Ricoh’s function-enhancing firmware updates are developed in response to opinions and requests received from a large number of customers via surveys submitted at registration time and through other channels. These updates enable customers who already own GXR and GR DIGITAL III to update their firmware to include the latest functions, thus making it possible for them to enhance the performance and usability of their cameras by adding new function and setting possibilities.

With the GXR system, the lens, image sensor, and image processing engine are all mounted within the camera unit instead of the body, creating a groundbreaking interchangeable unit system the utilizes a slide mechanism for attachment and removal.

The GR DIGITAL III is the successor to the GR DIGITAL II, which was originally released in November 2007, and features an open F1.9 large aperture lens, and achieves superb picture quality in a compact body.

The function-enhancing firmware and instructions for using these functions can be downloaded free of charge from the Ricoh website.

1. GXR Third Function-enhancing Firmware

Enhanced Functions for All Camera Units

(1) Addition of the “Scene Mode” for photographic expression with a difference

The addition of the new “Scene Mode” provides 5 types of mode to expand your photographic expression. Choose from “Soft Focus”, “Cross Process”, “Toy Camera”, “Miniaturize”, and “High Contrast Monochrome”. Simply press the shutter release to take a truly unique shot.

(2) Addition of “Target Follow Function” to AE/AF target movement function

The “Target follow function” is added to the target movement function that locks the exposure or focus on a specific part of the photographic subject. When the camera follows the subject, this function automatically continues to adjust to the target position, so that the subject is in focus at precisely the moment you want to shoot.

(3) “Reset/Cancel” function added for AE/AF target move

By pressing the cancel button during AE/AF target move, the image monitor returns to the central position. When the cancel button is pressed again, the target move mode is cancelled.

(4) “Magnified playback function” added that magnifies the center of the target moved position

When magnifying the playback screen, the center of the position moved to as the AE/AF target can be the center of the magnification

Enhanced function only for the GR LENS A12 28mm/GR LENS A12 50mm camera unit

(5) Exposure correction and white balance can be assigned to the zoom button.

In the key custom settings, exposure correction or white balance functions can be assigned to the zoom button.

2. GR DIGITAL Ⅲ　Fourth Function-enhancing Firmware

(1) Addition of Target Follow AF Function

By half-pressing the shutter button and following the set subject, this function continues to adjust to the subject position so that the subject is in focus at precisely the moment you want to shoot.

(2) Addition of “AF/Target Follow AF” switching function to the Fn. button

“AF/Target Follow AF” is added as one of the functions that can be registered to the Fn (function) 1 or Fn2 button. If the focus method is set to “multi AF”, “spot AF”, or “Target follow AF”, the focus method can be switched between “multi AF” and “Target follow AF”, or between “Spot AF” and “Target follow AF”.

(3) Addition of setting change function to ADJ. lever for scene mode

When shooting in a scene mode such as “dynamic range double shot”, “cross process”, or “high contrast monochrome”, the new function enables the ADJ. lever to be used to change settings such as ISO sensitivity and image quality.

(4) Addition of a selection function to the white balance manual setting capture area

When setting the white balance manually, the capture area used as the standard for white balance can be selected from “Entire frame” or “Spot”.

(5) Electronic level display for self-timer

When using the self-timer, the electronic level continues to be displayed after the self-timer is started.

Exhibited at photokina 2010

Tokyo, Japan, September 21, 2010—Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) today announced the development and release of GR LENS A12 28 mm F2.5, the fourth camera unit in the GXR interchangeable unit system. This product is being announced and exhibited at the photokina 2010 exhibition held in Cologne, Germany, beginning September 21, 2010.

Introduced in December 2009, the GXR is a revolutionary new interchangeable unit camera system in which lenses can be changed by mounting camera units that integrate lens, image sensor, and image processing engine into a single unit. In addition, to fully utilize this system’s unique ability to accommodate interchangeable units other than camera units, Ricoh is also investigating possibilities for development of a variety of other devices.

The new GR LENS A12 28 mm F2.5 brings together a newly developed 28 mm wide-angle fixed focal length GR Lens, an APS-C size CMOS sensor, and the proven GR Engine III image processing engine to create a unit with high flexibility, high image quality, high-speed shooting ability, and high power of expression.

The GR LENS A12 28 mm F2.5 will be available from mid to end November 2010.

For more information: www.ricohgxr.co.uk

August 19, 2010 – TOKYO, Japan – Ricoh Co., Ltd. (helmed by president and CEO Shiro Kondo) today announced the release of the new CX4 compact digital camera. This new design offers high-power (10.7x), wide-angle 28-300 mm optical zoom and improved image-sensor-shift image stabilization in a workman-like yet stylish package.

The new CX4′s evolved image-sensor-shift image stabilization reduces blur on average by the equivalent of about 3.7 EV – 3.7 shutter-speed stops – for improved performance under dim indoor lighting and at high zoom ratios.

The camera also offers a new “subject-tracking AF” autofocus system that automatically tracks your subject, ensuring that photographs are in focus and correctly exposed whenever you choose to release the shutter. You’ll find this feature indispensable for moving subjects and close-ups.

In addition, Ricoh has further developed features designed to enhance the photographic experience, including a “night landscape multi-shot mode” that combines four exposures into a single photograph for reduced image noise, and a “creative shooting mode” that brings out the artist in everyone with soft focus, cross process, and toy camera effects. With portability enhanced by a newly-designed body featuring molded curves that make it easier to slip the camera into your pocket, the CX4 compact digital camera represents another advance in Ricoh’s philosophy of designing “A tool you will want to use every day.”

