Ricoh has launched a ruggedised camera with a detachable GPS receiver for the outdoorsy-type.

The Ricoh 500SE GPS-ready camera is no slacker on the camera-feature front, with an 8MP sensor and built-in flash, but has been designed to withstand the rigorous weather conditions that the mobile GPS photographer runs into.

Once the geo-images or video files are transferred to a PC, they automatically convert to shape files, or can be merged into geo-databases for integration into Geographic Information Systems.

The 500SE is waterproof and shock-resistant, and can record the position of an object in a scene, not just the photographer's location; it also features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

On the back is a large 2.5-inch LCD, and the zoom lens starts at 28mm, which is unusually wide for compact cameras.

Macro photography is also catered for, with a minimum focussing length of just 1cm from the subject in Macro mode.

All the buttons and dials are big enough so that you can manipulate them while wearing gloves.

The Ricoh 500SE will retail for £550, or £600 with Wi-Fi.