A top-of-the-line digital compact camera, featuring a dependable waterproof body with 20-meter underwater shooting capability and a multi-application Ring Light unit
RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. are pleased to announce the launch of the RICOH WG-6. Developed as the top-of-the-line model of 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 dependable waterproof body in WG-series history.
This top-of-the-line waterproof digital compact camera is designed to be waterproof to a depth of 20 meters, shockproof against a fall from heights of 2.1 meters, 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 data and travel log data onto captured images, and an electronic compass to enhance operability in the field. Positioned around the lens, a multi-application Ring Light unit featuring six bulbs provides bright, uniform illumination on the subject. Thanks to a choice of discharge patterns, these lights can also be used as a lighting device to illuminate the subject more three-dimensionally.
Main Features
1. Heavy-duty construction for underwater shooting down to 20 meters, for up to two continuous hours
The WG-6’s solid, airtight body is not only waterproof to a depth of 20 meters — 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), but it’s also shockproof against a fall from heights of up to 2.1 meters,* 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).** Thanks to this heavy-duty construction, the WG-6 performs superbly and dependably in harsh, demanding outdoor conditions.
* Measured using RICOH IMAGING-original testing standards — from a height of 2.1 meters, 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 and assures 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, to assure 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 to assure 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 centimeter, 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, in which the user can 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 assure a sharp, clear on-screen image even in the harsh 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, to optimize 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 data 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
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 and enhances holding comfort.
- ・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.
NEW Functions
・All-weather chassis NEW!
A sturdy chassis you can depend on in the toughest conditions, whether under water or in the rain. Waterproof to 20 m and shockproof to 2.1 m.
With features that include uncompromising waterproofing—good for two continuous hours of use at a depth of 20 m— shockproofing capable of withstanding drops of 2.1 m, freezeproofing * that ensures operation at temperatures of −10 °C, and crushproofing capable of withstanding forces of 100 kgf (kilogram force), this rugged camera can be used in all conditions.
*Battery capacity drops with ambient temperature, reducing the number of pictures that can be taken on a single charge.
• Waterproof : IPX8, JIS Class 8 • Dustproof : IP6X, JIS Class 6 • Shockproof : Able to withstand drops of 2.1 m, onto a 5 cm thick surface using MIL-Standard 810F Method 516.5–Shock adapted to in-house standards • Crushproof : Tested according to in-house standards
・Easy to use with gloves on; improved overall operability. NEW!
Designed for ease of use in the field, the WG-6 features a rugged aluminum-panel chassis, simple mode selection that requires only rotating the mode dial, and an easy-to-operate vertically-oriented zoom button. The spacious layout of the controls on the back of the camera lets you use them without removing your gloves. In addition, previously-saved exposure settings and the like can be quickly recalled by selecting ADJ. mode with the Movie/ADJ. button.
・Faster and easier to use design. NEW!
The new ADJ. button can be customized to quickly change and recall settings for faster operation when taking photos, you can change and recall settings for exposure compensation, image size, aspect ratio, ISO sensitivity, and white balance. Shooting mode, exposure compensation, and other settings can also be saved as “User Mode 1” (U1) or “User Mode 2” (U2) to be recalled quickly and easily, simply by rotating the mode dial.
・High-performance GPS and an electronic compass. NEW!
Use GPS to record the current location with the image data whenever a picture is taken. In addition to GPS, the WG 6 also supports GLONASS and the Japanese Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS, also known as Michibiki). In addition, a satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) is used for more reliable positioning with greater accuracy and reduced error. The data recorded with photographs can be used to view their location on a map or display your route on a computer, further enhancing the post-photography experience. Location data, the heading provided by the electronic compass, or the time (UTC) can also be imprinted on pictures in their lower right corners.
・20 effective megapixels, low noise, and a wide dynamic range combine for sharp, highly-resolved pictures. NEW!
With approximately 20 effective megapixels, images can be cropped with no apparent drop in resolution. The exceptional quantum efficiency of the back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and the high-performance image-processing engine combine for low-noise, high-quality images. The camera also features a lens with 5× optical zoom and a focal length of about 28 mm (35 mm equivalent) at the widest angle, suitable for a wide range of subjects.
・Shoot highly-realistic 4K movies while keeping shake to a minimum with the camera’s powerful shake reduction feature. NEW!
Record scenes exactly as they appear to the naked eye in beautiful, highly-realistic 4K (frame size 3840 × 2160 pixels).In addition to a Movie SR mode for normal shake reduction, for HD 1 and Full HD recording the camera now features a new Movie SR+ mode that produces natural footage with so little shake and distortion which seems to be a built-in gimbal stabilizer is equipped. *2,3
1. Movie SR+ is available during HD recording only at a frame rate of 30 fps.
2. A “gimbal” is a rotating grip used to keep the camera level and reduce shake during movie recording.
3. Movies filmed in Movie SR+ mode have an angle of view about 40% narrower than those filmed in Movie SR mode.
・Fully-featured shooting modes. A variable-brightness Ring Light, perfect for movie recording and macro photography. NEW!
The lens is surrounded by six variable-brightness, individually-controlled LEDs that can be used in a host of various ways such as illuminate the entire subject, eliminating shadows, or directed to add depth by deepening shadows during macro photography. Up to ten times brighter than the RICOH WG-60’s Macro Light, the Ring Light can also be used to illuminate the subject when lighting is poor.
Sample Photos
Download/view full sized (5184x3888px) samples (on Google Drive)