Principal Features of the New CX4 Compact Digital Camera

1. High sensitivity, low noise photography using improved blur reduction and high-performance noise reduction for clear, high-quality results at high zoom ratios and under low light

• The CX4 offers completely reworked image-sensor-shift image stabilization, which reduces blur caused by camera movement—a phenomenon that is particularly likely to occur in close ups, at high zoom ratios, and in other similar situations. The effect is equivalent to increasing shutter speed by an average of about 3.7 stops.
• The camera’s noise reduction algorithm processes the image signal as it is output from the CMOS image sensor, reducing noise without affecting resolution, tone, or color. Setting noise reduction to “MAX” enables variance-estimation noise reduction that analyzes the distribution of noise in the data captured by the image sensor and optimizes processing for individual areas of the image.
• The back-illuminated, 10-megapixel CMOS image sensor offers improved low-light performance.

2. A portable, easy-to-use design featuring 10.7× optical zoom (28–300 mm)

• Ricoh’s unique retracting lens system allows a wide-angle, high-power (10.7×) zoom lens to be incorporated into a compact camera body only 29.4 mm thick.
• With picture angles that range from 28 mm (wide angle) to 300 mm (telephoto), this high-power zoom lens is adapted to almost any situation. Choose wide angles for landscapes or cramped interiors that limit the distance between camera and subject, or zoom in for compelling telephoto shots.

3. An autofocus system that automatically tracks the subject (subject-tracking AF)

• Subject-tracking AF automatically tracks the subject selected when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, ensuring that photographs are in focus and correctly exposed whenever you choose to release the shutter. This feature is ideal for shots of active children and pets, as well as for photographs of flowers and other subjects that demand careful composition.

4. A “creative shooting mode” that offers a choice of six artistic effects

• Choose “soft focus mode” for an effect similar to that produced by soft-focus lenses. The strength of the effect can be selected from “weak” and “strong.”
• Select “cross-process mode” for colors that differ markedly from those in normal photographs. Choose a color scheme from “basic,” “magenta,” and “yellow.”
• “Toy camera mode” replicates the sharp contrast and saturated colours associated with toy cameras, together with their characteristic distortion and vignetting.
• The CX4 also offers the “dynamic range double shot,” “miniaturize,” and “high-contrast B&W” modes made popular by the CX3.

5. High-quality results over a wide tone range

• An output pixel interpolation algorithm with dedicated Smooth Imaging Engine IV logic circuits reduces loss of detail in highlights to faithfully recreate beautiful high-contrast scenes exactly as they appear to the naked eye.
• Multi-pattern auto white balance produces colors close to those seen by the human eye in portraits shot in a mixture of sunlight and shade or with both the flash and natural light. High-contrast scenes like these often prove challenging for other, less advanced white-balance algorithms.

6. Eleven scene modes that make it easy to adjust settings to suit your subject

• The CX4 features a new “night landscape multi-shot” mode that creates clear, beautiful photos of night scenes by automatically and precisely combining a series of exposures shot at high sensitivities to reduce the blur and noise normally associated with pictures taken under low light, allowing photographers to taste the joys of hand-held, tripod-free night photography.
• The eleven scene modes that were so well-received by users of the CX3—including “pets mode” for portraits of your favorite pet cat—are also included in the CX4.

7. A 920,000-dot, 3.0-inch high-definition VGA monitor

• The large, high-resolution LCD monitor boasts high contrast and a wide viewing angle. A fluorine coating keeps the monitor free of stains, while a hard coating and anti-reflection coating prevent scratches and ensure that the display in the monitor is clearly visible even outdoors in bright sunlight.
• Wide-gamut color reproduction (100% of sRGB) ensures that colors are displayed vividly and with high fidelity.

8. Many other features that reflect Ricoh’s design philosophy: “A tool you will want to use every day”

• The CX4 offers high burst rates of about 5 frames per second (fps) during continuous shooting.
• Macro mode can be used to take photos at distances as close as 1 cm when the camera is zoomed out to a focal length equivalent to 31 mm in 35 mm format, or at distances as close as 28 cm when the camera is zoomed all the way in.
• “Scene auto mode” offers the ultimate in “point-and-shoot” photography: just point the CX4 at your subject and let the camera optimize settings for best results.
• The camera can record HD movies with a frame size of 1,280 × 720 pixels.

CX4 Options

Rechargeable battery: DB-100
Battery charger: BJ-10
Soft case (black): SC-90BK
Soft case (brown): SC-90BN
Neck strap: ST-2
Cable switch: CA-1

* All focal lengths in this news release have been converted to 35 mm format.

* All instances of “MP files” refer to “Extended MP files” in a format that conforms to the CIPA “multi-picture format” standard (extension “.MPO”). The CX4 can extract selected frames from MP files and save them in JPEG format.

