New Gear: Pentax Optio WG-2 and WG-2 GPS Rugged Waterproof Compacts
Pentax is taking aim at helmet cams with it's new tough cameras
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Canon’s PowerShot G20 isn’t the only rugged, waterproof camera to come out of hiding today. Pentax has given their Optio WG line a bit of a makeover with the new WG-2 and WG-2 GPS.
Both cameras are waterproof to a depth of up to 40-feet, crush proof under up to 220-pounds, shock-proof from 5-feet and cold-proof to the standard 14-degrees F. It’s also full sealed to keep dust from getting in and grinding up its guts.
As for photographic firepower, it has a 16-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor and a 5x optical zoom lens with a full-frame equivalent of 28-140mm. The back of the camera is equipped with a 3-inch, 460k LCD display with an anti-reflective coating.
The WG-2 GPS adds, well, GPS, but otherwise keeps things the same.
The WG-2 is fairly similar to the WG-1 in shape, but it has been revamped a little bit. There’s still a ring around the lens with 6 macro LED lights and the strap still attaches it to a backpack using a sturdy caribiner.
I really liked the WG-1 when I tested it last year, so I’m interested to see if the higher-res, backlit sensor provides a tangible improvement when it comes to image quality. They also have two remote-control receptors in case you want to put them in harm’s way and fire them remotely.
As an interesting addition, Pentax will also be introducing a SportMount Chest Harness for $50 that will hold the WG-2 in place like you’d wear a traditional GoPro.
The WG-2 will come in black or red and cost $349, while the GPS version will cost $399 and offer orange or white.
