Introduction

Pentax is known for their DSLRs, but they've been in the tough-cam category longer than any other manufacturer we can think of. The Optio WG-2 is their latest "adventure-proof" camera. It can survive in 40 feet of water, falls from 5 feet, pressure up to 220 pounds, temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ever-present menace of dust and sand.

Competition in the tough-cam space is as fierce as we've ever seen it. As the industry shifts away from featureless, low-end pocket cameras, they're looking toward rugged cameras as a space for growth—you can't swim with your iPhone, after all. The WG-2 is one of seven current top-tier tough cams, and it stacks up pretty favorably. Read on to see why.

The WG-2 is available now at a current MSRP of $299 (originally $349) in vermillion red and matte black. The GPS-enabled WG-2 GPS (the model on review here) is available now for an MSRP of $349 (originally $399) in shiny orange and glossy white. Aside from the GPS antenna, the two models are identical.

Check out our 7-camera waterproof shootout to see how the year's best tough-cams compare.