In the midst of a summer filled with new product launches, Ricoh has introduced two of its most robust industrial cameras to date: the G900 II and G900SE II. These new models are designed to replace the original Ricoh G900 and are built to endure the harshest environments found in industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and disaster relief.
Designed for Durability in Harsh Environments
The G900 II and G900SE II cameras are engineered to survive extreme conditions. Like Ricoh’s recent Pentax WG-8 and WG-1000 models, these cameras are waterproof down to 65 feet (20 meters) for up to two hours of continuous use.
They are also dustproof, shockproof against drops from heights of 6.8 feet (2.1 meters), and resistant to temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). In addition, these cameras are crushproof, capable of withstanding weights of up to 200 pounds (90.7 kilograms).
Chemical Resistance: The Key Upgrade
The most significant upgrade in the G900 II and G900SE II compared to their predecessors is their resistance to certain chemicals.
These cameras have been designed to be highly resistant to substances such as ethanol and sodium hypochlorite chlorine dioxide solutions, which are often used as fungicidal food additives. This feature makes them particularly suitable for use in healthcare, manufacturing, and other industries where chemical exposure is a concern.
Enhanced Connectivity Features
While both the G900 II and G900SE II are equipped with a GPS module that attaches location data to images, the G900SE II offers additional connectivity options. The SE model supports Bluetooth and WiFi connections, along with compatibility with NFC cards, making it suitable for use in high-security environments such as institutions, local governments, and law enforcement agencies.
The G900SE II also includes advanced security features, allowing users to restrict access to certain camera functions. These functions include camera operation, menu access, internal memory viewing, USB connections, SDWO card usage, and web service access. The camera also offers a dual password feature, enabling two users to access their respective data securely.
Camera Technology: No Major Changes
Despite the enhancements in durability and connectivity, the core camera technology in the G900 II and G900SE II remains unchanged from the original G900. Both models feature a 20MP 1/2.3″ sensor and come with 6.5GB of internal memory.
A slight reduction in weight is the only notable physical change, with the new models weighing 242 grams (with battery and card) compared to the 252 grams of the original G900.
Availability and Pricing
The Ricoh G900 II is set to be available in late August, priced at $799.95 (approximately £630.56 / AU$1,220.70). The G900SE II will follow in September, with a price of $899.95 (£709.38 / Au$1,373.29).
