Waterproof Cameras Group Test - Pentax Optio WG2-GPS

Pentax Optio WG2-GPS

Key Specs

• Street price - £270
• Sensor - 16MP, 1/2.3in CMOS
• Lens - 5x optical zoom, 28-140mm
• LCD - 3in, 460k-dot
• ISO - 125 - 6400
• Movie - 1920 x 1080, 24fps
• Dimensions - 112.5 x 61.5 x 29.5mm
• Weight - 198g

Perhaps the most strikingly designed of the six, the Pentax WG2-GPS has something of a ‘Bat-Camera' look and feel to it.

It features a 3in, 461k-dot LCD screen in a 16:9 aspect ratio - this widescreen results in a body that's shorter and wider than the others on test. With regards to imaging, the WG2-GPS is similar to the other models in the group.

It features a 16MP, 1/2.3in CMOS sensor accompanied by a 5x optical zoom covering a focal range of 28-140mm in equivalent terms. The model also offers HD video capture at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and 24fps.

Advanced functionality is offered in several forms. As the name suggests, the WG2-GPS offers the same GPS functionality as found on some other models in the test. One nice unique feature is a set of six macro LED lights encircling the model's lens - these provide a ring-light for shooting close-up macro work, or illumination for underwater photography.

While the 16:9 aspect ratio screen is no doubt a benefit if your main concern is shooting HD video footage, it can prove wasteful regarding stills - for example, if you are to utilise the native resolution of the sensor, you'll be presented with wasted space either side of the framed image.

Although these black strips present something of a hindrance to framing, the elongated body of the camera does allow for a firm grip while shooting, as does the overall rubberised finish of the body.

The camera is generally reliable in use, although the focus system could certainly be both more prompt and accurate. The LCD screen is also rather difficult to make out in harsh direct lighting, resulting in somewhat of a ‘shooting in the dark' experience.

Image quality is, on the whole, respectable. One disappointment is that images tend to err on the cold side due to issues with the white balance, while skin tones also get a little lost in processing.