Ricoh WG-6 Review
Introduction
The Ricoh WG-6 is a brand new waterproof, shockproof, freeze proof and crushproof tough compact camera that's been updated with a number of signifcant improvements.
The even tougher WG-6 is now waterproof to a depth of 20 metres, shockproof against falls from a height of 2.1 metres, dustproof and freeze-proof to temperatures as low as -10°C.
It also features a new 20 megapixel back-illuminated 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom lens, 3.0-inch LCD monitor, 4K movie recording, a GPS module, and six LED Macro Lights positioned around the lens barrel for macro shooting.
Available in black and orange, the Ricoh WG6 retails for £379.99 / $399.95.
Ease of Use
Front of the Ricoh WG-6 |
If there’s one thing you can rely on the Ricoh brand for, it’s a new toughened action camera compact every year. This year it’s the turn of the 20-megapixel resolution, 5x optical zoom, WG-6, originally announced alongside the Ricoh GR III premium model and which arrives in the wake of the older WG-60.
While previous models have, it’s fair to say, featured some pretty wacky designs to appeal to teenagers, sports enthusiasts and action junkies, wanting to capture their exploits without fear of trashing their image-capture device in the process, the latest WG-6 reigns it in somewhat. There’s less of the go-faster stripes on its fascia this time around, and it’s also slightly less angular and brutalist in appearance than its many predecessors. Ricoh claims this ‘improved’ and ‘renewed’ design isn’t just a cosmetic detail however, but allows for improved usability and operability with it, particularly when using gloves.
That said, the back-lit 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor-incorporating WG6 still manages to give off that reassuringly industrial feel that indicates such an option is a cut above a point and shoot compact, or your smartphone, when it comes to its destruction-proof qualities. Once again there’s an internally stacked zoom that at no point protrudes from the camera body, plus screws on the faceplate – here coloured a metallic orange in the case of our review sample. A more sober-looking black/grey alternative is also available if the WG-60 appeals. Suggested retail price for the UK market is £379.99, which feels fairly standard for a camera of this ilk.
Rear of the Ricoh WG-6 |
As ever, with a toughened camera you want something that does the job without it being prohibitively weightier or bulkier when compared with a non-toughened alternative – admittedly these days there aren’t many unfortified point-and-shoots; the smartphone and tablet having killed off such basic offerings. While feeling reassuringly solid in the hand, then, the WG-6 resists resembling a lead weight. It’s heavy duty, as its manufacturer describes it, without actually feeling heavy. This is a camera that you could slip into your jacket pocket, ski outfit, summer shorts or man bag without nary a second thought. Dimensions are 118.2x65.5x33.1mm with a weight of 246g when the provided lithium ion rechargeable battery and optional removable SD media card are inserted.
Obviously with such a camera, pixel count and, ultimately, image quality is less a key concern than being able to achieve an image you wouldn’t otherwise be able to. The Ricoh WG-6 arrives this year with the fanfare of it being the most durable waterproof camera in the history of its manufacturer’s series, being able to withstand a dunking to a claimed depth of 20 metres, continuously for up to two hours. The rest of the core spec includes the fact that it is shockproof against falls from a height of up to 2.1 metres, resistant to temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees, plus able to withstand crushing pressure of up to 100 Kgf. Whether that’s worth your paying the £379 manufacturer’s asking price, we’ll explore.
Like its predecessors we also get the occasional benefit of a ring light arrangement of LED’s around the 28mm to 140mm equivalent wide angle lens at the front, plus, as well as built-in GPS facilities, there is the ability to shoot 4K video on the WG-6 also at up to a respectable 30fps with its specialist Movie SR+ anti shake mode claiming to ape the effects of using a gimbal. Otherwise you can fall back on the ability to bump up the light sensitivity settings when required to attempt to achieve blur free results; here the Ricoh’s ISO maxes out at ISO6400.
Top of the Ricoh WG-6 |
With no separate standalone charger provider, the provided battery is charged within the camera via a supplied USB lead and mains plug adapter, an indicator lamp on the top plate blinking to signify the battery is actually being replenished. Battery life is claimed to be good for up to 340 shots, which while not revolutionary by any means, for this class of camera is still pretty good.
