There are an extreme amount of compact digital cameras out on the market. Many are similar to each other, but the
Ricoh CX5 is a bit different as it actually focuses on photography. Photography has now tested this 10 megapixel camera from Ricoh.

Some key features for the Ricoh CX5:
-10 megapixel back-illuminated image sensor
-10.7x optical zoom lens (28-300mm)
-Hybrid AF system
-3″ LCD screen (920K dots)
-Smooth Imaging Engine IV image processing engine
-720p HD video recording

Photography Blog ends up giving the CX5 a “Recommended” rating of 4 out of 5 possible stars. The camera gets a pretty good score on image quality, value for your money, design and features. Overall Ricoh has produced a good compact camera, but there are not many changes from the Ricoh CX4 so if if you own the CX4 is probably is not a good idea to upgrade. There is also a good deal of other good compact cameras from different brands so you should take a good look at the alternatives before you buy the CX5.
Read the full review of the Ricoh CX5 digital camera here.

CNET UK has tested a rugged digital camera from Ricoh called Ricoh G700. The G700 has over 12 megapixels and is able to withstand drops from up to 2 meters and you can take pictures with it under water.

Some key features for the Ricoh G700:
-12.1 megapixel image sensor
-5x optical zoom lens (28-140mm)
-3″ LCD screen
-Withstand a drop of up to 2 meters
-Water-resistant to a depth of 5m
-Records 720p HD videos

CNET UK ends up giving the Ricoh camera a mediocre review with an overall score of 3 out of 5 possible stars. On the positive side the reviewer finds aspects such as that it is weather resistant, useful zoom range and ease to use, but there are some negative points to including high price tag, the image quality could be better and the camera is not for everyone. If you are often taking photos in ruff conditions this might be a camera for you, but you should take a look at other other rugged cameras on the market.
Read the full review of the Ricoh G700 rugged digital camera here.

The GXR system from Ricoh is pretty interesting with its swappable modules. Photography Blog has tested one of the latest modules called Ricoh GXR A12 28mm. The module has over 12 megapixels and a 28mm lens.

Some key features for the Ricoh GXR A12 28mm:
-12.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor
-GR Engine III processor
-28mm f/2.5 lens
-Manual focus ring
-ISO sensitivity 200-3200
-Able to record 1280×720 pixel HD movies

Photography Blog ends up giving the A12 a “Recommended” rating with an overall score of 4 out of 5 possible stars. The module scores highest on design where it gets a top score, a little lower on image quality, features and ease of use while it scores lowest on value for your money. With a large image sensor and a fast lens this is the most serious module Ricoh has produces yet. If you are into street photography and willing to shell out a bit of money for the A12 this might be the module of your choice.
Read the full review of the Ricoh GXR A12 28mm lens-sensor module here.

Some key features for the Pentax Optio RZ10:
-14.1 megapixel image sensor
-10x optical zoom lens (28-280mm)
-Image stabilization
-2.7″ LCD screen
-720p high-definition video
-Uses SD and SDHC memory cards

CNET UK ends up giving the Pentax Optio RZ10 an overall rating of 4 out of 5 possible stars. On the positive side the reviewer finds aspects with the RZ10 such as useful zoom range, the camera is easy to use, the grip is good and it comes with a nice price tag. On the negative side we find a couple of issues like no optical zooming while recording video and there is no HDMI output. Overall the Optio RZ10 seems like a fun and good family camera.
Read the full review of the Pentax Optio RZ10 digital camera here.

CNET UK has reviewed a new compact digital camera from Ricoh. The camera is called Ricoh CX4 and features a back-illuminated sensor and 10.7x optical zoom. One major difference from the CX4 is that this Ricoh camera has improved image stabilization.

Some key features for the Ricoh CX4:
-10 megapixel back-illuminated image sensor
-10.7x optical zoom lens (28-300mm)
-Optical image stabilization
-3″ LCD screen
-720p HD video recording
-Autofocus system automatically tracks the subject

CNET UK ends up giving the Ricoh CX4 an overall score of 3.5 stars out of 5 possible. On the positive side we find aspects such as an useful zoom range, solid build, good value for your money and the LCD screen is great. There are a few negative sides that keeps the camera from getting a top score like noisy zoom operation, no zoom in movie mode, little or no hand grip and the reviewer does not like the way the camera looks. The CX4 is a pretty good camera, but has some quirks.
Read the full review of the Ricoh CX4 digital camera here.

