RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX WG-8. Developed as the top-of-the-line model of the heavy-duty, PENTAX WG series, this digital compact camera features a host of advanced, user-friendly functions including web camera functions, which can be used not only for outdoor photography, but also in various business scenes. It also boasts outstanding waterproof, shockproof and cold-resistant performance.

Developed to be the toughest of the PENTAX WG series of waterproof digital compact cameras in handling harsh environments, this top-of-the-line model is waterproof to a depth of 20 meters, shockproof against a fall from heights of 2.1 meters, and cold-resistant to temperatures as low as -10°C. Even in demanding conditions, it captures super-high-resolution still images at approximately 20 effective megapixels and high-quality 4K-resolution movie clips. When connected to a computer, it also functions as a web camera. Using its high-power, discharge-adjustable Ring Light unit and macro shooting capability from a minimum focusing distance of one centimeter, the user can deliver a well-illuminated, enlarged view of a small item to an audience during online business meetings.

As for the current PENTAX WG-90, the PENTAX WG-8 will be marketed under the PENTAX brand, because this top-of-the-line model provides a host of functions highly useful under demanding outdoor conditions, just like those featured by the PENTAX brand of digital SLR cameras, which are well received and highly respected by many users.

Main Features
1. Heavy-duty construction for underwater shooting down to a depth of 20 meter, for up to two hours of continuous operation
The WG-8's solid, airtight body is not only waterproof to a depth of 20 meters -- the greatest operating depth in the history of the WG series -- and for up to two hours of continuous operation (equivalent to IPX8 or JIS Class 8), but it's also shockproof against a fall from heights of up to 2.1 meters,* dustproof (equivalent to IPX6 or JIS Class 6), cold-resistant to temperatures as low as -10°C, and crushproof against weights of up to 100kgf (kilogram force).** Thanks to this heavy-duty construction, the WG-8 performs superbly and dependably in harsh, demanding outdoor conditions.

* Measured using RICOH IMAGING-original testing standards, including a drop from a height of 2.1 meters onto a surface of 5cm-thick plywood, with the camera's power on, conforming to Method 516-5-Shock of the MIL-Standard 810F. ** Measured using RICOH IMAGING-original testing standards.

2. 4K-resolution movie recording for extended shooting of high-quality movies
The WG-8 provides 4K-resolution movie recording in the H.264 format, allowing the user to capture high-quality, extended movie clips (3840 x 2160 pixels, 30 frames per second). In addition to the conventional Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode,* it also features the new Movie SR+ mode,* which generates a shake-reduction effect similar to the one created by a gimbal unit to assure high-quality movie shooting with more active, fast-action outdoor activities.

* When one of these modes is activated, the angle of view becomes narrower. The Movie SR+ mode can be used at recorded pixel size smaller than the Full HD format (1920 x 1080 pixels).

3. High-quality, high-resolution images
Combining a state-of-the-art back-illuminated CMOS image sensor (which provides excellent high-sensitivity, low-noise characteristics, and assures high-speed readout of image data signals) with a high-performance imaging engine, the WG-8 delivers a top sensitivity of ISO 6400 and super-high-resolution images with approximately 20 effective megapixels. It also provides advanced image processing functions, made possible by the super-resolution technology, to assure sharp, clear, high-resolution images. It even provides such innovative functions as a Hand-held Night Snap mode, which automatically captures several images of the same nighttime scene and produces a single, blur-free composite image from them.

4. Five-times optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle coverage
The WG-8's five-times optical zoom lens with an angle-of-view coverage from 5mm to 25mm (equivalent to approximately 28mm to 140mm in the 35mm format) and a minimum focusing distance of a mere one centimeter allows the user to cover a wide range of applications, from eye-catching close-ups to sweeping landscapes. Its Intelligent Zoom function extends the zoom range by approximately 40.5 times without compromising image quality, while the Interval Shooting mode comes in handy for fixed-point photography.

5. Webcam function for live-streaming of high-quality, high-resolution images
Simply by switching the WG-8 to the UVC (USB Video Class) mode and connecting it to a computer with an USB cable (included as a standard accessory), it can be used as a web camera* for real-time streaming of Full HD-resolution video images at 30 frames per second. When combined with the camera's macro shooting capability and built-in Ring Light unit, the user can deliver more detailed, creative images than those captured by the computer's built-in camera during online business meetings or private online communications.

* Compatible applications: Zoom, Skype®, Microsoft Teams®, Google, MeetTM, Cisco, WebEX®, Facebook, Messenger. Supported operating systems: Windows® 10, Windows® 11, MacOS 11, MacOS 12, MacOS13, MacOS 14. The web camera function does not provide audio feed. We advise using the computer's built-in mic for audio communications at online meetings. The optional TE-2 Extension Adapter (available separately) is required to use the WG-8 on a tripod.

6. High-power, discharge-adjustable, six-bulb Ring Light unit
Positioned around the circumference of the lens barrel, the WG-8's six-LED Ring Light unit allows the user to set a faster shutter speed and minimize camera shake and subject shake in macro and close-up photography. The discharge level can be adjusted to a desired level. This unit also provides selective lighting, in which the user can activate only the horizontally or vertically aligned lights to illuminate the subject more three-dimensionally and emphasize its contours.

7. 3.0-inch, wide-frame LCD monitor for wide-angle viewing
The WG-8 is equipped with a large, high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor (3:2 proportions and approximately 1,040,000 dots). Applied to the monitor's protective cover, the AR (Anti-Reflection) coating minimizes annoying glare and reflections to assure a sharp, clear on-screen image even in the harsh sunshine often encountered in outdoor shooting. It also features the Outdoor View Setting, which lets the user adjust the monitor's brightness level according to changes in ambient lighting conditions, to optimize the visibility of the on-screen image.

