The Ricoh WG collection has been round for some time now, and it has all the time discovered favor with creators who prefer to stay life on the wild aspect of issues. Nonetheless, instances have modified. Smartphones are extra sturdy than ever, and so they’re encroaching on the journey digicam area. Does the Ricoh WG-80 nonetheless supply sufficient to tempt adventuring creators to splash their money? Discover out in our full overview.
Professionals
- Constructed powerful
- Waterproof
- Enjoyable macro mode
- Slide Movie and Monochrome profiles are nice
- Improved macro ring mild
- Surprisingly good ergonomics
- Nice optical zoom vary
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- The LCD
- Picture high quality
- JPEG solely
- Hardly any handbook controls
- Gradual autofocus
- No Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, no USB-C
- Battery life
Ricoh WG-80 — Technical specs
All specs for the Ricoh WG-80 are from Ricoh’s official web site:
- RICOH lens, 11 components in 9 teams (5 aspherical components), f/3.5-5.5
- 5 instances optical zoom focal size 5 – 25 mm (35mm equal to 28mm–140mm)
- Pixel Observe stabilization
- 9-point autofocus system
- Min focus distance: 1.64ft. – infinity (whole zoom vary),
- Macro min focus distance: 0.33 – 1.97ft. (whole zoom vary),
- 1cm Macro min focus distance: 0.03 – 0.98ft
- 16-megapixel 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor
- 2.7″ Extensive LCD, approx. 230K dots, AR coating
- Storage: Constructed-in Reminiscence (approx. 68MB), 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC reminiscence card
- Battery life: Approx. 300 pictures
- Equal to JIS Class 8 waterproof and JIS Class 6 dustproof capabilities
- Dimensions: Approx 4.8 (W) x 2.4 (H) x 1.2 (D) inches
- Weight (with battery and SD card: 194g, 0.42lbs
Ricoh WG-80 — Ergonomics
The Ricoh WG-80 is gaudy and in your face, however this point-and-shoot digicam pulls it off. The sharp strains, the very Eighties font on the entrance, and the general form of the digicam received’t attraction to everybody, and I wouldn’t say it screams journey digicam. However all through the overview interval, the design has grown on me. Nonetheless, the design may be very very like it or like it. There isn’t any in-between. I used to be despatched the orange model of the digicam, however it additionally is available in plain black.
With dimensions of 4.8 inches (W) x 2.4 inches (H) x 1.2 inches (D), this digicam can simply slip into pockets or small digicam baggage just like the Hex Ranger Crossbody (learn our overview right here).
Ergonomically, the Ricoh WG-80 shocked me. I’ve giant arms, and I had no drawback holding this tiny digicam. There are not any controls on the digicam’s entrance. Nonetheless, entrance and middle is the lens surrounded by six highly effective lights, that are used within the digicam’s macro modes. There are solely energy and shutter buttons on the highest panel.
The digicam’s rear is dwelling to the mounted 2.7-inch LCD, zoom controls, a playback button, the primary directional/perform pad, menu, report, and a digital zoom button. All the buttons may be accessed along with your proper thumb. Behind a thick panel on the correct, you’ll see the microUSB and mini HDMI ports. The battery and SD card are housed behind one other chunky door on the underside. The left aspect is dwelling to a digicam strap holder. I’ve given my ideas on the design of the digicam. I’ll let the product pictures converse for themselves, after which you’ll be able to resolve for those who love or hate it.
Ricoh WG-80 — Construct high quality
The Ricoh WG-80 is one rugged digicam. Should you’re arduous in your gear and would love a digicam that may go together with you to excessive areas, the Ricoh WG-80 will probably be for you. Whether or not mountain climbing by means of forests, traversing mountains, swimming on the pool or seaside, or working, the Ricoh WG-80 will probably be as much as the duty.
The Ricoh WG-80 is waterproof right down to 45.9ft / 14 meters. The digicam will survive drops from a top of 5 toes. I’ll have by chance come near that, however the digicam simply bounced and nonetheless appears and works like new (phew).
The WG-80 can also be crush-proof to 220lbs. Concerning water and mud dealing, the digicam is rated for JIS Class 8 waterproofing and JIS Class 6 mud proofing. I haven’t been simple on this digicam because it has been in my possession — though the drop was unintentional — and it has held as much as every part I’ve thrown at it. It’s spectacular.
Ricoh WG-80 — Within the discipline
Sadly, the Ricoh WG-80 is a blended bag in the case of efficiency. The digicam does, nonetheless, really feel good in hand, and I really like that you may simply slip it right into a pocket. The Ricoh WG-80 can also be simple to make use of, due to the management format.
Nonetheless, the menu system is previous, and the cartoon icons don’t match the rugged design philosophy of the digicam. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to rapidly discover what you’re searching for. As well as, there are numerous capturing modes to select from, making this digicam nice for newbies.
The modes are as follows: Auto, Program, HDR, Handheld Evening Snap, Film, Excessive-Pace Film, Digital Microscope, Panorama, Flower, Portrait, Underwater, Underwater Film, Interval shot, Surf and Snow, Youngsters, Pet, Sport, Evening Scene, Evening Scene Portrait, Fireworks, Meals, Digital SR and Report.