CX4 Principal Specifications

No. of Effective Pixels (Camera):

Approximately 10.00 million pixels

Image Sensor:

1/2.3-inch CMOS (total pixels: approx. 10.60 million pixels)

Lens:

Focal length: f=4.9–52.5 mm

(Equivalent to 28–300 mm for 35 mm film cameras. With Step Zoom set, focal lengths can be fixed at eight steps: 28 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 85 mm, 105 mm, 135 mm, 200 mm, and 300 mm)

F-aperture: F3.5 (Wide)–F5.6 (Telephoto)

Shooting Distance: Normal shooting: Approx. 30 cm–infinity (Wide), approx. 1.5 m–infinity (Telephoto) (from the front of the lens)

Macro: Approx. 1 cm–infinity (Wide), approx. 28 cm–infinity (Telephoto), approx. 1 cm–infinity (Zoom Macro) (from the front of the lens)

Lens Construction: 10 elements in 7 groups (aspheric lens: 4 elements and 5 surfaces)

Zoom Magnification:

Optical: 10.7x zoom (equivalent to 28-300 mm focal length for 35 mm cameras)

Digital: 4.8x up to 51.4x (equivalent to 1440 mm) when used with optical zoom

Auto Resize: 5.7x*1 up to 61.0x*1 (equivalent to 1710 mm) when used with optical zoom

Focus Modes:

Multi AF / Spot AF / Face-priority Multi AF (Contrast AF method with AF Auxiliary Light), Subject-tracking AF / Multi-target AF (Contrast AF method), MF / Snap / ∞(fixed focus)

Motion Blur Reduction:

Image sensor shift method image stabilizer

Shutter Speed: *2

Still image: 8, 4, 2, 1–1/2000 sec. / Movie: 1/30–1/2000 sec.

Continuous Shooting:

Continuous shooting speed: *3 approx. 5 frames/sec. (10M 4:3F shooting time; shooting speed after 12 pictures is approx. 3 frames/sec.)

Continuous shooting capacity: 999 pictures

Exposure Control:

Exposure Metering Mode: Multi Light Metering (256 segments) / Center-weighted Light Metering / Spot Metering

Exposure Mode: Program AE

Exposure Compensation: Manual Exposure Compensation +/−2.0EV (1/3EV Steps), Auto Bracket Function (−0.5EV, ±0, +0.5EV)

ISO Sensitivity (Standard Output Sensitivity):

AUTO, ISO100 / ISO200 / ISO400 / ISO800 / ISO1600 / ISO3200

White Balance Mode:

Auto / Multi-pattern Auto / Outdoors / Cloudy / Incandescent 1 / Incandescent 2 / Fluorescent / Manual, White balance bracket function

Flash:

Flash Mode: Auto flash (fires automatically in low-light conditions and when the subject is backlit) / Anti Red-eye / Flash On / Flash Synchro. / Flash Off

Built-in flash range: Approx. 20 cm–4.0 m (Wide), approx. 28 cm–3.0 m (Telephoto) (auto ISO with a maximum of ISO 1600, measured from the front of the lens)

Flash compensation: +/−2.0EV (1/3EV Steps)

Monitor:

3.0-inch Transparent LCD (approx. 920,000 dots)

Shooting Mode:

Auto shooting mode / Movie mode / Scene auto mode / Scene mode (Portrait / Discreet Mode / Night. Port. / Night Landscape Multi-shot / Sports / Landscape / Zoom Macro / Pets / Skew Correct Mode / High Sens / Text Mode) / My settings mode / Continuous mode / Creative Shooting Mode (Dynamic Range / Miniaturize / High Contrast B&W / Soft Focus / Cross Process / Toy Camera)

Picture Quality Mode: *4

F(Fine) / N(Normal)

No. of Pixels Recorded:

Still image/multi-picture: 3648×2736, 3648×2432, 2736×2736, 3648×2048, 2592×1944, 2048×1536, 1728×1296 (multi-picture only), 1280×960, 640×480

Movie: 1280 x 720, 640 x 480, 320 x 240

Text: 3648 x 2736, 2048 x 1536

Recording Media:

SD memory card, SDHC memory card (up to 32 GB), Internal memory (approx. 86 MB)

Storage Capacity (Pictures/Time): *5 (internal memory approx. 86 MB):

Still image/multi-picture: 3648×2736 (F: 22, N: 37), 3648×2432 (F: 24), 2736×2736 (F: 29),

3648×2048 (F: 29), 2592×1944 (F: 34), 2048×1536 (F: 53), 1728×1296 (N: 127) (M-Cont Plus), 1280×960 (F: 96), 640×480 (F: 394), 640×480 (N: 691)(Speed Cont)

Movie:*6 1280×720 (16 sec.), 640×480 (49 sec.), 320×240 (1 min. 59sec.)

Recording File Format:

Still Image: JPEG (Exif ver. 2.21) *7

Multi-picture: CIPA DC-007-2009 Multi-Picture Format

Movie: AVI (Open DML Motion JPEG Format compliant)

Compression method: JPEG Baseline method compliant

Other Major Shooting Functions:

Continuous, Self-Timer (operation time: approx. 10 sec. / approx. 2 sec. / custom self-timer), Interval Timer (Shooting interval: 5 sec.–1 hour, 5 sec. steps), Color Bracket function, Focus Bracket function, AE/AF Target Shift, Histogram, Grid Guide, Electronic Level

Other Major Playback Functions:

Grid View, Enlarged Display (maximum 16×), Resize, Level Compensation, White Balance Compensation, Trim, Flag, Slideshow, DPOF Setting

Interface:

USB 2.0 (High-Speed USB) Mini-B, Mass storage compatible*8 / AV Out 1.0Vp-p (75Ω)

Video Signal Format:

NTSC, PAL switchable

Power Supply:

Rechargeable Battery: DB-100×1

Battery Consumption: *9

Based on CIPA Standard: Using the DB-100, approx. 330 pictures (when LCD Dim is on) *10

External Dimensions (W × H × D):

101.5 mm × 58.6 mm × 29.4 (24.4 mm at thinnest part) (according to CIPA guidelines)

Weight:

Approx. 205 g (including the supplied battery and SD memory card)

Approx. 184 g (body only)

Operating Temperature Range:

0ºC–40ºC

*1. VGA image size

*2. Shutter speed upper and lower limits vary depending on Shooting Mode and Flash Mode.