Photography has reviewed the new Ricoh CX3 compact digital camera. This camera comes with a new interesting CMOS sensor that is back illuminated. Ricoh claims that this new sensor will give you better pictures. The camera also comes with a nice zoom range and a big 3″ LCD screen.

Some key features for the Ricoh CX3 camera:
-Back-illuminated 10-megapixel CMOS sensor
-10.7x optical zoom lens (28-300mm)
-3″ LCD screen
-High definition 720p video
-Uses SD/SDHC memory cards

Photography Blog gives the Ricoh CX3 a “Highly Recommended” score with 4.5 out of 5 possible stars. The CX3 scores highest on image quality, features and ease of use while scoring a little lower on design and value. Seems like Ricoh has produced a very nice camera, but in my opinion the lack of manual controls and RAW-mode is a bit of a let down. Hopefully that will be added with a Ricoh CX4 if it ever comes out.
Read the full review of the Ricoh CX3 digital camera here.

Trusted Reviews has tested the Ricoh Aficio SP C232SF color laser printer. This laser printer from Ricoh is able to print, copy, scan and fax, and it is able to print up to 21 pages per minute.

Some key features for the Ricoh Aficio SP C232SF:
-Print, copy, scan and fax
-Print speeds up to 21 pages per minute
-250-sheet paper tray
-standard duplex printing
-256MB RAM

Trusted Reviews ends up giving the Ricoh Aficio SP C232SF an overall score of 8 out of 10 points. The printer scores highest on features, print speed and print quality while scoring a little lower on value. It seems like a good printer, but could have faster start printing and a larger display.
Read the full review of the Ricoh Aficio SP C232SF printer here.

Wow, that was fast! Photography Blog is one of the first to review the new camera system from Ricoh, the Ricoh GXR. This system is pretty unique where you have interchangeable camera units that make the possibilities endless. You can have a small sensor with a long telezoom and a large sensor with a portrait lens.

Some key features for the Ricoh GXR system:
-Interchangeable unit camera system
-Smaller than Micro Four Thirds cameras
-A12 50mm F2.5 MACRO camera unit with 12.3 megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor
-S10 24-72 mm F2.5-4.4 VC camera with 10 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor

Photography Blog ends up giving the Ricoh GXR camera system a “Highly Recommended” rating with 4.5 out of 5 stars. The reviewer really enjoys this Ricoh and believes there will be lots of interesting combinations in the feature. The camera is able to take pictures of good quality and the slide mechanism works really well. One downside is that right now there are few combinations and the combinations could be better. It will be very interesting to see how Ricoh develops the GXR system in the future and I hope they will have some success since they are so brave and innovative.
Read the full review of the Ricoh GXR camera system here.

Ricoh has announced a very interesting new camera concept. The new system is called Ricoh GXR and looks like it will somewhat compete with the Micro Four Thirds system. The Ricoh GXR is different from traditional DSLR-systems by that lens, image sensor and image processing engine is intgerated into individual units. These units can be exchanged with the camera body. A very intruging system, but it remains to be seen if this concept will become popular as it seems a bit weird that lenses will be redudant when the image sensor get “old”.

Some key features for the Ricoh GXR system:
-Interchangeable unit camera system
-Smaller than Micro Four Thirds cameras
-A12 50mm F2.5 MACRO camera unit with 12.3 megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor
-S10 24-72 mm F2.5-4.4 VC camera with 10 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor

The Ricoh GXR will be released in December 2009 and cost $550 for the body, $550 for the 50mm camera unit and $440 for the 24-72mm camera unit.

Press release:
Ricoh announces the GXR interchangeable unit camera system

Lens, image sensor, and image processing engine integrated into a single interchangeable unit. World’s smallest and lightest*.

Tokyo, Japan, November 10, 2009—Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) today announced the development and release of the GXR interchangeable unit camera system featuring the world’s smallest and lightest* digital camera with the ability to change lenses.

