Ricoh Caplio R4 Review
A six megapixel digital camera with a 7.1x optical zoom sounds pretty good on its own, but the Ricoh Caplio R4 has a whole whack of other features that Pocket-lint covers in their review of the compact digital camera.
The lens is capable of providing a superb level of detail; the compromises usually associated with such long zoom lenses having been well handled by the R4’s lens designers. Supporting the lens performance further is image stabilisation, interestingly using the CCD-shift method, similar to the type employed previously by Konica Minolta and now Sony on its Alpha 100 D-SLR. The CCD moves in the opposite direction to any vibration caused by the user, countering the worst vagaries of camera shake at longer zoom focal lengths or in lower lighting conditions when slow shutter speeds make it problematic to hand hold a shot.
A large 2.5-inch colour screen is nice to use, performing well in very bright conditions thanks to its single-touch brightness adjustment that can help when direct sunlight can make it hard to compose a shot. In fact most of the camera’s controls are great to use (even menu icons can be magnified to improve viewing) with the shutter release, on/off and anti shake buttons placed on the top plate with the remainder of the controls arrayed on the back, next to the aforementioned screen.
They were really impressed with the styling of the camera, as well as its lens, white balance and colour capturing abilities. In the negatives column, they mention the lack of an optical viewfinder, odd position of flash, and excessive noise at higher ISO settings. All in all, the camera earns itself a 9 out of 10, and a “Hot Product” badge.
Ricoh Caplio 500G wide
Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president: Masamitsu Sakurai) has launched the “Caplio 500G wide”, a new water and dust-resistant digital camera.
The Caplio 500G wide, the successor to the Caplio 400G wide (launched in January 2004), starts off with the same strong set of features as its predecessor, with superior water and dust resistance, a wide-angle optical 3x zoom (equivalent to 28-85mm for a 35mm camera), and functions for linkage with Construction CALS and other business systems. It goes further, however, with new features, such as more rugged impact resistance, a flash range of 10m, and an antiblur function. It is designed for customers who will use it on construction sites, for insurance loss appraisal in disaster areas, in schools, and in other outdoor situations.
Ricoh has been the leader in water and dust-resistant digital cameras since the launch of the Ricoh RDC-100G in July 1999, and the launch of the 500G consolidates our dominance in the field.
Main Features of the Caplio 500G wide
- Superior water and dust resistance plus shock resistance, making it ideal for hard outdoor use.
- A shock resistant structure and stronger camera cone create a robust body able to withstand falls from 1m onto 26 surfaces, in compliance with US Department of Defense “MIL Standard 810F” (previous models withstood 90cm). It can cope with rough handling outdoors.
- The Caplio 500G Wide boasts the same impressive water resistance as its predecessor’s, surpassing JIS protection grade 7 performance. Besides taking pictures in the rain, it can even take pictures underwater in depths of up to 1m.
- Dust resistance satisfies JIS protection grade 6. Pictures can be taken in environments with high concentrations of dust and sand.
- The skillful placement of large buttons makes operation easy, even with gloves on.
Ricoh GR Digital Review
Pocket-lint looks at the Ricoh GR Digital, an updated version of the Ricoh GR film based camera.
The Ricoh GR Digital certainly looks the part of a GR of yore, its 25mm “thin” body with slightly bulging handgrip-come-battery-and-memory-card housing are key traits. Its fixed focal length 28mm (35mm equiv.) lens has a bright F2.4 maximum aperture and as a prime lens, it’s the key to preserving the GR reputation; it does however provide the same unparalleled sharpness and lack of distortion synonymous with the GR name.
In the end they give the camera a nine out of ten on their review scale, while users only give it a seven out of ten. The things that knock off that final point for the camera are the large screen is hampered in bright conditions and the pop up flash can accidentally be held down by misplaced fingers. Neither of those seem like serious problems to me, so this seems like a camera to check out.
Ricoh Releases Firmware update for GR Digital
New firmware for the Ricoh GR is now out, which will add a new mode where the LCD does not light up when shooting. This makes things more convenient when using an external viewfinder. Also changed is that settings adjusted by the ADJ. dial or zoom button can be set by half-pressing the shutter release button. Lastly, the direction of rotation for adjusting aperture and shutter speed with the dial can be selected.
GR Digital firmware upgrade V2.01 - Win
GR Digital firmware upgrade V2.01 - Mac
Ricoh received numerous opinions and requests from customers through the GR BLOG and through questionnaire information provided at user registration in Japan. This function-enhancing firmware release is meant to meet those requests, increasing the satisfaction of current GR DIGITAL users. It will also make the camera more appealing to those who are looking to purchase a digital camera.
Ricoh will continue to release function-enhancing firmware in the future, further improving the GR DIGITAL.
Kodak EasyShare C643 Review
DigitalCameraInfo takes a first look at the C643 from Kodak, and creates a review out of it.
