PENTAX announced its 12th generation of adventure series digital cameras — the PENTAX Optio WG-1 and PENTAX Optio WG-1 GPS. Featuring outstanding waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, coldproof, and crushproof capability, these extra-rugged models take adventure photography to new heights (and depths).
The new and improved features on the PENTAX Optio WG-1 include:
- 14 megapixel sensor.
- Waterproof to 33 feet.
- Shockproof, ruggedized design to withstand falls up to 5 feet.
- New crushproof construction to withstand weight force up to 220 pounds (100kgf kilogram-force).
- Enhanced Digital Microscope mode that offers five macro LEDs for excellent macro lighting plus a detachable macro stand for steadier capture.
- Fast Face Detection technology, Smile Capture, and Blink Detection for portraits including a handy new Self-Portrait Assist mode perfect for facebooking and other social networking activities.
- Available with and without GPS, the WG-1 GPS functionality tracks and records positional data recording with images for geo-tagging applications making it easy for users to check the shooting locations of captured images and link the data with PC-based maps.
Other important WG-1 features include:
- Coldproof to sub-freezing temps of minus 10 degrees C (14 degrees F).
- Dustproof protection for dry, dusty environments.
- Wide angle 5x internal optical zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent).
- Large 2.7 inch LCD features a wide angle 16:9 aspect ratio with anti-reflective coating.
- Video capture in widescreen 720p HD at 30 frames per second.
- Pixel Track and Digital Shake Reduction ensure sharp, blur-free images.
- An autofocus assist lamp helps to quickly and accurately focus, even in challenging lighting.
- An HDMI port to play back beautiful, high definition images and video on HDTVs.
- Infrared remote control compatibility with the waterproof Remote Control WP, as well as other PENTAX infrared remotes.
- Designed with the look of mountaineering equipment, the new Optios includes a woven web fabric strap in complementary color accents complete with a carabiner to attach the camera to a backpack and other outdoor gear.
- Eye-Fi wireless SD memory card connectivity for built-in Wi-Fi capability to transfer photos and videos from the camera to a computer or an online sharing site (Eye-fi cards sold separately.)
Price and Availability
Both cameras will ship in April 2011 at the following prices:
- $349.95 – PENTAX Optio WG-1 (Black or Purple)
- $399.95 – PENTAX Optio WG-1 GPS (Black or Yellow Green)
A waterproof infared remote control (sold separately) for use with the PENTAX Optio WG-1 and other infrared compatible Optio models is available now for $29.95.
