The Ricoh WG-70 may be leakproof, but that hasn't stopped the first images and info leaking on this outdoor camera
(Image credit: Ricoh Imaging / Nokishita)
The first images and details of the Ricoh WG-70 all-weather outdoor camera have been leaked online. The camera, expected to be released in mid March, is rumored to possess largely the same specs as its predecessor but now comes in an electric orange color to ensure you never lose sight of it.
The Ricoh WG-70, like the Ricoh WG-60 before it, is sure to be one of the best waterproof cameras, despite (or, indeed, because of) the fact that it shares specifications with the previous model.
According to trusted gumshoe Nokishita (via machine translation), "the specifications are the same as 'WG-60'," though "Ricoh 'WG-70' seems to add 'cross process' to the image finish."
The latter is likely to be one of the Image Tone Mode filters (styled after the look of Pentax DSLR cameras), which on the WG-60 included Slide Film, Vibrant, Monochrome, Bright and Natural.
While it wouldn't surprise us if the hardware of the WG-70 is largely the same (as was the case with the rival Olympus Tough TG-6), we expect the camera to pack a few new software features – and we would be amazed if it didn't support 4K video, which was conspicuous by its absence on the WG-60 (which maxed out at 1080p 30fps).
Still, if the specs are indeed photocopied straight across, we can expect a 16MP sensor, ISO sensitivity from 125-6400, 5x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch monitor with 230k dots… and the important stuff for a rugged all-weather camera, water proofing down to 14m / 46 feet, shock proofing to drops of 1.6m / 5.25 feet, crush proofing to 100kg / 220 lbs, and freeze proofing to -10°C / 14°F.
Nokishita claims that the Ricoh WG-70 will ship in mid March with a price tag of ¥35,800 ($330 / £252 / AU$492).
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The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.