For photographers who want something tougher than a regular point-and-shoot, there are surprisingly few options. Now, one of the most capable compact cameras for taking into the wild could be disappearing from the market – although there may be good news for anyone wanting something better.
The Pentax WG-90 is reportedly being discontinued, with remaining stock becoming increasingly difficult to find. According a new report, the manufacturer has informed authorized dealers that the camera is discontinued and that a new model could be announced at the end of the year.
The WG-90 entered the market in February 2024 and was described in DCW's review as "the compact camera you can take ANYWHERE" – and for good reason. It can go places that conventional compacts can't, from the water and sand to mud, freezing temperatures and desert heat. It survives conditions that would leave most point-and-shoots struggling.
One of the best waterproof cameras & compact cameras could be disappearing
While there's no official confirmation, Pentax & Ricoh Rumors reports that it received information saying the WG-90 is now discontinued and that a new model will be announced at the end of the year. The report also claims that this information was sent to authorized dealers.
Pentax & Ricoh Rumors is a trusted source, making this a development worth watching.
Availability: Pentax Ricoh WG-90
Image credit: Ricoh
Image credit: James Artaius • Digital Camera World
🇺🇸 US
- Black: was
$376.95;now $346.95 at Adorama; price match: $346.95 on Amazon - Black: out of stock at B&H
- Blue: was
$376.95;now $346.95 at B&H; price match: $346.95 on Amazon - Blue: not listed at Adorama
🇬🇧 UK
- Black: was
£379.99; now £275.61 on Amazon - Black: was
£379; now £329 at Wex; price match: £329 at Jessops - Black: £379 at Park Cameras
- Blue: was
£379.99; now £309.26 on Amazon - Blue: was
£379; now £329 at Wex; price match: £329 at Jessops - Blue: £379 at Park Cameras
- Black & Blue: awaiting stock at Clifton Cameras
- Black & Blue: not listed at London Camera Exchange
A new extreme compact camera is on the horizon
If the report proves accurate, a new rugged compact could be announced later this year.
The WG-90 itself was a refreshed version of the earlier WG-80, with the two cameras sharing almost identical specifications. The main difference was the available color options, which strengthens the hope of a genuinely new-generation model.
A successor could be an opportunity for Ricoh (owner of the Pentax brand) to push the concept further. As DCW's Editor in Chief James Artaius noted in his review, the WG-90's video quality is a weak point, while the rear screen could also benefit from a higher resolution.
But for stills photography, the camera does what it was designed to do: provide a simple shooting experience in places where most cameras wouldn't dare to go.
For now, we'll have to wait for official confirmation from Ricoh.
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