WG Cameras Now Ricoh Branded

The Ricoh WG-4. (Source: Pentax-Ricoh.)
The high-end Ricoh WG-4 will be released with and without built-in GPS. Capable of withstanding depths of up to 14 metres for up to two hours and able to tolerate a fall from heights up to two meters, both cameras offer cold-resistance against temperatures down to -10 °C and are crushproof against weights up to 100kgf (kilogram force). Both models are equipped with a new back-illuminated CMOS image sensor that offers an effective resolution of 16-megapixels and a top sensitivity of ISO 6400. The 4x optical zoom lens has a maximum aperture range of f/2.0-f/4.9 and can focus to 1 cm in macro mode. Six LED Macro Lights encircle the lens barrel to provide brighter, more uniform illumination when the Digital Microscope mode is selected. They can also be used in the Self-portrait Assist mode to check whether the subject’s face is in the picture frame.

In the Underwater and Underwater Movie modes, colour rendition and contrast are automatically optimised to provide true-to-life colour rendition and compensate for the loss of contrast caused by the diffusion of light in the water. Camera settings include Shutter Priority and USER modes, the latter with 16 different scene pre-sets. Dual anti-shake reduction combines an sensor-shift SR (Shake Reduction) with a Digital SR mode for blur-free images. Both models support Full HD movie recording using the H.264 recording format and include a high-speed camera function for slow-motion playback of captured movie clips recorded with HD resolution and a fast-forward movie function for VGA movies.

Both cameras have 3-inch, 16:9 LCD monitors with approximately 460,000 dots and anti-reflection coatings. The built-in GPS module in the WG-4 GPS automatically records position and travel log data onto captured images and adjusts the built-in clock to local time. Its pressure sensor and digital compass also allow the user to check the pressure, altitude/underwater depth and direction of a shooting location on the camera’s LCD monitor.

The new Ricoh WG-20, shown in red. (Source: Pentax-Ricoh.)
The Ricoh WG-20 has a compact, lightweight body that is waterproof  to 10 meters, shock resistant against a fall from 1.5 meters; and cold resistant to -10 °C.  Equipped with a 5x optical zoom lens and 14-megapixel sensor, it can record HD movies at 1280 x 720 pixels, 16:9 proportions, 30 frames per second and also features the Ricoh Imaging-original Digital Microscope mode. The 2.7-inch colour LCD monitor has a 16:9 aspect ratio and approximately 230,000 dots plus anti-reflection coating. Triple anti-shake compensation includes a Pixel Track SR mechanism as well as separate Digital SR modes for stills and movies.  Other features include High-speed Face Detection function, with Self-Portrait Assist mode, 12 digital filters and a Digital Wide mode which combines two images to produce an extra-wide-angle picture.

The Ricoh WG-20 ready for mounting as an action camera. (Source: Pentax-Ricoh.)

The three mounting options for the WG4 and WG20 cameras. (Source: Pentax-Ricoh.)
Pentax-Ricoh has also announced a range of optional accessories for mounting  these cameras in different ways to allow them to be used as action cameras. The mounting options include suction, handle bar, and adhesive. Overseas distributors show these products as being due for release in late March/early April.