Ricoh's rugged WG-70 focuses on underwater macros

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• Ricoh's rugged WG-70 focuses on underwater macros

Ricoh has just announced the launch of its new compact digital underwater camera in the WG-70. Like its predecessor, the WG-60, the Ultimate Rugged Shooter has shooting modes dedicated to underwater photography. The WG-70 is nearly identical in design to older cameras in this range, even sharing the same back-illuminated 16 MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor as the WG-60. The sensor has a maximum sensitivity of ISO 6400 and offers a 9-point autofocus (AF) system, with AF point and auto-tracking available onboard. And, as before, its solid credentials are nothing to laugh about: it's waterproof to 14ft (46m) and shockproof against drops up to 1,6ft (5m). Take it out into a bitterly cold environment and the WG-70 will survive temperatures as low as -10°C/14°F. The lens has a focal range of 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) with apertures from f/3.5 to f/ 5.5. On top of this 5x optical zoom, an additional 7.5x is available when using Smart Zoom mode, though this limits image resolution to 7MP. Although the camera was designed for still images, it can also shoot 1080p (Full HD) video, with a "triple shake protection" feature to prevent blurring of both still images and video.

Get up close and personal

The main feature though would be the new integrated "digital microscope" mode. This feature works in conjunction with the six scattered LED macro lights on the front of the lens (as on the WG-60), allowing users to get a magnified view of small underwater creatures - a great addition if you're a hobbyist. to underwater macro photography, especially since the lens can focus on objects as small as 1 cm. A dedicated underwater shooting mode compensates for light and color changes that occur due to light refraction in water, while the JIS (Japanese Industry Standard) Class 8 waterproof rating means you can keep it" continuously submerged" in water. It's also dustproof up to class 6, which is the highest rating and means the camera is completely "dustproof." The WG-70 will start shipping in mid-March priced at €280 in the United States. This translates to around €215 in the UK. Unfortunately, the camera will only be available in limited markets; Outside of Japan, it will be available in the United States and some major European countries. It will not be officially available in Australia and Asia.