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Ricoh has introduced its robust, waterproof digital camera WG-80 with 16-megapixel and 28-140mm zoom in a now very familiar body design. The WG-80 follows the WG-70 (approx. $300 on Amazon), introduced two years ago and still available. The new model, like all these best underwater cameras, is designed to capture every fun and exciting adventure in stunning images, but they can also be used for serious photography in all areas affected by environmental conditions (dust, sand, dirt, water, ice) would be harmful to normal cameras such as construction sites, production environments.
Despite its compact and lightweight body, the WG-80 offers many features that outperform ordinary digital cameras and smartphones in demanding outdoor conditions. So the WG-80 is not only a bit splash-proof but waterproof to a depth of 14 meters (over time up to two hours) and therefore also dustproof. It is shockproof in the event of a fall from a height of 1.6 meters and freeze-proof in temperatures down to -10°C.
Ricoh WG-80 features
- 16-megapixel backside-illuminated 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor
- 28-140mm zoom lens (35mm equivalent)
- Digital zoom and Intelligent Zoom function up to a total focal length of 1008 mm (35mm equivalent)
- 25 scene modes for a variety of shooting situations
- Full HD video with 30 frames/second in H.264 format
- Stable and robust housing construction (waterproof up to 14 m, cold-resistant down to -10°C, shockproof up to 1.6 m, and unbreakable up to 100 kg)
- Multiple electronic “shake reduction” (image stabilization) against blurred recordings
- Macro function with digital microscope function from a recording distance of 1 cm
- Six LED lamps for macro shots and selfie mode, with variable brightness
- Face detection for up to 32 faces, with automatic shutter release when a smile is detected, and a closed eye warning.
- Receivers for the optional IR remote control on the front and back of the camera
- Diverse accessories
For underwater photos or videos, the WG-80 has special recording modes. Color contrasts are optimized, and they deliver sharp, true-to-life images. In addition, the flash function can be selected so that two pictures are taken one after the other with (flash off) and (flash on).
The new Ricoh waterproof digital camera has 25 scene modes. In addition to options such as pets, fireworks, sports, and night or macro shots, the camera automatically recognizes the right shooting situation and selects the exposure program accordingly.
With the automatic face recognition of up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, it is even easier to photograph portraits or selfies – a smile is enough, and the camera releases. And if the eyes were closed in the picture, the camera will even indicate this.
Twelve different filters make the recording directly suitable for the Instagram channel. For example, star filters, retro filters, or miniature filters ensure a very special picture without time-consuming image processing.
The WG-80 is a reliable companion for many activities. There are numerous options for secure attachment to tubes, such as handlebars, surfboards with suction cups, or gluing to helmets. And the remote control is a helpful accessory for triggering in any situation from different positions and not just for macro shots.
Price and availability
The Ricoh WG-80 waterproof digital camera is now available to pre-order on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk for $329.95 / £329.99 in black and orange color options. And the shipping will start on May 30 in UK and June 15 in the USA.
