Pentax today reasserted its long-time expertise as a maker of underwater compact digital cameras with two new models.
The two latest waterproof digital cameras from Pentax represent the 14th and 15th generations, respectively—a testament to Pentax's history as a pioneer of compact digital camera design. The new flagship is the WG-3 (which also comes in a GPS flavor), and the budget-priced but still rugged WG-10.
The Pentax WG-3 looks like a cross between a pair of jogging shoes and an SUV, but it is built to tougher standards than its rugged predecessors. Fronted by a newly designed 4x optical zoom with a class-leading f/2 maximum aperture, the WG-3 has a 16MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, and uses sensor-shift shake reduction for better image quality in low light.
The Pentax WG-3's rugged features include a waterproof depth rating to 45 feet, shockproof to 6.6 feet, cold resistant to 14 degrees F, and crushproof. It is able to withstand up to 220 pounds of force. The WG-3 GPS offers GPS for geo-tagging images. An optional lens adapter allows for wide-angle coverage to 20mm (35mm equivalent). The WG-3 will be available from Adorama in March in Black or Orange for $299.95, and can be pre-ordered now. The Pentax WG-3 GPS will come in purple or green for $349.95. Both versions can be pre-ordered now from Adorama Camera.
Pentax WG-3 key features:
- 25-100mm (35mm equivalent) f/2 zoom lens
- ISO range 100-6400
- Image Sensor Shift Shake Reduction
- 6 LED Macro Lights around lens for close-ups
- Full 1080p and 720p HD video
- 3-inch, 460k dot LCD monitor
- Digital Level
- 12 Digital Filters
- Pressure/altitude/depth gauge on GPS version
The Pentax WG-10 is a 14MP, budget-priced, rugged waterproof camera that can reach depths of 33 feet, can operate down to 14 degrees F, can be dropped from 4.9 feet, is dustproof and crushproof to up to 220 pounds. Cool feature? Digital Microscope mode lets you focus at 1cm and uses array of 5 LED lights surrounding the lens to illuminate super close-up subjects. A macro photography stand is included in the packaging. The Pentax WG-10, which comes in red, offers a lot for the Adorama price of $179.95. It will be available in April.
Pentax WG-10 Key Features:
- 14MB Sensor
- 720p HD video
- Digital Shake Reduction
- High-speed Face Detection with Self-Portrait mode
- 12 digital filters
