Passionate photographers who love to pose and flutter bright smiles can now lay their hands on yet another compact camera to intensify their fervor for photography. Pentax has announced its Optio WG-1 and WG-1 GPS digital cameras which claim to delight owners with advanced waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, coldproof and crushproof abilities.

The Optio WG-1 flaunts a 14 megapixel sensor and improved Digital Microscope mode that renders five macro LEDs for exceptional macro lighting. Owners can capture crisp and detailed images using a detachable macro stand. The camera bundles together interesting features like Fast Face Detection technology, Smile Capture, Blink Detection and Self-Portrait Assist mode.

The GPS variant precisely tracks and records positional data recording along with photos for geo-tagging applications. Offering wide-angle 5x internal optical zoom lens, the unit accommodates a 2.7-inch LCD which features a wide angle 16:9 aspect ratio with anti-reflective coating. The user experience is further amplified with Pixel Tracker and Digital Shake Reduction.

The auto-focus assist lamp enables users to seamlessly focus even in dim conditions. Equipped with an HDMI port, the camera packs in a woven web fabric strap drenched in vibrant hue accents complete with a carabiner to affix it to any backpack. Besides, the device boasts of Eye-Fi wireless SD memory card connectivity for integrated Wi-Fi capability.

The Optio WG-1 can be snapped up in eye-catchy shades of black or purple for $349.95 (approx Rs. 15,878). Priced at $399.95 (approx Rs. 18,147), the Optio WG-1 GPS comes in various color options such as black and yellow-green. These offerings are expected to be shipped in April 2011. The waterproof infrared remote control for the Optio WG-1 can also be purchased separately for $29.95 (approx Rs. 1,358).