Pentax has back by introducing its next generation of Optio WG-1, the Optio WG-2. The Pentax Optio WG-2 Rugged Digital Camera’s looks alone makes it tough already. And this design really does make it ideal for use in rugged scenarios. The new Pentax Optio WG-2 camera—available in versions with and without a built-in GPS—is a rugged shooter that can grab 16-megapixel photos in 40 feet of water, survive a 5-foot drop, operate in temperatures as low as 14°F, and is crushproof to 220 pounds of force.

This Backlit 16MP Sensor is an improvement as previously is only 14MP, as well as capability of shoots 1080P video (previously 720p) with 30 frames per second. It will also come with a variety of other goodies, such as the 6 macro LEDs around the lens that can be used to focus on subjects as close as 1cm, Pixel Track, Digital and Movie Shake Reduction, Face Detection, Smile Capture, Blink Capture, Extended Dynamic Range and Handheld Night Snap mode. The Pentax WG-2 will be arriving in march 2012 and will be priced at $350, a GPS version is also available for $50 extra

Other outstanding WG-2 features include:
*Shockproof design protects camera drop up to 5 feet.
*Crushproof construction withstands weights up to 220 LBF (pound-force).
*Coldproof to sub-freezing temps of minus 10 degrees C (14 degrees F).
*Dustproof design protects the camera from dry, dusty environments.
*Wide angle 5X internal optical zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent).
*Large 3 inch LCD features HVGA resolution (460,000 dots) and anti-reflective coating on its protective cover.
*Hardened cover with SP coating protects internal lens elements.
*An HDMI port (Micro, Type-D) plays back beautiful, high definition images and video on HDTVs.
*Pixel Track, Digital, and Movie Shake Reduction ensure sharp, blur-free images and video.
*Fast Face Detection technology including Smile Capture and Blink Detection to capture perfect portraits.
*A Handheld Night Snap mode produces a single blur-free, composite image from four images of the same scene.
*An autofocus assist lamp helps to quickly and accurately focus.
*Extended dynamic range helps bring out extra highlight and shadow detail.
*PENTAX infrared remote control compatibility for remote shooting.
*GPS and non-GPS versions are available in several new stylish color options.