Waterproof cameras are getting harder to find than Atlantis

Ricoh WG-80 in splashing water
(Image credit: Ricoh Imaging)

Davey Jones strikes again! Yet another waterproof camera has found its way into his locker, as Ricoh has apparently discontinued production of its latest underwater model after just a year on sale.

The Ricoh WG-80 hardly made a splash when it was launched in May 2022, mainly because it was almost identical to the Ricoh WG-70 that preceded it. Either way, the pool was so shallow that it remained one of the best waterproof camera options – and now the pool is even shallower. 

Previously Ricoh produced a trio of different waterproof models: the Ricoh WG-6, Ricoh WG-80 and Ricoh 900 – the latter of which is largely identical to the WG-6, but adds an additional layer of chemical resistance so it can be targeted towards industrial use. 

The WG-6 was technically superseded by the Ricoh WG-7 in June 2021, though again it was pretty much an identical camera. It only saw release in the Japanese region and was discontinued in September 2023. 

Now it seems that the WG-80 has been consumed by the Kraken, making pickings even slimmer for anyone jonesing (badum-tush) for a new waterproof.

"The Ricoh brand waterproof camera 'WG-80' has begun to be discontinued at camera specialty stores as production has ended," writes Japanese outlet Asobinet, "Unfortunately, orders are no longer being accepted at major retailers such as Map Camera.

"The G900's selling price is more like that for professional use, so waterproof cameras for consumer use are virtually extinct. It is currently unknown whether successor models such as WG-8 and WG-90 will be released."

OM Digital Solutions, formerly Olympus, recently launched the OM System Tough TG-7 – and while it has been criticized for being (there's a theme here) very similar to the Olympus Tough TG-6 that came before it, it may well be the only new waterproof camera we see for the next few years.

Let's toast the TG-80 with the immortal words of Alestorm: "At sunrise we'll all dance the hempen jig / so raise up your pint of rum and take another swig. The curse of Captain Morgan has led us to this fate / So have no fear and don't look back, the afterlife awaits."

The best action cameras are also great options for underwater shooting, and you can also make use of your "proper" camera with the best underwater housings for cameras

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James Artaius
Editor

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 MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital 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.