Pentax Optio WG-2 Weatherproof Digital Camera Review and Sample Images in NYC

The new Pentax Optio WG-2 is a rugged and compact adventure camera that is an all-around weatherproof model. This includes waterproof to a depth up to 40 feet, shockproof from a drop of up to 5 feet, coldproof to sub-freezing temps of minus 10 degrees C (14 degrees F), crushproof withstanding weights up to 220 LBF (pound-force) and dustproof from sandy beaches to dry deserts. 

The Optio WG-2 is a 13th generation model that features a backlit 16 megapixel CMOS sensor, a large and bright 3.0" wide-angle LCD screen with anti-reflective coating, 5x optical zoom, a durable lens cover, full 1080p HD video capture and Digital Microscope mode (among various other convenient modes) which uses a 6 macro LEDs and a detachable macro focus ring for perfect focus  on subjects as close as 1 cm from the front of the camera.

Waterproof
Waterproof to a depth of 40 feet is perfect for use when submerged in a pool, lake, or ocean, or simply when caught in a sudden downpour.

Shockproof
Shockproof, ruggedized design protects from drops up to 5 feet, ensuring stable operation during rigorous activity or for life’s everyday mishaps.

Crushproof
Crushproof construction withstands weights up to 220 LBF (pound-force), preventing damage at the bottom of a backpack or handbag, or when accidentally wedged between a body and a solid object.

Coldproof
Coldproof to sub-freezing temperatures of minus 10 degrees C (14 degrees F) is ideal for use in cold, snowy, wet conditions from skiing to snowmobiling, snowshoeing to sledding, or just building a snowman in the front yard.

Dustproof
Dustproof design protects the camera from dry, dusty environments from the beach to the desert.


16 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor
The backlit 16 MP CMOS sensor offers superior high resolution imaging with excellent image quality, color accuracy, and noise performance.

Full 1080p High Definition Video Capture 
Record full HD video in widescreen 1080p resolution (1920x1080) with efficient, high quality h.264 compression at 30 frames per second.

6 Macro LEDS
Digital Microscope mode uses 6 macro LEDs and a detachable macro focus ring for perfect focus and smooth even lighting around the smallest of subjects as close as 1 cm from the front of the camera.

Durable lens cover
Tough mineral crystal cover protects internal lens elements, and an easy-to-clean SP coating helps water sheet off the optical surface, minimizing blur due to water droplets.

Below is a sample image taken of a yellow rose using the Optio WG-2, the image on the left is using Macro Mode without the detachable Macro Focus Ring, the image on the right is using the 1 cm Macro Mode with the Macro Focus Ring attached.

Pentax Optio WG-2 Capture Modes: 
Mode selection: Auto Picture
Below are a few examples using the Pentax Optio WG-2 on Auto Picture Mode:

Auto Mode Image 01

Auto Mode Image 02

Mode Selection: Program, Night Scene, Handheld Night Snap (ISO 125-1600), Movie, Underwater, Underwater Movie.
Digital Microscope (2M)
Below are examples using the Optio WG-2 Digital Microscope mode on various flowers.

Digital Microscope Mode Image 01

 

Digital Microscope Mode Image 02

Digital Microscope Mode Image 03

Digital Microscope Mode Image 04

Mode Selection: Landscape

Landscape Mode

Mode Selection: Flower

Flower Mode

Mode Selection: Portrait, Interval Shot, Interval Movie, High Speed Movie (VGA, 120 FPS capture, 30 FPS playback), Digital SR, Surf & Snow, Kids, Pet, Sport, Candlelight, Fireworks, Night Scene Portrait.  

Text Mode:

Mode Selection: Food, Digital Wide (5M), Digital Panorama (2M per frame), Frame Composite (3M or 2M), Report (1280x960, ISO 125-1600), Green (ISO 125-1600), Voice Recording (via reprogrammable Green button)

Auto Picture modes (cont.): Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Standard, Flower, Sport, Candlelight, Blue Sky, Sunset, Text, Group Photo, Pet, Portrait x Blue Sky, Portrait x Sunset, Portrait x Backlight

Custom Image modes: Bright, Natural, Monochrome

Green simplified mode available: Yes (ISO 125-1600)

Face detection available: Yes (up to 32 faces), Smile Capture, Blink Detection, Self Portrait Assist, Self Portrait Assist + Smile Capture, Pet Recognition (1 face detect, 3 faces pre-registered)

Powerful 5x Optical Zoom
The wide-angle 5x internal optical zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent)  provides flexible capture of subjects from a near or far distance.

Face Detection
Capture perfect portraits with fast Face Detection technology, including Smile Capture and Blink Detection functions, as well as exposure modes specifically designed for portrait photography.

PENTAX Shake Reduction
Pixel Track, Digital, and Movie Shake Reduction ensure sharp, blur-free images and video, even in dim lighting.

Autofocus assist lamp
An autofocus assist lamp helps to quickly and accurately focus, even in the most challenging of lighting conditions.

Extended Dynamic Range
Extended dynamic range functions help bring out extra detail in shadow and/or highlight areas of an image to prevent exposure clipping.

Green Button
Flexible multi-purpose Green Button allows for quick access to many common camera settings, including Movie Mode, Voice Recording, and other functions.

Optional infrared remote
Take pictures remotely using an optional PENTAX infrared remote control, perfect for self-portraits or group shots, small subject photography, or rock steady exposures.

This Pentax Optio WG-2 was easy to use and produced some excellent images. It is unfortunate that I wasn't able to test it underwater or on a snowy mountain, but I could at least give you some solid examples of what this camera can do on an adventure around New York City aka the Concrete Jungle!

For pricing and availability, check out our Pentax Optio WG-2 digital camera product page or visit our H and B Digital retail location in Midtown, Manhattan.