Ricoh WG-4 and WG-4 GPS debut with premium rugged specifications

The Ricoh WG-4 and WG-4 GPS update the previously Pentax-branded rugged WG-series as step-up models featuring a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor, 25-100mm equivalent F2-4.9 lens and sensor-shift image stabilization. The two models are identical with the exception of the WG-4 GPS’ built-in location tagging capability and front-facing display.

Both cameras bear a strong family resemblance to the previous-generation Pentax WG-3/WG-3 GPS, also rated as waterproof to 14 meters/45 feet, coldproof to -10 degrees Celsius/+14 Fahrenheit and shockproof to a 2 meter/6.6 foot drop. The new models offer shutter priority mode and a ‘User’ mode that stores custom settings.

Available in March, the WG-4 and WG-4 GPS will sell for $329.95 and $379.95 respectively. They’re introduced alongside mounting accessories including a camera holder and an adhesive mount, handle bar mount and suction cup mount. 

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Press Release:

Ricoh Imaging Extends the Adventure with Debut of WG-4 GPS & WG-4 Rugged Cameras, Complete with New Mounting System

Advanced Features, Durable Construction and Versatile Mounting System Deliver the Ideal Imaging Solution for the Ultimate Explorer

DENVER, CO, February 5, 2014 – With over 20 years of experience in pioneering the design and development of adventure-ready cameras, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation (Ricoh Imaging) is pleased to introduce the Ricoh WG-4 series of rugged compact cameras and new modular mounting system. Taking usability and flexibility to the next level, the Ricoh WG-4 series of cameras and its versatile mounting accessories outfit even the most extreme adventurers with an action-ready system that is primed for the most inclement weather conditions and thrilling adventures.

Building on the outstanding ergonomics and sturdy design the WG series is known for, the Ricoh WG-4 GPS and WG-4 offer consumers a form factor ideal for the rough-and-tumble lifestyle of any explorer. When combined with the new WG mounting accessories, adventures become hands-free; extending the ability to capture action from new perspectives and vantage points ensuring that the once-in-a-lifetime shot is never missed. Consisting of a camera base which uses a flexible ball and socket system, these new mounting accessories maintain compatibility with three new mounts; an adhesive camera mount, handlebar camera mount and suction cup camera mount.

“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.”

Inside its rugged body, the Ricoh WG-4 series houses a variety of photographic tools to bring inspired adventure to life! Advanced shooting modes like HDR mode produce beautifully accurate scenery depicted true to memory, while Slow-Motion Video captures and enhances even the quickest action with details regular video can miss. Other user-friendly features include Panoramic mode and Digital Microscope mode, which uses six LED lights to focus on subjects as close as one centimeter from the lens bringing tiny worlds to life.

Much like Ricoh Imaging’s popular line of PENTAX DSLRs, the Ricoh WG-4 series now provides enhanced flexibility and creative control with the inclusion of USER and Shutter Priority modes. The newly-incorporated USER mode enables quick recall of frequently used settings while the shutter priority mode allows the photographer to obtain the desired creative effect by setting the shutter speed and allowing the camera to adjust the aperture and ISO for the optimum exposure.

Continuing the rugged heritage of the WG series of cameras, the Ricoh WG-4 and WG-4 GPS are waterproof to 45 feet, shockproof from drops of up to 6.6 feet, cold proof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and crushproof, withstanding up to 220 foot-pounds of force. In addition, the Ricoh WG-4 series features a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor and a thoughtfully designed folded optical 4X zoom lens, enabling its pocketability while also ensuring its optics are not exposed dust and moisture like those of a protruding lens barrel. Finally, the adventure-prone explorer need not worry about blurry images. Thanks to the WG-4’s fast F2.0 maximum aperture and dual shake reduction system, which combines an image-sensor-shift-type SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism with a Digital SR mode, to guarantee clear, sharp images even in shake-prone conditions.

Pricing and Availability
Updated to match the most current color trends in the outdoor industry, the new WG-4 GPS is available in a choice of blue or black for a price of $379.95. The WG-4 is available in silver or lime yellow for a price of $329.95. Both models will be available at retailers nationwide and online in March 2014.

The WG series mounting accessories are compatible will all WG-series cameras and will be available at retailers nationwide and online in February 2014 and are priced as follows:

– Camera holder – $19.99
– Adhesive mount – $44.99
– Handle bar mount – $39.99
– Suction cup mount – $42.99

Additional information including product specifications and press images are available at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com.

Ricoh WG-4 and WG-4 GPS specifications

Comments

Terrible choices of color for a beach camera. Black will get superhot under the sun very quickly, blue can easily get lost under water. They should be bright-yellow, orange, red.

I still don’t get used to seeing the Ricoh name on these Pentax cameras.

Waiting for the Ricoh K-3. I know, some people saying, that only fix lens cameras getting the “Ricoh” label, but why?

I thought that all cameras getting the Pentax label.

It could also mean, that Ricoh try to separate it, to sell the “Pentax” part and having fun with compact cameras, which is still Ricohs strength.

The next news will be “Ricoh release a FF GR” and “Pentax cameras having still APS-C, because it good enough”.

hope to see a review soon,

the button config seems to be Pentax and not Ricoh, i hope the UI is Ricoh , if not, stop confusing me and rebadge it back to Pentax.

Rugged compacts looks like running shoes.

Would have been nice for Ricoh to include Wi-Fi features or NFC.

Seems the same kind of non-update as Olympus TG-2 over TG-1. And it seems it is still worse than TG-1. 🙁
I really need this kind of camera, but buying 20 month old TG-1 (even under a new in a new color) does not seem wise.

I wish Sony made kind of underwater RX100…

The update being a new brandname and different colours.

I’m still a bit suprised that there is no RAW in rugged compact cameras.

It seems the obvious “premium compact” feature to add (along with a slightly bigger 1/1.7 sensor with fewer pixels). I’m sure there are plenty of outdoor folks who PP their images.

Extrafine JPEG already has 12 bits per pixel. There is not even that much information in these tiny pixels, its all noise after 9-10 bits really, even at base ISO.

I would like to see another DP Review showdown on these newer “waterproof” cameras.
I really enjoy my Panasonic TS5, a great little camera but always like seeing comparisons. Personally, I’d like to see these cameras in the 12mp area and less noise at higher ISO’s….big advantage under water.

I hope TG-3 is not going to be “upgraded” by just using 16 mpix sensor of the same size.

I don’t know if dropping Pentax name is such a good idea for them, but I am sure they have done their market research…

They did state back in 2012, that the Ricoh name will be for Fixed lens cameras, and interchangable lens cameras will be Pentax. These are just the first examples of this decision.

Fair enough. So far they have been good job developing those cameras and they are supposed to have an actual profit this year. So I am sure they know what they are doing.

Ricoh decided to drop their compact camera under Pentax name. By logic, they should move their Ricoh GXR camera series to hold Pentax name on it.

Unless they see the GXR as a modular compact camera, rather than an interchangeable lens camera.