Camera
Ricoh announces G900 II and Wi-Fi enabled G900SE II industrial rugged compacts
Photo: Ricoh |
Ricoh has announced the G900 II and G900 II SE, two new rugged compact cameras primarily designed for industrial applications.
The two new models are the latest waterproof and dust-resistant cameras in a series that dates back to the Ricoh RDC-100G in July 1999. Both models are designed to be much more rugged than conventional waterproof compacts and can tolerate sodium hypochlorite, ethanol, or liquid chlorine dioxide disinfectants, allowing use in medical production settings.
Both cameras remain waterproof to a depth of 20m (65.6ft), shockproof from a height of 2.1m (6.8ft), able to withstand 100kg force (220 lb force) and temperatures down to -10°C (14°F). Both models are equipped with GPS, with the SE variant adding Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC.
Both cameras feature password locking of the camera or specific features and menus, with the option on the Wi-Fi-enabled ‘SE’ model for access to be controlled by an administrator over company intranet, keeping firmware up to date and synchronizing the clock on multiple cameras to the server’s time. Both cameras can also now be used as webcams, via USB, delivering up to 1080/30 streams from worksites, using popular web meeting software.
We’ve asked Ricoh for more details about any other differences between the Mark II models and their 2019 predecessors. Both cameras use the same 20MP Type 1/2.3 (29mm²) sensors and have 6.5GB of internal memory, allowing its use without an SD card, to increase security. As before they include a series of industry-specific options either internally or via bundled software, allowing barcode reading and the association of note data with images.
The G900 II and G900SE II will be available from late August and early September at recommended prices of $799 and $899, respectively.
Ricoh Imaging announces two new heavy-duty, industrial cameras
The RICOH G900 II and RICOH G900SE II are waterproof, dustproof, shock- and chemical-resistant for use at demanding jobsites
PARSIPPANY, New Jersey, August 7, 2024 — Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the RICOH G900 II and RICOH G900SE II, two new heavy-duty, industrial cameras designed to be highly resistant to water, dust, shock and chemicals, for use at demanding jobsites in industries including construction, manufacturing, disaster relief and healthcare.
The RICOH G900II and the RICOH G900SE II offer outstanding and dependable performance in harsh conditions. They are waterproof to a depth of 65.6 feet (20 meters) for up to two hours of continuous operation and highly resistant to chemicals. Compact and lightweight, the cameras incorporate a protective reinforced glass element to the front surface of the lens and a number of protectors at crucial parts of the body. They’re dustproof, shockproof against falls of 6.8 feet (2.1 meters), cold-resistant to temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C), and crushproof against weights of up to 220 pound-force (100 kilogram-force).
Both cameras are equipped with a back-illuminated, 20.0-megapixel CMOS image sensor that delivers sharp, clear, high-resolution images, even at a super-high sensitivity of ISO 25600.
| Keeping data secure |
In addition to outdoor applications at civil engineering, construction and disaster relief sites, the RICOH G900 II and RICOH G900SE II can also be used in a wide range of indoor industries. Security features including a password-protected camera lock function make them ideal for use at high-security workplaces. The successor to the RICOH G900SE, announced in 2019, the RICOH G900SE II has enhanced security features, including system data management functions in connection with intranet systems, ideal for use at infrastructure and utility facilities, road maintenance and public institutions including local governments, police, and fire stations.
The RICOH G900SE II features other premium functions including support for Bluetooth® and wireless LAN connections, and compatibility with NFC cards. It assures wireless, high-speed data transmission of captured images with a broader choice of devices and supports security- enhanced Enterprise Wi-Fi systems.
| Simplified data management and workflow from anywhere |
The RICOH G900 II and RICOH G900SE II feature a Camera Memo function that reduces workload and simplifies data management, enabling users to attach a text or audio file to an image and enables users to browse compatible reference images like building plans blueprints on the camera’s monitor. When used in combination with Barcode Scanning mode, barcode information can be attached to the camera memo data. The camera’s EX2 application software can be used to integrate image categorizations and file names into the camera memo data, reducing the post-shooting workload. All data can then be exported as an XML file for easy integration into databases.
When connected to a computer, both the RICOH G900 II and RICOH G900SE II can function as a web camera for real-time streaming of Full HD-resolution at 30 frames per second. When combined with its high-power, six-LED ring light unit and macro shooting capability, detailed, enlarged views of small items can be shared during virtual meetings.
The RICOH G900 II and RICOH G900SE II have a host of advanced and user-friendly features to facilitate shooting at a variety of worksites including a GPS module that attaches GPS data to captured images, a transparency guide that enables users to use a previously captured image as a template for capturing a new image with identical composition, an electronic level to check the camera’s horizontal and vertical inclination, 6.5GB of built-in memory, and 4K-resolution video recording capability.
| Pricing and Availability |
The RICOH G900 II will be available late August at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com as well as at Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $799.95.
