Ricoh GX200
(Credit: Ricoh Co.)Ricoh continues inching its way back into the U.S. market, this time with an update to its Caplio GX100 point-and-shoot camera, the GX200. The real distinguishing characteristic of the GX models is the 24-72mm-equivalent 3x zoom lens; 24mm is a fairly wide-angle view for a snapshot model.
The GX200 isn't a huge upgrade over the GX100; basically, it's got a higher-resolution 12-megapixel sensor compared with the GX100's 10-megapixel CCD, and it sports a slightly larger, higher-resolution 2.7-inch LCD, versus 2.5 inches for the GX100. Ricoh claims its updated image-processing engine, Smooth Imaging Engine III, provides "dramatic" noise reduction. That's essential for the higher-resolution sensor.
Optional EVF
(Credit: Ricoh Co.)Ricoh didn't include pricing or shipping information in its press information, but Adorama camera (one of the few U.S. retailers to carry Ricoh models) is taking preorders, and at least on its site the GX200 is slated to ship in July for $599. Interestingly, Ricoh will also be offering a kit version of the GX200 with a removable tilting electronic viewfinder; that runs an extra $150 at Adorama. Both seem fairly pricey, though. If you're curious, PhotographyBlog has image samples from the camera.
(Credit:
Crave UK)
Ricoh may not be the best-known name in the camera business, and you won't find the Caplio R7 in Argos. But we've been excited about the R7 since first hearing about it, and now we've got our hands on one we think it may be worth you tracking down. We also decided to put on our investigative journalism hat (the one we wear when browsing Wikipedia--it has "PRESS" written on it) and find out more about the Japanese company.
Ricoh was founded in 1936. It's now best known for making photocopiers. Fact!
The R7 is a 8.15-megapixel compact, with CCD-shift image stabilization in a slim metal body. What's really amazing about the compact size of the camera is there's a 7.1x optical zoom lens in there. As a result, when you switch it on and off you get a satisfying robot noise as the double retracting lens spins up and extends little further than the average 3x zoom lens on other compacts.
Ricoh has lent its name, and cash, to the 9,500-seat Ricoh Coliseum indoor arena in Toronto, Canada, and the Ricoh Black Rams, a Japanese rugby union team. Honest!
Even better, the R7's lens is equivalent to 28-200mm on a 35mm film camera. That's rather good, as it means you can fit more in than the typical 35mm. Macro mode also lets you get as close as 1cm, and you get face detection too.
The Ricoh Arena, home to Coventry City FC, is a 32,609-seater football stadium, and also includes a bar named after Canadian rocker (and talented photographer) Bryan Adams. Crazy but true!
Unusually, some of the R7's functions are controlled by a mini-joystick as well as the standard clickpad. This makes altering settings such as exposure compensation or white balance much more intuitive. Once pictures have been taken, you can also adjust brightness and color-tone in-camera and save the results.
The R7 comes in black, silver or orange flavors, and will set you back around 230 pounds (about $464). And we rather like it. Fact!
(Source: Crave UK)
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