Exploring Adventure Photography with the Ricoh WG-4 Waterproof Camera

Looking for a durable and waterproof camera for your next outdoor adventure? The Ricoh WG-4 might just be the perfect fit. Read on to learn more about its impressive features, performance, and how it stacks up against its competitors in the market.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Ricoh WG-4 article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 05 2014

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandRicoh
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight230g
MSRP$279USD

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Overview of the WG-4

When it comes to capturing the beauty and excitement of your outdoor escapades, having a reliable camera on hand is a must. Whether you're trekking up a mountain, exploring a hidden waterfall, or snorkeling in a coral reef, you need a device that can keep up with your fast-paced and unpredictable journey. And that's where the Ricoh WG-4 comes in. Designed to withstand the elements and rough handling, this waterproof camera is perfect for adventurers looking for a camera that can handle anything. But what exactly makes it a standout choice among its rivals? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the Ricoh WG-4 and examine its key features, performance, and why it's an excellent investment for your next adventure. So buckle up, and let's dive in!

Ricoh WG-4 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Ricoh WG-4 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Waterproof (up to 45ft)
Shockproof (can withstand drops up to 6.5ft)
GPS and compass built-in
High-resolution images (16MP)
Time-lapse photography feature
Fast lens (f/2.0) for low-light shooting
High-speed continuous shooting (up to 12 frames per second)
Complete manual control over settings

Cons

Small LCD screen (2.7 inches)
Limited video recording capabilities (only 1080p at 30fps)
Limited zoom range (only 4x)
Bulky and heavy compared to other point-and-shoot cameras
Autofocus can be slow in low-light conditions
Limited battery life (only about 300 shots per charge)
Limited ISO range (up to 6400)

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Ricoh WG-4

Weather sealed
Dimensions124 x 64 x 33mm
Weight230g
Thickness33mm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Ricoh WG-4 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the WG-4 is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution460k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 460k dots. This makes the Ricoh WG-4 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Ricoh WG-4 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the WG-4 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Ricoh WG-4 has a 16MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Ricoh WG-4 has a native ISO range of 125 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Feb 05 2014

Announced

125 - 6400

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Ricoh WG-4 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the WG-4 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC, internal
Battery Life240 shots
Battery ModelD-LI92
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Ricoh WG-4 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Ricoh WG-4 uses the D-LI92 model of battery pack. This is rated for 240 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Ricoh WG-4 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Ricoh WG-4 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Ricoh WG-4 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 9 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Ricoh WG-4?

The Ricoh WG-4 features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Ricoh WG-4 weather sealed?

Yes the WG-4 does have weather sealing.

When was the Ricoh WG-4 announced?

The Ricoh WG-4 was announced on Feb 05 2014

Does the Ricoh WG-4 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the WG-4 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Ricoh WG-4?

The WG-4 has a native ISO range of 125-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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