Pentax WG-8 Waterproof Digital Compact Camera Black

Pentax WG-8 Waterproof Digital Compact Camera Black Summary

Arriving as the top-of-the-line model in the Pentax WG series of waterproof compact cameras, the Pentax WG-8 Waterproof Digital Compact Camera Black includes a host of advanced, user-friendly features. These include web camera functionality for business situations, as well as outstanding waterproof, shockproof and cold-resistant performance.

In addition to a 20 megapixel back-illuminated 1/2.3" CMOS sensor, the compact and lightweight housing offers stability that can cope with almost any adventure, including underwater dives to a depth of 20 metres.

A zoom range of 28 to 140mm (35 mm format equivalent) demonstrates its versatility for school use, research and work settings. A special ring light and close-up macro shooting distance enlarges even the tiniest of subjects, while the webcam function lets you share you content with the whole world..

Pentax has included a high-performance imaging engine with the CMOS sensor, delivering 20 effective megapixels high-resolution images, together with adaptable modes like Hand-held Night Snap mode, which automatically captures several images of the same scene and produces a single, blur-free composite image from them.

An intelligent zoom function adds further versatility to the optical zoom range, broadening the range of subjects, which you can capture with the WG-8 Waterproof Digital Compact Camera.

Key Pentax WG-8 Camera Features

• Top-of-the-range waterproof camera packed with easy-to-use features
• Waterproof to 20 metres, for up to two hours of continuous operation (IPX8 or JIS Class 8)
• Can be used as a Webcam for live-streaming and meetings
• Shockproof (100kgf), drop-resistant from 2.1 metres and -10°C cold-resistant design
• BSI 1/2.3" CMOS sensor with 20 MP high-resolution image quality
• Record 4K video at up to 30fps
• Includes Shake Reduction for smoother movies
• Zoom lens with 28 to 140mm (35mm format equivalent)
• Capture blur-free images at night
• HIgh-quality optical design delivers excellent results
• 18 Scene modes and 12 Digital Filters
• Face recognition for 30 faces / 1x for pets
• Powerful ring light with six LEDs
• 37mm filter thread for adapting Wide angle adapter
• Built-in-flash
• Available in WG-8 black and WG-8 Green

Pentax WG-8 Waterproof Digital Compact Camera Black in More Detail

Superior Image Quality and High-Resolution Performance

The Pentax WG-8 compact camera is equipped with a 1/2.3" back-illuminated CMOS sensor that delivers exceptional high-sensitivity and low-noise characteristics, ensuring fast data readout. This technology enables the camera to achieve an impressive ISO 6400 sensitivity for low light and produce images with roughly 20 effective megapixels.

The WG-8 also incorporates a high-performance imaging engine and utilises super-resolution technology to offer advanced image processing functions. This ensures every image is captured with sharpness and clarity, even while using features like the innovative Hand-held Night Snap mode. This mode captures multiple shots of the same nighttime scene and combines them into one clear, sharp image without any blur.

Versatile Optical Zoom with Wide-Angle Capability

The lens system of the Pentax WG-8 includes a sophisticated 5x optical zoom that extends from 5mm to 25mm. This system comprises 11 elements in 9 groups, including 5 aspherical elements, ensuring high-quality image capture across the zoom range.

Corresponding to approximately 28mm to 140mm in 35mm format, this lens allows for a broad spectrum of photography from macro shots just one centimetre away, to wide landscape views, and detailed portraits or nature photography in the telephoto range.

The WG-8 also features an intelligent zoom capability, enhancing the optical zoom with digital magnification from 7x at 10 MP to about 40.5x at VGA resolution, adding further flexibility to your shooting style.

Rugged Construction for Extreme Conditions

The Pentax WG-8 is designed to handle the toughest environments with ease. Its robust construction is not just waterproof up to 20 metres for two hours of continuous operation (meeting IPX8 or JIS Class 8 standards) but also shockproof, capable of surviving falls from up to 2.1 metres. It’s also dust-proof to IPX6 or JIS Class 6 standards, and can withstand cold temperatures down to -10°C. Additionally, it can handle up to 100kgf of pressure, ensuring that it stands up to the rigours of active and adventurous use.

