Ricoh Imaging introduces its smallest, most rugged, go-anywhere WG-series camera

DENVER, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

| Pricing and Availability | 

The Ricoh WG-M2 camera will be available late April 2016 at www.ricohimaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $299.95.

| About Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation |

Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services.  Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in about 200 countries and regions.

The company now known as Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation was originally founded in 1919, under the name Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co. and launched its first SLR camera in the 1950s under the PENTAX name. Today, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation continues to produce the heritage-rich, award-winning line of PENTAX DSLR cameras, lenses and sport optics equipment as well as Ricoh's offering of stylish and compact digital cameras, known for their wide-ranging, rich set of features.

For further information, please visit www.ricohimaging.com

© 2016 Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies.

For More Information, Contact:
Stephannie Depa
Breakaway Communications for Ricoh
(415) 358-2485
[email protected]

SPECIFICATIONS

Enjoy high-resolution 4K movie recording
The WG-M2 captures video in flawless 4K-resolution movies at 30fps, or in Full HD (1080) at 60fps, or HD (720) at 120fps.  Since it records at a high bit rate of up to 100 Mbps, it preserves all the motion, color, and sharpness of the original event.

Ultra-Wide Angle 204° Video Capture
Capture a sweeping view of the landscape, capture video in a confined location, and express the thrill of speed with the amazing 204° ultra-wide angle capture capability of the WG-M2.

Adventure-Proof Specifications Designed to hold up in the harshest environments
While the WG-M2 features the ultimate performance of 4K Video and 204° Video Capture, it's also capable of doing it in almost any environment in the world. Waterproof to a depth of up to 65 feet, shock proof for drops of up to 6.5 feet, and freeze-proof down to 14° F, the WG-M2 is outfitted to capture video and still images in extreme conditions.

Video Effect Modes
New Image Effect modes can add a touch of artistry or drama to any scene. Users can choose from "Bright", "Natural", "Monochrome", "Shading", "Bleach Bypass", "Bold Monochrome" and "High Contrast" modes during movie shooting. For still image, "Bright", "Natural" and "Monochrome" settings are available.

Housing-Free Design
In the field or underwater, the WG-M2's housing-free design makes it easy to view the LCD monitor and simplifies mode setting and image composition. Large, easy-access buttons make controls more accessible when wearing gloves or in tight spots, and clear, high stereo audio quality is recorded from the built-in mic as a result of the housing-free design.

Built-in Wi-Fi
Shoot, view, and share movies from a distance with the WG-M2's built in Wi-Fi capability. By installing the dedicated ImageSync application, the WG-M2 can be operated remotely, and captured movies and images can be transferred to your tablet or smartphone device after shooting, where they can be uploaded to social media or shared with friends and family.

Movie SR (Shake Reduction)
For recording blur-free movies, the WG-M2 features Shake Reduction in narrow mode. This feature facilitates smooth, clear video when, for example, the trail is bumpy and rough.

Start/Stop Vibrating Confirmation
When capturing action and adventure, it's always good to make sure that your video is recording when you expect it to. With vibrating start/stop confirmation, the camera gives tactile feedback via a simple vibration when pressing the start/stop record button, confirming start/stop video recording when the camera is mounted in positions where the LCD confirmation is not visible.

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SOURCE Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation

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