Pentax Unveils the Optio WG-2 and WG-2 GPS Rugged Cameras

Pentax has announced the introduction of the Optio WG-2 and WG-2 GPS digital cameras. Both models are rugged; they are waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant with improved durability. They also have full 1080p HD movie recording capability, and users will be able to shoot in areas with low light. You may have guessed it already, but the WG-2 GPS also has a GPS for navigation.

The cameras can be used underwater in depths up to 40 feet for up to two hours of continuous operation. Their rugged design protects against a drop from up to five feet, crushing by up to 220 pounds and freezing to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius). The cameras are also dustproof and can be used in dry environments. An optional SportMount chest harness permits strapping on the WG-2 for hands-free HD movie capture.

The cameras feature improved shooting ability over the previous model. They include a back-illuminated 16 megapixel CMOS image sensor for less digital noise in high-sensitivity environments such as night shooting or in poorly illuminated indoor settings. They have full HD 1080p movie recording capability at 30 FPS with high quality h.264 compression.

Other features include a digital microscope mode with six LED lights for excellent macro lighting of subjects as close as 1cm, a wide angle 5x internal optical zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent), a three inch, 460,000 pixel LCD with anti-reflective coating, two methods of shake reduction, movie mode shake reduction, a handheld night mode which combines four images for better image quality, extended dynamic range, face detection, an HDMI port for transmitting movies to an HD television and infrared remote control capability.

Pricing & Availability

The cameras are scheduled to ship in March 2012. The Optio WG-2 will be available in a choice of black or red at a price of $349.95 while the Optio WG-2 GPS will come in orange or white at a price of $399.95. The SportMount chest harness will be priced at $49.95 and should be available in late spring or early summer 2012.  Additional information is available at the Pentax website.