Ricoh has announced the release of the PENTAX WG-90 digital camera, a standard-class waterproof digital compact camera designed for underwater photography and outdoor use. This camera features robust waterproof and shock-resistant capabilities, making it suitable for capturing moments in challenging conditions.
The WG-90 is built to endure various elements, offering waterproofing up to a depth of 14 metres, shock resistance against a fall from 1.6 metres, freeze-proofing down to -10°C, and dustproof construction. Its sturdy design ensures reliability and operability even in demanding outdoor conditions. The camera comes with an outdoor-friendly monitor that optimises image brightness in bright outdoor locations and the PENTAX-original Digital Microscope mode for capturing microscopic details.
PENTAX has a history of producing dustproof, waterproof, and weather-resistant products, and the WG-90 aligns with this tradition. The PENTAX WG-90 marks the beginning of an expanded product lineup, similar to the PENTAX digital SLR lineup known for its dustproof and weather-resistant designs.
Rugged Construction for Extreme Conditions:
The WG-90’s solid and airtight body can operate underwater down to 14 metres for up to two hours, making it equivalent to IPX 8 or JIS Class 8 standards. Additionally, it is shockproof from a height of 1.6 metres, dustproof (IPX 6 or JIS Class 6), freeze-proof down to -10°C, and crush proof against weights up to 100 kgf. This heavy-duty construction ensures optimal performance in demanding outdoor conditions.
Image Quality:
Equipped with a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and a high-performance imaging engine, the WG-90 delivers high-sensitivity, low-noise characteristics, and high-speed image data readout. With a top sensitivity of ISO 6400 and approximately 16.0 effective megapixels, it ensures high-resolution images with advanced image processing functions, including the Handheld Night Snap mode for nighttime images.
Macro Photography with Six Macro Lights:
The WG-90 features six LED Macro Lights positioned around the lens barrel, providing illumination for macro photography in Digital Microscope mode. The Macro Lights can be adjusted in five levels, and the Instant Illumination Enhance function minimises shake. The camera also offers Self-Portrait Assist and LED Lighting modes for enhanced versatility.
Outdoor View Setting Mode:
The 2.7-inch LCD monitor with Outdoor View Setting mode minimises glare and reflections, ensuring a clear on-screen image even in bright outdoor conditions. The monitor’s brightness level is automatically optimised for improved visibility.
Underwater-Exclusive Shooting Modes:
The WG-90 includes Underwater and Underwater Movie shooting modes designed to compensate for contrast loss and enhance reddish hues in underwater scenes. The Flash Off + Flash On option captures two consecutive images with a single shutter release, one without flash and another with flash.
5X Optical Zoom Lens:
Featuring a 5X optical zoom lens with a 28mm wide-angle coverage, the WG-90 accommodates a variety of scenes and subjects, including landscapes. Intelligent Zoom extends the zoom range, and an interval shooting mode is provided for fixed-point photography.
Triple Anti-Shake Protection:
The WG-90 ensures sharp images in all applications with its Pixel Track SR mechanism, Digital SR mode for low-light conditions, and Movie SR mode for stable video recording.
Full HD Movie Recording:
Capture extended movie clips with Full HD movie recording at 30 fps. The camera also offers a high-speed camera function for slow-motion playback and an interval movie function for added creativity.
Additional Features:
- Macro stand included for extended macro observation
- Auto Picture mode for automatic scene selection
- High-speed Face Detection and Smile Capture functions
- Outdoor-friendly Style Watch function to display the current time
- Delay-free push button start of the playback mode
- Compatibility with the optional O-RC1 Remote Control unit for wireless shooting
- Compatibility with the optional O-CC1252 Protector Jacket for added protection.
The PENTAX WG-90 is presented as a versatile and durable digital camera, ready to capture adventures both underwater and in challenging outdoor environments. With its rugged design, image quality, and advanced features, the WG-90 is positioned as a reliable companion for photographers seeking high-performance in any situation.
