Ricoh Imaging announced two new WG series waterproof digital compact cameras (pre-orders will open soon at Adorama, B&H Photo, and Amazon):
The Pentax WG-1000 is an entry-level model designed for casual underwater photography to a depth of 49.2 feet (15 meters) for up to one hour of continuous operation. Lightweight yet rugged, the new camera is also well suited for a range of land-based activities – it is dustproof against dirt and stains and shockproof against a fall from a height of 6.5 feet (2 meters). It comes equipped with a carabiner strap for carrying convenience and a protective jacket to shield the camera body from scratches.
• Reliable all-weather housing that is waterproof to a depth of 15 metres
• Back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with approx.16.35 effective megapixels
• 4x optical zoom lens
• Built-in-flash
• Seven different shooting mode
• 20 colour modes available to create images according to your own ideas
• Full HD Movie recording
• Useful accessories included in the scope of delivery
• Can be sterilised with special solvents
The Pentax WG-8 is the top-of-the-line model, developed to be the toughest of the PENTAX WG series. It’s waterproof to a depth of 65.6 feet (20 meters), shockproof against a fall from heights of 6.8 feet (2.1 meters), and able to operate in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). Even in demanding conditions, it captures super-high-resolution still images of approximately 20 effective megapixels and high-quality 4K-resolution movie clips. Available in black or green, the WG-8 effectively replaces the current-model RICOH WG-6 camera as the premium offering in the product line.
• 1/2.3” Sensor with 20 MP for High-quality, high-resolution images
• Five-times optical zoom lens
• Heavy-duty construction for underwater shooting
• 4K-resolution movie recording for videos
• Extensive shooting and editing functions
• 18 Scene modes
• 12 Digital Filters
• Face recognition for 30 faces / 1x for pets
• 3.0-inch LCD monitor with wide viewing angle
• Built-in-flash
• Advanced GPS functions and built-in digital compass
• Powerful ring light with six LEDs
• Webcam function for live-streaming
• Filter Diameter 37 mm e.g. for adapting Wide angle adapter
The new Pentax WG-1000 and WG-8 cameras are already available for pre-order in the UK
Additional information:
PARSIPPANY, New Jersey, June 5, 2024 — Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced it has expanded its lineup of waterproof, digital compact cameras with two new models: the entry-level PENTAX WG-1000 and top-of-the-line PENTAX WG-8. The newest additions to the WG series of all-weather adventure cameras both feature a rugged chassis, plus the waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant features the series is known for.
| The PENTAX WG-1000 |
The WG-1000 is designed for casual underwater photography to a depth of 49.2 feet (15 meters) for up to one hour of continuous operation. Lightweight yet rugged, the new camera is also well suited for a range of land-based activities – it is dustproof against dirt and stains and shockproof against a fall from a height of 6.5 feet (2 meters). It comes equipped with a carabiner strap for carrying convenience and a protective jacket to shield the camera body from scratches.
The WG-1000 features a four-times optical zoom lens with a focal-length coverage from 4.9 mm to 19.6mm (equivalent to approximately 27mm to 108mm in the 35mm format). When coupled with its Digital Zoom function, the camera’s zoom range can be extended by approximately 24 times for high-magnification zoom photography. Its back-illuminated, 16.35-megapixel CMOS image sensor delivers sharp, clear, high-resolution images, even at a super-high sensitivity of ISO 3200.
Available in gray or olive, the WG-1000 offers seven image capture modes and a variety of color modes, enabling users to enhance their images based on their shooting environment and add their own personal aesthetic to the finished photos. The color modes include conventional Black and White and Sepia modes, as well as more creative options like Japan Style, which enhances bluish hues; Italian Style, which enhances greenish hues; and French Style, which enhances reddish hues.
|The PENTAX WG-8 |
Developed to be the toughest of the PENTAX WG series, the WG-8 boasts outstanding waterproof, shockproof and cold-resistant performance. This top-of-the-line model is waterproof to a depth of 65.6 feet (20 meters), shockproof against a fall from heights of 6.8 feet (2.1 meters), and able to operate in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). Even in demanding conditions, it captures super-high-resolution still images of approximately 20 effective megapixels and high-quality 4K-resolution movie clips.
The WG-8 features a five-times optical zoom lens with focal-length coverage from 5mm to 25mm (equivalent to approximately 28mm to 140mm in the 35mm format). The lens’s minimum focusing distance of one centimeter allows the user to capture a wide range of images, from eye-catching close-ups to sweeping landscapes. Its Intelligent Zoom function extends the zoom range by approximately 40.5 times without compromising image quality.
The WG-8 has a host of advanced features and user-friendly functions, including a multi-application ring light, ideal for close-up macro photography, and web camera capability when connected to a computer for live-streaming of high-quality, high-resolution images. Its heavy-duty construction ensures that the WG-8 performs superbly and dependably in harsh, demanding outdoor conditions and on worksites.
Available in black or green, the WG-8 effectively replaces the current-model Ricoh WG-6 camera as the premium offering in the product line.
| Pricing and Availability |
The WG-1000 will be available mid-July for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $229.95
The WG-8 will be available late July for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $399.95.
