Aug 25, 2024 23:00:00

I tried taking pictures of the microscopic world using the microscope mode of the rugged digital camera 'WG-8'

Ricoh's digital camera '

WG-8 ' is equipped with a mode called 'digital microscope mode,' which allows you to take a close-up shot of a small subject by intuitively placing the camera on top of the subject. Since I had the opportunity to try out the WG-8, I tried using it in microscope mode to take pictures of small subjects such as 'LCD display pixels' and 'electronic device chips,' following outdoor photography .

WG-8 | Products | RICOH IMAGING
https://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/wg-8/

The WG-8 is a waterproof and dustproof digital camera that is useful in harsh environments such as outdoors and field work. In the following article, you can see the results of taking the WG-8 to the water and trying to take underwater photos. This time, we will try taking various photos using the microscope mode of the WG-8.

I took the rugged digital camera 'WG-8', which can easily take underwater photos, out to the river and took various photos. Review - GIGAZINE

Before using the Microscope mode, attach the macro stand provided with the WG-8.

The macro stand can be attached simply by screwing it in.

Next, switch the mode to Microscope mode.

This will turn on a ring light around the lens.

All you have to do is place the WG-8 above the subject with the lens facing downwards and press the shutter button to take macro shots.

For example, I placed the WG-8 on a 10,000 yen bill and it looked like this. The macro stand fixed the distance between the subject and the lens at 1cm, and the ring light stabilized the light source, making it easy to take high-quality macro shots.

Below are some photos taken in Microscope mode. The focus is spot on. The examples in this article have not been edited except for resizing, and you can click on each example to see the original photo before resizing.

A photograph of Eiichi Shibusawa's face.

The 3D hologram part looks like this. Incidentally,

Japanese banknotes are the first in the world to feature 3D holograms.

Place the shichimi pepper on a plate and take a picture using microscope mode.

The result of the shot looks like this. With the macro mode on a typical digital camera or smartphone, you have to be careful about the distance from the subject, but with the WG-8, you can easily take pictures by just attaching the macro stand and placing it on the subject.

Next, I'll try shooting an ASUS full HD LCD display.

When I took a picture in microscope mode with the zoom set to maximum, I was able to see blue, red, and green pixels.

We also photographed a BenQ 4K LCD display.

Below is the result of shooting with maximum zoom ratio. You can see that the pixel density is higher than that of a full HD display.

I will also try shooting with

Raspberry Pi 5 .

The markings on the IC chip were captured clearly. When capturing a clear image of the markings with a regular digital camera

, a simple studio is required to ensure a stable light source, but with the WG-8, the light source is quite stable thanks to the macro stand and ring light, so there is no need to prepare a simple studio. This is convenient.

There was a cicada lying in front of my front door, so I decided to take a picture of it.

You can clearly see the structure of the wings. Note that I took this photo by hand, adjusting the distance so as not to crush the cicada.

The WG-8's image quality is rougher than that of high-end digital cameras, but it has many features that make it a great choice for people who are looking for a camera that can be used with wet hands, can be operated underwater, takes high-resolution macro shots with ease, and is extremely durable.

Examples of photos taken when taking the WG-8 outdoors are summarized in the article below.

I took the rugged digital camera 'WG-8', which can easily take underwater photos, out to the river and took various photos. Review - GIGAZINE

The black model of the WG-8 is available at electronics retailers and other stores, and at the time of writing it is sold on Amazon.co.jp for 58,400 yen including tax.

Amazon | Pentax PENTAX WG-8 Black Full-scale outdoor camera [Full-scale 20m waterproof] 20 million pixels [Wide angle 28mm 5x optical zoom] [Equipped with 6 multi-function ring lights] [Useful for construction and work sites / Equipped with 'CALS mode'] [Equipped with webcam function] [4K video] [Built-in high-performance GPS] | Compact mail order

In addition, the green model is sold exclusively at official EC shops such as Ricoh Imaging Store and PENTAX Clubhouse. Ricoh Imaging Store is also listed on Amazon.co.jp, and at the time of writing, the green model is available for 59,850 yen including tax.

Amazon | Pentax PENTAX WG-8 Green Full-scale outdoor camera [Full-scale 20m waterproof] 20 million pixels [Wide angle 28mm 5x optical zoom] [Equipped with 6 multi-function ring lights] [Useful for construction and site use / Equipped with 'CALS mode'] [Equipped with web camera function] [4K video] [Built-in high-performance GPS] 1500 | Compact mail order