Skip to main content

Picked up a Pentax Optio WG-II

I recently consigned my last DSLR camera body. While I am still hanging onto some lenses for a potential local sale, I wanted to move forward with selling as much of my equipment as possible. I do have a very old digicam that I mostly used in 2006, but I thought something low cost, yet new, would be a good idea. The Optio WG-II line just dropped in price at my local camera shop, so while I was there, I picked up a solid black unit. 

This of this article as basic overview of the camera before I’m able to do something more extensive with better equipment. Taking quality product shots and video for a detailed review isn’t really possible at the moment.

As you can tell… I’m pretty enthusiastic about it so far. Of course, the results are not of a DSLR level, but I think I can manage to achieve a decent level of quality.

This WG-II seems pretty decent so far. It’s too bad they didn’t include shutter and aperture control. ISO, exposure compensation, and the standard metering modes should be sufficient (switching the green button to Fn mode where those items can be directly controlled is a big plus). My Yongnuo flash seem to trigger properly in slave mode by the camera’s internal flash. That should be fun to see what I can do with them. However, I noticed the flash won’t trigger outside, presumably due to too much ambient light.

A few points to consider if you are interested in the camera:


Bad Points:

  • I can’t support my hand like I can with a normal point & shoot strap, but it does seem quick access if latched to a belt buckle.
  • Wish the face detection button was programmable like the green button. Have to make a choice between using the green button as Fn and a quick movie button. I’d like both and don’t really have any interest in having quick access to face detection.
  • No full or semi manual mode.

Good Points:

  • No extending lens.
  • Solid take anywhere camera.
  • AF seems good and offers quite a few options.
  • Access to important functions isn’t too bad given the limited buttons.

Overall, a solid and unique camera. It will be challenging to extract the best images possible images out of it, but it is the type of camera that can be used a lot and taken anywhere. 




Here are a few webcam based videos that I’ve already made with the camera:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXLzEG_aHKA

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Nikon Z5ii Announced and My Thoughts vs the Original Z5

The Nikon Z5ii was announced recently. I haven't actually used this new camera myself, so keep that in mind. This is going to be mostly me looking at the specs and comparing it to the original Nikon Z5, which I've been using for a few years now. The original Nikon Z5 camera. Overall, the original Z5 isn't a bad camera. I've gotten it to a point where it works how I want it to and it's reliable for what I do.  My main use case is often anime and comic conventions, going there and taking photos of people in cosplay. I usually use the 40mm f/2 lens on the Z5, and it works well for that.  First-person view using the Nikon Z5 at an anime convention. Nikon Z5ii vs Z5: The Spec Sheet Comparison  Nikon has a handy comparison section on their Z5ii page, so let's break down some key differences based on that and my experience with the original. Nikon's website comparing the Z5ii and the original Z5 specifications. First up, the sensor. The Z5ii gets a backside-illumi...
Read more

Nikon D3500 Hands-On And Opinion

Today we are taking a look at the entry level standard F-mount Nikon DSLR in their line-up. This is the latest iteration in their D3000 series of cameras started in 2009.  With lower cost DSLR we can expect certain features like FP sync not being included as well as fewer direct control dials and other buttons. For this iteration it comes with a 24.2 megapixel DX (APS-C) sensor with a sensitivity range of 100 to 25600.  My video on the camera. Get the Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera through my links: Amazon.com , BHPhotoVideo.com , Used on KEH.com , Walmart.com , and eBay.com As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases!  The D3500’s sensor is visible in cleaning mode. There is no shake reduction in the camera, but the kit lens does have VR. The standard optical viewfinder has 95% frame coverage with a 0.85x magnification.  The DSLR focusing system is the 11-point Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection giving you a detection ran...
Read more

Xenvo Smartphone Lens Kit Overview

I recently took a look at the Xenvo "Ultimate Smartphone Lens Kit," an add-on system designed to enhance your phone's camera capabilities. I purchased this myself; it wasn't sent to me, and I wanted to share my experiences using it. The kit aims to give you both wider angle shots and detailed macro photos using a clip-on lens system. Let's see what's included and how well it works. The Xenvo "Ultimate Smartphone Lens" Kit packaging. What's in the Box? Opening the box reveals the core components: the lens system itself, which consists of a 15x macro lens and a 0.45x wide-angle lens attachment. It's important to note that the wide-angle piece needs to be screwed onto the macro lens to function correctly; using the wide-angle part alone doesn't really produce a usable image. Inside the box: the lens, case, and accessories. You also get a plastic clip mount to attach the lens assembly to your phone. Alongside the lenses, Xenvo includes severa...
Read more