The WG series has been running under the Ricoh name since 2013, but the original Pentax brand name is now taking center stage again (but Ricoh remains the manufacturer). Nothing has changed in terms of technical data compared to the WG-80 from May 2022 – this also brought few innovations. The camera still uses a back-illuminated CMOS sensor in 1/2.33-inch format with 16 megapixels and a 5x zoom (3.5-5.5/28-140 mm for the 35mm).
The monitor has a diagonal of 2.7 inches and a resolution of 230.00 dots. Image: Ricoh
It is waterproof up to a water depth of 14 meters for two hours (IPX 8 classification, JIS Class 8). It is also shockproof in the event of a fall from a height of 1.6 meters, can hold up to 100 kg and is frost-proof down to -10 degrees Celsius.
A special feature is the “Flash off + Flash on” option, in which the camera automatically takes two pictures in a row (one with, one without flash). In “digital microscope” mode, it can get within one centimeter of the subject to take super macro shots – a macro stand is included. Six LED lights arranged around the lens help with the illumination. They also function as a self-portrait aid: they flash to show whether the face is in the image field.
The WG-90 is almost 30 mm deep. Image: Ricoh
Full HD video only
The monitor with a diagonal of 2.7 inches and a resolution of 230,000 pixels is no longer entirely up to date. An anti-reflective coating is intended to ensure a clear image even in direct sunlight. The video mode is also outdated: Full HD videos are possible at 30 frames/s, slow motion at 1280 x 720 pixels and 60p. Also on board: an interval film function and 25 motif programs.
It is noteworthy that the USB interface is also equipped with a micro-USB socket. At the end of 2024, a USB-C charging port will be mandatory for new devices in the EU.
Price and availability of the Pentax WG-90
While the WG-80 was available in black and orange, the WG-90 is available in black and blue. The camera will initially be available in Japan and Asia and probably in Europe from January. The RRP is 380 euros; the WG-80 is currently available for around 250 euros.