All-weather camera with a rugged chassis that can be relied on in the harshest conditions.
The toughest of the PENTAX WG series, the WG-8 boasts outstanding waterproof, shockproof, and cold-resistant performance. It is waterproof to a depth of 20 meters, shockproof against a fall from heights of 2.1 meters, and able to operate in temperatures as low as -10°C.
It has a host of advanced features and user-friendly functions, including a multi-application ring light, ideal for close-up macro photography, and web camera capability Its heavy-duty construction ensures that the WG-8 performs superbly and dependably in harsh, demanding outdoor conditions and on worksites.
Rugged, heavy-duty construction
The WG-8’s solid, airtight body is not only waterproof to a depth of 65.6 feet (20 meters) — the greatest operating depth in the history of the WG series — for up to two hours of continuous operation (equivalent to IPX8 or JIS Class 8), but it’s also shockproof against a fall from heights of up to 6.8 feet (2.1 meters), * dustproof (equivalent to IPX6 or JIS Class 6), resistant to temperatures as low as -10°C, and crushproof against weights of up to 100kgf (kilogram force; equivalent to approximately 220.5 pounds of force). **This heavy-duty construction ensures that the WG-8 performs superbly and dependably in harsh, demanding outdoor conditions and on worksites.
* Measured using RICOH IMAGING-original testing standards, including a drop from a height of 2.1 meters onto a surface of 5cm-thick plywood, with the camera’s power on, conforming to Method 516-5- Shock of the MIL-Standard 810F.
** Measured using RICOH IMAGING-original testing standards.
High-quality, high-resolution images
Combining a state-of-the-art back-illuminated CMOS image sensor that provides excellent high-sensitivity, low-noise characteristics, and high-speed readout of image data signals, with a high-performance imaging engine, the WG-8 delivers a top sensitivity of ISO 6400 and produces super-high-resolution images of approximately 20 effective megapixels. It also integrates advanced image processing functions to ensure sharp, clear, high-resolution images.
5X optical zoom lens with a 28mm wide-angle coverage
The WG-8’s five-times optical zoom lens provides angle-of-view coverage from 5mm to 25mm (equivalent to approximately 28mm to 140mm in the 35mm format) and a minimum focusing distance of one centimeter, allowing the user to capture eye-catching close-ups to sweeping landscapes. Its Intelligent Zoom function extends the zoom range by approximately 40.5 times without compromising image quality, while the Interval Shooting mode comes in handy for fixed-point photography.
4K-resolution movie recording
The WG-8 provides 4K-resolution movie recording in the H.264 format, allowing the user to capture high-quality, extended movie clips (3840 x 2160 pixels, 30 frames per second). In addition to the conventional Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode,* it also features the Movie SR+ mode,* which generates a shake-reduction effect similar to the one created by a gimbal unit to assure high-quality movie shooting with more active, fast-action outdoor activities.
* When one of these modes is activated, the angle of view becomes narrower. The Movie SR+ mode can be used at recorded pixel size smaller than the Full HD format (1920 x 1080 pixels).
Webcam function for live streaming of high-quality, high-resolution images
By switching to the UVC (USB Video Class) mode and connecting it to a computer with an USB cable (included as a standard accessory), the WG-8 can be used as a web camera* for real-time streaming of Full HD-resolution video images at 30 frames per second. When combined with the camera’s macro shooting capability and built-in Ring Light unit, the user can deliver more detailed, creative images than those captured by the computer’s built-in camera during online business meetings or private online communications.
High-power, discharge-adjustable, six-bulb Ring Light
Positioned around the circumference of the lens barrel, the WG-8’s six-LED Ring Light unit allows the user to set a faster shutter speed and minimize camera shake and subject shake in macro and close-up photography. The discharge level can be adjusted to a desired level. This unit also provides selective lighting, in which the user can activate only the horizontally or vertically aligned lights to illuminate the subject more three-dimensionally and emphasize its contours.
3.0-inch, wide-frame LCD monitor for wide-angle viewing
The WG-8 has a large, high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor (3:2 proportions and approximately 1,040,000 dots). The AR (Anti-Reflection) coating applied to the monitor’s protective cover, minimizes annoying glare and reflections to assure a sharp, clear on-screen image even in the harsh sunshine. The Outdoor View Setting allows the user to adjust the monitor’s brightness level according to changes in ambient lighting conditions, to optimize the visibility of the on-screen image.