The new GXR is an interchangeable unit camera system in which lenses are changed by using a slide-in mount system to attach camera units to the body. The lens, image sensor, and image processing engine are integrated into the camera units so the body itself does not contain an image sensor.

With world-leading small size and low weight* enabling easy carrying, the GXR interchangeable unit camera system features a highly rigid magnesium alloy body and multiple camera units that can be changed to best fit the scene to be photographed. You can enjoy easy lens changes as well as amazing image quality and shooting flexibility. Concealing infinite possibilities in its small body, the GXR is a revolutionary camera system that pioneers a new realm of photography.

Distinctive characteristics
1. Lens, image sensor, and image processing engine comprise an integrated unit which can be changed to match the scene being photographed.
2. World’s smallest and lightest* digital camera with interchangeable lenses
3. System potential expanded through use of interchangeable units
*Internal flash, interchangeable lens digital cameras with lens attached.
As of November 10, 2009, Ricoh research.

Main features of the new GXR

1. Ideal form for an interchangeable lens camera: The interchangeable unit camera system
・By integrating lens, image sensor, and image processing engine into a single optimized unit, we were able to created a compact camera with interchangeable lenses.
・The adoption of this new system has made it possible to achieve both “pocket size for go-anywhere portability” and “the highest image quality for every photographic situation and subject.”
・Since the image sensor is not exposed when lenses are changed, the camera’s structure makes it inherently difficult for dirt and dust to get inside.
・Putting image processing engines in both the body and the camera units, our focus was on achieving the highest image quality.

2. Elegant design
・For the exterior, we utilized die cast magnesium, which has a strong track record in the GR series, and we covered the surface with a corrosion-resistant “pear-skin” coating. The end result is a body with superior levels of durability, light weight, and feel in hand.
・Building on the operation control designs of the GR series and GX series, the GXR has several types of customizable buttons as well as the new DIRECT button, which the photographer can use to see many current settings at a glance. Sophisticated shooting settings can now be made faster than ever before.
・The directional pad, the three My Settings, the ADJ.lever, and the function buttons all contribute to the even greater operability achieved by the GXR.
・The grip form allows the GXR to be firmly held despite its small size, and the suitably yielding rubber material on the grip surface enables the camera to feel like an integral part of the hand.

3. Even greater power of expression
・The automatic exposure modes include program shift mode, shutter priority mode, and aperture priority mode.
・Picture settings can be customized with nine setting levels for easy creation of a diverse range of images.
・ISO3200 facilitates shooting in low light conditions.

4. Enhanced rapid shooting capabilities help capture fleeting shutter chances
・The Pre-AF function accelerates focusing speed by adjusting the focus to match subject movement.
・The full press snap function shoots at a preset distance for a one-push full-press of the shutter-release button.
・When shooting subjects up close, the camera automatically switches to macro mode so macro photography can now be enjoyed without having to worry about switching modes.(Auto macro setting)

5. High-definition 3.0-inch 920,000-dot VGA LCD picture display
・The high-resolution LCD picture display provides 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 100% sRGB coverage for color reproduction, the picture display vividly reproduces image colors.

6. Wide range of functions
・Tilt indicator utilizing an acceleration sensor.
・Three grid guides useful for framing images while shooting.
・Image flag function to enable the quick display of specific images from among those in the camera. Up to 20 images can be flagged.
・The new DIRECT screen enabling current settings to be displayed and changed.

7. Features of the GR LENS A12 50 mm F2.5 MACRO camera unit
・This camera unit uses a 23.6 mm×15.7 mm (APS-C size) CMOS sensor with approximately 12.30 megapixels. In combination with image processing engine GR ENGINE III, it achieves high-image-quality photography with high definition, low noise, and smooth tonal gradations.
・A newly developed GR LENS with an 8-group, 9-element configuration (aspherical lens: 1 element, two surfaces) is featured. Representing a further advancement in the GR tradition of high image quality, the lens thoroughly corrects for various types of aberrations. Despite the compact size, it is also a full-fledged macro lens with a floating lens structure. At shooting distances from infinity down to the 1/2x maximum magnification macro range, it achieves strong imaging power all the way to the edge of the frame. In addition, the low level of vignetting means that the photographer can enjoy rich and genuine bokeh effects.
・The manual focus ring is perfect for use in macro photography as it makes highly precise focusing possible. It can also be used to make fine manual adjustments to the focus after autofocus is done.

