Pentax Unleashes New Ruggedized Cameras

WG-3 GPS and WG-3

In the mood for a new rugged camera? Today Pentax unveiled the WG-3 and the WG-3 GPS. The cameras beg you to test the limits by giving you features that have been designed to take a beating while still producing quality images. The WG-3 offers a 4x optical zoom lens (equivalent to about 25-100mm in the 35mm format) with the maximum aperture of F2.0 at minimum zoom, a back-illuminated 16 megapixel CMOS sensor, and souped-up shake reduction system. The camera has a 3-inch LCD screen and a pretty nifty wireless Qi (inductive power standard) recharging system for the battery. The camera's rugged features include a waterproof depth of 45 feet, shockproof up to 6.6 feet, coldproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and crushproof up to 220 pounds of force. The WG-3 features a texturized grip for easier handling. In addition, the WG-3 has six LED lights surrounding the lens barrel for easier focusing in dimly lit situations and to provide for improved macro shooting.

The WG-3 GPS also offers GPS functionality for geo-tagging and a dedicated second display showing compass direction, elevation or depth below water. 

What makes the WG-3 more expandable, though, is optional accessories like a lens adapter with 20mm wide-angle coverage and the SportMount Chest Harness for hands-free shooting.  

The WG-3 GPS will be available in either purple or green for $349.95.  The WG-3 is available in black or orange for a price of $299.95. Both will be available starting in March.

WG-10

In addition to the WG-3, Pentax also announced the WG-10. Designed for adventure seekers, this point and shoot camera is a less expensive option yet provides a rugged design similar to the WG-3. Waterproof to 33 feet, shockproof up to 4.9 feet, coldproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and crushproof up to 220 pounds of force, the WG-10 has just slightly less durability than the WG-3. The WG-10 offers a 14 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor and a triple anti-shake system. The 5X optical zoom lens has a 35mm equivalent of 28mm to almost 140mm.The camera also features LED macro lights and digital microscope mode enabling focusing as close as one centimeter from the subject.

The WG-10 will be available in mid-April in red for $179.95.