Once you are up-and-running, in the expected absence of an optical viewfinder, stills and videos are composed and reviewed via the aid of a 3-inch LCD screen with respectably clear 1,040,000 dots resolution, and which swallows up the majority of the real estate on the camera’s backplate. With an actual Outdoor View Setting provided, brightness levels can be adjusted to hopefully allow for greater clarity of viewing. A further useful aid is an electronic spirit level, supplied so that users can check they have their horizons straight and level before loosing off a shot. Unusually for a camera that accepts the standard SD media, there’s 27MB of built in memory also provided. Though, as it allows users to shoot a mere three highest quality JPEG images straight out of the box, you might wonder why Ricoh bothered.
Despite its almost destruction-proof qualities, there are a couple of extra accessories that buyers of the Ricoh WG6 can pick up if they have the cash - for example a protective jacket (should further protection be needed!) made out of silicon and/or a separate camera case, the latter of which is a holder-type affair with a belt loop on the back.
Front of the Ricoh WG-6 |
From the front of the camera then, the WG-6 looks typically ‘sporty’, especially our version with the bright orange faceplate. You’re unlikely to lose this one if you drop it in the pool, or on the ski slopes – where it will stick out like a sore thumb. And there is the real possibility of it flying from our grip, because there’s not much provided in the way of an actual handgrip – we just get a marginally raised ridge to the front that’s almost invisible front-on, plus a roughened leather effect patch at the back next to a rocker switch for operating the zoom that automatically falls under the thumb and provides a place to rest it.
Sticking at the front for a second, the camera’s most dominant feature is those six square LEDs ranged around the lens in ring flash like array (a carry-over from previous generations of this model), the latter boasting an internally stacked zoom mechanism, as expected, that means at no point does it actually protrude from the body and possibly into harm’s way. Additionally flanking the lens is a pair of stereo microphones, a speaker, and an AF assist/ self-timer lap, which, unusually, is below the lens, rather than above it. Placing the lens centrally means that it is less likely for stray fingertips to get in the way and partially obscure the resulting image, though it is still possible to get caught up in your subject and have that occasionally happen anyway.
As one would expect, like its similarly pocket sized toughened rivals from Olympus, Nikon and Panasonic, with the Ricoh WG-6, if you don’t want to faff around with the limited settings, operation is point and shoot all the way.
The Ricoh WG-6's LED Lights |
The camera powers up from cold in a couple of seconds, the rear LCD blinking into life. A half squeeze of the shutter release button and we can witness the camera’s AF visibly adjust before a central point illuminates in green to signal focus has been achieved. Squeeze the shutter release to take the shot and it’s committed to memory in the blink of an eye, the image very briefly appearing on screen before the LCD refreshes to show the subject before the lens. All pretty much what we’d expect from the performance of any point and shoot.
On the top plate of the Ricoh WG6 is a straightforward layout that comprises a raised dime sized shooting model wheel, with a ridged circumference that falls readily under the thumbnail for improved purchase, along with forward positioned shutter release button and recessed on/off button that illuminates with a green operational light when the camera is active.
With each side of the camera offering lugs for attaching a wrist strap (provided), and one side providing a larger loop for attaching a thicker carabiner-style strap (not provided), there is an extra means of preventing the camera flying from your grasp when on the ski slopes, in the pool, or attempting photography or video in conditions in which one wouldn’t otherwise consider.
Side of the Ricoh WG-6 |
The back of the camera, which houses a familiar 3-inch LCD, continues the straightforward approach, our attention zero-ing in on a four way control pad with a self explanatory OK button at its centre, around which are ranged means of activating or adjusting the flash, self timer, macro mode or switching-on the GPS facility. We also get a red record button for video, a playback button and a rocker switch for activating the zoom, which adjusts through its modest range from maximum wideangle to telephoto setting within all of two seconds. A green button provides a means of calling up on-screen data, such as the electronic spirit level, when in capture mode. When in playback mode, however, the same button doubles up as a handy means of deleting images. The last button on the back is again self explanatory, in being marked ‘menu’. Said screens are once again an easily navigated if slightly old fashioned affair, divided into folders for stills shooting, video, custom settings and set up. What you see is pretty much what you get here.
The base of the camera features an off-centre screw thread for a tripod and a catch-operated slide and open compartment housing the Indonesian manufactured camera’s battery and media card, as previously detailed.
So, moving along, how do the Ricoh WG-6’s photos match up to the specification and performance? Are we getting images here that transcend the camera’s point and shoot origins, or do they very much indicate this is a device for taking shots where digital devices otherwise fear to tread first, with image quality coming second?
