RICOH is launching the RICOH WG-M2, a compact, shock-resistant action camera that supports 4K Full HD movie recording using an ultra-wide-angle lens. The successor of the RICOH WG-M1 camera thatlaunched in October 2014 is waterproof to a depth of 20 meters, shock-resistant against a fall from a height of two meters, and cold-resistant to temperatures as low as -10°C. it is also the first RICOH digital camera to feature 4K Full HD movie recording. Coupled with an approximately 204-degree ultra-wide-angle lens, it captures high-resolution, high-bit-rate movie clips with an exaggerated perspective.

It also comes equipped with a new features, including: a vibration function to inform the user of the start and end of a movie recording session by vibrating the camera body; an LCD orientation function to record movie clips in an upright position regardless of the camera's orientation (at vertical position or even at upside-down position); seven Image Effect modes to capture movie clips with distinctive visual effects; and an array of movie editing functions such as a still image save mode and a divide movie mode.

RICOH is also offering a selection of mount accessories to fix the camera on a variety of objects and surfaces.

Shooting options:

The WG-M2 provides a choice of two shooting angles: Wide mode, with a maximum angle of view of approximately 204 degrees, to capture dynamic images with an exaggerated perspective; and Narrow mode, with an approximately 151-degree angle of view, to record routine subjects with a more natural perspective.

In the Narrow mode, the user can use the Movie SR (Shake Reduction) function to minimize camera shake during movie recording. It also provides 4K Full HD movie recording, which captures high-resolution, extended movie clips (3840 x 2160 pixels, 16:9 proportions) at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. In Full HD movie mode, it also provides a higher frame rate of 60 frames per second. For playback of extended movie clips, such as one documenting a long bike tour, the camera features a range of functions, such as: a Time-Lapse mode, which fast-forwards a movie clip at 30, 60 or 150 times of normal speed; an Endless Recoding mode, which automatically creates movie files at five-, 10- or 25-minute intervals; and a High-Speed Movie mode, which plays back a slow-motion image of a fast-moving subject. In addition, a micro-HDMI terminal (type D) is provided on the camera body for the simultaneous output of movie clips and sound to external audio-visual devices.

Other features

• Image Effect modes to apply desired visual effects to a movie clip. Before a shooting session, the user can select the desired mode from Bright, Natural, Monochrome, Shading, Bleach Bypass, Bold, and High Contrast.
• Automatic underwater white balance mode to faithfully reproduce the atmosphere of underwater scenes, while compensating for the loss of contrast caused by the diffusion of light.
  
• Image Sync application for smartphones allows users to perform various camera functions from a distance: confirm the camera's Live View image on the mobile device's monitor, and use the mobile unit to check and change white-balance, ISO-sensitivity and exposure-compensation settings. It is even possible to view the WG-M2's movie recordings in real time on the mobile device's monitor, when the camera is set in the Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) or HD (1280 x 720 pixels) mode and at a frame rate of 30fps. The user can also transfer still images and movie clips recorded by the WG-M2 onto a smartphone or tablet computer to save, edit, play back and upload them to social networking websites.
• 1.5-inch LCD monitor for easy angle-of-view confirmation during shooting
• Ultra-wide-angle still-image recording at a maximum angle of view of 202 degrees
• High-speed continuous shooting at a maximum speed of approximately eight frames per second
• A wide ISO-sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400 (in still-image shooting modes)
• ±2EV exposure compensation
• A choice of a metering system between multi-segment and spot
• Wind suppression mode
• Compatible with micro SD, micro SDHC and micro SDXC memory cards

Specifications