Attempting to Break the Pentax WG-2: Stomping on the Camera

Previously, we sank the Pentax WG-2 Tough Camera and hoped that it would not work. Unfortunately, it was too tough for me. So the other day, I decided to stomp on the camera.

Do you think it survived?

Ergonomics

All photos and concept idea shot by yours truly: Chris Gampat

The Pentax WG-2 looks like a wrist watch and also looks incredibly manly. While there is no camera strap, there is a small strap with carbiner.

The front of the camera is characterized by what is meant to look like armor, like in an Iron Man movie or something.

There is also a macro light around the lens, which is right in the middle.

The back of the camera is characterized by a large screen and a couple of small buttons. The buttons though, aren’t too tough to press if needed.

The top of the camera is where things start to get a little hairy. The on/off switch and shutter release are here. And frankly, both buttons are a bit tough to press.

Overall though, the camera remains to be extremely thin and fits perfectly in a pocket.

Tech Specs

Specs taken from B&H Photo’s website.

Imaging
Resolution	Effective: 16 Megapixel, Actual Pixels: 16.79 Megapixel
Sensor	1/2.3″ CMOS
File Formats	Still Images: JPEG Movies: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Audio: WAV
Max Resolution	16MP: 4608 x 3456
Other Resolutions	12MP: 3456 x 3456 @ 1:1 12MP: 4608 x 2592 @ 16:9 7MP: 3072 x 2304 5MP: 3072 x 1728 @ 16:9 5MP: 2592 x 1944 4MP: 2592 x 1464 @ 16:9 3MP: 2048 x 1536 2MP: 1920 x 1080 @ 16:9 1024 x 768 640 x 480
Image Stabilization	Digital

Optics
Lens	11 elements in 9 groups 5 Aspheric EFL: 5-25mm (35mm equivalent: 28-140mm) Aperture: f/3.5 (W) – 5.5 (T)
Zoom	Optical: 5x Digital: 7.2x ¹
Focus Range	Normal: 1.64′ (0.50 m) – Infinity Macro: 0.033′ (1.01 cm) – 1.97′ (60.05 cm) Super-Macro: 0.03′ (0.91 cm) – 0.98′ (29.87 cm)

Exposure Control
ISO Sensitivity	Auto, 125-6400
Shutter	1/4000 – 4 seconds
Exposure Metering	Center-weighted, Multi, Spot, TTL 256-zones ²
White Balance Modes	Auto, Daylight, Fluorescent, Manual, Shade, Tungsten
Burst Rate	Up to 10 fps at 5 MP for up to 30 frames Up to 10 fps at 4 MP for up to 30 frames
Self Timer	2 Seconds, 10 Seconds ³

Flash
Built-in Flash	Yes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On w/ Red-eye Reduction, Off

Memory
Built-in Memory	88.2MB
Memory Card Type	SD SDHC SDXC

Recording
Video Recording	Yes

Video
Audio Recording	With Video

Viewfinder/Display
Screen	3.0″ LCD Rear Screen (460000 pixels)

Connectivity/System Requirements
Connectivity	AV Output, HDMI D (Micro), USB 2.0
Software Requirements	Windows: XP (SP3), Vista, 7 Mac: OS X 10.7 or later

Environmental
Operating/Storage Temperature	Operating 14 to 104 °F (-10 to 40 °C)

Power
Battery	D-LI92 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack

Physical
Dimensions (WxHxD)	4.8 x 2.4 x 1.2″ / 12.19 x 6.10 x 3.05 cm
Weight	7.0 oz / 198 g

Stomp Test

The Pentax WG2 can be purchased at B&H Photo or Amazon.

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Tagged as: crushproof, pentax, sink, stomp, test, tough camera, WG 2

SpoorthyVemula

looks like it came from a transformers film.
Paul Wren

Nice cam but stomp test? lol…That’s a dramatic title considering the test. Stomped I think it might break
RetLaEnvEmp

Chris, knew that Pentax built tough cameras 30 years ago when I bought my first Pentax. Have a current problem with the pricing/marketing of Pentax DSLR lenses that were priced cash/money wise effective in April with huge increases (no discounts on MSRP). Not relative to your article but Pentax runs to a different beat.
- ChrisGampat
  
  Thanks. We’re aware of that though but appreciate the reinforcement.
  
  You should see the piece on the K01 that I did for gearpatrol.com. I talk about how they were the first to develop the SLR and such.
  
  If you take the time to go read it, please come back and let me know your thoughts.
  
  -Chris Gampat
  Editor in Chief
  ThePhoblographer.com
WRK

Have you ever thought of writing a script and sticking to it? I’m trying to offer a constructive criticism, watching you fail at standing on a camera was not the best use of my time.
- ChrisGampat
  
  We have scripted videos. But this wasn’t meant to be that way. It was more about actually showing that the camera won’t get damaged if stomped on.
  -Chris Gampat
  Editor in Chief
  ThePhoblographer.com
090761

What’s the point of this dumb test?.. Were you trying to measure the boot-up time, or something?.. Pointless!!
- ChrisGampat
  
  Please stomp on your camera, and send us a link to your video of you stomping on it.
  
  I thought so…
  *-Chris Gampat*
  Editor in Chief, ThePhoBlographer.com
  Twitter.com/Phoblographer
  Facebook.com/ThePhoblographer
CGW

Production value issues aside, suffice it to say Pentax can make a tough camera–and has for some time. Their old “AW” series p&s film cameras were just as tough and were borderline waterproof(i.e., highly water-resistant)–remarkable for something with a film door and unique among then current cameras. The WG-2 could probably double as a hammer.
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