Image Quality
All of the sample images in this review were taken using the 20 megapixel JPEG setting, which gives an average image size of around 6Mb.
It’s fair to say the image quality isn’t always great from this camera – with large expanses of grey skies causing the foreground to be underexposed, or, conversely, bright scenes leading to overexposure. The results from nighttime shooting can appear fuzzy and indistinct, while in brighter conditions we start to see visible fringing where dark outlines meet bright backgrounds, though it’s possible that most users won’t be overly put off by this unless they’re actively looking for it.
To be fair, the camera module in your smartphone is probably more sophisticated – and it has to recalled, of course, that we’re dealing with a relatively small 1/2.3-inch sensor at the heart of this camera, so we shouldn’t really expect it to measure up to the latest interchangeable lens mirrorless wonder, which is pretty much the lion’s share of the camera market now that sales of DSLRs are flat.
On this camera then, although up to ISO6400 is offered, you’ll want to stick to ISO800 and below, ideally, to avoid a visible deterioration in the image. Fortunately, we have the additional aid of the front LED lamps to provide some extra light and illuminate the subject in a softer manner than the flash will allow – which is a welcome additional talking point on this camera.
There’s no denying that the widest 28mm equivalent setting is useful for wideangle landscape shots and conversely the 140mmm telephoto reach is useful for getting in a little closer, but not that much more. In conclusion if you don’t ask too much of this camera, and focus on it being about capturing scenes and activities you otherwise wouldn’t be able to, you won’t be overly disappointed.
Noise
There are 7 ISO settings available on the Ricoh WG-6. Here are some 100% crops which show the noise levels for each ISO setting.
ISO 125 (100% Crop) |
ISO 200 (100% Crop) |
ISO 400 (100% Crop) |
ISO 800 (100% Crop) |
ISO 1600 (100% Crop) |
ISO 3200 (100% Crop) |
ISO 6400 (100% Crop) |
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Focal Range
The Ricoh WG-6's 5x zoom lens provides a focal length of 28-140mm in 35mm terms, as demonstrated below.
28mm |
140mm |
Chromatic Aberrations
The Ricoh WG-6 handled chromatic aberrations fairly well during the review, with purple and yellow fringing present around the edges of objects in high-contrast situations, as shown in the examples below.
Chromatic Aberrations 1 (100% Crop) |
Chromatic Aberrations 2 (100% Crop) |
Macro
The Ricoh WG-6 allows you to focus on a subject that is just 1cm away from the camera and has built-in LED lights to help illuminate it.
Macro |
Flash
The flash settings on the Ricoh WG-6 are Flash-on, Flash-off and Red-eye reduction. Here are some portrait shots - neither the Flash On or the Red-eye-Reduction settings caused any amount of red-eye.
Flash On |
Red-eye Reduction |
Night
The Ricoh WG-6's maximum shutter speed is 4 seconds in the Night Scene mode setting, which isn't really long enough for long exposures.
Night |
Sample Images
This is a selection of sample images from the Ricoh WG-6 camera, which were all taken using the 20 megapixel Best JPEG setting. The thumbnails below link to the full-sized versions, which have not been altered in any way.
1/500s · f/4.2 · ISO 250
28mm
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1/1000s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/1500s · f/4.2 · ISO 250
28mm
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1/1250s · f/4.2 · ISO 250
28mm
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1/800s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/250s · f/4.2 · ISO 250
28mm
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1/250s · f/4.2 · ISO 250
28mm
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1/3200s · f/4.2 · ISO 250
28mm
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1/500s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/2500s · f/4.2 · ISO 250
28mm
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1/2500s · f/4.2 · ISO 250
28mm
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1/2000s · f/4.2 · ISO 250
28mm
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1/320s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/400s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/320s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/200s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/250s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/4000s · f/4.2 · ISO 250
28mm
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1/1000s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/250s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/500s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/500s · f/5.5 · ISO 250
140mm
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1/400s · f/5.5 · ISO 250
140mm
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1/1250s · f/4.2 · ISO 250
28mm
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1/200s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/200s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/250s · f/5 · ISO 125
94mm
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1/320s · f/5 · ISO 125
94mm
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1/200s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/200s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/200s · f/4.2 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/125s · f/3.5 · ISO 125
28mm
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1/500s · f/4.6 · ISO 125
62mm
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1/80s · f/3.5 · ISO 125
28mm
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Sample Movie & Video
This is a sample movie at the highest quality setting of 3840x2160 pixels at 30 frames per second. Please note that this 35 second movie is 344Mb in size.