*3. Values measured under Ricoh measurement conditions using a Panasonic PRO HIGH SPEED 8GB SDHC memory card. The continuous shooting speed and number of pictures will vary depending on the shooting conditions, the type of recording media used, the condition of the recording media, etc.

*4. The picture quality modes which can be set vary depending on the image size.

*5. All figures are approximate.

*6. Individual movies can be up to 4 GB in size. Approximate maximum length is 12 minutes for movies with a frame size of 1280×720 and 29 minutes for movies with a frame size of 640×480 or 320×240.

*7. Compatible with DCF and DPOF. DCF is the abbreviation of the JEITA standard “Design rule for Camera File system.” (Full compatibility with other devices is not guaranteed.)

*8. Mass storage driver is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OSX 10.1.2–10.6.3

*9. Shooting capacity was measured using CIPA-standard parameters. This is only an estimate, and performance may vary according to usage conditions.

*10. When LCD Auto Dim is off: approx. 310 pictures

The GXR is a revolutionary new interchangeable unit camera system in which lenses can be changed by mounting camera units that integrate lens, image sensor, and image processing engine into a single unit. In addition, to fully utilize this system’s unique ability to accommodate interchangeable units other than camera units, Ricoh is also investigating possibilities for development of a variety of other devices.

This announcement concerns the introduction of the following two new camera units, as an addition to the two camera units introduced at the same time as the GXR body.

1. Camera unit RICOH LENS P10 28-300 mm F3.5-5.6 VC* (name tentative)

• With an original Ricoh noise reduction function and a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, this camera unit expands the photographer’s range of expression by making it possible to shoot high-quality images in scenes ranging from low light to bright light.
• Featuring a high-magnification 10.7x (28-300 mm) optical wide-angle zoom, this unit has 120 frame/second high-speed continuous shooting ability plus a wide range of other functional capabilities such as RAW image recording, image settings adjustable to nine levels, multi-target AF, and much more.
• Start of sales planned for the summer of 2010.

*The “VC” designation indicates that this unit has the vibration correction function developed independently by Ricoh.

2. Camera unit GR LENS A12 28 mm F2.5 (name tentative)

• Featuring a newly developed 28 mm fixed-focal-length GR LENS, this camera unit achieves high resolution and high imaging power.
• A 23.6 mm x 15.7 mm (APS-C size) CMOS sensor is used. The combination of this sensor with the GR ENGINE III image processing engine enables the camera unit to shoot high-quality images with smooth tone gradations as well as high definition and low noise.
• There is a manual focus ring that can be used for precise focus adjustments.
• Start of sales planned for the winter of 2010.

We plan to have RICOH LENS P10 28-300 mm F3.5-5.6 VC camera units on display at the CP(　+) CAMERA & PHOTO IMAGING SHOW to be held at PACIFICO Yokohama from March 11 (Thu.) to March 14 (Sun.).

*The names, specifications, and release timing of the above products are subject to change.

*All of the lens focal lengths in this release are converted to the equivalent values for a 35 mm film camera.

The GXR is a fascinating concept which reminds me a little of my medium format film days (in that the shutter was contained in the lens, rather than in the camera body).

It’s exciting that I’m struggling to pre-judge this camera as I can’t quite place it in a neat little box; it’s not a DSLR, but it’s not really a compact either.

In amongst the various files I have been sent there is all sorts of information about developments of the system and some news about the next lens units expected. These will be published on TDM soon, once I have decided the best way to work this review.

This camera is making me think; I like that!

If anyone has any experience of this system and would care to share, or if anyone has anything specific they would like to know, please get in touch.

So when I was offered the Ricoh GR Digital III to review, I confess I wasn’t particularly bothered. I mean, Ricoh only makes cheap photocopiers, right? (Oops!)

Still, at the time the camera was being offered, we had been running this post about whether there is such a thing as a “professional” compact and it had gained a bit of interest, so I thought “well, why not?”. A few days pass and I’m unpacking the review model, along with a wide angle attachment (which confused me at first, but I’ll come back to that).

First Impressions

I have to admit to being a little surprised. The first thing you notice is that it has some weight to it; not uncomfortable heavy, more substantial and well made kind of heavy. The camera body has that same SLR look and feel to it. So, now I’m interested.

Second surprise was when I switched it on and it was all fired up and ready to go before I even had time to say “SD Card?” or even think it, for that matter! The viewing screen is big, bright, clear and sharp. Incidentally, the screen has this “digital spirit level” which is something I haven’t seen before. It’s a pretty simple thing which just shows you whether you are holding the camera level or on a slant, but it proved very useful.

Third surprise (if you are picking up on the “full of surprises” theme, then great – that’s the point!) – I pressed the shutter release and captured an image. No, I think you might be missing the point – I pressed the shutter release and captured an image in one indistinguishable moment; not the usual two part affair, separated by that hideous, uncomfortable, annoying pause that I have come to expect from a compact.

Now there is kind of a fourth surprise, which was a little less positive (at first) than the previous surprises. The GR Digital III has a fixed length lens (6mm = 28mm equivalent) – that’s right, there is no zoom! Of course, this does mean there is little or no compromise in the quality of the lens, plus it helps keep the camera beautifully slim.

In Use – The Practicalities

Right, so we have a well made camera, it’s a good size for carrying around, it starts up rapidly, has lovely and accurate viewing screen and it takes pictures when you press the button instead of a week-next-Tuesday-fortnight!

