Ricoh WM-G2 4K action cam
Pentax is a brand name used primarily by Ricoh Imaging Company for cameras, sport optics (including binoculars and rifle scopes), and CCTV optics. The name "Pentax" was originally a registered trademark of the East German VEB ZeissIkon (from "Pentaprism" and "Contax") and acquired by the Asahi Optical company in 1957. Pentax was then merged fully with Hoya in 2008. Ricoh acquired all shares of Pentax Imaging Corp. from Hoya in 2011. On August 1, 2013, Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd. was changed to Ricoh Imaging Company Ltd. What all that means is a respected camera company was bought over by a company known for their copiers and that the tech and optics behind Ricoh's cameras are quite noteworthy. This new action cam by Ricoh is actually the 2nd of a line the started in 2014 known as the WG-M1. The RICOH WG-M2 is the latest camera to join the popular WG-series. If you are looking for an ultra-rugged outdoor companion to capture adventures on-land and underwater, this new action camera provides a number of advanced features, including 4K video recording and the use of an ultra-wide angle lens to capture dramatic and detailed movies. All stuffed into a compact, lightweight, waterproof body designed to be extremely shock-resistant. I actually prefer the design of the older WM-G1 to the G2, it looked like some diver chronograph was merged into an action cam body.
The older Ricoh WM-G1
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 footage with a unique perspective; and Narrow mode, with an approximately 151° angle of view, to record subjects with a more traditional perspective. In the Narrow mode, the user can use the Movie SR (Shake Reduction) function to minimise camera shake during recording. It also provides 4K video recording, which captures high-resolution, extended videos (3840 x 2160 pixels, 16:9 proportions) a rate of 30 frames per second. Since it allows the user to record video at a high bit rate of 100Mbps, it delivers low-compression, high-resolution movies to accommodate a wider range of situations. In Full HD video mode, it also provides a higher frame rate of 60 frames per second to capture subjects with a smoother motion. For playback of longer videos, such as documenting a long bike tour, the camera features a range of convenient functions, such as: a Time-Lapse, which fast-forwards a video at 30, 60 or 150 times the normal speed; an Endless Recording mode, which automatically creates video files at five, 10 or 25-minute intervals; and a High-Speed Movie mode, which plays back fast-moving subjects in slow motion. In addition, a micro-HDMI terminal (type D) is available for the simultaneous output of video clips and sound to external devices.* The angle of view may vary depending on video setting including the selected image size. The angle of view becomes narrower when the Movie SR function is activated. The maximum length of a single video clip is 25 minutes or 4GB. For this bit rate, the camera must be set in 4K and S-Fine shooting modes, and a micro SDXC memory card (UHS-1 Speed Class 3) must be used. The maximum length of a single video clip may vary depending on the selected image size. The angle of view is fixed at Wide mode. Video clips are recorded at HD 120fps, and played back at 30fps. The maximum length of a single movie clip is four minutes. Thanks to its waterproof design, the WG-M2 assures outstanding performance to a depth of 20 metres for up to two hours of continuous operation (equivalent to IPX8 or JIS Class 8), just simply mount the underwater lens protector on the bod (included). It is also designed to be shock-resistant against a fall from a height of up to two metres,* dustproof (equivalent to IPX6 or JIS Class 6), and cold resistant against temperatures as low as -10°C. All of these features make the WG-M2 a truly dependable, heavy-duty action camera in harsh, demanding outdoor conditions. Since it doesn’t require cumbersome housing to protect the body, the user can not only enjoy all types of outdoor shooting more freely with more flexibly, but also record sounds more clearly without muffling. When the record button is pressed at the beginning and end of a recording, the WG-M2’s vibrates to make the user fully aware of camera operations at all times. It also provides an LCD orientation function to record movie clips in an upright position; when the camera is held vertically or upside-down, and a host of user-friendly, in-body video editing features such as saving a still image (maximum image size of 4K) and the option to split a video. This ensures the high level of flexibility and operational demands expected from an action camera. The WG-M2 features unique Image Effect modes to apply visual effects to videos for more creative and personal results. Before shooting, the user can choose from Bright, Natural, Monochrome, Shading, Bleach Bypass, Bold, or High Contrast. The WG-M2 is designed to optimise the colour reproduction and contrast of captured images, based on the data accumulated from numerous underwater image samples. When an underwater shooting mode is selected, the camera automatically switches to an underwater white balance mode to reproduce the crystal-clear atmosphere of underwater scenes, while effectively compensating for the loss of contrast caused by the diffusion of light. As a result, it captures clear, well-defined underwater images without bluish or greenish colours. By installing the Image Sync app on a smartphone or tablet, users can effortlessly perform various camera functions from a distance: review the video on the mobile device, check and change white-balance, ISO-sensitivity and exposure-compensation settings. It is even possible to view the WG-M2 recording in real time on the mobile device, 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. You can also transfer photos and videos from the WG-M2 to a smartphone or tablet to save, edit, play back* and upload them to social networking sites and other websites to share with friends. * An additional MOV-format application is required to playback recorded movie clips on an Android device. Other features ・1.5-inch LCD monitor for effortless composition when 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 mode) ・ ±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 Optional Accessories O-CC163 Camera Case - A WG-M2-dedicated camera case for attaching to a belt or backpack O-CC1631 Protector Jacket - A WG-M2-dedicated housing, for protection of the camera body from scratches and stains