Product Images
Conclusion
This toughened camera from a long-standing name would seem to tick the boxes for what we might expect of it in 2019 – namely a decent 20 megapixel resolution and the ability to shoot 4K video – which would make it appealing even if it didn’t have its destruction proofed construction.
However, be aware that the Ricoh WG-6 still has a relatively small 1/2.3-inch sensor at its heart, which means that images inevitably resemble point and shoot camera quality shots, in being not quite as sharp or as detailed as anyone using an interchangeable lens camera, or even a high-end smartphone, would be used to.
But here, yes, that’s hardly the point – because the Ricoh WG-6 has been made to ensure photographers can attempt images in conditions and circumstances in which they wouldn’t think to risk a DSLR or mirror-less camera – most obviously, underwater.
Paying a premium for something that produces images that, while OK, aren’t that great on close inspection, won’t be for everyone, but then not everyone will need a shock, water, dust, freeze and crushproof camera.
For those that do, the Ricoh WG-6 presents a simple to use, straightforward and not overly expensive option, with a design that is cleaner and less ‘wacky’ than previous iterations. Expect another one along this time next year...
Ratings (out of 5) | |
---|---|
Design | 3.5 |
Features | 3.5 |
Ease-of-use | 4 |
Image quality | 3.5 |
Value for money | 3.5 |
Main Rivals
Listed below are some of the rivals of the Ricoh WG-6.
Fujifilm FinePix XP120
The Fujifilm FinePix XP120 is an affordable tough camera for all the family. The XP120 features a 16 megapixel sensor, a 5x zoom lens, a 3 inch LCD screen and built-in wi-fi. Read the World's first Fujifilm FinePix XP120 review now...
Leica X-U
The Leica X-U (Typ 113) is a new waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof compact camera, offering a 16 megapixel APS-C sensor, 1080p HD video recording, fast f/1.7 35mm lens, 5fps burst shooting and a 3-inch screen. Read our in-depth Leica X-U (Typ 113) review now...
Nikon Coolpix W300
The Coolpix W300 is Nikon's flagship tough all-action compact camera. The 16 megapixel Nikon W300 offers a waterproof (100ft. / 30m), freezeproof (14F / -10C), dustproof and shockproof (7.9ft. / 2.4m) camera body and also features a 5x zoom lens and 4K video recording. Read our Nikon Coolpix W300 review to find out if it's the right tough camera for you...
Olympus TG-5
The Olympus TG-5 is a new flagship tough compact camera for 2017. Boasting a 25-100mm equivalent f/2.0-4.9 lens with a new Anti-Fog Lens Cover Glass, the 12 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor TG-5 also offers Raw file support, a GPS sensor, manometer, compass and temperature sensor, built-in wi-fi and GPS connectivity, 4K movie recording and a 3 inch OLED screen. Read our Olympus TG-5 review to find out what this tough camera is capable of...
Olympus TG-870
The Olympus TG-870 is a rugged compact camera with built-in wi-fi connectivity and GPS tracking. The 16 megapixel TG-870 also offers a 180-degree tilting LCD screen, built-in LED light, 1080p HD movies, a 5x zoom lens (21-105mm), and a Live Composite shooting mode. Read our expert Olympus TG-870 review now...
Ricoh WG-5 GPS
The Ricoh WG-5 GPS is a new shock, freeze, dust, water and crush proof compact camera. The Ricoh WG-5 GPS offers a 16 megapixel Backside Illumination CMOS sensor, a 4x zoom lens with f/2 aperture, Full HD movie recording and built-in LED macro lights. Available for £259.99 / $379.95, read our in-depth Ricoh WG-5 GPS review now...
Ricoh WG-50
The Ricoh WG-50 is a new shock, freeze, dust, water and crush proof compact camera. The Ricoh WG-50 offers a 16 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 5x zoom lens, 2.7-inch LCD screen, Full HD movie recording and built-in macro lights. Read our expert Ricoh WG-50 review now...
Sony HDR-AS50
The Sony HDR-AS50 is an action camera that won't break the bank, featuring 1080p video recording, a Zeiss lens and image stabilisation. Can it compete in a crowded market? Find out by reading our Sony HDR-AS50 review...
