The design in black and silver, has a technical and futuristic. The surface of the housing has numerous, well-designed non-slip grips that allow even in humid weather or even in the water can be safely handled. Additionally, there is a carabiner strap for securing the use in / under water, which you should use as far as possible, because otherwise the camera is just in deep or turbid waters quickly.
The key operation is easily accessible and non-slip. A built-in flash and a LED macro light if necessary, arrange for a little more light.
The Achilles heel of the camera is the battery compartment, which is doubly secured. It should definitely not be opened as long as moisture is nearby. So the camera should be for use in salt water always rinsed with tap water and dried before the battery compartment is opened, otherwise dirt particles can compromise the tightness.
The camera makes an extremely robust impression. The manufacturer promises quite robust values for camber, impact and load scenarios and 14 m water resistance. Here, however, applies more caution when approaching these extremes.
The menu of the camera leaves little to be desired. In addition to numerous automatic and scene modes, many parameters can be set individually. So can white balance and ISO also be set manually and it is also a program item for completely individual, storable parameters (USER) exists.
The built-in optical components make a good impression. The optical 4x zoom is about one KB equivalent of 25-100mm, so even a decent wide angle to the telephoto range slightly. The maximum aperture of 2 indicates a neat light intensity.
The picture quality is good, but has due to the compactness and in the course of the water resistance offered their limits. These are clearly later than the monitor in the 100% view. The light sensitivity up to ISO 6400 is rather a theoretical value, because starting at ISO 1600 it roars mightily.
Accordingly, there will be loss of quality for large prints or enlargements.
Especially when shooting underwater existing light plays a decisive role. Experiments in the aquarium and in the pool to show great results; in the neighbor's garden pond, it already looks not so good. Here also flash and LED do not help, because really only suspended particles are illuminated.
So the underwater range of the camera in my opinion is best given in clear bright waters, such as tropical in the pool or while snorkeling in the south Aegean, in the Maldives or in other waters. Tests can be made to the latter, unfortunately, until next year.
A bit annoying to use is the shutter lag. As expected many a motive, be it your child, or even a fish, even just a piece be swum out of the picture.
For whom the Ricoh-WG-4 is now suitable? The strengths of the camera quite clear in flat, light-rich waters as underwater camera especially in "snorkel depth" of. Especially for hobby photographers who want to approach the subject underwater photography is that Ricoh is great and exactly this I give the full five stars.
Even if it is dusty and dirty, the camera has its advantages, however, comes to optical and technical limits. If you dive deeper or simply looking for a good compact camera, should consider alternatives.
Conclusion: Great underwater camera for vacation, leisure, pool and snorkeling.
