Ricoh WG-50 rugged compact camera announced with 5x zoom

Ricoh has announced a new rugged compact camera called the WG-50. The shock- and waterproof  camera replaces the WG-30.

The WG-50 features a 16MP 1/2.3″ BSI-CMOS sensor that enables high-resolution stills shooting and Full HD 1080p video recording at 30fps. Providing a sensitivity range from ISO 125-6400 it has a top shooting rate of 10 fps to suit working in a variety of situations.

The WG-50 is waterproof for two hours at a depth of 14m/45ft, shockproof against falls from a height of 1.6 metres, and freeze-proof to temperatures as low as -10°C.

The camera will go on sale at the end of June in a choice of orange or black, and will cost $279/£249.

Ricoh WG-50 rugged compact camera announced

The camera also comes equipped with an outdoor friendly LCD screen whose brightness can be instantly adjusted to the lighting levels in a particular shooting situation. Ideally positioned around the circumference of the lens barrel for macro shooting, six LED Macro Lights allow the WG-50 to provide bright, uniform illumination on a subject when the Digital Microscope mode is selected.

Ricoh WG-50 Features:

• RICOH’s WG-30W is adventure proof and suitable for almost any environment.
• Waterproof to 39 feet – perfect for use when submerged.
• Shockproof, ruggedized design protects from drops up to 5 feet.
• Crushproof construction withstands weights up to 220 LBF (pound-force).
• Coldproof to sub-freezing temps of minus 10 degrees C (14°F).
• Coldproof to sub-freezing temps of minus 10 degrees C (14°F).
• Dustproof design protects the camera from dry, dusty environments.
• 16 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor offers plenty of image detail.
• Wide angle 5X internal optical zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent) provides versatile capture of subjects near or far.
• Large 2.7 inch LCD features 230,000 dots and wide angle viewingwith anti-reflective coating.
• Enhanced Digital Microscope mode uses 6 macro LEDs for perfect focus and smooth, even lighting. Instant Illmination Enhance feature.
• Capture video in widescreen 1080p HD at 30 frames per second.
• Wi-Fi connection to support remote operation using smartphones.
• Pixel Track and Digital Shake Reduction ensure sharp, blur-free images.
• Capture perfect portraits with fast Face Detection technology, Smile Capture, and Blink Detection.
• Take pictures remotely using an optional PENTAX infrared remote control.

For more information see the Ricoh website.