Ricoh: Two new Caplio digicams By
Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource (Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 22:10 EST)Ricoh has announced two new digicam models for European and Asian markets, in the form of the Caplio R8 and R50 digital cameras.
The Ricoh Caplio R8 is an update to the existing Caplio R7 model, with the most notable change being the use of a 1/2.3" CCD image sensor with ten megapixel resolution in place of the smaller and lower-res 1/2.5" 8.2 megapixel CCD used in the previous camera. The larger sensor area dictates a slight change to the lens as well, with a more telephoto 4.95 to 35.4mm range, although the 35mm-equivalent range, apertures and focusing distances are unaffected. The LCD display also gets a doubling in resolution to 460,000 dots total.
All of these changes have resulted in the Ricoh Caplio R8 gaining in size and heft, with a few extra millimeters in all dimensions and an almost 25% increase to a body-only weight of 168 grams. The CIPA-rated battery life has also fallen from 300 to 270 shots.
The Ricoh Caplio R8 digital camera ships this March in Asian and European markets, with United Kingdom pricing set at £250 inclusive of value-added tax (approximately equivalent to US$410 before taxes and duties, and ignoring exchange rate fluctuations).
Announced alongside the R8 is the new Ricoh Caplio R50, a ten megapixel compact camera with 5x optical zoom lens. The Ricoh R50 combines these with a 2.5" LCD display, USB 2.0 High-Speed connectivity, SD / SDHC storage plus 52MB internal memory, and power from a Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. As with the R8, availability for Ricoh's Caplio R50 is set for this March in European and Asian markets. Befitting its lower specification, the R50 is priced at a rather more affordable £150 includes of VAT (approx. equivalent to US$250).
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels) 3648 x 2432 (8.9 megapixels) 3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels) 2736 x 2736 (7.5 megapixels) 2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels) 2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels) 1280 x 960 (1.2 megapixels) 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels) 3648 x 2056 (7.5 megapixels) 2816 x 2112 (5.9 megapixels) 2288 x 1712 (3.9 megapixels) 1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels) 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Modes: Auto, Forced, Off, Red-eye reduction Range: Wide: 40cm to 2.9m; Tele: 60cm to 1.8m
Creative
Scene Modes
Auto, Sports, Portrait, Landscape, Night view portrait, Fireworks, Lamp, Still image with audio, Best shot, Face chaser, Cosmetic, Monochrome, Sepia, Contrast, Vivid
FAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format
JPEG (EXIF v2.21)
Connectivity
Video
Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer
USB 2.0 High Speed
Power
Battery Type
Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor
1 x proprietary DB-80
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger
1 x DB-80 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory
52.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant
Yes
Internal Microphone
Yes
Internal Speaker
Yes
Remote Control
No
More Photos
Original Source Press Release:
Ricoh strengthens its line-up of 10 megapixel CCD compact digital cameras
Release of the high-end oriented R8 and, the R50 with an emphasis on portability
Tokyo, Japan - February 19, 2008 - Ricoh Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Shiro Kondo) has announced the release, on March 7, of two new compact digital cameras featuring a high-resolution 10 megapixel CCD: (1) The high-end R8 which is equipped with enhanced functions such as a 7.1x optical wide-angle zoom lens (28mm-200mm*), and (2) the compact R50 which features a 5x optical zoom lens (36mm-180mm*).
For detailed information, see the press release corresponding to each camera.
The basic concept of Ricoh cameras is to "expand the range of photo shooting". A digital compact camera that enables the user to immerse themselves beyond the limits of time and space to capture that decisive moment. Photography that focuses on spontaneity and supports candid photography culture. With the release of these new products, Ricoh has broadened its line-up of 10 megapixel CCD compact digital cameras and, furthermore, hopes that a wide range of users can enjoy photography in their own way.
Beginning with these new models, Ricoh will no longer use the "Caplio" product family name that has been utilized up to now. New product names will consist only of the model letter and number combination. This is being done because it is seen as a better fit for our development and product concept of creating "practical tools." Under the Ricoh brand, we will continue working to enhance the capabilities of each series: GR DIGITAL, GX, and R.
