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Ricoh RDC-7 A 3 megapixel "Image Capturing Device" for mobile professionals with some unusual capabilities! Select a topic 13. Reference: Datasheet 14. RDC-7 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 8/2/2000

Video Out
The RDC-7 is equipped for both NTSC and PAL video formats, adjustable through the Video Out option in the Setup menu. US and Japanese models are shipped with an NTSC cable and European models with the appropriate PAL cable. Once the camera is connected to a television set, you can review captured images and play back movie and sound files. You can also record files to video tape by connecting a VCR.


Power
The RDC-7 utilizes a rechargeable Ricoh DB-20 lithium-ion battery pack for power, and includes one battery pack and a charger in its packaging. An AC adapter also accompanies the camera, and is highly recommended when performing time consuming tasks like downloading images, reviewing captured files or shooting in the Interval photography mode. Ricoh estimates that a fully charged battery should provide about 50 minutes of recording or playback time. One thing we noticed is that the camera doesn't report the amount of battery consumption until the battery gets quite low, at which point you begin to receive battery warnings. We recommend picking up a spare and keeping it fully charged, especially on long trips, since you never really know exactly how much battery time you have left.

To save power, the camera features an auto shutoff option. Through the Setup menu, you can determine the period of time before the camera automatically shuts down. There's also a Power Save option, which decreases the brightness of the LCD. Of course, one of the best ways to conserve battery power is to shoot without using the LCD monitor, relying on the optical viewfinder. This is especially convenient on the RDC-7, as it features a small status display panel on top of the camera that reports the majority of the camera's settings, including the estimated number of available images.

The table below shows the amount of power consumption for various camera operating modes.

Operating Mode	Power Drain
Capture Mode, w/LCD	840 mA
Capture Mode, no LCD	270 mA
Half-pressed shutter w/LCD	840 mA
Half-pressed w/o LCD	450 mA
Memory Write (transient)	870 mA
Flash Recharge (transient)	780 mA
Image Playback	580 mA

Note that the power consumption numbers we've reported above were measured at the external power jack, at a supply voltage of 5.0 volts: Since the battery voltage is only 3.7 volts the actual current drain would be a fair bit higher. As noted, Ricoh rates the RDC-7's battery as providing approximately 50 minutes of run time in either record or playback modes. Based on our tests, we'd say this was about right, perhaps a bit conservative in playback mode, and a bit optimistic in record mode. The RDC-7 is one of several cameras we've tested lately that use this new, small LiIon rechargeable battery. While the smaller battery really helps make the cameras more compact, they just don't pack as much juice as the traditional set of 4 NiMH AA-cell rechargeables. We'd therefore strongly recommend buying a second battery along with your RDC-7: It'll be well worth the added cost when you're out on any sort of extended shooting expedition.

Ricoh ships the RDC-7 with a very nice little quick-charger that also serves as the AC adapter for the camera. This unit recharges the batteries to 90% of full capacity in about 60 minutes, and will top them off after an additional 40 minutes. (A pretty fast charge time overall.) Oddly though, the battery won't recharge in the camera itself: You have to remove it and put it into the charger to get it recharged. Not a problem, just something different than what we're used to seeing. The 1-hour recharge time in the external charger is a definite plus though, since most in-camera charging takes at least several hours in our experience.


Included Software
Two software CDs are packaged with the RDC-7, one for Windows 95 or better and one for Macintosh OS 8.1 to 9, each with a wealth of software. Both CDs contain an entire suite of ArcSoft software packages, including PhotoStudio, PhotoBase, PanoramaMaker, PhotoFantasy, VideoImpression, PhotoPrinter and PhotoMontage. There's also a copy of QuickTime and various drivers and camera utilities. (QuickTime is a software package from Apple Computer that's become an industry standard for displaying video on both Mac and Windows computers. It's required to be able to view the movie files the RDC-7 produces on your computer.) Both a USB and a PC serial cable come with the camera as well. The PhotoBase software organizes your images into "catalogs" and allows you to create entire libraries of images. PhotoStudio gives you a world of creative options and editing tools for enhancing and correcting your images. PanoramaMaker allows you to stitch together several individual images into one large panoramic shot. (Since the RDC-7 doesn't have a panorama utility, you'll have to be precise in lining up shots. You'll also need to watch for variations in exposure or color balance as you pan around to collect the images that will make up your panorama: A good trick to be aware of is to always start at the same position with a half-press of the shutter button, then rotate the tripod head to the position needed for the next frame in the sequence before fully pressing it. This will "lock" the exposure and white balance at the same values for every image in the series: A little tedious, but workable.) PhotoFantasy lets you get even more creative, with a variety of fun and unique templates for greeting cards, calendars, etc., and the ability to graphically enhance your images with drawing tools. VideoImpression provides some minor video editing capabilities, allowing you to add music or text to your movies. PhotoPrinter sets up your images for printing, and the PhotoMontage software gives you the ability to create one large mosaic image out of hundreds of smaller ones. We're really impressed with the amount of software that comes with the RDC-7, as it enables you to be even more creative with your imaging (not to mention getting more bang for your buck). With the ArcSoft packages comes a connection to PhotoIsland.com, which keeps you updated on all of ArcSoft's latest promotions and provides the ability to share photos with friends and family members online.