The Kodak C643 is a 6 MP point-and-shoot camera with 3x optical zoom. It uses the company’s EasyShare docking system to simplify printing of snapshots, and it has a full range of competitive features such as a 30 fps movie mode, a large LCD screen and a full spectrum of shooting presets. Unlike most of the competition, it has an optical viewfinder in addition to the LCD screen.
They list the target market of this cameras as Point-and-Shooters, people who are looking for something simple to replace their old film camera and don’t want to get all confused with all the features and whatnot that the digital world of photography has brought.
While they don’t find the C643 all that exciting, they do list it as a solid and dependable camera for those just starting out.
Ricoh GR Review
Digital-Lifestyles looks at the Ricoh GR and says it is the camera for those looking for a unique digital camera experience. They also make mention that this is a camera that will not get you noticed when you take it out on the street, which is both funny, but true.
Unlike any other digital compact we can think of, the Ricoh GR Digital is an 8 megapixel digital camera that seems to be unique in selling itself on having less whiz-bang features than its competitors.
Ricoh GR Digital Camera Review (90%) Although this approach may not appeal to the point’n’shoot brigade, for enthusiasts fed up with the endless button pushing and dial spinning that comes with most compact digicams, this camera is a revelation.
Based on the legendary Ricoh GR1 35mm film camera, the GR is a no-holds barred landscape/street photographer’s dream offering a fast 28mm f2.4 lens, beautiful handling and dedicated manual controls giving full control over exposure.
In the end they give the camera a 90% rating, meaning its only 10% from perfect, though it is definetly designed for a small market, and this is one you would have to be able to try before buying.
Ricoh Caplio R4
Ricoh has announced the release of the new Caplio R4 compact digital camera featuring a 7.1x optical wide zoom, (28–200 mm in 35 mm camera format), the largest in the compact class and vibration correction function. With a smaller body, the new Caplio R4, has a 7.1x (28—200 mm) wide-angle, high-powered zoom lens, the biggest in its class. Building on the highly successful R3, the new R4 boasts 6 megapixels, longer battery life and a high resolution LCD.
The R4 will be available in both Black and Silver.
Main Features of the Caplio R4
New 6.04 million square pixel CCD
- Often used icons can be enlarged for greater visibility.
- The brightness of the LCD can be increased to maximum with a single touch and visibility can be adjusted to suit well-lighted areas.
- The CCD is effective up to 6.04 million square pixels with the Smooth Imaging Engine image processing system. Combined with the vibration correction function, representative, superior, high-definition images can be created.
- It is possible to select a 35mm aspect ratio (the horizontal to vertical ratio of the image) of 3:2.
Ricoh Caplio RR630
Ricoh is delighted to announce the release of the Caplio RR630 - a compact 6.1-megapixel digital camera that brings the joy of digital photography within reach of even first time users.
The CaplioRR630 is the latest addition to Ricoh’s popular, award-winning range of digital cameras, whose outstanding performance, value for money and stylish designs have won favour with photographers around the world. The RR630 consistently produces vivid, crystal-clear images that place it a touch above other cameras in its class. Equipped with a 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom, for a combined 12x zoom, the RR630 is ready to take on any photographic challenge.
Weighing in at just 150g*, the RR630’s sleek, compact body fits easily into the palm of your hand or your pocket. Taking great photos has never been easier - with the RR630 it really is as simple as “point and shoot”. With this smooth operator, even absolute beginners will have no trouble wowing their friends and family with stunning digital images. For those who like to take control of their photos, the RR630’s Mode dial has plenty of creative options, including a movie mode and four scene modes: Portrait, Landscape, Sports and Night. As the resolution 130,000 brightness of the large 2.0-inch LCD monitor is easily adjusted, you can view your images clearly in any light. Transferring photos to a PC is a breeze with the RR630’s USB connector. And with 16 MB of internal memory, the RR630 is ready to shoot straight out of the box. It also features an SD Card slot, enabling the use of this widely used storage medium.
If you are looking for a stylish, compact digital camera, look no further than the Caplio RR630! The world of digital photography is just a shutter-press away.
* Without battery and SD card
(more…)
Ricoh Caplio R30 Review
Getting what I assume is a seven out of ten on BIOS Magazine’s rating scale the Ricoh Caplio R30 is praised for its big zoom lens and excellent macro mode but sadly has only average image quality.
The macro function, Ricoh’s specialty, has been further strengthened. The camera has the popular macro mode, which can take a macro shot of an object from as close as just 1cm. The Zoom Macro Function automatically sets the focal distance of the lens at the optimum distance for capturing an image as large and close as possible. If AF Target Selection is used, it is even possible to focus on objects without moving the camera.
The camera currently retails for around $380 USD.
