Rugged cameras are the thing this season and Pentax Ricoh Imaging has unveiled its new line-up, which includes the Pentax Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS digital compact cameras. Both models are waterproof to 40 feet, and of course are dust-proof, shock resistant to a drop of five feet and are freeze-proof to 14° F.
The WG-2 series offers a wide-angle 5x (28-140mm 35mm equivalent) internal optical zoom lens, 3-inch LCD screen and hardened cover with SP coating. The cameras feature digital movie shake reduction, fast face detection, focus assist lamp, smile capture and blink detection.
The cameras feature new modes including an LED marco, and feature a new optional SportMount Chest Harness for hands-free HD video recording. The camera supports Full HD 1080/30p (H.264) video along with a 16megapixel back-side illuminated CMOS image sensor, and offer an HDMI port for viewing of photos and video. The GPS version also includes a GPS module.
Both versions are available in a choice of several color options. The Optio WG-2 (shipping in March, $350 MSRP) will be offered in black or vermillion red; whilst the Optio WG-2 GPS (March, $400 MSRP) will be offered in a choice of shiny orange or gloss white. The new SportMount Chest Harness will be available later this year for around $50. It looks like consumers will have another serious contender in the rugged camera space this year.