Advanced GPS functions and built-in digital compass
The built-in GPS module automatically records position data and travel log data onto captured images and adjusts the built-in clock to local time. This module can be activated with a single action and can receive signals from GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), as well as U.S. GPS satellites. The GPS Lock function lets the user save GPS data onto captured images by using previously acquired position data — highly convenient for shootings inside buildings. GPS data, directional data acquired by the digital compass and UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) can also be imprinted on the lower right corner of an image.
Shooting Modes
The WG-8 lets you choose the desired shooting mode from 24 options, including: Auto Picture, which automatically detects the type of a scene and selects the most appropriate shooting mode; Underwater and Underwater Movie, which reproduce the natural colors of the underwater world by optimizing white balance to reduce the bluish color cast; and Depth-of-field Composite, which retains sharp focus from the foreground to the background. You can select the mode that best suits your application or subject.
List of shooting modes
Auto Picture / Program / Scene (HDR; Handheld Night Snap; Night Scene; Underwater; Underwater Movie; Landscape; Flower; Portrait; High Sensitivity; Interval; Interval Movie; High Speed Movie; Surf & Snow; Kids; Pet; Sport; Fireworks; Depth-of-field Composite) / Digital Microscope / Movie / CALS
Flash Off + Flash On option for two-image consecutive shooting
In the Underwater mode, this creative option comes in handy when shooting underwater creatures. With a single shutter release, the WG-8 captures two images — one without flash and another with flash — to minimize the time and trouble for camera operation and let you concentrate on the image composition.
A selection of Image Tone modes, identical with those featured in PENTAX digital SLR models
The WG-8 provides five distinctive and creative Image Tone modes to add the desired finishing touch to captured images, depending on the subject or your creative intentions. They include: Vibrant, which applies bright, rich colors; and Slide Film, which creates dynamic, high-contrast images resembling those produced by reversal film.
Creative, flexible processing of captured images
The WG-8’s Ink Rubbing filter allows you to casually save your catches as eye-catching digital images. It also provides other creative filters to process captured images in a unique, artistic way. They are all designed to personalize captured images and add more fun after shooting, by shifting tones, adding special visual effects, dramatizing images, or creating various types of ambience.
Macro Modes
The WG-8 provides a choice of two macro modes: The standard Macro mode lets you capture a close-up image of the small subject from 10 centimeters away, while the 1cm Macro mode lets you close in on the subject to just one centimeter. It also features an Auto Macro mode, which automatically shifts the minimum focusing distance to 10cm without the need for switching to the Macro mode from normal shooting.
High-power, intensity-adjustable Ring Light handy for movie recording and macro shooting
Positioned around the circumference of the lens barrel, the WG-8’s six-LED Ring Light unit not only allows you to adjust the light intensity at nine levels, but it also lets you select the desired set of lights. You can turn all LEDs on to light up the entire scene brightly and evenly to eliminate shadows, or select only the horizontally or vertically aligned ones to illuminate the subject more three-dimensionally and emphasize its contours. The Ring Light unit comes in handy for applications demanding delicate lighting adjustment, such as macro shooting.
Digital Microscope for effortless capture of the microscopic world
The WG-8’s Digital Microscope mode* comes in handy when you want to swiftly switch from normal shooting to macro photography to capture the amazing microscopic world, which is often difficult to observe with the naked eye. The six-LED Ring Light unit allows you to select a faster shutter speed to minimize camera shake.
* When this mode is selected, the image size is fixed at 3M (at 4:3 proportions).
Features:
- Approx. 20 megapixels
- ISO 125~6400
- 5X Optical Zoom
- Powerful LED Ring Light
- GPS/ Electronic compass
- Waterproof up to 65.6 feet (20 meters)
- Shockproof up to 6.8 feet (2.1 meters)
- Crushproof up to 220.4 lbf (100Kgf)
- Freezeproof up to 14°F (-10°C)
- 4K Movie
- 3.01" approx. 1040K dots monitor
- Digital Microscope mode
- Webcam
In The Box:
Pentax WG-8 All-Weather Digital Camera - Black
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (DB-110)
USB-C Power Adapter (AC-U2)
Power Plug
USB Cable (I-USB173)
Hand Strap (O-ST104)
Macro Stand (O-MS3)
Notes:
1) Battery chargers and memory cards are sold separately.
2) The DW-5 Wide Conversion Lens (sold separately) expands the angle-of-view coverage to approximately 22mm (in the 35mm format) at the wide-angle end.