Review Roundup
Reviews of the Ricoh WG-6 from around the web.
trustedreviews.com »
The Ricoh WG-6's price means it's stuck in a no man's land between its premium and affordable rivals. It can't match the Olympus TG-6 for all-round features and manual control, but it's also a lot more expensive than the Fujifilm XP140. Fans of close-up photography might be tempted by the unique macro light function, but will be disappointed by this mode's 3-megapixel photo restriction.
Read the full review »
ephotozine.com »
The Ricoh WG-6 looks good on paper but can struggle in low-light conditions, due to a 20mp sensor, and a lens that's not going to let in as much light as the competition. In bright sunny conditions colour reproduction is good. However, it's difficult to find many redeeming features that make it stand out from the competition, apart from the 6 LED lights surrounding the lens, which are unique to the camera. The Ricoh WG-6 surprisingly lacks Wi-Fi, and doesn't feature optical image stabilisation.
Read the full review »
Specifications
Lens | RICOH lens, 11 elements in 9 groups (5 aspherical elements) | |
---|---|---|
Focal Length | 5 - 25 mm | |
(in 35mm format equivalent) | Approx. 28 - 140mm | |
Maximum Aperture | F3.5(W) - F5.5(T) | |
Zoom | Optical Zoom | 5X |
Digital Zoom | approx. 8.1X | |
Intelligent Zoom | approx. 7X at 10M, approx. 40.5X at 640 (including optical zoom) | |
Motion Blur Reduction | Still | Pixel Track SR Hi-sensitivity anti-shake mode (Digital SR) |
Movie | Movie shake reduction mode (Movie SR、Movie SR+) | |
Focus | Type | 9-point AF, Spot AF, Auto tracking AF |
Focus Range (From lens face) |
Standard: 0.5m - infinity / 1.64ft. - infinity (entire zoom range) Macro:0.1 - 0.6m / 0.33 - 1.97ft. (entire zoom range) 1cm Macro:0.01 - 0.3m / 0.03 - 0.98ft. (middle zoom position) Infinity-landscape, Pan Focus, Manual Focus: available |
|
Number of Effective pixels | Approx. 20 megapixels | |
Image Sensor | 1/2.3" CMOS | |
Number of Recorded pixels | Still | Size: L(20M)、M(10)、S(5M)、XS(3M)、2M、1M、VGA •( ) in aspect 4:3. • 2M and 1M are available only in the CALS mode. Aspect: 4:3、3:2、1:1 • In the CALS mode, the aspect ratio is fixed to 4:3. |
Movie | 4K, 1920, 1280 | |
Sensitivity (Standard Output Sensitivity) | AUTO, Manual (ISO 125 - 6400) | |
White Balance | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light(D:Daylight Color, N:Daylight White, W:White Light, L:Warm White), Ring light, Manual | |
Display | Type | 3.0" (aspect ratio 3:2) LCD, approx. 1040K dots, AR Coating(Cover only) |
Adjustments | Brightness, Outdoor View Setting: ±2 Steps | |
Exposure Control | Metering System | Multi-segment metering, Center-weighted metering, Spot metering |
Exposure Compensation | ± 2EV ( 1/3EV steps) | |
Scene modes | Auto Picture, Program, HDR, Handheld Night Snap, Movie, High Speed Movie, Digital Microscope, Landscape, Flower, Portrait, Underwater, Underwater Movie, Interval Shot, Interval Movie, Surf & Snow, Kids, Pet, Sport, Night Scene, Fireworks, Digital SR, Report, Green, Depth of field composition | |
Face detection | Face Detection AF&AE is available for all modes up to 30 faces. Smile Capture, Self-portrait Assist, Self-portrait Assist + Smile Capture, Blink Detection | |
Pet detection | Detect up to 1 pet's face(auto) | |
Playback modes | Slideshow, Image Rotation, Small Face Filter, Ink Rubbing Filter, Digital Filter(B&W / Sepia, Toy Camera, Retro, Color, Extract Color, Color Emphasis, High Contrast, Starburst, Soft, Fish-eye, Brightness, Miniature), HDR Filter, Movie Edit, Red-eye Edit, Resize, Cropping, Image Copy, Protect, Start-up Screen, Recover File, Auto Image Rotation | |
Shutter Speed | 1/4000 - 1/4sec.(Mechanical and electronic shutter), 4sec at most. (Night Scene mode setting) | |
Built-in flash | Modes | Flash-on and Flash-off modes. "Red-eye" compensation function employs a pre-discharge. |
Flash Range | Wide:approx. 0.2 - 5.5m / 0.66 - 18 ft. (ISO Auto) Tele:approx. 0.2 - 3.5m / 0.66 - 11 ft. (ISO Auto) |
|
