Pentax 16 Megapixels Optio WG-2 Waterproof Camera

Pentax announced two cameras to replace last year's WG-1 series - the Pentax WG-2 and WG-2 GPS. Both cameras are pretty-much identical except that one comes with GPS and the other one without. Both cameras are Waterproof up to depths of 40 feet, Shockproof protects camera drop up to 5 feet, Crushproof to withstands weights up to 220 LBF (pound-force), Coldproof to sub-freezing temps of minus 10 degrees C (14 degrees F), and Dustproof design protects the camera from dusty environments.The WG-2 and WG-2 GPS features a new backlit 16 Megpaixels sensor, a wide angle 5x (28-140mm equivalent) internal optical zoom lens, Full HD 1080p movie recording in H.264 format, 3-inch LCD at 460,000 dots with anti-reflective coating, and Pixel Track, Digital, and Movie Shake Reduction to ensure blur-free images and video. It also comes with Fast Face Detection technology including Smile Capture and Blink Detection, and a Handheld Night Snap mode produces a single blur-free image from four images of the same scene. An optional SportMount Chest Harness at $50 allows hands-free Full HD movie capture.

The WG-2 is listed for $349.95 in a choice of Black or Vermillion Red colors, while the WG-2 GPS is listed for $399.95 in Shiny Orange or Gloss White colors. Here's the summary of review by Steve's Digicam:"Our indoor samples show the same high levels of image noise throughout the ISO range, which softens the image. It is incredibly noticeable when looking at the text on the left side as well as in blue areas both from our indoor and outdoor images. By the time you reach ISO 800, all of the sharp lines and details within the image have disappeared. Any settings above that are unacceptable. Assisting with your low-light images is a small, built-in flash unit with a range of up to 18ft. (W) at ISO auto. This range will shrink drastically when the ISO is set to an acceptable level, or if you are shooting underwater. This is something to consider if you will be using the flash often. With the WG-2 in portrait mode, the camera detects and follows any faces within the frame very well. This face detection software also makes it possible for the camera's Smile Capture and Blink Detection modes, helping to make sure your portrait shots are the best possible;  even if you are not ready.

Our sample images came out very nice, with the two faces perfectly in focus and with great exposure. Using the camera's built-in flash for fill, we did not see any redness in the eyes of either of our subjects. If you look closely at the image, you do see the noise again and how it completely takes away the texture from the skin of both subjects.Underwater, the WG-2 offered a very enjoyable experience. Whether you are shooting in a pool or at the beach, the LCD is easy to see most of the time. The camera also handles these situations very well, adjusting for color and light sensitivity when using the preset "underwater" shooting mode. Even face detection worked fairly well, detecting faces underwater; including faces that had goggles on. The only unfortunate issue is the much higher ISO settings, causing a huge increase in noise vs. what the same shot would be out of the water. The Pentax WG-2 allows you to capture full 1080p HD videos at 30fps with sound instead of just still images if the need should arise. It is lacking a dedicated video recording button, meaning you will have to take time to set the camera to movie mode before you can record. Once the camera is in movie mode, you still have a long lag of approx. 1.2 seconds before the camera starts to record after you press the shutter release. Once recording you have a movie limit of up to 25 minutes, no matter what size memory card you are recording to. Our recorded video plays back perfectly on the camera and on an HDTV via HDMI cable. On the computer, the full 1080p movie is a little choppy and the audio is a little off sync.Bottom Line - The Pentax Optio WG-2 is a very hardy digicam, designed to survive anything that you can throw at it - or throw it at. This "lifeproof" camera features a 16-Megapixel imaging sensor, 5x internal optical zoom lens, LED macro ring lights, 3-inch LCD and built-in GPS, giving you a little more than you would find a standard point-n-shoot. While it is stylish and versatile, there is a lot of noise within the images and the battery life is atrocious. With a MSRP of $299.95 USD for the non-GPS model or $349.95 USD, the price falls in line with the other "lifeproof" cameras that we have seen. You might also want to check out the Canon PowerShot D20 or the Panasonic Lumix TS-20 if you're in the market for a lifeproof camera."

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