But what about the lack of zoom? Surely that’s a problem?! You know what, for some people it might be. For me (and I find I am not alone in this), it brought me a freedom that I was not expecting. Once you get used to not being able to zoom in and out, you start to feel free. Instead of that almost constant flicking switches and waiting for the lens to respond and re-focus, you frame the shot by moving until you like what you see. In the old days (here we go again…) I would not have dreamt of putting a zoom lens on my Mamiya RB67; why reduce the quality of the light by removing a prime lens and replacing it with an inferior zoom! Need to frame a little tighter? Then get a little closer!

Okay, so it’s not always going to work like that. A wide angle lens close enough to someone’s face to fill the frame is not going to be flattering. It’s probably going to be interesting, mind you, but unlikely to be flattering. In most (almost all) cases during the three months I was carrying the Ricoh around with me, the lack of zoom was never once lamented.

The controls are all fairly obvious and self-explanatory and quite basic (which is a good thing – no fussing). If there was one gripe, it would be the silly little button you need to hold down to turn the mode dial on the top plate, which was fiddly.

Streetwise

I got into a bit of a conversation with a street photographer who was, for want of a better expression, a “GRD III evangelist”. His opening line was “Have you tried it with full-press snap yet? Combine that with pre-AF and it will blow you away, man!” (okay, I added the “man!” bit on the end for effect, but it doesn’t sound right without it). I told him “not yet” and went straight into the menu options to see if I could find out what the heck he was talking about.

Essentially, pre-AF is a constantly adjusting focus function, so when you release the shutter there is practically no lag as the camera does not have to scrabble about trying to find focus. Full-press snap is a simple idea, but quite effective once you work out the best setting for your use. You set the focussing distance that you want the camera to use (1.0m for instance) if you press the shutter release fully in one quick motion (so you don’t do a half-press to find focus). My street shooter buddy told me once you got the right settings for your technique, it was possible to grab instant shots with little effort – and he was right, although in my case it was a family gathering rather than a bustling street, which I’m sure made it a little easier.

What About the Actual Photos?

The GRD III takes excellent photos. It shoots RAW, which is important (to me, at least). I got sharp, focussed, well exposed, clean shots repeatedly. Good colour, good contrast. The wide angle adaptor also produced excellent results, although I would not be keen to carry the adaptor round with me unless I had a specific need. Personally, the standard lens is about as wide angle as I want to go (of course, that might just be me).

Conclusion – Is It Any Good?

I have a new found respect for Ricoh. The GR Digital III is a fine camera. A surprisingly excellent camera in fact. I feel bad that I am surprised by the quality (sorry Ricoh – I really didn’t know) but I’m spreading the word now.

There is always one defining moment when people give us things to review; what is the reaction when they ask for it back? In this case, I was gutted! After three-and-a-bit months I was really hoping they had forgotten who had it and that I would be able to keep it.

I don’t know a higher recommendation than that.

GR DIGITAL III – Major Specifications:

No. of Effective Pixels (Camera):

Approximately 10.00 million pixels

Image Sensor:

1/1.7-inch CCD (total pixels: approx. 10.40 million pixels)

Lens:

Focal length: f=6.0 mm (equivalent to 28 mm for 35 mm film cameras)

F-aperture: F1.9 – F9 (exposure control with both aperture and ND filter when F8.0-F11 displays in auto shooting mode)

Shooting Distance (from the front of the lens): Approx. 30 cm – infinity; Macro (from the front of the lens): Approx. 1 cm – infinity

Lens Construction: 8 elements in 6 groups (aspheric lens: 2 elements and 2 surfaces)

Digital Zoom Magnification:

Digital Zoom: Approx. 4.0x; Auto Resize Zoom: Approx. 5.7x (VGA images)

Focus Mode:

Multi AF (CCD method) / Spot AF (CCD method) / Manual Focus / Snap / Infinity (Focus lock and AF auxiliary light available. For Multi AF and Spot AF, full-press snap and pre-AF are possible.)

Shutter Speed: *1

Still image: 180, 120, 60, 30, 15, 13, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3.2, 2.5, 2, 1.6, 1.3, 1 – 1/2000 sec. (maximum and minimum shutter speeds vary depending on shooting mode and flash mode)

Movie: 1/30 – 1/2000 sec.

Exposure Control:

Exposure Metering Mode: Multi (256 segments), Centre Weighted Light Metering, Spot Metering (TTL-CCD metering method, AE lock possible)

Exposure Modes: Program shift AE/Aperture priority AE/Shutter priority AE/Manual exposure

Exposure Compensation: Manual Exposure Compensation +/-2.0EV (1/3EV Steps), Auto Bracket Function (-0.5EV, ±0, +0.5EV / -0.3EV, ±0, +0.3EV)

ISO Sensitivity (Standard Output Sensitivity):

AUTO, AUTO-HI, ISO64 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600

White Balance Mode:

AUTO / Multi-Pattern AUTO / Outdoors / Cloudy / Incandescent / Fluorescent / Manual / Detail, White Balance Bracket Function

Flash:

Built-in flash mode: Auto (during low light and when the subject is backlit), Red-eye-Reduction, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Manual Flash, Flash Off

Built-in flash range: Approx. 20 cm – 3.0 m (ISO Auto)

Flash compensation: +/-2.0EV (1/3EV Steps)

Monitor:

3.0-inch Transparent LCD (approx. 920,000 dots)

Shooting Mode:

Auto Shooting Mode / Program Shift Mode / Aperture Priority Mode / Shutter Speed Priority Mode / Manual Exposure Mode / Scene Modes (Text / Movie / Skew Correction / Dynamic Range Double Shot) / My Settings Mode