Advanced 4K Video Recording Capabilities

Embrace the vibrant quality of 4K video with the WG-8. This camera records in ultra-high-definition 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels at 30 frames per second) using the efficient H.264 format. It includes advanced stabilisation options like the Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode and the enhanced Movie SR+ mode, which mimics gimbal-like stabilisation, perfect for capturing smooth footage during dynamic activities.

Sophisticated Shooting and Editing Features

The Pentax WG-8 rivals more complex cameras with its extensive range of shooting and editing functionalities. It offers multiple autofocus and exposure metering methods, along with 18 scene modes and 12 digital filters to enhance creativity. For efficiency in the field, it provides two memory settings accessible via the function dial, streamlining the user experience and allowing quick adjustments in critical moments. This blend of advanced features makes the WG-8 a versatile tool for photographers looking to capture detailed, high-quality images and videos in any setting.

Enhanced Display and Navigational Features

The Pentax WG-8 waterproof digital camera boasts a high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor that features a 3:2 aspect ratio and approximately 1,040,000 dots. The display is coated with an anti-reflective (AR) layer to minimise glare and reflections, ensuring a clear, vibrant display even in bright outdoor conditions. This is crucial for photographers who need to adjust settings or review shots in various lighting.

The rugged compact camera also includes an Outdoor View setting, which adjusts the monitor's brightness based on ambient light conditions, enhancing visibility. Additionally, the WG-8 is equipped with an electronic spirit level to aid in achieving perfectly level shots, enhancing framing and image composition.

Advanced GPS and Geotagging Capabilities

The WG-8 enriches photography with its sophisticated GPS functions. It features a built-in GPS module that not only records location data onto images but also adjusts the camera’s clock to local time automatically. This GPS system supports signals from both GLONASS and U.S. GPS satellites and includes a GPS Lock function to utilise pre-acquired location data, which is especially useful for indoor shooting. Directional data from the digital compass and coordinated universal time can also be imprinted onto photos, adding valuable information for review and archiving.

Innovative Lighting with Powerful Ring Light

To facilitate superior close-up photography, the WG-8 integrates a powerful ring light with six adjustable LEDs around its lens, allowing for detailed macro photography even at a focusing distance of just one centimetre. This feature minimises shadows and uneven lighting, making it ideal for capturing intricate details.

Users can selectively activate the LEDs to provide dimensional lighting effects, enhancing the texture and depth of subjects. This function proves beneficial not only for macro shots but also enhances the camera's utility as a webcam, providing well-lit visuals for detailed online presentations. Additionally, the camera supports remote control activation for convenient shooting in a variety of scenarios.

Enhanced Webcam Functionality for Live Streaming

The Pentax WG-8 transitions seamlessly into a high-quality webcam by simply switching to UVC (USB Video Class) mode and connecting to a computer using a USB cable, which is included as a standard accessory. In this mode, the WG-8 delivers real-time streaming of Full HD video at 30 frames per second, offering a substantial upgrade over standard built-in computer cameras. This functionality is particularly useful for online business meetings or private communications, providing crisp, clear video that enhances viewer engagement.

Utilising the camera’s advanced macro shooting capabilities and the integrated Ring Light unit allows for the capture of detailed, creatively lit images and videos. This feature is ideal for presenting detailed visuals, such as documents or small objects, during live streams or video calls, making the WG-8 a versatile tool for professional and personal communication.

The WG-8 is compatible with popular streaming and video conferencing applications such as Zoom, Skype®, Microsoft Teams®, Google Meet™, Cisco WebEX®, Facebook Messenger, and more. It supports a range of operating systems including Windows® 10, Windows® 11, and MacOS 11 through MacOS 14. Note that the webcam function does not include an audio feed; it is recommended to use the computer’s built-in microphone for audio during calls. Additionally, for enhanced usability, especially in static setups, the optional TE-2 Extension Adapter can be used to mount the WG-8 on a tripod.

What’s in the box

• Pentax WG-8 Waterproof Digital Compact Camera Black
• Rechargeable Battery D-B110
• Strap O-ST104
• USB Cable I-USB173
• Power Adapter AC-U2
• Power Plug