Ricoh action cam aims to challenge GoPro's dominance

Ricoh (formerly Pentax) is a company with a long history of making waterproof toughcams. While we can't say that any of the company's recent models are the best of their breed, they're certainly capable and tough as nails. The main problem seems to be that the market that might be interested in this type of camera generally opts for something like a GoPro instead.

For the Photokina photography show this year, Ricoh has cooked up its response to the GoPro threat: Meet the WG-M1 (MSRP $299.99). You can tell right away by the new form factor that Ricoh has the leading action cam in its sights.

The swappable front lens cover is the first indication of the camera's pragmatic approach to toughness. The camera's default lens cover has a pronged hood. If you're taking the camera underwater, Ricoh includes a lens intended for that purpose. Either way, the actual camera's lens has protection to keep it from getting scratched. The lens itself is a wide, 160-degree job with an f/2.8 aperture.

A bright but small 1.5-inch LCD monitor sits inset on the top of the device. The watch-like bezel that protrudes from the screen seems like it'd help keep the display from shattering if it was slammed up against a rock or dropped from a substantial height.

All in all, the WG-M1 feels every bit as durable and "adventure-proof" as you'd desire — more so than a GoPro nestled in its standard waterproof case. With the exception of the special lens cover for diving, the WG-M1 is a camera that's ready to go without having to get wrapped in a plastic case: It's freezeproof, waterproof to 32 feet, shockproof and dustproof all on its own.

Interestingly, the WG-M1 is the first Ricoh camera to have Wi-Fi built-in. You can transfer files and movies, and also use a smartphone or tablet to remotely control the camera. Ricoh hasn't made the software available yet, however, and we're not sure which platforms will be supported.

There are a few different video formats at the camera's disposal, with 1080/30p as its highest quality recording mode. You can also get 60fps if you're willing to settle for 720p clips, and there's a slow-mo 120fps mode at a resolution of 848x480. If you're into still shooting, the Ricoh can also capture high-res stills using all of the camera's 14 megapixels.

This being an action cam, Ricoh has a few different mounts for it to attach to. We played with the Ricoh O-MA1531 WG Grip Adapter, which makes the WG-M1 handle a little bit like a gun. For one-handed operation, it doesn't get much easier than this. There are also a few adhesive mounts for snowboards and helmets, a suction cup mount, and a handlebar mount for a bicycle.

As good as GoPro's cameras are, we always prefer product categories to have a variety of options. In the United States, at least, GoPro has a veritable monopoly on sports/action cameras with Sony a distant second. In the WG-M1, Ricoh might have a legitimate alternative on its hands.

After all, the GoPro needs a few accessories to accomplish what the WG-M1 can do by itself. The only thing that gives us pause is the Ricoh WG-M1's price. At $299, it's smack dab in the middle of GoPro country, and unless Ricoh can work some really special deals in retail stores, that might be the stumbling block that keeps the WG-M1 from being a real player.