Picture Quality Mode: *2

F (Fine) / N (Normal) / RAW (DNG file format) *3

No. of Pixels Recorded:

Still image: [4:3]3648×2736, 3264×2448, 2592×1944, 2048×1536, 1280×960, 640×480

[3:2] 3648×2432 [1:1] 2736×2736

Movie: 640×480, 320×240

Text: 3648×2736, 2048×1536

Recording Media:

SD memory card, SDHC memory card, Internal memory (approx. 88MB)

Storage Capacity (Pictures/Time):*4 (internal memory 88MB)

Still image: 3648×2736 (RAW: 4, F: 22, N: 38) / 3648×2432 (RAW: 5, F: 25, N: 43) / 2736×2736 (RAW: 6, F: 29, N: 50) / 3264×2448 (N: 47) / 2592×1944 (N: 72) / 2048×1536 (N: 109) / 1280×960 (N:175) / 640×480 (N: 705) / Text: 3648×2736 (38), 2048×1536 (109)

Movie*5: 640×480: 30 frames/sec. (51 sec.), 640×480: 15 frames/sec. (1 min. 42 sec.), 320×240: 30 frames/sec. (2 min. 12 sec.), 320×240: 15 frames/sec. (4 min. 19 sec.)

Recording File Format:

Still Image: JPEG (Exif ver. 2.21) *6 , RAW (DNG)

Movie: AVI (Open DML Motion JPEG Format compliant)

Other Major Shooting Functions:

Continuous / S-Cont / M-Cont, Self-Timer (operation time: approx. 10 sec. / approx. 2 sec.), Interval Timer (shooting interval: 5 sec. – 1 hour (5 sec. steps) *7, Color Bracket function, B&W (TE), Color Space Setting, Noise Reduction, Histogram, Grid Guide, Depth of Field, Electronic Level, Hot Shoe

Other Major Playback Functions:

Auto Rotate, Grid View, Enlarged Display (maximum 16x), Resize

Interface:

USB 2.0 (High-Speed USB) Mini-B, Mass storage*8 / Audio Out 1.0Vp-p (75Ω)

Video Signal Format:

NTSC, PAL switchable

Power Supply:

Rechargeable Battery: DB-65 (3.7V) x1, AAA Dry Alkaline Battery x2, AAA Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery x 2, AC adapter (AC-4c option) 3.8V

Battery Consumption: *9

Based on CIPA Standard: Using the DB-65, approx. 370 pictures / Using AAA Dry Alkaline Battery x2, approx. 25 pictures*10

External Dimensions:

108.6 mm (W) x 59.8 mm (H) x 25.5 mm (D) (excluding projecting parts)

Weight:

Approx. 188 g (excluding battery, SD memory card, strap), Accessories approx. 30 g (battery, strap)

Operating Temperature Range:

0ºC-40ºC

Tokyo, Japan, February 3, 2010—Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) today announced the development and release of the CX3, a new digital camera featuring a high magnification 10.7x (28-300 mm) optical wide-angle zoom lens, a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, and an enhanced noise reduction function.

With a back-illuminated CMOS sensor and a noise reduction function incorporating the algorithm used on the GR DIGITAL III (introduced August 2009), the new CX3 has dramatically improved image quality performance when shooting low-light scenes.

When the camera is pointed at the subject, the new “scene auto mode” will switch to the optimum scene mode. Since the camera automatically changes to the optimum shooting settings, you can enjoy easy shooting of beautiful photographs.

Shooting has never been more enjoyable. With many other function enhancements, such as the addition of a 1280 × 720 pixel HD movie function, the addition of high & low luminance priority settings for “dynamic range double shot mode” dynamic range expansion effects, and the addition of the “pets” scene mode. The CX3 compact digital camera takes another step forward in realizing the Ricoh design concept “A tool you will want to use every day.”

