Ricoh WG-4 GPS Review

What's New

The main difference between the Ricoh WG-4 and its predecessor, the Pentax WG-3, is the name change and re-branding.  New features in the WG-3 compared to the WG-2 before it were numerous: a brighter lens, addition of mechanical Shake Reduction, a front LCD screen, and improved ergonomics.  More details on this can be found in our WG-3 review.

From a physical standpoint, the WG-4 is completely identical to the WG-3; only the labeling, logos, and colors differ.  This is illustrated by the slider below:

It is unclear what Ricoh Imaging's strategy is with the Pentax logo at this point, though based on recent releases and company representatives, the Pentax name will most likely only be used for interchangeable lens cameras in the future.

Features

The WG-4 has received two new software features: a Tv (shutter priority) mode and a USER mode.  Tv mode allows the user to manually dial in the shutter speed, while the USER mode can be used to permanently store and recall a custom set of settings without the hassle of changing each setting via the menu.

Both new modes can be accessed via the mode menu.  In Tv mode, the red button is used to control the shutter speed, which opens a slider when pressed.  The up and down buttons are then used to adjust the shutter speed.

One important thing to note is that the ISO (sensitivity) cannot be controlled in Tv mode, nor can the auto ISO range.  This prevents the user from locking in ISO 125 (for the best image quality) or directly controlling the aperture.

While not in the USER mode, the all of the current settings as well as the current shooting mode can be saved via the first option in the settings menu.  Those settings are then applied when the USER mode is selected.  This is handy if you want to create a customs shooting preset.

Removed Features

The Ricoh WG-4 GPS no longer supports Qi wireless charging (previously offered on the WG-3 GPS), and you will notice that the Qi symbol has been removed from the front of the camera.

Mounting Accessories

The real news associated with the WG-4 lies not in the camera itself but in new mounting accessories designed to make the WG-4 more versatile.  With the help of these accessories, the WG-4 can double as a fixed recording device that you might attach to a bicycle, car, or helmet in GoPro-style.

Pentax WG-3 mounted on the WG camera holder, with no foot pictured

The new mounting accessories, pictured below, include:

• Camera holder ($24.99)
• Adhesive mount ($44.99)
• Handle bar mount ($39.99)
• Suction cup mount ($42.99)

All the new mounting accessories are now available for order at B&H Photo.  The mount itself is compatible with all current and previous WG-series cameras, including the WG-4, WG-20, WG-3, WG-10, WG-2, and WG-1.