PENTAX Announces Optio WG-1 GPS

PENTAX Announces the Rugged Optio WG-1 and Optio WG-1 GPS

Digital Compact Cameras, Featuring Waterproof, Dustproof, Shockproof, Crushproof and Coldproof Construction

Mississauga, ON – February 8, 2011

PENTAX Canada Inc. is pleased to announce the introduction of the PENTAX Optio WG-1 and Optio WG-1 GPS digital compact cameras. As PENTAX’s 12th generation of waterproof digital cameras, the rugged Optio WG-1 and Optio WG-1 GPS can take underwater images at a depth of 10 meters for up to two hours continuously, can withstand a fall from a height of 1.5 meters and feature a dustproof, coldproof (down to –10°C) and crushproof construction. Both models feature the enhanced Digital Microscope mode with LED subject lighting, which captures even the smallest and closest macro subjects as near as 1cm from the camera.

The PENTAX Optio WG-1 GPS model is also equipped with a sophisticated GPS function. The position data of the shooting location and positioning log data are stored along with the image, making it easy for the user to later check the shooting location and link the data with PC-based maps.

Ideal for shooting in almost any condition, the Optio WG-1 and Optio WG-1 GPS are the perfect companions for all your outdoor adventures.

Major Features

1. Heavy-duty construction for underwater shooting to 10 meters deep for up to two hours continuously
The Optio WG-1 and Optio WG-1 GPS offer improved underwater picture-taking performance. They can take underwater images at a depth of 10 meters (compared to six meters for their predecessor) for up to two hours of continuous operation (equivalent to IPX8 or JIS Class 8 waterproof performance). Both offer exceptional shockproof capacity to withstand a fall from a height of 1.5 meters* (vs. 1.2 meters for its predecessor) without damage to the body, thanks to the new body design and redesigned internal mechanisms. The Optio WG-1 and Optio WG-1 GPS also offer remarkable dustproof performance (equivalent to IP6X or JIS Class 6), exceptional cold-resistant performance for reliable operation at temperatures as low as –10°C and newly added crushproof construction** to withstand weights up to 100kgf (kilogram-force). All these features make the Optio WG-1 and Optio WG-1 GPS ideal choices for active photographers who venture out for shooting in demanding outdoor conditions.

* Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards (from a height of 1.5 meters, onto a surface of 5cm-thick plywood), conforming to the Method 516.5-Shock of the MIL-Standard 810F.
** Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards.

2. Enhanced Digital Microscope mode for close observation of the microscopic world
The Optio WG-1 and Optio WG-1 GPS feature an enhanced Digital Microscope mode, providing a magnified view of a microscopic world often unnoticeable with the naked eye, on the LCD monitor. They can then capture fine-detailed images of these tiny subjects.*** By increasing the number of LED Macro Lights to five (from three on their predecessor) and positioning them around the circumference of the lens barrel, PENTAX has successfully improved light distribution performance for brighter, more uniform lighting on the subject. The illumination level of each LED Macro Light automatically increases at the moment of shutter release. A Macro Stand is included as a standard accessory to make extended observation effortless, even at a minimum distance of one centimeter away from the subject.

*** When using the Digital Microscope mode, the image size is fixed at 2 megapixels (at 16:9 proportions).

3. Advanced GPS function for a new dimension in digital photography (available with the Optio WG-1 GPS only)
The Optio WG-1 GPS comes equipped with a new, sophisticated GPS function, which allows the user to record position data when shooting still images and to take advantage of various GPS-compatible applications and services provided by the included software**** as well as web sites such as Google Maps™. It also corrects the built-in clock automatically to match local time of a particular shooting location. In addition, simply by carrying the camera, it automatically creates log data and stores it as a KML-format file onto an SD memory card. Thanks to this log feature, the user can keep accurate track of their movement during outdoor shooting, and display it later on the computer using various online services such as Google Earth™.

**** This function is available with the Windows version only.

4. Beautiful, high-quality images delivered by newly incorporated super-resolution technology
In addition to approximately 14 effective megapixels and a state-of-the-art imaging engine, these models incorporate a new, sophisticated imaging process made possible by the latest “super-resolution” image processing technology. This process is designed to optimize the resolution of a recorded image section by section to produce a high-resolution image that is sharper, livelier and more true-to-life than ever before. Thanks to this advanced technology, images captured by the Optio WG-1 and Optio WG-1 GPS produce beautiful, high-resolution prints with fine details, even when enlarged to poster sizes.