Main features of the new CX3

1. Greater image quality in low-light scenes possible with a back-illuminated CMOS sensor and a new noise reduction function
   • The back-illuminated 10 megapixel CMOS sensor significantly increases shooting performance in low-light scenes.
   • The CX3 uses the noise reduction algorithm introduced on the GR DIGITAL III. Performing noise reduction processing on the signal immediately after it is output by the CMOS sensor makes it possible to reduce noise while maintaining resolution, tone characteristics, and saturation.
   • The noise reduction level can be specified as Off, Auto, Weak, Strong, or MAX. By specifying MAX, it is possible to do sophisticated variance-estimation type noise reduction processing in which the sensor image data’s noise variance is analyzed and the optimum processing is done for each region.
2. The 28-300 mm 10.7x optical zoom is mounted on a body that is both easy to operate and easy to carry
   • Ricoh’s original retracting lens system made it possible to fit the high magnification 10.7x optical wide-angle zoom lens in a compact 29.4 mm body.
   • With 28 mm wide-angle to 300 mm telephoto coverage, this high magnification zoom lens can handle a wide range of shooting situations, including powerful telephoto shots as well as wide-angle shooting of both expansive landscapes and interior scenes with limited distance between camera and subject.
3. By just pointing the camera at the subject, “scene auto mode” will switch to the optimum shooting settings
   • With “scene auto mode,” the camera identifies the type of scene being photographed (portrait, sports, night portrait, landscape, nightscape, macro mode, etc.) and automatically switches to the optimum shooting settings. Enjoy quick and easy photography of people, landscapes, nightscapes, close-ups, and much else.
4. Get the shot you want with high-speed continuous shooting functions capable of high image quality
   • It is possible to do high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 5 frames/second for still images with the maximum number of pixels.
     * Continuous shooting speed will vary depending on shooting conditions, card type, card condition, etc.
   • For the M-continuous plus shooting function, which saves consecutive images shot before the finger is removed from the shutter release button, there is a mode that makes it possible to shoot at the maximum number of pixels. To fit the scene being photographed, you can select from two modes: M-Continuous Plus (10M) for 15 images taken in as little as three seconds and M-Continuous Plus (2M) for 26 images taken in about 0.9 seconds.
     * M-Continuous Plus (10M) image size is fixed at 10M 4:3N.
     * M-Continuous Plus (2M) image size is fixed at 2M 4:3N.
     * The consecutively shot images are recorded as a single MP file (a file format with multiple still images in a single file).
   • With ultra-high-speed continuous shooting, the CX3 shoots 120 images (120 frames/sec.) during an interval of about one second after the shutter release button is pushed, or 120 images (60 frames/sec.) during an interval of about two seconds.
     * Image size is fixed at VGA 4:3N.
     * The consecutively shot images are recorded as a single MP file (a file format with multiple still images in a single file).
5. High image quality that will expand your range of expression
   • Dynamic range double shot mode makes it possible to record images with an almost naked-eye impression, and new detailed settings have been added to control the dynamic range expansion effect. It is now possible to choose the tone range to be given priority using the following options: highlights, shadows, and off.
   • Residing on a customized circuit of the image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine IV, the pixel output interpolation algorithm reduces whiteout in high-contrast situations, thereby recreating beauty as seen.
   • Multi-pattern auto white balance makes it possible to recreate natural as-seen colors even in people-photography scenes that were difficult to shoot with past auto white balance functions, such as scenes with both shadow and sunlight and scenes mixing flash and natural light (or fluorescent light, etc.).
6. New modes to stimulate creative photography.
   • The new “pets mode” turns off the flash, AF auxiliary light, and operation sounds to avoid startling the pet. You can easily capture the antics of your cute pet. This mode also gives priority in focusing for a cat’s face when one is detected.
   • The 13 scene modes includes two popular modes introduced on the CX2: “miniaturize mode” makes it possible to shoot actual scenes but record images that recreate the impression given when photographing miniatures; “high-contrast B&W mode” makes it possible to record images with a grainy feel such as that created by using ultra-high-sensitivity film in a film camera or by push processing film at the development stage.
7. High-definition 3.0-inch 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor.
   • The large, high-resolution LCD monitor has a wide viewing angle and high contrast. The screen has a fluorine coat to prevent soiling, a hard coat to prevent scratches, and an anti-reflection coat to give excellent visibility even outdoors in bright sunshine.
   • With sRGB comparison of 100% for colour reproduction range, the monitor vividly reproduces image colours.
8. A wide range of functions inspired by the “A tool you will want to use every day” concept.
   • It is now possible to shoot 1280 × 720 pixel HD movies.
   • With the macro photography functions you can get as close to the subject as 1 cm for wide angle* and 28 cm for telephoto. *Equivalent to 31 mm focal length for 35 mm cameras
   • There is a function for shooting aspect ratio 16:9 still images.
   • In playback, it is now possible to display images in date of recording sequence.

CX3 Options

The CX3 will be available at SRP £299.99 inc

*All of the focal lengths in this release are converted to the equivalent values for a 35 mm film camera.

*The term “MP file” used in this document refers to “Extended MP files” conforming to the “multi-picture format” standardized by the CIPA. (The file extension is MPO.) With MP file images recorded by the CX3, a selected frame can be extracted and saved as an individual JPEG image within the camera.

CX3 – Major Specifications:

No. of Effective Pixels (Camera):

Approximately 10.00 million pixels

Image Sensor:

1/2.3-inch CMOS (total pixels: approx. 10.60 million pixels)

Lens:

Focal length: f=4.9-52.5 mm

(Equivalent to 28-300 mm for 35 mm film cameras. With Step Zoom set, focal lengths can be fixed at eight steps: 28 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 85 mm, 105 mm, 135 mm, 200 mm, and 300 mm)

F-aperture: F3.5 (Wide) – F5.6 (Telephoto)

Shooting Distance: Normal shooting: Approx. 30 cm – infinity (Wide), approx. 1.5 m – infinity

(Telephoto) (from the front of the lens)

Macro: Approx. 1 cm – infinity (Wide), approx. 28 cm – infinity (Telephoto), approx. 1 cm -infinity (Zoom Macro) (from the front of the lens)

Lens Construction: 10 elements in 7 groups (aspheric lens: 4 elements and 5 surfaces)

Zoom Magnification:

Optical: 10.7x zoom (equivalent to 28-300 mm focal length for 35 mm cameras)

Digital: 4.8x up to 51.4x (equivalent to 1440 mm) when used with optical zoom

Auto Resize: 5.7x^*1 up to 61.0x^*1 (equivalent to 1710 mm) when used with optical zoom

Focus Modes:

Multi AF (Contrast AF method) / Spot AF (Contrast AF method) / Face-Priority

AF / Continuous AF / Multi-target AF / MF / Snap / ∞ (with AF Auxiliary Light)

Motion Blur Reduction:

Image sensor shift method image stabilizer

Shutter Speed: ^*2

Still image: 8, 4, 2, 1 – 1/2000 sec. / Movie: 1/30 – 1/2000 sec.

Continuous Shooting:

Continuous shooting speed: ^*3 approx. 5 frames/sec. (10M 4:3F shooting time; shooting speed after 12 pictures is approx. 3 frames/sec.)

