Pentax’s Adventureproof Optio WG-1 & WG-1 GPS Compact Cameras

Camera Review

Golden, CO—Pentax’s 12^th-generation adventure series digital cameras—the Optio WG-1 and Optio WG-1 GPS—are made for the outdoor photographer. The 14 megapixel Optio WG-1 is waterproof to 33 feet, withstands a fall of five feet, handles a weight force of 220 pounds, and works in temperatures as cold as 14º F. 

It features an enhanced digital microscope mode with five macro LEDs for macro lighting plus a detachable macro stand for steadier capture; faster face detection; smile capture and blink detection, including a new self-portrait assist mode for facebooking and other social networking activities; and pet mode, which automatically detects the faces of dogs and cats. 

The camera provides video capture in widescreen 720p HD at 30 frames per second and has an HDMI port for play back on HDTVs.

The WG-1 is available with and without GPS; the WG-1 GPS records positional data  with images for geotagging applications, so users can check the shooting locations of captured images and link the data with PC-based maps. 

Additional features include: a wide-angle 5x internal optical zoom lens (28–140mm equivalent); an antireflective 2.7-inch LCD with a 16:9 aspect ratio; pixel track and digital shake reduction to help combat blurring; an
autofocus assist lamp; infrared remote control compatibility; auto picture mode to automatically select one of 16 shooting modes; a collage function; an ink rubbing filter to create a monochromatic, high-contrast image; 12 digital filters; and compatibility with Eye-Fi wireless SD cards.

Designed with the look of mountaineering equipment, both include a woven strap in complementary color accents with a carabiner to attach to outdoor gear.

Priced at $349.95, the Optio WG-1 will be available in black or purple; the WG-1 GPS will retail for $399.95 and will come in black or yellow green.  Both ship in April. pentaximaging.com