Pentax announces new WG-10, WG-3 GPS and WG-3 ruggedized cameras

Pentax announced the 14th generation adventure proof camera and the 15th generation ruggedized cameras.

Today, Pentax announced three new rugged cameras, including the WG-10, WG-3, and WG-3 GPS. The latter camera is packed with impressive features that will no longer require the use of cables, while the former is designed with affordability in mind.

Pentax WG-10, the 14th generation adventure proof affordable camera

Pentax WG-10 adventure proof camera with Digital Microscope mode support

The Pentax WG-10 is waterproof down to 33 feet, but is also highly-resistant to dust, pressure, freezing, and dropping. It features a 14-megapixel backlit sensor, a so-called cutting-edge image processor, 5x optical zoom, and a 35mm film camera equivalent focal length between of 28-140mm.

The camera can resist to drops of up to 1.5 meters, temperatures as low as –10° Celsius, and up to 100-kilogram force. HD 720p video recording is supported by the camera, along with other features like LED Macro lights and Digital Microscope mode, that allows users to get as close to 1cm of the subject. The downside is that image quality drops down to 2 megapixels in Digital Microscope mode.

A 2.7-inch LCD screen is included on the spec sheet, as well as F3.5 – F5.5 aperture range, 4 seconds minimum shutter speed, Image Stabilization technology, and a 1/2.3″ type CCD image sensor. The Pentax WG-10 will become available around mid-April for a MSRP of $179.65.

Pentax WG-3 GPS: ruggedness means no cables allowed

Pentax WG-3 GPS comes packed with built-in GPS, altimeter, and Qi wireless support

According to the company, this ruggedized camera can withstand drops of up to 6.6 feet, 14 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures, and 220-foot pounds of force. It features a built-in GPS and Eye-Fi card support. This means that users do no have to connect the shooter to a computer to copy their photos.

Additionally, the Pentax WG-3 GPS features a 16-megapixel backlit 1/2.3″ CMOS image sensor, f/2.0 maximum aperture, built-in sensor-shift Shake Reduction technology, an altimeter, autofocus assist lamp, and support for the aforementioned Digital Microscope mode.

This camera’s most important novelty is support for Qi wireless charging. Users can charge the camera by placing it on a magnetic inductive charging pad, the technology being the same as in the PureView-powered Nokia Lumia 920.

The Pentax WG-3 GPS boasts a focal length equivalent of 25mm to 100mm, 4x optical zoom, 3-inch 460k-dot LCD screen with anti-reflective coating, live view support, ISO of up to 6400, and 1080p full HD video recording.

Pentax WG-3 drops GPS support and some ounces

Pentax WG-3 is a waterproof, crushproof and shockproof lightweight camera

The cheaper Pentax WG-3 does not feature a GPS, an altimeter or wireless charging support. As a result, it is lighter than the Pentax WG-3 GPS which weighs 8.4 ounces, while the GPS-free version weighs only 8.1 ounces. Pentax says that even though it is cheaper and less featured, there are some advantages to this camera as battery life is significantly better, while users will spend less time recharging.

It will become available sometime by the end of March 2013 for a price of $299.95, in Black and Orange colors, while the GPS model will be available in Purple and Green color options for a price of $349.95.