Ricoh announces Pentax WG-8 and WG-1000 waterproof compacts

Ricoh has announced two new waterproof, digital compact cameras, the entry-level Pentax WG-1000 and top-of-the-line Pentax WG-8. 

The WG-1000 features a four-times optical zoom lens with a focal-length covering 4.9 mm to 19.6mm (equivalent to approximately 27mm to 108mm).

It's built around a back-illuminated, although somewhat dated in 2024, 16.35-megapixel CMOS image sensor.

Ruggedness-wise, you're looking at the ability to submerge the WG-1000 up to 15 metres deep for up to one hour of continuous operation. It is also dustproof against dirt and stains and shockproof against a fall from a height of 2 metres. It comes equipped with a carabiner strap and a protective jacket to shield the camera body from scratches.

The WG-8 takes it a step further and is designed to be the toughest of the WG series. Ricoh says it's waterproof to a depth of 20 metres for up to two hours, shockproof against a fall from heights of 2.1 metres, and able to operate in temperatures as low as -10°C.

The WG-8 features a five-times optical zoom lens with a slightly longer focal-length coverage from 5mm to 25mm (equivalent to approximately 28mm to 140mm in the 35mm), has a minimum focusing distance of one centimetre, and is built around a 20MP Type 1/2.3 sensor. It can also shoot 4K video.

The WG-8 effectively replaces the pretty long-in-the-tooth WG-6 camera as the premium offering in Ricoh's Tough product line.

No local pricing or availability has been confirmed, but the new models will retail for $229 USD ($347 AUD) and $399 USD ($605 AUD), respectively. Keep an eye on the Ricoh/Pentax AU website for more.