Ricoh/Pentax Pentax WG-90 BLUE

Pentax WG-90 Blue – Waterproof to 14 meters and rugged shockproof design

The Pentax WG-90 Blue is a compact, adventure-ready camera. It offers waterproof performance and shock resistance so you can shoot in demanding weather and active environments. The camera delivers sharp, clear images and supports a range of shooting situations from underwater scenes to travel and close-up photography.

Key features

• 28-140mm zoom lens (equivalent in 35mm format)
• Waterproof down to a depth of 14 meters
• Macro function with Digital microscope function from 1cm shooting distance
• Six LED lights for macro shooting
• Macro stand included
• Underwater mode that compensates for the loss of contrast
• Face detection for up to 32 faces

Below we expand on these points and explain how they benefit real-world shooting. First, the 5x optical zoom covers a 28–140mm equivalent range, which makes the WG-90 versatile for wide landscapes, mid-range travel shots and portraits. Next, its waterproof and rugged design supports use in wet and rough conditions without adding bulk.

Body and durability

The WG-90 has a rugged exterior that provides a secure grip, even when you wear gloves during cold-weather shooting or when operating the camera under water. Its airtight body meets IPX8 class standards. Consequently, you can use the camera underwater down to 14 meters for up to two hours of continuous operation.

In addition, the camera is shockproof against drops from a height of 1.6 meters and crushproof against weights up to 100 kgf. Therefore, it stands up to everyday impacts and rough handling while you focus on getting the shot.

Imaging and performance

Inside the WG-90, a back-illuminated 16.0 megapixel CMOS image sensor provides high sensitivity and low-noise characteristics. The camera also includes effective image stabilisation, which helps you capture clearer stills and video in low-light conditions or when shooting underwater. As a result, you can rely on the WG-90 for sharp images across a variety of conditions.

Macro photography and lighting

Pentax designed the WG-90 to excel in close-up work. It offers a minimum object distance (MOD) of 1 cm and a digital microscope function that lets you shoot from very close range. The camera includes a six-LED macro light unit whose maximum illumination intensity has been upgraded to nearly twice that of the previous model.

Moreover, the LED unit provides five adjustable illumination levels, which improves control and operability when you shoot subjects at very short distances. The camera also ships with a macro stand to stabilise the camera for precise close-up work.

Smart underwater modes

The WG-90 includes dedicated Underwater and Underwater Movie shooting modes. These modes compensate for contrast loss caused by light diffusion in water and help recover reddish hues that often fade underwater. As a result, you will capture clearer, more natural-looking underwater scenes.

Also, the Underwater mode features a Flash Off + Flash On option. With a single shutter release, the camera captures two consecutive images: one without flash and one with flash. This gives you immediate options to compare ambient-light and flash-illuminated results.

Face detection and usability

The camera supports face detection for up to 32 faces, which simplifies group shots and helps ensure subjects remain in focus. The WG-90’s controls and grip are designed for easy handling during active use, so you can operate the camera confidently in outdoor and underwater situations.

FAQ

Question: Is the WG-90 safe to use underwater for extended shoots?
Answer: Yes. The WG-90 is rated IPX8 and supports underwater use to 14 meters for up to two hours of continuous operation. This rating and duration let you shoot longer dives or extended underwater sessions within the specified limits.

Question: How does the Flash Off + Flash On option work in Underwater mode?
Answer: The camera takes two consecutive images with one shutter press: the first image without flash and the second with flash. This provides an immediate comparison to choose the look that best preserves natural color or adds flash illumination for foreground subjects.

Question: What makes the WG-90 suitable for macro work and close-up imaging?
Answer: The WG-90 supports a minimum shooting distance of 1 cm and includes a digital microscope function for extreme close-ups. It also offers six LED lights with five adjustable illumination levels and supplies a macro stand for stable, precise close-up shooting.

Question: Will the WG-90 hold up to rough use on outdoor trips?
Answer: Yes. The camera has a rugged, grippy exterior for secure handling with gloves, is shockproof from 1.6 meters, and crushproof up to 100 kgf. These features combine to make it practical for active outdoor and travel use.