8. Advanced GPS functions and built-in digital compass
The WG-8's built-in GPS module automatically records position data and travel log data onto captured images, and adjusts the built-in clock to local time. This module can be activated with a single action, and can receive signals from GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), as well as U.S. GPS satellites. The GPS Lock function lets the user save GPS data onto captured images by using previously acquired position data -- highly convenient for shootings inside buildings. GPS data, directional data acquired by the digital compass and UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) can also be imprinted on the lower right corner of an image.

9. Other features
• Two remote control receivers (one in front and another on the back), to expand signal coverage
• Electronic level to check the camera's horizontal/vertical inclination
• 18 scene modes to select the finishing touch best suited to the subject, including the new Depth-of-field Composite mode
• 12 digital filters
• User position on the mode dial to program and instantly recall user-selected camera settings
• The optional DW-5 Wide Conversion Lens (available separately) to expand the angle-of-view coverage to approximately 22mm (in the 35mm format) at the wide-angle end
• Three strap lug receptacles for versatile strap arrangements, such as vertical and two-point suspensions
Notes:
• Zoom is a trademark or registered trademark of Zoom Video Communications, Inc. used in the U.S.A. and other nations/regions.
• Skype is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation of the U.S.A. used in the U.S.A. and other nations/regions. Skype and its related trademarks are trademarks of Skype or its related business entities.
• Microsoft Teams is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation of the U.S.A. used in the U.S.A. and other nations/regions.
• Google Meet is a trademark or registered trademark of Google Inc. used in the U.S.A. and other nations/regions.
• Cisco Webex is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco Systems Inc. used in the U.S.A. and other nations/regions.
• Facebook Messenger is a trademark or registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
• USB Type-C is a trademark of USB Implementers Forum.
• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing used in the U.S.A. and other nations/regions.
• Product names and corporate names mentioned in this news release are trademarks or registered trademarks of each respective company.
• Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.

RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX WG-1000 digital compact camera. This new entry-class model features outstanding waterproof and shock-resistant performance for casual underwater photography and in a variety of outdoor shooting applications.

Despite its compact, lightweight body, the WG-1000 is designed to be waterproof down to a depth of 15 meters, dustproof against dirt and stains, and shockproof against a fall from a height of two meters. It also comes equipped with a carabiner strap and a protector jacket, which protects the camera body from scratches. Thanks to its outdoor-friendly features, this model can be used in a wide range of scenes and activities for casual outdoor and underwater photography.

PENTAX WG-1000_gray

PENTAX WG-1000_olive

Main features of the PENTAX WG-1000
1. A solid, all-weather body for protection against dust and water
The PENTAX WG-1000 features a dependable all-weather body, designed to be waterproof down to a depth of 15 meters, for up to one hour of continuous operation; dustproof against dirt and stains; and shockproof* against a fall from a height of two meters. Thanks to this heavy-duty design, the WG-1000 can be used for a variety of outdoor and underwater photography, even in harsh, demanding conditions.

Since the WG-1000 can be sterilized with solutions containing ethanol, sodium hypochlorite (approved as a disinfectant of food additives) or chlorine dioxide, it can be safely used at medical facilities and worksites.

* Measured under RICOH IMAGING-original testing standards: a drop from a height of two meters onto a surface of 5-cm-thick plywood.

2. Sharp, clear images
Thanks to its back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with approximately 16.35 effective megapixels -- a unit with excellent high-sensitivity and low-noise characteristics and high-speed image data readout -- the WG0-1000 delivers sharp, clear, high-resolution images, even at a super-high sensitivity of ISO 3200.

3. 4X optical zoom lens with a 27mm wide-angle coverage
The WG-1000 features a four-times optical zoom lens with a focal-length coverage from 4.9 mm to 19.6mm (equivalent to approx. 27mm to 108mm in the 35mm format) to accommodate a wide range of applications. When coupled with its Digital Zoom function, its zoom range can be extended by approximately 24 times for high-magnification zoom photography.

4. A choice of seven capture modes
The WG-1000 provides a choice of seven distinctive capture modes, including: Auto Mode,which automatically detects a given scene or subject and selects the most appropriate shooting mode; Manual Mode, which lets the user manually select the desired aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity; Underwater Mode, which reproduces true-to-life colors of the underwater world by reducing the bluish color cast; and Scene Mode, which lets the user select the desired scene mode from 18 different options.

5. A selection of Color modes to personalize the visual expressions
The WG-1000 provides 20 Color modes to add the desired finishing touch to captured images. In addition to the conventional Black and White and Sepia modes, it also features more creative options: Japan Style, which enhances bluish hues; Italian Style, which enhances greenish hues; French Style, which enhances reddish hues; Negative, which creates a finishing touch resembling that of negative film before a positive is made; and Sketch, which adds a visual effect resembling that of a drawing. This function lets the user effortlessly add the desired finishing touch.

6. Full HD Movie recording
The WG-1000 provides Full HD Movie recoding using the H-264 recording format to capture high-quality, extended movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels, 16:9 proportions) at a frame rate of 30 frames per second.

7. Other features
(1) O-CC180 Protector Jacket (included as a standard accessory) to shield the camera body from scratches
(2) Anti-shake mode to effectively compensate for camera shake in still-image shooting
(4) O-ST180 Carabiner Strap (included as a standard accessory)to carry the camera around by hanging it on a backpack
(5) Two strap lugs to suspend the camera horizontally at two points using the optional O-ST174 Neck Strap
• Product and corporate names used in this release are either trademarks or registered trademarks.
• Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.