Ricoh Adds 3 Rugged Cameras

2019.02.22

Today Ricoh unveiled 3 new waterproof and rugged digital cameras as new models in their respective series.

First up, the Ricoh WG-6 is the new consumer waterproof camera continuing the series acquired as part of Pentax. This compact digital cameras offers a 20 megapixels CMOS sensor capable of capturing 4K Ultra-HD video in a truly rugged body. The WG-6 can bs submerged down to 20 meters for over 2 hours, dropped from 2 meters high, withstand -10C cold and is dustproof too.

The slimmer body is just 33mm thick and weights just 246g. Its design has been streamlined to look less industrial while retaining the original build-quality. There are 6 LED lights around the lens to illuminate macro subjects which can be photographed 1cm from the lens. This digital camera is fully automatic and backs a GPS, GLONASS and Digital Compass.

The Ricoh WG-6 is expected to ship at the very end of March for $400 USD.

Next up is a pair of nearly identical cameras for industrial use. The Ricoh G900 and G900SE are rugged and also chemically resistant. Plus, the SE model offers a number of security features to prevent unauthorized use or restrict controls. These cameras offer Memo functions to attach up to 100 items and 30 second audio files to images. The G900 and G900 SE can scan barcodes too.

Both the G900 and G900 offer identical pipeline which includes the same 20 megapixels CMOS sensor with 4K Ultra-HD capabilities as the WG-6. All three cameras offer a completely internal 28-140mm lens with F/3.5-5.5 maximum aperture. The bodies are waterproof, weatherproof, freezeproof to -10C, dustproof, crushproof to 100kg and resistant to unspecified chemicals.

These camera feature built-in GPS, GLONASS and an Electronic Compass. They can be operated without a memory card as each offers 6.5 GB of built-in storage. Both these specialized cameras will be available in the near future. The G900 is expected for $800 USD. Pricing has yet to be announced for the SE version.

• Digital Camera