Pentax announced new rugged models to coincide with the 2013 CP+ Camera and Imaging Show in Yokohama, Japan,, including the new Pentax WG-3 (shown above) and WG-3 GPS (shown below).
According to Pentax, the feature set of the WG-3 has been “optimized to meet the rigorous and demanding needs of the adventurous photo enthusiast, whose travels and exploits can take them into a variety of scenarios too challenging for the traditional point and shoot.” Some of these features include an F/2.0 4x zoom, high ISO sensitivity, sensor-shift shake reduction, and a 16-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS image sensor. The optical zoom is a step down from the WG-2’s 5x zoom in order to accommodate the mechanical stabilizer.
The WG-3 is waterproof to a depth of 45 feet. A dedicated display will show compass direction and either elevation or depth below water. Pentax claims that the WG-3 is shockproof from drops of up to 6.6 feet, cold proof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and able to withstand up to 220-foot-pounds of crushing force. For macro shooters, the WG-3 includes Pentax’s unique Digital Microscope mode and a ring of six LED lights to enable shadow-free shooting as close as one centimeter from subject. For the outdoorsman, the WG-3 GPS will have integrated GPS functionality enabling image geo-tagging, so you’ll always know exactly where each shot was taken. The GPS feature also records pressure, altitude, and depth gauge.
Other features include a dedicated button for recording video (Full HD 1080p), a double locking battery door, and wireless charging (WG-3 GPS only).
To enhance the outdoor shooting experience, Pentax is offering two accessories to complement the WG-3. The first is an optional lens adapter enabling wide-angle coverage to 20mm. The second is a SportMount chest harness that enables hands-free capture.
The WG-3 GPS will be available in a choice of purple or green and will retail for $350. The WG-3 will be available in black or orange and retail for a price of $300. Both models will be available in March 2013.
Pentax also announced another rugged camera, the Pentax WG-10. The WG-10 is waterproof to depths of 33 feet. The WG-10 has a 14-megapixel BI CMOS image sensor, a 5x optical zoom (5-25mm, equivalent to 28-140mm in the 35mm format), Pentax’s unique LED ring lights, and digital microscope mode. The WG-10 can record video, but only at 720p.
The Pentax WG-10 will be available in mid-April for $180.
