Blog Discover the Versatile and Rugged Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS Camera

In this blog post, we explore the Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS camera and its features. From its toughness and durability to its impressive GPS capabilities, this camera offers a range of benefits for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 07 2012

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPentax
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight198g
MSRP$329USD

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Overview of the Optio WG-2 GPS

If you're someone who enjoys exploring the great outdoors and capturing your adventures, you need a camera that can keep up with your active lifestyle. The Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS is one such camera that offers durability and versatility in a compact package. With its waterproof and shockproof design, you can take it with you on any adventure without worrying about damage. Additionally, its GPS capabilities allow you to track your location in real-time and can even be used for geotagging your photos. So, whether you're hiking, climbing, or simply exploring your surroundings, the Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS is the perfect companion for your outdoor photography needs.

Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Waterproof up to 40 feet
Impact-resistant design
Built-in GPS
Shockproof and dustproof
16 MP sensor
Full HD video recording
5x optical zoom
Macro focus mode
LED ring light for close-up shots
Easy-to-use interface

Cons

No Wi-Fi connectivity
Slow startup time
Limited low-light performance
On the bulky side
Battery life could be better
Awkward button placement
No manual exposure controls
Mediocre image quality compared to other cameras in its price range
Limited creative options

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS

Weather sealed
Dimensions122 x 61 x 30mm
Weight198g
Thickness30mm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Optio WG-2 GPS is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution460k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 460k dots. This makes the Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Optio WG-2 GPS camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS has a 16MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS has a native ISO range of 125 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Feb 07 2012

Announced

125 - 6400

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4288 x 3216 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Optio WG-2 GPS is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC card, Internal
Battery Life260 shots
Battery ModelD-LI92
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS supports SD/SDHC/SDXC card, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS uses the D-LI92 model of battery pack. This is rated for 260 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 9 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS?

The Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS weather sealed?

Yes the Optio WG-2 GPS does have weather sealing.

When was the Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS announced?

The Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS was announced on Feb 07 2012

Does the Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS have in-body image stabilization?

No the Optio WG-2 GPS does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS?

The Optio WG-2 GPS has a native ISO range of 125-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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