Ricoh WG-M2 Officially Announced

4K-capable action camera

By PF Staff in Pentax Announcements on Feb 23, 2016
Ricoh WG-M2 Officially Announced

Ricoh Imaging has officially announced the Ricoh WG-M2, the first-ever camera to offer 4K video support from either Ricoh or Pentax.  This second-generation Ricoh waterproof action camera promises to be a compelling alternative to GoPro's popular offeings.

The new WG-M2 is without question a tremendous improvement over its predecessor, the WG-M1, which was already technologically dated at the time of its late 2014 debut.  The WG-M2 appears to be developed from scratch, rather than being a re-brand of an existing product.  It will be available in orange and silver.

Among the WG-M2's highlights are 4K/30p, 1080/60p, and 720/120p video support, waterproofing to 20 meters, built-in Wi-Fi, an ultra-wide 204 or 151 degree selectable field of view, and reduced size and weight.  The camera weighs 136g loaded and ready to use; this is over 20% lighter than the WG-M1.

WG-M2 handle mount

The WG-M2 is compatible with a host of mounting accessories though its standard 1/4" tripod mount.

WG stands for "Wild Gear" and builts on the extensive product line established by Pentax over half a decade ago.

We expected the WG-M2 to start shipping in mid-April at a US launch price of $299.

WG-M2 Specifications vs. WG-M1

Ricoh WG-M2
Ricoh WG-M1
Sensor
Sensor Resolution 8 MP 14 MP
Effective Pixels 3840 x 2160
(note: native 4K)
4320 x 3240
Sensor Size 1/2.3"
ISO Range 200 - 6400 100 - 800
Still burst 8FPS for 10 frames 10FPS for 10 frames
Lens
Focal Length 1.6mm 3mm
Optics 8 elements / 8 groups 6 elements / 6 groups
Max. Aperture F2 F2.8
Shutter Speeds 1/24,000s - 1/4s (Still max. 1/2400s)
Angle of View Video:
204° (wide) 151° (narrow)

Stills:
202° (wide) 150° (narrow)
Video:
137°

Stills:
160°
Focusing
Focus 20cm - Infinity (fixed) 60cm - Infinity (fixed)
Stabilization Electronic
Movie Mode
Video Mode 4K: 30p (100Mbps)
1080: 60p, 30p
720: 120p, 60p, 30p
1080: 30p
720: 60p, 50p, 30p
480: 120p (no sound)
Max Duration 25 minutes
Video Sound Built-in stereo microphone
Exposure
Metering Multi, Spot Multi, Face
Exposure Compensation +/- 2EV N/A
General
LCD 1.5-inch, 150,000 dot
Waterpoof Yes (20m) Yes (10m)
Battery D-Li68 D-Li65
Media Slot(s) 1 Micro SDXC Slot 1 Micro SDHC Slot
Connectivity
USB (micro B), HDMI out (type D), Wi-Fi
Dimensions (HxWxD) 34.1 x 57.4 x  77.8 mm 42.5 x 66.5 x 89.5mm 
Weight (loaded)
136g / 4.8oz 190g / 6.7oz
Launched 2/2016 8/2014
US Launch Price $299 $299

Full specifications can be found in our camera database.

Product Photos

Click on any thumbnail to enlarge.

Press Release

February 22, 2016

Ricoh Imaging introduces its smallest, most rugged, go-anywhere WG-series camera
New Ricoh WG-M2 camera with an ultra-wide angle lens makes it easy to capture all of life’s adventures in stunning 4K Ultra-HD video

DENVER, CO. February 22, 2016 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the Ricoh WG-M2, a compact, shockproof and fully waterproof action camera with an ultra-wide 204-degree lens that captures stunningly sharp 4K Ultra-HD video. Approximately 40 percent smaller and more lightweight than previous models in Ricoh’s acclaimed WG series, the new WG-M2 allows you to capture a bigger world of adventure, whether diving the depths of the ocean, carving up the slopes, forging a trail through the wilderness, or enjoying an afternoon at a playground with the family.

The Ricoh WG-M2 boasts additional new features designed to ensure outstanding performance in extreme conditions, as well as to make the camera easier to use. In addition to being waterproof to an impressive depth of 65 feet, shock-resistant against a fall from 6.5 feet, and able to operate in temperatures as low as -10°C, the new WG-M2 now offers video-orientation, a new feature that ensures video is recorded upright if the camera is mounted sideways or even upside down. For remote control and image/video transfer, the WG-M2 is controllable via Wi-Fi with a smartphone or tablet using the free Ricoh ImageSync app.

“This camera is simply best in class, both in terms of image quality and ease of use,” said Jim Malcolm, president, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. “The WG-M2 is one of the smallest and lightest cameras in the market. It’s more than an action camera. The WG-M2 is compact and durable; with a large color LCD to frame and enjoy top-quality images and 4K Ultra-HD video. It also comes with a host of features that make the camera extremely easy to use, which is critical when you’re capturing life.”

The WG-M2 is equipped with large control buttons that make it easy and intuitive to operate. A new start-stop control mechanism vibrates to confirm when recording is started or stopped, ensuring that important moments are never missed, and a large, 1.5-inch color LCD monitor makes it possible to view the action during recording or to playback video on the go.

The WG-M2’s 4K sensor captures gorgeous, 4K Ultra-HD video at 30fps, as well as full 1080p HD up to 60fps and 720p HD video up to 120fps, as well as capturing still images up to 8MP. The camera is equipped with seven Video Effect modes that add distinctive visual effects, plus an array of simple video-editing functions that make it easy to edit videos in-camera.

Ricoh offers a wide array of mounts and other accessories that allow the camera to be readily mounted on helmets, handlebars and more for use during sports and outdoor activities. Included in the accessory offerings are a brand new case O-CC163 and silicone protective skin O-CC1631, specifically designed for the WG-M2.

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