Compact Camera News

The WG-5 GPS (the newest "adventure-proof" camera from Ricoh Imaging) is the latest addition in the WG series. This waterproof camera is equipped with new features including a new Underwater mode and enhanced Interval Shooting settings (that allow multiple images to be taken over a pre-set time in both Still and Video modes), in an easy to hold, non-slip body.

The heavy-duty WG-5 GPS is waterproof to a depth of 45 feet, has upgraded shock-resistance against a fall of 7 feet, dustproof and cold-resistant against temperatures as low as -10 degrees C, and crushproof against weights up to 220 pounds. The advanced WG-5 GPS, 4x optical zoom lens offers a maximum aperture of f/2.0 and 25mm wide-angle coverage. The 16-megapixel, CMOS sensor assures superior image quality whether images are taken underwater or on land. There are six LED Macro Lights around the circumference of the lens barrel, allowing for brighter, more uniform illumination on a subject when the Digital Microscope mode is selected.

The high resolution, 3-inch LCD monitor has an anti-reflection (AR) coating (to reduce glare) to make it easy to use outdoors even in strong sunlight. Capturing video is simple with the WG-5’s HD Movie Recording mode (offering H.264 recording at 30 fps). The WG-5 has an assortment of mounting accessories available such as a flat surface camera mount, handlebar mount and suction cup camera mount users can capture images with hand-free enjoyment.

The WG-5 GPS comes equipped with a bright zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.0 at its wide-angle end, it produces noise-free images, even with poorly illuminated subjects. With its 4x optical zoom coverage from 4.5mm to 18mm (equivalent to approximately 25mm to 100mm in the 35mm format), this versatile zoom lens accommodates a wide range of applications, from macro shooting of flowers to wide-angle photography of sweeping landscapes.

With six LED Macro Lights positioned around the circumference of the lens barrel for macro shooting, the WG-5 GPS provides bright, uniform illumination on the subject when the Digital Microscope mode is selected. Thanks to the Macro Lights, the user can clearly see on the camera’s LCD monitor a magnified view of the microscopic world undetectable by the naked eye, and effortlessly capture it.

The WG-5 GPS provides Full HD movie recording in the H.264 recording format, allowing the user to capture high-quality, extended movie clips (1920x1080 pixels, 16:9 proportions) at a frame rate of 30 fps. It also provides movie-shooting tools as a high-speed camera function for slow-motion playback of captured movie clips, and a fast-forward movie function. A micro-HDMI terminal (Type D) is also provided on the camera body for simultaneous output of Full HD movie clips and sound to external audio-visual devices.

The WG-5 GPS has a built-in GPS module, which automatically records position data and travel log data onto captured images and adjusts the built-in clock to local time. Its pressure sensor and digital compass also allow the user to check the data of a shooting location (pressure, altitude/underwater depth, and direction) on the camera’s LCD monitor.

The WG-5 will be available in March 2015 for a suggested retail price of $379.95.

More info on the WG-5 here.