Ricoh Caplio R30
Northampton 2006. January 10th - Ricoh announced today the launch of the Caplio R30 compact digital camera featuring a 5.7x optical wide zoom (28-160 mm in 35 mm camera format) in a trim body only 26mm thick.
The new Caplio R30 is positioned as a more affordable version of the popular Caplio R3 (Released on November 11, 2005), which featured a 7.1x optical wide zoom lens.
Inheriting the Caplio R3’s unique Double Retracting Lens System, the R30 houses a 5.7x (28-160 mm) wide-angle, high-powered zoom lens in its compact, 26 mm thin body.
Ricoh has historically manufactured products based on the concept of Expandability. In addition to the wide zoom, the new camera achieves increased photographic possibilities, anywhere, by employing an enhanced macro function - Ricoh’s specialty - and anytime by extending the quick response function, a conventional weakness of digital cameras, which contributes to the concept.
Main Features of the Caplio R30:
The newly developed lens storage system, the Double Retracting Lens System, has made it possible for the R30’s slim body—a mere 26 mm thick—to hold a 5.7x wide zoom lens.
The Double Retracting Lens System, which has been newly developed from the original Retracting Lens System, allows part of the lens assembly to protrude from the camera cone during lens storage. This enables the body, a mere 26 mm thick, to hold a 28-160 mm 5.7x wide zoom lens. (Caplio R2 has a 28–135 mm 4.8x lens.)
The highly versatile Caplio R30 delivers outstanding results in practically any photographic situation, whether it’s capturing a vast landscape in one shot, wide-angle images in a room where everything is very close, or the fine details of distant objects.
The macro function, Ricoh’s specialty, has been further strengthened
The camera has the popular macro mode, which can take a macro shot of an object from as close as just 1 cm. The Zoom Macro Function automatically sets the focal distance of the lens at the optimum distance for capturing an image as large and close as possible.
If AF Target Selection is used, it is even possible to focus on objects without moving the camera.
The popular high-speed response capability enables stress-free shooting
Release time lag (the time from the instant the shutter button is fully pressed—without
engaging pre-focus—until exposure actually starts) is as fast as approximately 0.09 seconds.
Quick responses are essential in order to capture picture-perfect but near-instantaneous moments such as the expressions and movement of children or pets. Now stress-free, near-instantaneous shots are possible.
Time calculated from the instant the focus is locked (half-press) until exposure actually starts is a miraculous 0.007 seconds. Shooting interval and start time are both rapid, approx. 0.5 seconds and power up in approximately 1.1 seconds, respectively (measured while the flash is off).
The long-life rechargeable battery and charger included as a standard accessory lets you shoot approximately 330 pictures on one single charge. Thanks to the power-saving features of the internal circuit, it is possible to capture up to 330 separate images under CIPA standards using the DB60 & BJ6 long-life rechargeable battery and charger even while using the large 2.5 inch high-quality LCD display.
5.13 megapixel CCD coupled with an original image-processing engine for high-definition pictures
The CCD with 5.13 effective megapixels combined with Ricoh’s Smooth Imaging Engine enables for high-speed processing and noise reduction resulting in clear images with true colour and high-definition.
It is possible to select a 35mm aspect ratio (the horizontal to vertical ratio of the image) of 3:2.This is the same as photo prints so there is no need to crop and lose part of the original image.
The new diagonal correction function
Through an original algorithm, which automatically detects trapezoids in images and corrects them to rectangles. The camera is most effective in business environments where blackboards, overhead projector, time schedules, signboards, etc. cannot be shot from the front.
Sporting such features as the 2.5-inch large-scale LCD, the camera achieves high operational performance
- The Caplio R30 has an easy-to-see 2.5-inch large-scale LCD monitor.
- During playback, 12 pictures can be displayed simultaneously on the large screen. While checking previous and subsequent pictures, the screen can be separated into three parts to allow fast forwarding and rewinding.
- The brightness of the LCD can be increased to maximum with a single touch and visibility can be adjusted to suit well-lighted areas.
Optional Accessories List:
- Rechargeable Battery DB-60
- Battery Charger BJ-6
- AC Adapter AC-4c
- PC Card Adapter FM-SD53
- Soft Camera Case SC-60
- Cable Switch CA-1
Price and Availability:
The Caplio R30 will be available from January. RRP £219.99 inc
Categories
- BenQ
- Canon
- Casio
- Epson
- Feature
- Fujifilm
- HP
- Kodak
- Konica Minolta
- News
- Nikon
- Olympus
- Other Cameras
- Panasonic
- Pentax
- Review
- Ricoh
- Samsung
- Sanyo
- Sony
- Tips
Recent Posts
- Kodak EasyShare C743
- HP Photosmart M437
- NIKON Coolpix S200 silver
- Canon Digital Ixus 70
- SONY Cyber-shot DSC-W35
Related Blogs
E-mail Subscription
