Ricoh has the camera to reach for on your next adventure. The company has introduced three new rugged cameras that include the WG-4 GPS, WG-4 and WG-20 – all of which will work with a new action-oriented mounting system. These actually build on the Pentax WG line, which makes sense as Ricoh bought the Japanese camera maker in 2011. The Ricoh name will now be used for compact cameras such as these.
The camera lineup includes the WG-4 and WG-4 GPS, each of which feature a 16megapixel CMOS sensor and sensor shift shake reduction. Each can shoot Full HD 1080p video at 30fps, and both are waterproof to 45 feet, shock resistant to just over six feet, and are crushproof to 220 pounds. These are even ideal winter sports cameras as they can endure temperatures to 14 degrees F! The WG-4/WG-4 GPS features a three inch LCD display, and offer a ring of six LED marco lights as well as traditional flash. The WG-4 GPS includes a GPS unit (obviously enough) to record position data and a travel log data.
The WG-20 has many of the features of the above models, but is meant as the introductory version. It is waterproof to 33 feet, shock resistant to five feet, but still crushproof to 220 pounds and can endure up to 14 degrees F. It is smaller than the WG-4 and can shoot HD video at 720p at 30 fps. It features a 14megapixel CCD sensor and has a 2.7 inch LCD screen.
All three cameras are also compatible with Ricoh’s new mounting systems that includes a handlebar mount, suction cup mount and adhesive mount. Mount up and reach for one of these Ricoh cameras.
Pentax Ricoh has its eye on the prize at this week’s SHOT Show as it announced the introduction of a new mini waterproof red dot sight to its Gameseeker line of sports optics gear. The new RD Mini waterproof dot sight offers a compact size with durable construction that ensures that it can survive even harsh conditions. It features a five MOA dot, an ideal size for most shooters, as well as seven bright settings for various shooting conditions. It will be available in March for just under $100.
We certainly love the idea of a rugged camera for those times when we head off the beaten path. But we miss the functionality our SLR gives us. We’ve seen a few attempts to provide an SLR that can go rugged, but until now we haven’t really believed it.
Rugged cameras are the thing this season and Pentax Ricoh Imaging has unveiled its new line-up, which includes the Pentax Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS digital compact cameras. Both models are waterproof to 40 feet, and of course are dust-proof, shock resistant to a drop of five feet and are freeze-proof to 14° F.