For the vintage digital enthusiast looking for a low-cost addition to their camera itinerary and the challenge of the outdoors, the Pentax Optio WG-II is a standout as a very durable and ruggedized all-weather digital compact, all set and ready for the rough and tough with its solid waterproofing, shock resistance, and versatile features to get the best out of any shooting location and situation.
Designed for outdoor and underwater use, the camera is waterproof to 12 meters, shockproof against drops of up to 1.5 meters, freeze-proof down to –10 °C, and crushproof against 100 kg of pressure.
The compact was launched simultaneously with its other sibling, the Pentax Optio WG-II GPS, in 2012 with features that includes a 1/2.3-inch 16MP back-illuminated CMOS, a 5× optical zoom equivalent to a 28–140mm lens on a full-frame camera, a 9-point AF with tracking, and quick lock-on crucial for underwater use, 1 cm macro capability with 6 dedicated LED lights, a 460,000 dot 3-inch LCD display with AR (Anti Reflection) coating. The camera has 88.2MB (approx.) of built-in memory, images are stored on SD/SDHC cards, and run on a Lithium-Ion battery with a CIPA-rated battery life of 260 shots (said to be higher in real life).
The all-black model, which is also available in red (while the WG-II GPS is available in white and orange), features a front that resembles a gadget that looks like it came from a Batman movie, which showcases an extensive display of stylistic details, including sloping and serrated edges, and industrial-style faceplate screws. On the front plane are also the camera flash, microphone, speaker, Remote Control receiver, Self-Timer/Focus Assist LED, and a ring of six bulbs around the lens for the 'digital macro' mode. On the top plane, to the right, are the Power On/Off switch and Shutter Release button, while on the right is a small hump designated for the GPS antenna.
On the right of the back plane, which is almost taken up completely by the 3-inch LCD, is a vertical arrangement of the Zoom Rocker, the Playback button, the Joystick Pad with a central OK button, the Menu and Face Detection buttons, with the Green/Delete button and Remote Control receiver lining up the lower end of the arrangement. The camera is also supported by PC/AV and HDMI terminals located on the left shoulder of the camera, with the battery chamber cover and tripod socket aligned on the bottom plane.
Exposure modes and other camera functionalities are set through a menu selection accessed via the Joystick Pad arrow functions. The Top Arrow accesses the Drive Mode functions, the Left Arrow is for Flash Mode control, the Right Arrow sets the camera for Focus Mode functions, while the Down Arrow accesses the Exposure Mode selection, which includes options for Auto Picture, Program, Night Scene, Handheld & Night Snap, Movie, Underwater, Underwater Movie, ... Digital Wide, Panorama, Frame Composite, and Report.
These first impression images, though overshadowed by the moody and cloudy weather, are crisp and clear, warm, very sharp, and impressive, almost to the level of being 'clinically' clean, which may be interpreted as missing the aura and characteristics of images from my other CCD collectibles. This makes me think that even the earlier release Pentax Optio W90, with its 12MP CCD sensor, might be a better choice for image characteristics
My one issue with the camera, it seems, is the tight-fit metal carabiner strap, which I had removed and set aside for safekeeping, as it is more of an awkward nuisance rather than a functional attachment when the camera is held up for framing and image capture. The camera I acquired, though, came with an Ultra Pod Stand, which is a better attachment for setting the camera up on hard surfaces or holding the camera for a steadier posture with hand-held shots.
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