlike certain cheap SD cards, the seams between the two halves of the casing have been molded shut so that the card does not easily separate.  There is no play in the yellow lock switch, which actually requires a considerable amount of force to be operated.  This means that you will likely never inadvertently lock the card, which is oftentimes very easy to do with other cards.

The FluCard in its protective case

The casing itself is thin and slightly flexible, and the card is partially hollow to accommodate the Wi-Fi antenna.  This makes it slightly less durable than high-end/waterproof cards such as the SanDisk Extreme series.  We therefore recommend handling the FluCard with care and storing it in its case when not in use.

Construction-wise, the weakest link is the series of plastic dividers which separates the card's connecting pins.  The dividers have a slight gap underneath them and there is a little bit of play.  This opens up the potential for faster wear-and-tear or accidental fingernail damage.  So, once again, handle the FluCard with care, or simply keep it in the camera at all times and no harm will come to it.

Visible gaps below the pin dividers

All in all, there are no big surprises here as externally, the FluCard looks like a normal SD card. Read on for a close look at how to take advantage of the FluCard's wireless capabilities.