The new Pentax Optio WG-3 and WG-3 GPS cameras have just hit the shelves in the US.  They are all now in stock ready to ship- click here to get yours today!  The WG-3 retails for $299, while the WG-3 GPS is available for $50 more.

The WG-3 is Pentax's latest waterproof compact camera, which boasts a host of new features over its predecessor, the WG-2.  These features include a wider and brighter lens, improved waterproofing and ergonomics, wireless battery charging, front LCD screen, barometer, compass, and most importantly, sensor-shift shake reduction.  We have a hunch that the WG-3 may be one of the best outdoor compact cameras currently on the market, and we will be bringing you an in-depth review in the coming weeks!

To learn more about this camera, please visit our WG-3 preview post, or view the full specs in our camera database.

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When it first came out, the Pentax Q didn't attract very much attention in the US, even though it was the smallest interchangeable-lens camera on the market.  Part of the reason for this was that a key part of the Q system was missing: the adapter that allows you to use DSLR lenses on this tiny little camera.  Let's face it: without the adapter, the Q doesn't hold many advantages over the competition.

Now that the Pentax K-mount to Q-mount adapter is available, things have changed completely, however.  As you will learn in our Pentax K to Q adapter review, this handy adapter lets you capture stunning telephoto shots without spending very much on gear.

In fact, with this adapter and a telephoto lens, the Pentax Q can outperform just about any Pentax DSLR when it comes to resolution.  Thanks for the Q's 5.6x crop factor, capturing photos of distant subjects is easier (and more affordable) than ever.  This may be a bit surprising, considering that the Q has a mere 1/2.3" sensor.

As we find in our review, the Q with this adapter and a telephoto lens (< $600 value) comes reasonably close to the image quality of a professional DSLR system valued at over $5000!  There's no question that you're getting much more than your money's worth with the Q and the adapter.

So, if you're a bird shooter or enjoy tele photography, what are you waiting for?  Read the review, get your Q, and then get your adapter. You'll get stunning images and you'll have a lot of fun while you're at it!  Best of all, the Q currently retails for less than $280!

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For those of you who have been waiting for savings on the Pentax FA Limited lenses in the US, those savings are finally here!  You can now save $250 on the FA 31mm F1.8, 43mm F1.9, and 77mm F1.8 for a total savings of up to $750 with the purchase of a K-5 IIs between today and March 31, 2013.

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Pentax USA has just announced a number of attractive promotions on its Pentax 645D professional medium-format system.  To learn more about the Pentax 645D, please take a look at our first and second in-depth reviews of the camera, or visit its entry in our camera database.

Savings Explained

• With the purchase of a new Pentax 645D body, you will receive a free D FA 55mm F2.8 lens ($1199.95 value, no mailing-in is needed).
• With the purchase of a new Pentax 645D body, if you bundle the D FA 25mm F4 lens, you will receive a $500 Visa gift card
• With the purchase of a new Pentax 645D body, if you bundle the D FA 90mm F2.8 Macro lens, you will receive a $500 Visa gift card
• Total maximum savings: $1000 Visa gift card + free D FA 55mm F2.8 lens ($1195.95) value = $2199.95 total value

The Vist card rebates will be processed on a mail-in basis.  All eligible products must be purchased from an authorized Pentax dealer in the US (such as B&H, Adorama, or Amazon) between March 11 and March 31, 2013.

The Pentax 645D currently retails for US $8799.  With the special offer on the 55mm lens, the effective price drops to $7600 for the month of March.  The 645D was launched in 2010 and boasts a 40-megapixel 44x33mm medium-format sensor.  All rebate forms can be obtained from your Pentax retailer, or via the link below.

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Today we're happy to present our review of the "Pentax Adapter Q for K-mount Lenses", which is in our opinion an essential accessory for all Pentax Q owners, and also the best thing to happen to the Q system since its launched.

This handy adapter allows the use of Pentax K-mount (D)SLR lenses on the Q.  Read the review here!

To learn more about the Pentax Q, visit the Pentax Q forum.

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The image "Reflections on Siskiyou Lake" was taken on the first weekend of November, 2012. I had taken a number of images at the lake in recent years and knew the area well. Siskiyou Lake is a vastly under-rated place, perhaps the most scenic spot to photograph Mount Shasta, one of California's most photogenic mountains. I knew if the conditions were right, this place could produce images that might rival more famous (and over-photographed) places like Oxbow Bend and Wild Goose Island Overlook.

To get the shot I visualized, I would need still waters on Lake Siskiyou, morning light, some clouds, and snow on Mount Shasta.

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Forum member Heie has just posted a giveaway photo contest where you could win his storied copy of the SMC DA* 16-50mm F2.8 lens! Essentially, this is a contest where photo or video submissions must accompany a written portion.

Unable to just sell it off, Heie decided to give it away in this format because of all the history they shared together. In his words, his DA* 16-50 "has come running with me. It has been rock climbing with me. It has shivered under countless showers. It has been entirely submerged under the talcum-like contents of an Afghan sandbag. It has deployed to Afghanistan for an entire twelve months. It has taken part in combat operations in Afghanistan. It has seen and captured the tears of Afghan schoolboys being handed humanitarian aid in the form of backpacks, school supplies, and Beanie Babies. It has honed its aperture to the emotional crumbling of warriors during a memorial for their fallen brethren. It has shot true despite tears making the viewfinder blind to what lay through the other side. It has witnessed the withering light that is the hope of some of Afghanistan's own weathered and tired veterans of wars lasting lifetimes. It has survived the Kepler and Rakiura Tracks of New Zealand, as well as her fiords' waterfalls from being forced to go directly under them."

We expect to see some great submissions for such a prize, and we hope to see yours too!

Click here to the contest page for more details or to submit your entry!

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