5. New-generation Face Detection function with Self-Portrait Assist mode
The cameras feature an enhanced Face Detection AF & AE function, which instantly and accurately detects up to 32 faces in the image field, then catches them in sharp focus and optimum exposure in just 0.03 seconds. This latest version offers a variety of user-friendly features to simplify the process of portrait and snapshot photography and improve the quality of the images. Small Face filter makes the subject’s face appear slightly smaller in a captured image than in reality. Smile Capture mode automatically releases the shutter the instant the subject’s smile is detected while the Blink Detection function warns the user when the subject’s eyes close at the moment of shutter release. The cameras also feature a unique Self-Portrait Assist mode. When the user points the camera at himself/herself, this convenient feature informs them whether the subject’s face is captured safely within the picture frame using the blink of the close-distance warning LED lamp on the camera’s front panel.

6. New-generation Pet mode to automatically detect the faces of dogs and cats
The Optio WG-1 and Optio WG-1 GPS feature the latest version of the unique Pet mode, which assists in capturing the faces of dogs and cats more effortlessly and swiftly than ever before. In addition to the automatic detection of pets’ faces, this mode allows the user to pre-register the faces of up to three favourite pets, making it possible to detect them ahead of other pet faces.

7. High-quality, HD-proportioned movie recording
The Optio WG-1 and Optio WG-1 GPS capture beautiful, flawless movie clips at 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels) at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. They also offer a variety of movie editing functions: for instance, still images can be extracted from movie clips, or title images can be added to the beginning and/or end of a movie clip. They even provide an HDMI micro terminal for audio/video signal output to HDMI enabled devices such as HDTV’s with the use of an optional HDMI Type D cable.

8. Extra-wide 2.7-inch LCD monitor
These cameras feature a large 2.7-inch high-brightness colour LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots and horizontally extended 16:9 proportions. The monitor is treated with a special AR (Anti-Reflection) coating to cut the glare of external light and minimize reflections, making it easy to observe the subject, monitor recorded images and view on-screen menus, even in bright sunlight.

9. Optical 5X zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle coverage
Despite their compact dimensions, the cameras come equipped with a high-performance, internal 5X optical zoom lens, covering focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (equivalent in the 35mm format to approximately 28mm wide angle to 140mm telephoto). Thanks to this wide zoom range, the Optio WG-1 and Optio WG-1 GPS can be used for a wide variety of subjects and scenes, from spectacular landscape and group shots to tightly framed snapshots taken from a distance.

10. Triple anti-shake protection to prevent different types of camera shake
1) Pixel Track SR
When recording still images, the Pixel Track SR (Shake Reduction) effectively compensates for camera shake by processing affected images without adding any digital noise.
2) High-Sensitivity anti-shake mode*****
When the cameras detect low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, they automatically raise the sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400, making it possible to use a higher shutter speed. This effectively minimizes the adverse effects of camera shake and subject shake under poor lighting conditions.
3) Movie SR mode******
During movie recording, the cameras prevent blurry images by effectively minimizing annoying camera shake through the use of exclusive software.

***** When the High-Sensitivity anti-shake mode is selected, the recorded size is fixed to five megapixels (2592 x 1944 pixels).
****** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.

11. Other features
1) A Carabiner strap is included for hooking the camera to a backpack or other outdoor gear
2) Protector Jacket O-CC1182 (available soon as an optional accessory) protects the camera body from scratches and grime.
3) Collage function composes a single picture from multiple images
4) Ink Rubbing filter creates a monochromatic, high-contrast image from a recorded image
5) Auto Picture mode automatically selects one of the 16 shooting modes for the optimum result
6) 12 digital filters, including a new Miniature filter, add distinctive visual effects to recorded images
7) Digital Wide function composes an extra-wide-angle image (equivalent to an image taken with an approx. 21mm lens in 35mm format) from two images
8) Wireless remote shooting is possible when using the Waterproof Remote Control O-RC1
(available as an optional accessory) *******

******* Wireless remote operation is not available when shooting under water.

9) MediaImpression 3.0 for PENTAX (Windows version) and MediaImpression 2.1 for PENTAX (Macintosh version) image viewing, editing and filing software included (compatible with latest operation systems, Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6)
10) Compatibility with Eye-Fi wireless LAN SD memory cards
11) External storage media is compatible with new SDXC memory cards in addition to SD/SDHC memory cards.********

******** Not compatible with UHS speed class.

PENTAX Canada Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division of Japan and maintains offices in Mississauga. PENTAX Canada Inc. markets digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, sport optics, closed circuit television lenses and medical equipment.

PENTAX on the web at www.pentax.ca.