PENTAX has just announced an update to its WG-series of “lifeproof” cameras, the Optio WG-2 and the Optio WG-2 GPS, which will replace their WG-1 counterparts from last year. Both cameras are making the jump from a 14 megapixel CCD to a 16 megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS image sensor, which allows for full HD 1080p moving recording (at 30 frames per second) and dramatically improves the camera’s low light abilities. Also, the GPS-enabled camera includes an all new GPS module PENTAX says will “deliver a shorter time lag before GPS start-up and longer life during GPS activation.”
Another new feature is an additional LED light on the camera’s face, which brings the LED total to six. This extra light helps with underwater photography and is designed to enable Digital Microscope Mode, which allows the camera to focus on subjects as close as 1 cm.
In terms of how tough this camera claims to be, much like last year, the WG-2 and WG-2 GPS are waterproof down to a depth of 40 feet, shockproof up to drops of five feet, coldproof down to temps of 14 degrees F (or minus 10 degrees C), and crushproof up to 220 LBF (pounds-force).