Drive Modes | One shot, Self-timer, Continuous Shooting, Burst Shooting, M Continuous, S Continuous, Remote Control, Auto Bracketing | |
Storage Media | Built-in Memory (approx. 27MB), SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card, FlashAir™ Card | |
Power Source | Rechargeable Battery DB-110, AC Adapter Kit K-AC166(Optional) | |
Battery life | Still*1: approx. 340 shots (Rechargeable Battery) Playback*2: approx. 260 min. (Rechargeable Battery) |
|
Interfaces | USB3.0(Type-C), HDMI output terminal(Type D) | |
Water proof / Dustproof | Equivalent to JIS Class 8 waterproof and JIS Class 6 dustproof capabilities | |
Dimensions | Approx. 118.2 (W)x65.5 (H)x33.1 (D)mm /4.7 (W)x2.6 (H)x1.3 (D) inches (including lens depth) | |
Weight | Approx. 246g / 8.6 oz. (Included dedicated battery and SD memory card),Approx. 219g / 7.7 oz.(Body only) | |
Included Accessories | Rechargeable Battery DB-110, USB Power Adapter, Power Plug, USB Cable I-USB173, Hand Strap, Macro Stand | |
Languages | English, French, Germany, Spanish, Portuguese, Italy, Dutch, Japanese, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkey, Greek, Russian, Thai, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese | |
GPS | GPS, GLONASS, QZSS+ SBAS GPS display mode: LAT/LON, UTM, MGRS GPS log, GPS lock, GPS time adjustment, GPS data imprint, UTC data imprint |
|
Electronic Compass | Compass heading :Cardinal, Degrees, Cardinal/Degrees Declination, Compass data imprint |
News
The Ricoh WG-6 is a new top-of-the-range tough digital compact camera that is waterproof to a depth of 20 metres, shockproof against a fall from heights of up to 2.1 metres, and cold resistant to temperatures as low as -10°C.
The Ricoh WG-6 will cost £379.99 and be available from March 2019.
RIcoh UK Press Release
RICOH WG-6 - A top-of-the-line digital compact camera, featuring a durable waterproof body with 20-metre underwater shooting capability and a multi-application Ring Light unit
LONDON, 22 February 2019 -RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING EUROPE, S.A.S. are pleased to announce the launch of the RICOH WG-6. The top-of-the-range model in the heavy-duty RICOH WG series, this digital compact camera provides a host of newly designed features, including a multi-application Ring Light unit — convenient in close-up shooting — and 4K-resolution movie recording, in the most durable waterproof body in WG- series history.
This top-of-the-range digital compact camera is waterproof to a depth of 20 metres, shockproof against a fall from heights of up to 2.1 metres, and cold resistant to temperatures as low as -10°C. Equipped with a state-of-the-art back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with approximately 20 effective megapixels and a high-performance imaging engine, it delivers super-high-resolution still images and 4K-resolution movie clips. It also incorporates such outdoor-friendly features as a GPS module to record position and travel log data onto captured images, and an electronic compass to enhance operation in the field. A multi- application Ring Light unit positioned around the lens features six bulbs providing bright, uniform illumination on the subject. Thanks to a choice of discharge patterns, these lights can also operate as a device to illuminate the subject more three-dimensionally.
Ricoh WG-6 RRP: £379.99
Available: March 2019
Ricoh WG-6 Main Features
1. Heavy-duty construction for underwater shooting down to 20 metre, continuously for up to two hours
The WG-6’s solid, airtight body is waterproof to a depth of 20 metres — the deepest in the history of the WG series — and for up to two hours of continuous operation (equivalent to IPX8 or JIS Class 8). It is also shockproof against a fall from heights of up to 2.1 metres,* dustproof (equivalent to IPX6 or JIS Class 6), cold-resistant to temperatures as low as - 10°C, and crushproof against weights of up to 100kgf (kilogram force).** Its heavy-duty construction means that the WG-6 performs superbly in demanding outdoor conditions.
