Released in 2004, the Pentax Optio 43WR was a waterproof digital camera designed for outdoor use and photography around water. It featured an approximately 4-megapixel CCD and a 2.8× optical zoom, together with water resistance equivalent to JIS Protection Class 7.

A folded-optics lens system redirected the optical path inside the camera, allowing the zoom lens to remain entirely within the body rather than extending outward. This helped combine waterproof construction with a compact design. The camera was powered by two widely available AA batteries, making it practical for travel and outdoor use. Rather than requiring a separate waterproof housing, the Optio 43WR incorporated water resistance directly into the camera body, representing the expansion of digital photography into increasingly active outdoor environments in the early 2000s.