Give us management
The principle directional pad on the again has 4 fast entry buttons that allow you to entry probably the most managed options in a fuss-free method. The zoom controls are properly positioned too. You’ll be able to rapidly go from the widest focal size of 28mm to 140mm. You can even management the built-in flash, which has a redeye-reduction mode. The flash is OK in a pinch. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t depend on it.
Whereas I just like the optical zoom, I want there was an choice to manage the aperture too. I do know this digicam is geared toward those that desire a fuss-free capturing expertise, however a bit extra management over the digicam could be good.
The one parameters you’ll be able to management are burst modes (high-speed burst drops the picture high quality right down to 4 or 5 megapixels), ISO (100-1600), flash, and publicity compensation. These days, most smartphones can help you shoot in full handbook mode. So, why the choice has been excluded within the Ricoh WG-80 is past me.
Jack of all trades …
Then there’s the LCD. It isn’t superb. The LCD panel solely has a decision of 230k dots. When reviewing your pictures, it’s nearly unattainable to inform in case your photograph is in focus. The viewing angles are horrendous too. Have a look at the display screen from above or beneath, and it washes out. This makes it arduous to compose your shot for those who’re capturing down low.
The issue is that the WG-80 tries to put on too many hats and doesn’t grasp something. From a usability standpoint, this digicam’s solely saving graces over a smartphone are its potential to shoot underwater for prolonged intervals, its ruggedness and the optical zoom. The small old-school cellphone battery is rated for 300 pictures, however I acquired lower than that. The dearth of wi-fi connectivity in 2022 can also be inexcusable.
It’s clear that Ricoh hasn’t put a lot effort into this digicam. It’s principally the identical because the WG-70. I do know it’s a $330 digicam, however Ricoh may have performed a bit extra to make this digicam extra engaging to those that desire a fashionable point-and-shoot digicam.
Focus efficiency
The Ricoh WG-80 options an autofocus system with 9 focal factors. This wouldn’t be a lot of a difficulty for those who may select which point of interest you wished to make use of. Sadly, you’ll be able to’t. Whenever you half-press the shutter in vast mode, you’re on the mercy of regardless of the digicam thinks you wish to concentrate on. It’s usually unreliable and never the quickest to seek out focus. This ought to be probably the most dependable function in a point-and-shoot digicam, and it’s not.
The middle level is healthier. You’ll be able to simply rapidly and recompose due to the improved pace. There’s additionally a monitoring mode, however it’s not price writing dwelling about. The digicam usually loses focus rapidly and struggles to get your topic again in focus. The digicam can detect faces and pets, which is a pleasant function.
You’ll be able to convey up a spotlight mode fast panel by urgent the correct arrow on the directional pad. Right here, you’ll be able to select from Autofocus, Macro, Macro 1cm, Pan Focus, Infinity solely, and handbook focus. The shut focusing distances of this digicam are spectacular, although.
Macro mode
The Macro mode is sweet. You’ll be able to create some respectable macro pictures if you select the Macro 1cm mode and use it along side the ring lights across the lens. It’s an entertaining method to make use of the digicam. Nonetheless, focusing is gradual. So it’s finest to make use of the handbook focus function right here.
The handbook focus system is great. You’ll be able to simply set the lens to zone focus if you want, and you should utilize it like a restricted model of the Ricoh GR IIIs Snap Focus. The focusing system within the WG-80 just isn’t the worst I’ve ever used, however it might be rather a lot higher.
Ricoh WG-80 — Picture high quality
The Ricoh WG-80 doesn’t encourage in the case of picture high quality. The 1/2.3-inch sensor can not sustain with the sensors present in fashionable telephones. Because of this, pictures are smudgy, muddy and lack element. The truth that you can’t shoot in RAW doesn’t assist. That’s proper. This digicam is JPEG solely.
With the WG-80, you get what you get, and there’s not a lot you are able to do about it. You’ll discover that is the case whether or not you shoot on the vast or lengthy finish and in macro modes. As well as, the assorted image modes often generate overly processed pictures, particularly the HDR mode.
Once more, you’ll be able to bracket, however once more, it’s not nice. However, the colours if you use Program mode may be fairly pleasing, which is what I anticipate from Ricoh. Excessive ISO pictures will not be nice in any respect. As soon as you permit the security of ISO 200, you’ll discover that noise comes on very quick. At 1600, it’s dangerous. The prolonged ISO 6400, simply neglect about it.
Lens character
The lens the Ricoh WG-80 makes use of just isn’t dangerous, definitely not nice, however not dangerous. As you’ll be able to see, it suffers from some excessive ghosting if you shoot into mild sources. There’s additionally a good quantity of inexperienced and purple fringing current within the pictures. You’ll additionally lose numerous distinction when capturing into mild sources.
Coloration rendering
Monochrome
Slide Movie
Slide Movie
Slide Movie
Monochrome
Pure
Monochrome
Slide Movie
The colours rendered by the digicam and lens may be good for those who use program mode. In program mode, you’ll be able to select between Vivid, Pure, Vibrant, Slide Movie, Monochrome and Cross Processing. I’ve to say that I’m fairly impressed with the Pure, Monochrome and Slide Movie presets. If I owned this digicam, I would go away it in program mode and use these presets solely. Slide Movie and Monochrome are stunning.