The RICOH G900SE II will be available in September at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and via Ricoh Imaging’s industrial partners for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $899.95.
Ricoh G900 II / G900SE II specifications
Ricoh G900 II | Ricoh G900SE II | |
---|---|---|
Price | ||
MSRP | $799 | $899 |
Body type | ||
Body type | Compact | |
Body material | Composite | |
Sensor | ||
Max resolution | 5184 x 3888 | |
Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 | |
Effective pixels | 20 megapixels | |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) | |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | |
Color space | sRGB | |
Image | ||
Custom white balance | Yes | |
Image stabilization | Digital only | |
Uncompressed format | No | |
File format |
|
|
Optics & Focus | ||
Focal length (equiv.) | 28–140 mm | |
Optical zoom | 5× | |
Maximum aperture | F3.5–5.5 | |
Autofocus |
|
|
Autofocus assist lamp | Yes | |
Digital zoom | Yes (8.1X) | |
Manual focus | Yes | |
Normal focus range | 50 cm (19.69″) | |
Macro focus range | 1 cm (0.39″) | |
Number of focus points | 9 | |
Screen / viewfinder | ||
Articulated LCD | Fixed | |
Screen size | 3″ | |
Screen dots | 1,040,000 | |
Touch screen | No | |
Screen type | TFT LCD | |
Live view | Yes | |
Viewfinder type | None | |
Photography features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 1/4 sec | |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec | |
Exposure modes |
|
|
Scene modes |
|
|
Built-in flash | Yes | |
Flash range | 5.50 m (with Auto ISO) | |
External flash | No | |
Flash modes | Flash on, flash off | |
Drive modes |
|
|
Self-timer | Yes | |
Metering modes |
|
|
Exposure compensation | ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps) | |
AE Bracketing | ±1 (3 frames at 1 EV steps) | |
WB Bracketing | No | |
Videography features | ||
Format | MPEG-4, H.264 | |
Microphone | Stereo | |
Speaker | Mono | |
Storage | ||
Storage types | Internal + SD/SDHC/SDXC card | |
Storage included | 6.5GB | |
Connectivity | ||
USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | |
USB charging | Yes | |
HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) | |
Microphone port | No | |
Headphone port | No | |
Wireless | Built-In | |
Wireless notes | Supports FlashAir SD cards | |
Remote control | Yes (O-RC1 Waterproof Remote Control) | |
Physical | ||
Environmentally sealed | Yes | |
Durability | Waterproof, Shockproof | |
Battery | Battery Pack | |
Battery description | DB-110 lithium-ion battery & USB charger | |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 340 | |
Weight (inc. batteries) | 242 g (0.53 lb / 8.54 oz) | 245 g (0.54 lb / 8.64 oz) |
Dimensions | 118 x 66 x 33 mm (4.65 x 2.6 x 1.3″) | |
Other features | ||
Orientation sensor | Yes | |
Timelapse recording | Yes | |
GPS | Built-in | |
GPS notes | Includes e-Compass |
Camera
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is all grown up
Image: Fujifilm |
Fujifilm has announced that it’s bringing another hybrid camera to its popular Instax lineup. The Instax Wide Evo builds on the success of the smaller Instax Mini Evo, which the company released in 2021. As the name implies, the new camera uses the larger Instax Wide film, producing prints that are twice as wide and have a 115% larger area than the Mini film.
Like its little sibling, the Wide Evo’s main selling point is that it combines some of the convenience of digital photography with the tactility of instant film. A 3.5″ display on the back lets you see the image you’ve taken before committing it to film, saving you from the experience of taking a picture, waiting for it to develop, and then discovering that it’s not quite right and that you’ve wasted a relatively expensive shot. It can store around 45 photos on its internal memory, though you can expand that capacity with a microSD card.
The camera’s display lets you apply effects, manage photos saved to the camera’s memory and preview your shots and prints.
Image: Fujifilm |
To take those photos, the Wide Evo has a 16mm (equiv) F2.4 lens, which Fujifilm says is “the widest lens on any Instax instant camera.” By default, the camera doesn’t seem to make use of the entire field of view – there’s a switch to activate “Wide Angle mode,” which the company’s press release says “maximizes Wide Evo’s lens capabilities.” It doesn’t say what kind of focal length you can expect to see in standard mode.
Image: Fujifilm |
The camera also lets you apply lens effects such as vignetting, light leaks, and soft focus, as well as film effects that change the colors of the image. The Wide Evo takes the customizability a step further than the Mini, letting you change how strong your selected lens effect is. It also adds five “Film Styles,” letting you add “cinematic” black bars to the top and bottom of your image, a film strip effect, a date and time stamp, a “retro contact sheet look” and a “collodion process effect” that lets you emulate wet plate photography.
