Ricoh WG-30w Review

Wireless Functionality

We were very positively surprised by the WG-30w's wireless capabilities.  Once we succeeded in setting up the initial connection, we were able to use both the remote control and image download functionality as advertised and without further issue.  If you're familiar with Pentax DSLRs, the functionality offered by the WG-30w is very similar to how the O-FC1 FluCard works, with one key difference: it's more reliable and has a much longer range.

You do not need to install any apps to connect to the WG-30w; the wireless functionality is platform independent.  All you need is a device with Wi-Fi b/g support and a modern web browser.  Thus, smartphones, laptops, and tablets can all connect to the camera in the same matter.  If one browser doesn't work, try another, and be sure you are allowing Javascript.

How to Connect to the WG-30w

These steps are neither documented in the Start Guide nor self-explanatory, so we had to refer to the PDF manual to initially connect to the camera.

1. Turn on your WG-30w
2. Press the green button twice; the camera will display its network information
3. Press the OK button
4. Open your smartphone/tablet/laptop's Wi-Fi setup menu and connect to the wireless network shown on the camera.  Type in the password as indicated; select WPA/WPA2 security if prompted.  Once the connection is successful, the camera's LCD should show a message that reflects this.
5. Open your smartphone/tablet/laptop's web browser, and point it to http://192.168.1.1
6. You should then be able to see what the camera sees, change settings, and view photos

Note that as long as the wireless connection is live, the camera can only be controlled via the client device.  The camera's own LCD screen will go dark and you won't be able to use it until you terminate the wireless connection.

Wireless Features

As we mentioned earlier, the WG-30w's Wi-Fi facilities allow you to:

• Remotely control the camera, change basic settings, and see the live view feed
• Browse and download photos
• Change the camera system time and date

Below is a screenshot of the camera remote control view as seen on a Samsung smartphone:

This interface allows you to change the following settings:

• White balance
• Flash
• Metering mode
• Image resolution and quality
• AF mode
• ISO
• Zoom setting
• Exposure compensation
• Macro light

The previously-captured image will appear to the left of the shutter release button, and it can be enlarged/downloaded when tapped.  The full playback mode can be accessed via the appropriate icon at the top of the screen.

When accessing this interface via a smartphone, be sure to only tap the buttons rather than holding them down or dragging, as the latter will generate a Javascript prompt.

Wireless Performance

The wireless live view has a latency of roughly a third of a second, and is refreshed at a framerate of 5-10 FPS.  It is therefore suitable for composition, but not for precise timing of action.  There is also a half-second delay between the issuing of a command and its execution (such as shutter release).  These findings are consistent with our results with the O-FC1 FluCard earlier this year.

We tested the wireless range of the WG-30w and found it to be approximately 15 meters with obstructions (walls, doors) and more than twice that with a direct line of sight.  Note that the height of the camera above the ground as well as the strength of the wireless transmitter in the client device will have an impact on the maximum effective range and performance.  Once you're near the edge of the wireless range, the live view screen will be come choppy or unresponsive.  The wireless connection will remain open, however, so you do not need to go all the way back to the camera if you ended up out of range for a short while.

Verdict

Because the WG-30w's wireless functionality is superior to that offered by any current Pentax DSLR, and because it's built-in, it left us with a very positive impression. Users of this camera will find the Wi-Fi to be a very handy feature, and they will most likely be satisfied with its performance and capabilities.

Our only gripe is with the setup process, which could have been better-documented and simplified.  Once you get the hang of it, though, it's not much of a nuisance.