Pentax launches waterproof, shockproof GPS camera

The Gadget Show  Wednesday 29 June 2011

As cameras on mobile phones get better and better, it’s getting more difficult to justify a dedicated compact camera. The new Pentax WG-1 GPS camera has enough features to help it stand out though, and it could be a great choice if you have any festivals lined up.

The latest range of smartphones feature some truly phenomenal integrated cameras, but there are a couple of issues. Battery life is one – the more you use the camera, the more you’ll see battery life tumble, and using your phone when it’s raining and muddy can also be a problem.

Neither of these issues present a problem for the Pentax WG-1 GPS – a compact camera with a host of great features, not least the bright colours it’s available in.

As the name suggests, the Pentax WG-1 GPS offers an integrated GPS chip, and is capable of recording location information alongside all of your photographs. The fact it’s incredibly rugged is more likely to appeal to outdoors types, however, and the WG-1 can survive being up to 14ft under water.

It’s also dust and mud-proof, with a rugged casing that can withstand drops from up to five feet. All of which makes it perfect for festivals, where it’s likely to rain, you’ll get covered in mud, and there’s a good chance you’ll fall over at some point in the weekend. Within the rugged casing, you’ll find a 14-megapixel sensor, also capable of shooting 720p video.