The Wide Evo adds new “Film Styles” to push your photos’ vintage aesthetic even further.
Image: Fujifilm |
Design-wise, the Wide Evo carries on the Mini Evo’s tradition of a retro-inspired design. While the Mini Evo featured a print lever – reminiscent of a film advance lever – the Wide Evo’s physical print control takes after a film rewind dial. The company hasn’t provided exact dimensions for the camera, but we’ll be sure to update this story with them when they’re available.
Image: Fujifilm |
Fujifilm says the integrated battery should let you print up to 100 images per charge. Those 100 images need not all be taken with the Wide Evo; an app lets you connect your smartphone and print images from its camera roll onto film. It also lets you remotely control the camera, adds “additional image enhancement options,” and gives you access to what Fujifilm calls the “Discover Feed,” which lets you see images that other Wide Evo owners have uploaded and apply the effects they’ve used onto your own images if you see an aesthetic that you like.
The Instax Wide Evo will be available in February and will cost $349. An accessory case with a shoulder strap will be available for $49, and the company is also releasing a new edition of Instax Wide film – called “Brushed Metallics” – alongside the camera. A 10-exposure pack will cost $24.99.
The Instant Evo-lution Continues:
Fujifilm Introduces instax WIDE Evo Hybrid Instant Camera
VALHALLA, N.Y., January 20, 2025 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Imaging Division, today announced the latest addition to its popular instax line of instant cameras and smartphone printers with the introduction of its instax WIDE Evo Hybrid Instant Camera (Wide Evo), whose unique hybrid format combines the excitement and satisfaction of traditional instant camera functionality with the capabilities of digital imaging technology to select, share, edit and store photo images. Wide Evo takes these capabilities a step further, with the ability to create wide format images that print onto instax WIDE instant film (sold separately), along with a host of other advanced capabilities designed to enhance the photographic image taking experience.
“Like the groundbreaking instax mini Evo Hybrid Instant Camera that came before it, Wide Evo offers a creative way to chronicle life’s milestones, creating a bridge between digital and analog photography,” said Bing Liem, division president, Imaging Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “Hybrid photography gives the photographer the flexibility to choose which images to instantly print, which images to share, and which images to store for later access. Wide Evo does all of that, in a new wide format body, and with a host of new and improved lens and film effects and modes to enhance the user experience even more.”
Wide Evo outputs high-quality prints directly from the camera. Images can also be printed from a user’s iOS or Android smartphone camera roll using the free instax WIDE Evo Smartphone App. The app also features remote shooting capabilities and additional image enhancement options. Additionally, to inspire creativity and encourage image sharing, the instax WIDE Evo Smartphone App offers the newly introduced “Discover Feed”. The feed allows the user to view images uploaded by other Wide Evo users in a photo gallery format and apply their lens, film, and degree effects and film style settings to their own images.
The main features of Wide Evo include:
Integrated Wide Angle Option
Wide Evo features the widest lens on any instax instant camera, at 15.67mm. Users can choose to take images at the standard width, or opt for Wide Angle Mode, which maximizes Wide Evo’s lens capabilities to get all of the action into the photo.
10 Lens Effects x 10 Film Effect Options = 100 Combinations of Creative Expression, Now with Added Degree Control
Like the instax mini Evo instant camera, Wide Evo features 10 lens effects and 10 film effect options, offering 100 different combinations for users to express themselves. Wide Evo adds Degree Control, which allows the user to determine the degree to which each lens effect is applied to their image.
5 Film Styles to Enhance the Look of the Image
In addition to the lens and film effects, Wide Evo offers 5 film styles to customize images even further, with options including a cinematic look with black bars across the top and bottom of the image, a classic film strip look, a traditional date/time stamp format, a retro contact sheet look, or a vintage collodion process effect.
Selfies, Storage, and More
Wide Evo also features a 3.5-inch LCD Monitor on the back of the camera to allow users to select images, add effects, edit, print, and adjust image settings, supported by a built-in Lithium-Ion battery which enables the camera to print up to 100 images per charge, depending on the specific use case. A Micro SD card slot (Micro SD Card sold separately) ensures there’s plenty of room to store additional images for later enjoyment (approximately 45 images can be stored in the camera’s internal memory), while the Selfie Mirror helps users nail selfies every time.
In addition to the new camera, new accessory and film options have also been introduced:
New instax WIDE Evo Hybrid Instant Camera Case
Accompanying the introduction of the Wide Evo is the instax WIDE Evo hybrid instant camera case (sold separately). Made from premium faux leather, the case features an adjustable shoulder strap for optimal carrying comfort and portability. For added convenience, the top portion can be removed, allowing users to keep the camera in its case during use.
