Ricoh announces WG-20 entry-level rugged compact

Ricoh has announced the WG-20, a rugged compact that's waterproof to 10 meters/33 feet, freezeproof to -10C/+14F and able to survive a 1.5m/5ft drop. Bearing a 14 megapixel CCD sensor, it provides a 28-140mm 5x optical zoom lens and 720p HD movie recording. It's a continuation of Pentax's WG-line minus the 'Pentax' logo, presumably a WG-10 replacement though the cameras appear to share the same sensor, lens and rugged specifications.

As the WG-series' entry-level model the WG-20 offers basic hardware like a 2.7-inch 230k-dot LCD, and digital-only image stabilization However, it's offered at a very attractive $199.95 price point. Available in March, it will be sold in white or red.

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Press Release:

Ricoh Imaging Announces Ricoh WG-20 Marking the 16th Generation of Adventure-Ready Compact Cameras

Waterproof, Coldproof, Dustproof and Shockproof Compact is the Ideal Device for the Dynamic, On-the-Go Photographer

DENVER, CO, February 5, 2014 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation (Ricoh Imaging) today announced the 16th generation in its lineup of weather and adventure-ready compact cameras, the Ricoh WG-20. Ideal for the active family or consumer, the Ricoh WG-20 combines a variety of user-friendly features and durable construction to capture important moments effortlessly and without worry.

Despite its compact, lightweight body, the Ricoh WG-20 offers outstanding specifications that outperform standard digital cameras and smartphones under a variety of demanding outdoor conditions. Empowering consumers to focus on the moment, the Ricoh WG-20 is waterproof to 33 feet, shockproof from drops of up to five feet, coldproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and crushproof, withstanding up to 220 foot-pounds of force. For the individual that desires additional creative flare, the Ricoh WG-20 is equipped with a host of advanced functionality and 25 shooting modes, including the Ricoh Imaging-original Digital Microscope mode. Using this mode, consumers can focus on subjects as close as one centimeter from the lens, capturing rich, and often overlooked, details. Whether it’s a day on the beach or a snowy weekend on the slopes, the WG-20 accommodates a broad range of shooting applications, from outdoor adventures to everyday snapshots and everything in between.

"The Ricoh WG-20’’s easy-to-use modes and convenient specifications keep up with the on-the-go consumer," said Jim Malcolm, Executive Vice President, Ricoh Imaging. "The WG-20 enables users to capture important moments without having to worry about rain, sand or snow and instead concentrate on recording important memories."

Thanks to a 14-megapixel sensor, the Ricoh WG-20 is capable of producing high-quality images ideal for printing and sharing. Powered by a state-of-the-art image processing engine and digital shake-reduction system, the Ricoh WG-20 creates sharp, blur-free images even in low-light or shake-prone conditions. Finally, capturing rich, detailed video is simple with the WG-20’s HD movie recording mode which offers a variety of movie editing functions, such as extracting a still image from movie data and inserting titles at the beginning and end of a movie clip.

Also new to the WG-family of products are a series of mounting accessories that extend the ability to capture action from new perspectives and vantage points. This mounting solution consists of a camera base which uses a flexible ball and socket system to maintain compatibility with three new mounts; a flat surface camera mount, handlebar camera mount and suction cup camera mount.

Pricing and Availability
Offered in white and red, the WG-20 will be available in March 2014 for a price of $199.95.

The WG series mounting accessories are compatible will all WG-series cameras and will be available at retailers nationwide and online in February 2014 and are priced as follows:

- Camera holder - $19.99
- Adhesive mount - $44.99
- Handle bar mount - $39.99
- Suction cup mount - $42.99

Additional information including product specifications and press images are available at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com.

Ricoh WG-20 specifications