The new top-of-the-range rugged cameras from Ricoh are the WG-4 and WG-4 GPS (we bet you can guess the difference). Both cameras feature a 16-megapixel 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CMOS sensor with sensor-shift shake reduction and a 4.5-18-mm F2-F4.9 lens, which gives a 35-mm-format equivalent focal length of 25-100mm. They have an ISO range of 125 to 6,400 and can shoot Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps.
Showing their tough-as-nails credentials, the cameras are waterproof down to 14 meters (45 ft), shock resistant against drops from up to two meters (6.6 ft), can operate in temperatures down to -10°C (14°F), and are crushproof to 100 kg (220 lb). Chunky and easy-to-grip, the 125 x 64.5 x 32 mm (4.9 x 2.5 x 1.3 in) cameras have clearly been designed with action use in mind, and have big buttons which can be pressed even when wearing gloves.
On the rear of the cameras there's a 3-inch LCD display with 460k dots, which also features an anti-reflection coating for use in bright conditions. Meanwhile, a ring of six LED macro lights around the lens barrel should come in handy for use with the Digital Microscope mode, though there's also a traditional built-in flash.
The WG-4 GPS, quite obviously, boasts a GPS unit to record position data and travel log data for captured images. A sub-display on the front of the WG-4 GPS is used to indicate time and GPS data, and the camera also has a pressure/altitude/depth gauge and a digital compass.
Due to be released in March, the Ricoh WG-4 and Ricoh WG-4 GPS will sell for US$330 and $380 respectively. The WG-4 GPS will come in blue or black, while the WG-4 will be offered in silver or lime yellow.
WG Series Mounting System
The WG Series Mounting System consists of a camera holder and a series of ball-and-socket ...
Allowing adventure-loving photographers to use the WG cameras in more situations than they might have previously – and no doubt influenced by the success of GoPro cameras and accessories – is the new action-orientated WG mounting system. This consists of a camera holder and a series of ball-and-socket system mounts.
A handlebar mount uses a pinch structure to fasten to your bike, motorcycle or hang glider, with the ball and socket system making it easy to adjust. A suction cup mount can be used for positioning a WG camera onto a car, boat, helmet, or anything with a solid surface, and can easily be removed or repositioned. Meanwhile, an adhesive mount gives a more semi-permanent solution, and is held in place by powerful adhesive tape.
The WG Series Mounting System will be available this month. The camera holder will cost $20, while the handlebar mount will set you back $40, the suction cup mount $43 and the adhesive mount $45.
http://www.gizmag.com/ricoh-wg4-rugged-cameras-mount/30756/
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The NTS SunCycle charges its battery using a built-in solar panel
NTS SunCycle gets a little help from above
By Ben Coxworth February 7, 2014
Although electric bikes definitely are more eco-friendly than exhaust-spewing cars, some people quite rightly point out that the electricity used to charge their batteries typically comes from not-so-green sources such as coal-burning power plants. That's why Santa Cruz-based NTS Works created its NTS SunCycle pedelec cargo bike. Unveiled this Wednesday, it features an integrated photovoltaic panel that's reportedly capable of fully charging the bike's battery within eight hours.
The bicycle itself tips the scales at 68 lb (31 kg)An NTS-specific linkage system that allows the cargo bike to be steered more like a regula...The lockable front compartment can carry up to 100 pounds (45 kg) The 60-watt panel is located on the lid of the cargo box, adding 2 lb (907 g) to the weigh...View all
The 60-watt panel is located on the lid of the cargo box, adding 2 lb (907 g) to the weight of the bike. It utilizes noncrystalline solar cells, and is said to be over 19 percent efficient.
While it's likely that many users won't be able to regularly leave their bike out in the sun for eight hours at a time, they also won't necessarily always be charging the battery from empty, nor will they require a full charge for all trips. In the event that they do require a faster charge, the battery can still be juiced up from a regular electrical outlet as well.
Like NTS' existing 2X4 Cargo Bike, this model has a 250-watt hub motor in its front wheel. This means that when the rider is pedaling and chooses to engage the electric assist, the bike has two-wheel drive – a handlebar-mounted display lets them choose the amount of assistance provided. The 36-volt, 14.3-Ah lithium-ion battery provides a claimed average range of 25 miles (40 km) per charge.
The bicycle itself tips the scales at 68 lb (31 kg)
Other features include a Gates Carbon belt drive, a sealed 8-speed Shimano Alfine internal gear hub, and an NTS-specific linkage system that allows the cargo bike to be steered more like a regular bicycle. The lockable front compartment can carry up to 100 pounds (45 kg), and the bicycle itself tips the scales at 68 lb (31 kg).
The NTS SunCycle should begin shipping in May, and is currently available for preorder. It's priced at US$3,900, and can be seen in action in the video below. NTS Works, incidentally, is run by the same people who founded electric vehicle company Zero Motorcycles.http://www.gizmag.com/tag/zero+motorcycles/
... and if you're interested in a somewhat larger form of solar-assisted human-powered transportation, you might want to also look at the ELF velomobile.
Source: NTS Works
http://ntsworks.com/bicycles/suncycle/
http://www.gizmag.com/nts-works-solar-electric-suncycle/30758/
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