Denver, CO—Ricoh Imaging Company launched the high-end Ricoh WG-4 and WG-4 GPS compact point-and-shoot models, as well as the entry-level WG-20 in their line of adventureproof cameras.
“As the 17th generation in our lineup of ruggedized compact cameras, the Ricoh WG-4 GPS and WG-4 represent the culmination of years of experience in manufacturing products that can withstand the elements,” said Jim Malcolm, executive vice president, Ricoh Imaging. “Using our expertise in the category, Ricoh Imaging has developed an adaptable mounting solution that continues to build our offering for the active photographer while delivering on consumer demand.”
The WG-4 and WG-4 GPS offer waterproof performance down to 45 feet and shock resistance against a fall from 6.5 feet. Inheriting the nonslip design of the previous lineup, they provide new body colors, a large-aperture, 4x optical zoom lens (with the maximum aperture of f/2.0 at the wide-angle end) and a high-sensitivity, 16 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS image sensor designed to deliver low-noise images—even in the water, at night and in poor illumination.
Both cameras assure waterproof performance for two hours of continuous operation (equivalent to IPX8 or JIS Class 8). They are also dustproof, coldproof against temperatures as low as 14°F and crushproof against weights to 100kgf (kilogram force).
Other improvements include the cameras’ 4x, 25mm wide angle to 100mm medium telephoto (equivalent) optical zoom lens, which offers a maximum aperture of f/2.0 (at wide-angle end). Thanks to an upgraded AF algorithm, the focusing speed in macro shooting was increased to facilitate close-up applications, and in the underwater and underwater movie modes, the color rendition and contrast of a captured image are automatically optimized based on the original image data. In addition, a “user” mode was added for instant recall of favorite settings.
Additional features include: a 3.0-inch, 460,000-dot LCD with antireflective coatings; ISO 6400; dual anti-shake protection for blur-free images; shutter priority mode; 29 shooting modes; auto picture mode, which automatically selects one of 16 scene modes for a given scene or subject; handheld night snap mode that captures multiple images of the same nighttime scene to produce a blur-free composite; Full HD movie recording in the H.264 recording format at 30 frames per second; and a high-speed camera function for slow-motion playback of captured movie clips and a fast-forward movie function.
Plus, six LED macro lights are positioned around the lens barrel for macro shooting to provide more uniform illumination on the subject when the cameras’ digital microscope mode is selected. The macro lights can also provide other user-friendly features, such as a self-portrait assist mode to check if the subject’s face is safely captured within the picture frame using the blink of an LED lamp, and an LED lighting mode that uses the macro lights as a lighting device in the dark.
The WG-4 GPS also comes with a GPS unit to record position data and travel log data onto captured images, and provide such GPS-related functions as a pressure/altitude/depth gauge and a digital compass to further facilitate outdoor shooting.
Optional accessories are available to accommodate active outdoor photography, such as an adhesive mount and a handlebar mount designed to securely fix the camera for hands-free shooting.
The Ricoh WG-4 GPS will be offered in blue or black for $379.95. The WG-4 comes in silver or lime yellow for $329.95. Both models will be available in March 2014.
Ricoh WG-20: Affordable Waterproof, Coldproof, Dustproof, Shockproof Compact
The Ricoh WG-20, geared for the active family, combines user-friendly features and durable construction. Despite its compact, lightweight body, it is waterproof to 33 feet, shockproof for drops of five feet, coldproof to 14ºF and crushproof, withstanding 220 foot-pounds of force.
To capture every adventure, the camera offers 25 shooting modes, including the Ricoh Imaging-original digital microscope mode, which allows shooters to focus on subjects as close as one centimeter from the lens.
“The Ricoh WG-20’s easy-to-use modes and convenient specifications keep up with the on-the-go consumer,” said Jim Malcolm, executive vice president, Ricoh Imaging. “The WG-20 enables users to capture important moments without having to worry about rain, sand or snow and instead concentrate on recording important memories.”
The camera employs a 14 megapixel sensor, a state-of-the-art image processing engine and a digital shake-reduction system, to help create blur-free images even in low light or shake-prone conditions. Its 720p HD movie mode offers a variety of movie-editing functions, such as extracting a still image from movie data and inserting titles at the beginning and end of a movie clip.
Also new to the WG family are a series of mounting accessories that extend the ability to capture action from new perspectives and vantage points. This mounting solution consists of a camera base ($19.99) that uses a flexible ball and socket system to maintain compatibility with three new mounts—a flat surface adhesive mount ($44.99), handlebar camera mount ($39.99) and suction cup camera mount ($42.99).
Available in white and red, the WG-20 will be available in March 2014 for $199.95. us.ricoh-imaging.com
