When testing waterproof cameras we pay particular attention to how easy they are to use when using them underwater, where camera controls are not a straightforward to see or use. The WG-70 feature a high-performance, five-times optical zoom lens with a focal-length coverage from 5mm to 25mm (equivalent to approx. 28mm to 140mm in the 35mm format) to accommodate a wide range of scenes and subjects, including sweeping landscapes. They also provide other convenient shooting functions, such as a macro mode to capture dramatic close-up images from a minimum focusing distance of a mere one centimeter; an Intelligent Zoom function to extend the zoom range to approximately 36 times (equivalent to 1008mm in the 35mm format) without compromising image quality, for superior telephoto photography; and an interval shooting mode, which comes in handy for fixed-point observation. The Ricoh WG-70's flash has three modes: Auto, On, Off, plus a separate setting to enable or disable red-eye reduction. Whether this is active or not, the camera successfully avoids any trace of red-eye. The Ricoh WG-70 handled chromatic aberrations fairly well during the review, with purple and green fringing present around the edges of objects in high-contrast situations, as shown in the examples below.

Flash-on and Flash-off modes. “Red-eye” compensation function employs a pre-discharge. Ring Light mode During movie recording, this mode effectively compensates for the misalignment of images caused by camera shake through the use of exclusive software to produce beautiful, blur-free movie clips. When the camera detects low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, this mode automatically raises the sensitivity up to as high as ISO 6400, making it possible to use a higher shutter speed and effectively minimize the adverse effect of camera shake and subject shake when dealing with poor lighting conditions. Since 2021, Olympus cameras have been sold under the OM System name. The Olympus TG-6 was our favorite waterproof compact camera - and this has now been reborn as the OM System TG-7. It is pretty much identical - but that is a good thing in our book, and ensures this newer version remains at the top of our recommendations for a rugged camera. Features we love include the built-in microscope setting that allows you to take amazing close-ups - and a Field Sensor System that records GPS coordinates and ambient temperature with your shots. Digital compact camera for underwater photography down to 14 meters,with enhanced features such as the Digital Microscope mode

Ricoh WG-70 dimensions

Enthusiasts are going to feel disappointed that there is only the option here to shoot JPEG files rather than Raw, but then enthusiast photographers aren’t exactly the market for this camera. Here it’s all about having a means of capturing images that you might not attempt with a smartphone; even though said smartphone may actually give you better end results in terms of images and video these days. The WG-80 is designed for every imaginable outdoor environment and adds to the experience with features such as Underwater mode for underwater photography, and an Outdoor View setting that adapts monitor brightness to ambient lighting.

Of course, there are trade-offs. Many waterproof cameras are compacts with fairly small sensors, so their image-capturing ability will be limited compared to, say the best mirrorless cameras. Resolution (ISO-12233):We use a resolution chart based on ISO-12233 from Applied Image inc to indicate the limit of the camera’s vertical resolution at the centre of the frame. The higher the value, the better the detail resolution.The WG70 features a Digital Microscope mode that allows the subject to be greatly enlarged, plus six built-in Macro Lights to assist close-up shooting. Therefore if you see the older WG-60 more keenly priced than the ‘new’ edition, and do actually need a camera that you can subject to a degree of rough and tumble usage, which is really the only true reason why you should be considering this model or its near twin, then feel justified in snapping it up. You won’t be missing out on anything and, if you’re in the market for an easy-to-use, water resistant and damage-proof compact, you may well get yourself a bargain in the process.

You don't have to restrict yourself to digital! There are also some handy underwater disposable film cameras, which work just like the disposable cameras you used to take on holidays, with the crucial difference being that they can be taken underwater. High-speed Face Detection function to capture as many as 32 faces in focus in approximately 0.03 seconds (minimum); Smile Capture function to automatically release the shutter when the subject’s smile is detected

I can get so close that the lens "cap" touches the subject! The quality of the detail from being so close is amazing. I often say, "I had no idea they looked like that!" The camera reveals what would otherwise be invisible to me. My more expensive Sony point-and-shoot cannot get nearly as close and stay in focus. The Ricoh WG-70 is a new tough compact camera that's perfect for underwater photography down to 14 metres for up to two hours. Here’s the first of two underwater shots of anemones I took with the WG-70. To get this close to subjects you need to enable the WG-70’s 1cm macro mode – the standard macro will only get you within 10cm. For this shot I turned on the macro ring light – 6 LEDs mounted around the lens illuminate to evenly light the subject. In this case it hasn’t made a huge difference to the quality of the shot and I think it might actually be more useful for shots out of the water. In addition to fully auto shooting and a range of scene modes, the WG-70 provides a Program auto mode which allows you to manually set exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity, and white balance along with some other options. There’s an underwater shooting mode in there and Image tone settings that include Natural, Vibrant, Slide Film, Monochrome and a new Cross Process option.