Pentax 16MP Optio WG-2 Waterproof Camera Review by CNET UK With Rating 3.5/5

"The lens is entirely captive behind a protective window that stops it getting snapped or scratched when dropped, yet it still manages to provide a 5x zoom, equivalent to 28x140mm in a 35mm camera. To put that into context, a consumer dSLR's kit lens often only offers a 3x zoom covering 18-55mm. Sensitivity runs through a scale of ISO 125 to ISO 6,400 with compensation of +/-2EV in 1/3EV steps. There's a dedicated night scene for use with a tripod and a separate handheld night mode for beginners who would rather not fiddle with settings they don't understand. The results at ISO 1,600 showed a fair amount of noise when zoomed to 100 per cent, with a painting-like finish. However, colours remained accurate and when viewed full screen, rather than zoomed, overall fidelity was good. If you want to make sure the WG-2 sticks to low sensitivities to preserve image quality, you can limit its sensitivity range through the menus. When pushed to less extreme levels, results were much cleaner, with accurate texture recognition and less dappling, although they weren't always entirely unsullied. In general, subjects with a greater level of texture tend to mask any slight imperfections in the output, which in turn has a bearing on macro performance. An overview of the macro output is very good, but closer examination reveals a slightly lower level of detail than I would want to see in a photo of that type. There was occasional evidence of chromatic aberration in my results, where the lens didn't precisely focus each wavelength of incoming light in exactly the same position on the sensor. The result is a pink fringe along the edge of some strong contrasts, which can be seen here on the edge of these white elder flowers when zoomed to actual size.

All rugged cameras require a degree of compromise from both the manufacturer and the user, and the WG-2 is no different in this respect. In particular, the firmware could do with a refresh, while the unresponsive shutter release needs loosening up. One compromise I would welcome is a slight trimming of the resolution, which would allow for larger photosites on the sensor and perhaps a little less noise in some of the results. We may be getting used to seeing metrics like 16 megapixels being tagged to compact cameras, but in reality, 12 megapixels is sufficient for most needs. By coincidence, that's the resolution sported by the Canon D20, which I declared to be the best rugged snapper you can buy at the end of my tests last month. While the WG-2 has many charms, my judgement about the D20 stands. It's more expensive than the WG-2 but it's worth saving up for. If cash and time are both short though, and you need a rugged camera for an imminent trip or activity, the WG-2 is unlikely to disappoint."

Solid camera in testing, Kenneth J. Strodtman "strodj07" - May 14 2013
I am getting ready to take this on my carribean cruise honeymoon and really give it its testing. I have used it some leading up to the trip to learn it and like it. It does not produce the best indoor pictures as the coloring is a little off but it is not menat to replace my DSLR. If i feel strongly one way or the other after the trip i will update....

Takes crummy pictures - I returned it and got the Optio WG-3 for about $100 more., S. Atchison "StacyA(K)" - Apr 28 2013
Pictures were fuzzy and grainy no matter what I did, what kind of light I was in, or what speed memory card was used. Shell out the extra $$ and go for the WG3, just released in March 2013. It resolves some of these issues plus has "real" image stabilization, and is even tougher than the WG2....

Good buy, especially for its price., Corinne Carper - Apr 24 2013
Received the product and it has already been tested for its quality. survived being rained on and dropped in a creek, also survived being dropped multiple times. The digital microscope feature on the camera is by far my favorite and it was impressive that it could pick up the detail of the bark on a tree at extreme close up ranges. overall satisfied with the purchase and...

Works okay, Kenneth Young - Apr 21 2013
Nice grips if you are wearing dive glove. However, it is harder to compete with newer models that's coming out with more feature at lowered costs....