New instax WIDE Brushed Metallics Instant Film Pack
The instax WIDE Brushed Metallics instant film pack features a metallic, dark gradient border. Available in a 10-exposure pack, the film is compatible with all instax WIDE instant cameras, the instax Link WIDE Smartphone printer, and the WIDE Evo.
The instax WIDE Evo Hybrid Instant Camera will be offered in a classic black and gray combination finish at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $349.95 USD and $479.99 CAD.
The instax WIDE Evo Hybrid Instant Camera Case will be offered in black at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $49.99 USD and $69.99 CAD. The instax WIDE Brushed Metallics Instant Film Pack will be offered at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $24.99 USD and $17.99 CAD.
All are expected to be available for purchase in the U.S. and Canada in February 2025. For more information, visit https://www.instaxus.com/cameras/instax-wide-evo/.
Camera
A new option for gear rental is now available for Canadians
Graphic: Rentovault |
Canadians now have a new way to access gear and earn money, thanks to the launch of an Ontario-based startup called Rentovault, as reported by EIN Presswire. Rentovault is a peer-to-peer gear rental option offering photography and outdoor equipment. It aims to provide better access to outdoor and photography gear by connecting those who own it with individuals seeking to rent. It’s essentially like Turo or Airbnb but for outdoor and photography gear.
According to the company, “Rentovault is an outdoor gear rental platform dedicated to connecting Adventure and Photography enthusiasts. By facilitating the sharing of high-quality equipment, Rentovault empowers individuals to explore their passions without the burden of high costs.” It serves as an alternative to renting from companies like Lensrentals in the U.S. and Vistek in Canada.
Rentovault isn’t the first peer-to-peer photography gear rental company created, though it is the first Canadian company, as far as we’ve been able to ascertain. In the U.S., those looking to rent gear peer-to-peer style have more options, with the two most well-known being KitSplit and ShareGrid. KitSplit operates in Canada, though its options are extremely limited at the time of writing. ShareGrid doesn’t currently operate in Canada.
Of course, any peer-to-peer rental structure depends entirely on users putting up their equipment for rent. People won’t bother checking the site if there isn’t much selection. Even though Rentovault is so new, is does appear to have a fairly good selection already, at least in major cities. There’s still plenty of room to grow, though, so don’t expect to find an expansive selection right off the bat.
Rentovault charges a 20% commission on rentals, but even so, if you have gear you aren’t using regularly, this could be a useful way to help pay for the cost of said piece of equipment. To provide those who are putting their stuff up for rent with some peace of mind, Rentovault says it “assumes full responsibility to reimburse you, the lender, to cover damages or loss during the rental period provided that there is proper proof of damages.”
One benefit to such a website over a larger rental company like Lensrentals (which doesn’t operate in Canada) is that you aren’t stuck waiting for something to ship. Rentovault is designed as a local pick-up option, so you can schedule a time and place to pick up what you’re renting instead of waiting a few days or even a week to receive it. Finding the exact piece of kit you need may be harder, but it could provide a lot faster access. Additionally, Rentovault is unique because it has outdoor gear. If you’re looking to get into outdoor adventure but don’t want to buy everything right away, this could be a convenient option.
Camera
B&W street photography: Our January Photo Challenge is open for submissions
Show us your black-and-white street photography!
The January edition of our Editors’ Photo Challenge is now open for submissions. Our theme this month is ‘B&W Street’. We want to see the city through your lens, whether it’s an unexpected scene, a candid portrait, or some other “decisive moment.” Our favorites will be featured on the DPReview homepage later this month.
Important: Images MUST include a title and a caption of at least 25 words to be eligible. Viewers want to know the story behind your photo. We will consider both photos and captions when selecting our winners, so make sure to tell us that story! (Hint: the caption for the photo above is a good example.)
Photos can be submitted between Sunday, January 19, and Saturday, January 25 (GMT). This challenge is open to photos taken at any time.
Visit the challenge page to read the full rules and to submit your photos for consideration.
Also, don’t forget to check out some of the other open and upcoming photo challenges hosted by members of the DPReview community. Or, see some of the great photos from recently completed photo challenges.
Open challenges:
- Lights at Night (closes Jan. 20)
- Restaurants, bars, taverns, pubs (closes Jan. 24)
- Abstract (closes Jan. 24)
Upcoming challenges:
- Fortnight 43: My Best Non-bird Photo Shot after 2025-01-06 (opens Jan. 20)
- Show us METAL! (opens Jan. 20)
- Street Festival (opens Jan. 21)
- Fruits (opens Jan. 25)
- Use Light to Help Tell Your Story (opens Jan. 25)
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