Continuous shooting capacity: 999 pictures

Exposure Control:

Exposure Metering Mode: Multi Light Metering (256 segments) / Centre-weighted Light Metering / Spot Metering

Exposure Mode: Program AE

Exposure Compensation: Manual Exposure Compensation +/-2.0EV (1/3EV Steps), Auto Bracket Function (-0.5EV, ±0, +0.5EV)

ISO Sensitivity (Standard Output Sensitivity):

AUTO, ISO80 / ISO100 / ISO200 / ISO400 / ISO800 / ISO1600 / ISO3200

White Balance Mode:

Auto / Multi-pattern Auto / Outdoors / Cloudy / Incandescent Lamp / Incandescent Lamp 2 / Fluorescent Lamp / Manual Settings, White balance bracket function

Flash:

Flash Mode: Auto flash (fires automatically in low-light conditions and when the subject is backlit) / Red-eye Flash / Flash On / Flash Synchro. / Flash Off

Built-in flash range: Approx. 20 cm – 4.0 m (Wide), approx. 28 cm – 4.0 m (Telephoto) (ISO Auto/ISO1600, from the front of the lens)

Flash compensation: +/-2.0EV (1/3EV Steps)

Monitor:

3.0-inch Transparent LCD (approx. 920,000 dots)

Shooting Mode:

Auto shooting mode / Scene auto mode / Dynamic range double shot mode / Continuous mode /Scene mode (Portrait / Sports / Pets /Night. Port. / Nightscape / Miniaturize / Landscape / High Sens / High Contrast B&W / Discreet Mode / Zoom Macro / Text Mode / Skew Correct Mode) / My settings mode / Movie mode

Picture Quality Mode: ^*4

F(Fine) / N(Normal)

No. of Pixels Recorded:

Still image/multi-picture: 3648 x 2736, 3648 x 2432, 2736 x 2736, 3648 x 2048, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1728 x 1296 (multi-picture only), 1280 x 960, 640 x 480

Movie: 1280 x 720, 640 x 480, 320 x 240

Text: 3648 x 2736, 2048 x 1536

Recording Media:

SD memory card

SDHC memory card (up to 32 GB), Internal memory (approx. 88 MB)

Storage Capacity (Pictures/Time): ^*5 (internal memory approx. 88MB):

Still image/multi-picture: 3648 x 2736 (F: 22, N: 38), 3648 x 2432 (F: 25), 2736 x 2736 (F: 30), 3648 x 2048 (F: 30), 2592 x 1944 (F: 34), 2048 x 1536 (F: 54), 1728×1296 (N: 133) (M-Cont Plus), 1280 x 960 (F: 98), 640 x 480 (F: 402), 640 x 480 (N: 705)(Speed Cont)

Movie:^*6 1280 x 720 (17 sec.), 640 x 480 (50 sec.), 320 × 240 (2 min. 1 sec.)

Recording File Format:

Still Image: JPEG (Exif ver. 2.21) ^*7

Multi-picture: CIPA DC-007-2009 Multi-Picture Format

Movie: AVI (Open DML Motion JPEG Format compliant)

Compression method: JPEG Baseline method compliant

Other Major Shooting Functions:

Continuous, Self-Timer (operation time: approx. 10 sec. / approx. 2 sec. / custom self-timer), Interval Timer (Shooting interval: 5 sec. – 1 hour (5 sec. steps), Color Bracket function, Focus Bracket function, AE/AF Target Shift, Histogram, Grid Guide, Electronic Level

Other Major Playback Functions:

Grid View, Enlarged Display (maximum 16x), Resize, Level Compensation, White Balance Compensation, Trim, Flag, Slideshow, DPOF Setting

Interface:

USB 2.0 (High-Speed USB) Mini-B, Mass storage compatible^*8 / AV Out 1.0Vp-p (75Ω)

Video Signal Format:

NTSC, PAL switchable

Power Supply:

Rechargeable Battery: DB-100 x1

Battery Consumption: ^*9

Based on CIPA Standard: Using the DB-100, approx. 310 pictures (when LCD Dim is on) ^*10

External Dimensions:

101.5 mm (W) x 58.3 mm (H) x 29.4 mm (D) (according to CIPA guidelines)

Weight:

Approx. 206 g (including the supplied battery and SD memory card)

Approx. 185 g (body only)

Operating Temperature Range:

0ºC-40ºC

*1. VGA image size

*2. Shutter speed upper and lower limits vary depending on Shooting Mode and Flash Mode.

*3. Values measured under Ricoh measurement conditions using a Panasonic PRO HIGH SPEED 8GB SDHC memory card. The continuous shooting speed and number of pictures will vary depending on the shooting conditions, the type of recording media used, the condition of the recording media, etc.

*4. The picture quality modes which can be set vary depending on the image size.

*5. Estimated number of still images it is possible to record and estimated amount of movie recording time.

*6. The maximum length for one instance of movie recording is 29 minutes.

*7. Compatible with DCF and DPOF. DCF is the abbreviation of the JEITA standard “Design rule for Camera File system.” (Full compatibility with other devices is not guaranteed.)

*8. Mass storage driver is compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS9.0-9.2.2, and Mac OSX10.1.2-10.6.1

*9 Shooting capacity was measured using CIPA-standard parameters. This is only an estimate, and performance may vary according to usage conditions.

*10 When LCD Auto Dim is off: approx. 290 pictures

* Windows is a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.A. and other countries.

* Mac OS is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. in the U.S.A. and other countries.