Pentax WG-8
Pentax · Compact · 20.2 MP · 1/2.3” · 4K video
Score Breakdown
This product does not have an overall score yet.
—
UNSCORED
What We Like
+Exceptional waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof durability for extreme conditions
+Outstanding macro photography capability with 6-LED ring light and 1cm minimum focus distance
+4K video recording with advanced Movie SR+ stabilization technology
+Built-in GPS for geotagging and travel logging; useful webcam mode for streaming
+Rugged aluminum construction with glove-friendly controls and sealed design
Worth Knowing
−Image quality is merely adequate; not competitive with premium compact or mirrorless cameras
−No RAW format support, only JPEG—limiting for post-processing flexibility
−Limited exposure controls with no Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority modes
−Slower autofocus and less advanced manual features compared to enthusiast cameras
General | |
|---|---|
About This CameraThe Pentax WG-8 is the toughest model in the WG series, featuring outstanding waterproof, shockproof, and cold-resistant performance to 20 meters depth, 2.1-meter drop resistance, and -10°C operation. With a back-illuminated 20-megapixel CMOS sensor and five-times optical zoom (28-140mm equivalent), it delivers high-resolution images and versatile focal coverage. As a rugged point-and-shoot compact, it excels in extreme conditions, delivering color-rich images with pleasing detail suited to its intended adventure photography purpose. While image quality is adequate and it lacks RAW capability, its LED ring light for macro work and genuine durability make it valuable for harsh environments where standard cameras would fail. | |
| Brand | Pentax |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | Jun 2024 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2024 |
| Camera type |  Compact |
Sensor | |
| Type | Back-illuminated CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.2 megapixels (5184 x 3888) |
Optics | |
| Focal Length | 5-25mm (28-140mm equivalent in 35mm format) |
| Zoom | 5x optical zoom |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1cm (macro mode) |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  1/2.3” |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20.2 MP050 |
Exposure | |
| ISO Range | 125-6400 |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000 to 1/4 second |
| Metering | Multiple modes with spot metering |
Video | |
| Resolution | 4K (3840 x 2160) |
| Frame Rate | 30fps |
| Codec | H.264 |
| Stabilization | Movie SR and Movie SR+ modes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |
Build durability | |
| Waterproof | 20 meters (65.6 feet), up to 2 hours continuous (IPX8/JIS Class 8) |
| Shockproof | 2.1 meters (6.8 feet) drop |
| Freezeproof | -10°C (14°F) |
| Crushproof | 100 kgf (kilogram force) |
Display | |
| LCD Size | 3.0-inch |
| LCD Resolution | 1,040,000 dots |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
| Anti Reflective Coating | Yes |
Features | |
| Ring Light | 6-LED multi-application ring light |
| GPS | Built-in with travel log |
| Autofocus | 9-point contrast-detect AF with manual focus option |
| Scene Modes | 24 options including auto picture, underwater, macro, depth of field composite |
| Webcam | Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 30fps via USB Video Class mode |
| Recording Format | JPEG (no RAW support) |
Connectivity | |
| USB | USB-C |
| Video Output | HDMI Type D |
| Memory Card | SDXC, SDHC, SD |