* Measured using RICOH IMAGING-original testing standards — from a height of 2.1 metres, onto a surface of 5cm-thick plywood — conforming to Method 516-5-Shock of the LIK-Standard 810F
** Measured under RICOH IMAGING-original testing standards
2. High-quality, high-resolution images
Combining a state-of-the-art back-illuminated CMOS image sensor (which excels in high- sensitivity and low-noise characteristics to deliver high-speed readout of image data signals) with a high-performance imaging engine, the WG-6 delivers a top sensitivity of ISO 6400 and super-high-resolution images with approximately 20.0 effective megapixels. It also provides advanced image processing functions, made possible by the latest super- resolution technology, for sharp, clear, high-resolution images. It even provides such innovative features as Handheld Night Snap mode, which automatically captures several images of the same nighttime scene and produces a single blur-free composite image from them.
3. 4K-resolution movie recording for extended shooting of high-quality movies
The WG-6 provides 4K-resolution movie recording in the H.264 format, allowing the user to capture high-quality, extended movie clips (3840 x 2160 pixels, 30 frame rate). In addition to the conventional Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode,* it also features a new Movie SR+ mode,* which generates a shake-reduction effect similar to the one created by a gimbal unit for high-quality movie shooting with more active, fast-action outdoor activities.
* When one of these modes is activated, the angle of view becomes narrower. The Movie SR+ mode can be used at a recorded pixel size smaller than the Full HD format (1920 x 1080 pixels)
4. Five-times optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle coverage
Thanks to its five-times optical zoom lens with an angle-of-view coverage from 5mm to 25mm (equivalent to approximately 28mm to 140mm in the 35mm format) and a minimum focusing distance of a mere one centimetre, the WG-6 covers a wide range of applications, 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, while its Interval Shooting mode makes fixed-point photography simple and effortless.
5. Six multi-application Marco Lights to assist close-up shooting
Positioned around the circumference of the lens barrel, the WG-6’s six LED Macro Lights let the user select a faster shutter speed to minimize camera shake and subject shake in macro and close-up photography. The discharge level can be increased to as much as ten times that of conventional units. It also allows selective lighting, allowing the user to activate only the horizontally or vertically aligned lights to illuminate the subject more three-dimensionally and emphasize the subject’s delicate contours.
6. 3.0-inch, wide-frame LCD monitor for wide-angle viewing
The WG-6 comes equipped with a large, high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor with 3:2 proportions and approximately 1,040,000 dots. Its AR (Anti-Reflection) coating minimizes annoying glare and reflections to deliver a sharp, clear on-screen image even in the bright sunshine often encountered in outdoor shooting. It also features an Outdoor View Setting, which allows for easy adjustment of monitor brightness according to changes in ambient lighting conditions, optimizing the visibility of the on-screen image.
7. Enhanced GPS functions for easier data recording
The WG-6 has a built-in GPS module, which automatically records position and travel log data onto captured images and adjusts the built-in clock to local time. This module can be activated with a single action, and can receive signals from Japan’s quasi-zenith satellite system Michibiki and Russia’s GLONASS (global navigation satellite system), in addition to U.S. GPS satellites. By linking it with the SBAS (satellite-based augmentation system), the user can even record more accurate position data at various locations and times. When shooting indoors, the GPS Lock function allows the user to record GPS data onto captured images by using previously acquired position data.
8. Other features
• Two remote control receivers (one in front and another on the back) to widen signal coverage
• Electronic Level to check the camera’s horizontal/vertical inclination
• 18 Scene modes to select the finishing touch best suited to the subject, including a new Depth-of-field Composite mode
• 12 digital filters
• User position on the mode dial to program and recall user-selected camera settings
• DW-5 (optional) to broaden the angle-of-view coverage to approximately 22mm (in the 35mm format) at wide-angle end
• Compatibility with FlashAir™ SD memory cards for wireless LAN communications
• ・Three strap lug receptacles for versatile strap arrangements, such as vertical
and two-point suspensions
Ricoh WG-6 Optional Accessories
RICOH O-CC173 Protector Jacket
This silicon protector jacket not only protects the camera from dirt and scratches, but also improves grip on the camera when it is being held.
RICOH SC-900 Camera Case
This holder-type camera case comes with a belt loop on the back, and allows for quick removal of the camera during snapshot photography.
- USB Type-C is a trademark of USB Implementers Forum.
- FlashAir is a trademark of Toshiba Memory Corporation.
- HDMI, the HDMI logo, and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI
- All other brands or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
- Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice.
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Hands On
Want to see exactly what the new Ricoh WG-6 tough compact camera looks like in the flesh?
Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Ricoh WG-6 tough compact camera.
A gallery of hands-on photos of the Ricoh WG-6 tough compact camera.
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