PENTAX RICOH IMAGING FRANCE S.A.S. announces the launch of the PENTAX WG-3 and PENTAX WG-3 GPS digital compact cameras. In addition to the best waterproofing and shock resistance among PENTAX rugged compact cameras, these new models feature a high-end fast zoom lens and optical image stabilization system, making it possible to capture high-quality images both underwater and on land.
Heavy-duty design that allows you to shoot at depths of up to 14 meters for up to two hours at a time
Improving the waterproofing of the camera body, PENTAX developers were able to increase the maximum depth of immersion WG-3 and WG-3 GPS to 14 meters, compared with 12 meters in previous models, and the camera can be under water for up to two hours straight which corresponds to water protection standard IPX8 or JIS class 8 .
The cameras are also shock resistant*, dust proof**, able to withstand low temperatures*** and have a highly rugged construction.**** All of these features make the WG-3 and WG-3 GPS reliable and rugged tools for harsh environments.
* According to test data
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fall from a height of 2.0 meters onto a 5 cm thick sheet of plywood , according to Method 516.5-
Shock
standard
MIL
810
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.
** According to test data
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, standard
IPX
8 or
JIS
class 8.
*** According to test data
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, in which the camera’s ability to withstand temperatures as low as -10° was proven
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**** According to test data
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, At which a load of up to 100 kg, or kgf, has been applied to the camera.
4x super wide-angle zoom lens with a maximum aperture of F/2.0 and a minimum focus distance of 25mm
The new fast zoom lens has a maximum aperture of F/2.0, allowing you to take bright, clear photos with minimal noise, even in low light and underwater. Featuring a 4x zoom range from 4.5 mm to 18 mm which corresponds to approximately 25 mm to 100 mm in 35 mm format equivalent , this versatile lens offers a wide range of applications from macro wildlife photography to impressive landscape shots.
The camera also features an “Intelligent Zoom” function that enables you to increase the zoom magnification up to 28.8 up to an impressive 720 mm in 35 mm format equivalent and get extremely close-up images with no loss of image quality.
High-performance image stabilization system produces sharp, undisturbed images
The WG-3 and WG-3 GPS double image stabilization system combines the SR Shake Reduction sensor shift mechanism and Digital SR stabilization mode to more effectively compensate for the effects of camera vibration or subject shake during shooting in difficult conditions such as dusk or sunset and underwater photography.
High performance backlit CMOS sensor
The WG-3 and WG-3 GPS come equipped with the latest Backlit CMOS Sensor, which has less digital noise than conventional sensors and offers high-speed data capture.
Combined with the new-generation image processor, this sensor offers a maximum sensitivity of ISO 6400 and captures high-quality detailed images at an effective resolution of 16.0 Megapixel. These models also feature advanced high-resolution imaging technologies that deliver sharp, crisp images.
The WG-3 and WG-3 GPS also feature an innovative tripod-free Night Scene Mode that captures a series of four frames of the same scene, then automatically combines them into one steady, sharp image with minimal noise.
Six LEDs to illuminate the subject for macro photography
Around the lenses of WG-3 and WG-3 GPS cameras have six special LEDs for macro photography, which provide bright and even illumination of the subject when the mode “digital microscope” is activated.* With LED illumination, the user can see magnified images of the micro-world that the naked eye cannot see on the camera’s LCD screen and easily take dramatic pictures of miniaturized objects.
To reduce the effects of camera shake or subject motion, the camera automatically brightens the macro LED backlight when the shutter is released. In addition, the macro light offers additional handy features, such as in “Self Portrait” mode, the LEDs flash to help ensure that your face is in the frame, and you can also use the LED light as a bright flashlight.
* When the “Digital Microscope” mode is enabled, the resolution of the images is 2.0 Megapixel 16:9 aspect ratio .
Full HD video shooting in Mpeg-4 format
WG-3 and WG-3 GPS capture video in Full HD resolution using H compression format.264/MPEG-4 Part 10, which gives the user high quality, long-lasting video at 1920 x 1080 pixels at 30 frames per second 16:9 aspect ratio , while saving space on the memory card.
