Pentax WG-3 GPS camera is waterproof and wireless
The Pentax WG-3 and WG-3 GPS include a second screen and wireless charging as well as being waterproof.
Stepping into the ring, it's the rough, tough, waterproof Pentax WG-3 and WG-3 GPS. Not only is the Pentax WG-3 compact camera capable of taking a punch like a champ, it also includes a second screen and wireless charging to juice up without leaving itself exposed to the elements.
The 16-megapixel WG-3 boasts a 4x optical zoom with a 25mm wide angle. It's water resistant down to 14 meters, as well as drop-proof, ice-proof and crush-proof. There's a 3-inch screen on the back, and a dinky little display on the front that gives you the time, pressure or altitude.
The WG-3 GPS is the same, but with handy GPS to tag your photos with details of whatever rain-lashed hellhole they were captured in.
This is, to the best of my knowledge, the first camera that charges wirelessly straight out of the box. It uses the Qi standard, the same as used by some phones, such as the Nokia Lumia 920.
Wireless recharging is a good idea for this type of device because it needs to keep the outside sealed to keep out the elements. Having a socket for a power cable or constantly opening a cover to get at the power socket leaves the camera vulnerable to dirt, water or other nasty stuff getting inside.
But the problem with wireless charging is that you still need to place it on a dock or mat, and that has to plug into the wall -- so you're still tied to a wall socket and at least one cable.
The advantage is that you don't need a specific cable, so you can charge your camera by dropping it onto any wireless charging dock. That will be great in a few years' time when everyone has one, and when they're in restaurants and pubs and coffee shops and airport lounges. Sadly, right now it's not hugely useful.
Still, the arrival of a wirelessly charging camera is another step in that direction after the Nokia Lumia 920 became the first major phone to feature wireless charging built-in.
Is wireless charging the way of the future? Will you be taking this tough camera on an outdoor adventure, or is it ugly as hell? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.