Also offering high speed movie modes* for slow motion and Time Lapse Movie** – for more creative ways to add creativity to your movies. Micro-HDMI type D connector enables playback of video footage and sound on external devices in Full HD resolution.
* In this mode, video can only be shot at 1280 x 720 pixels.
** In this mode it is possible to shoot video only at 640 x 480 pixels.
Large widescreen 3.0” LCD high resolution monitor
These camera models are equipped with large 3.0-inch LCD monitor with 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and a resolution of approximately 460,000 dots. The proprietary PENTAX AR Anti-Reflection coating minimizes annoying glare and reflection, ensuring a sharp and clear picture on the screen even on a bright sunny day, with a viewing angle of approximately 170 degrees, both horizontally and vertically, making it especially convenient to shoot from higher or lower points when viewing the screen at an angle.
Advanced GPS and pressure/elevation/depth scale for outdoor shooting WG-3 GPS only
The WG-3 GPS includes an advanced GPS module that automatically stores geographic position* and trip data along with photos you take, and adjusts the camera clock to local time. Thanks to the new built-in pressure sensor and digital compass, the user can not only know the pressure/altitude/depth and azimuth of the shooting position, but also store this data along with the captured images for later use.
* Location data saved during shooting can be checked with the included software BT 4 version only
Windows
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Wireless battery charging WG-3 GPS only
WG-3 GPS camera is compatible with the standard Qi technology based on the principles of electromagnetic induction , which allows you to automatically recharge the built-in battery of the camera, simply by placing it on the Qi-compatible wireless charger. By eliminating the need to open and close the battery cover, this system greatly reduces the risk of foreign substances such as dust or sand getting into the gaskets in the cover.
As the fleet of Qi-compatible devices is constantly expanding, it will soon be possible to recharge the battery of your camera without having to carry a charger, in the car, in the office, at the airport at a special terminal.
Other functions
I. Optional front panel display showing time, pressure and altitude WG-3 GPS only
II. Two remote control receivers one in the front and one in the back enable convenient operation from a distance
III. Digital level lets you level your shot to the horizon
IV. The RICOH DW-5 wide conversion lens in combination with the O-LA135 adapter purchased separately extends the camera’s angle of view to match the focal length of 20 mm in 35 mm format equivalent
V. Auto Picture mode automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode from 16 different scene modes
VI. Digital Wide” mode that automatically combines two frames into a single ultra-wideangle image corresponding to about 19 mm in 35 mm equivalent
VII. Trim and crop photos, apply the desired filter one of 12 , apply a cool frame or even remove red-eye, all directly from the camera, no need to connect a PC
VIII. Integrated Camera Strap with Carabiner makes securing the camera to backpacks, belts, and other gear quick and easy
IX. In addition, PENTAX A RICOH COMPANY offers a wide range of accessories for using the WG series cameras in a variety of environments: bike handlebar mount, clothing and gear mount for shooting without holding the camera in your hand, unsinkable strap, and more
X. Comes with russified MediaImpression 3 software for viewing, editing and organizing your photos.6.2 LE Windows version compatible with Windows 8 and MediaImpression 2.2 LE Macintosh version compatible with Mac OS X 10.8
These PENTAX cameras sound really impressive! I’m curious about their durability, can they withstand extreme conditions?
What are the specific features that make the PENTAX WG-3 and PENTAX WG-3 GPS compact cameras more rugged, deeper, and cooler compared to other compact cameras?
I’m interested in purchasing a compact camera and I’ve come across the PENTAX WG-3 and PENTAX WG-3 GPS models. Can anyone provide more information on the ruggedness, depth capabilities, and cool features of these cameras? Any personal experiences or comparisons with other similar models would be greatly appreciated!
Are the PENTAX WG-3 and WG-3 GPS cameras worth the investment? How do they compare to other rugged compact cameras in terms of durability and functionality? Can they withstand extreme conditions and still produce high-quality photos?