8. Features of the RICOH LENS S10 24-72 mm F2.5-4.4 VC camera unit
・This camera unit uses a 10.00 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor boasting high-sensitivity capabilities enhanced through the adoption of an new process. In combination with advanced image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine IV, it achieves high-image-quality photography with high definition and low noise.
・The lens is a 24 mm to 72 mm high-performance 3x wide-angle zoom with superior usability. Utilizing a 7-group, 11-element configuration (aspherical lens: 4 elements, 4 surfaces) that includes special low-dispersion lenses, this lens achieves high dimensions of both compactness and imaging power.
・A camera shake correction function (image-sensor-shift type) is used to reduce hand- motion blur.
・The self-retaining lens cap has been a popular GX series option, and a GXR version is available as option LC-2.

9. New options enhance series expandability
・Two soft cases, one for each camera unit.
・The GXR can use the GR DIGITAL III external flash (GF-1), which can do TTL flash using auxiliary flash.
・Convenient for shooting in bright outdoor situations, the newly developed 920,000-dot- equivalent high-definition LCD viewfinder is removable and can be tilted up to 90 degrees. With a 100% field of view, it displays information in the same way as the picture display, thus enabling the photographer to shoot in a film camera style.

10. Functions expanded using firmware
・Function-enhancing firmware releases for the GR DIGITAL series have proved very popular, and this practice will be continued for the GXR. By updating their firmware, GXR owners will be able to use the latest functions.

GXR Options

Product Model
Hood & Adapter *1, *4 HA-3
Wide Conversion Lens *2, *4 DW-6
Teleconversion Lens *2, *4 TC-1
External TTL Flash *1 GF-1
LCD Viewfinder *1 VF-2
Cable Switch CA-1
Soft Case *1, *4 SC-55S
Soft Case *1, *3 SC-55L
Neck Strap *1 ST-3
Self-retaining Lens Cap *1, *4 LC-2
AC Adapter *1 AC-5
Rechargeable Battery *1 DB-90
Battery Charger *1 BJ-9
*1 Newly introduced options.
*2 Hood & adapter required when using the conversion lenses.
*3 For use with GR LENS A12 50 mm F2.5 MACRO
*4 For use with RICOH LENS S10 24-72 mm F2.5-4.4 VC
*All of the focal lengths in this release are converted to the equivalent values for a 35 mm film camera.
GXR – Major Specifications

Flash:
Mode: Auto (flash fires when lighting is poor or subject is backlit), red-eye, on, slow sync, manual, off
Range (built-in flash): Refer to camera unit specifications.
Flash compensation: ±2.0 EV in increments of 1/2EV or 1/3EV
Manual flash amount: FULL, 1/1.4, 1/2, 1/2.8, 1/4, 1/5.6, 1/8, 1/11, 1/16, 1/22, 1/32, 1/64

Picture display:
3.0˝ transparent LCD; approx. 920,000 pixels

Shooting mode:
Auto, program shift, aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, scene (movie, portrait, sports, landscape, nightscape, skew correction) My Settings”

Picture quality:
Fine, Normal, RAW (DNG) *1

Storage:
SD/SDHC memory card, internal memory (approx. 86 MB)

File size:
Refer to camera unit specifications.

File format:
Photographs: JPEG (Exif Ver. 2.21) *2, RAW (DNG)
Movies: AVI *3 (Open DML Motion JPEG compliant)
Compression: JPEG baseline compliant (photographs and movies)

Other shooting options
Continuous shooting (continuous, M-Cont Plus);
self-timer (shutter release delay of approx. 10 s or 2 s, or custom setting); interval timer (intervals of 5 s to 1 hour in increments of 5 s) *4; color bracketing; B&W (TE); color space selection; noise reduction; histogram display; framing grid; depth-of-field indicator; tilt indicator; hot shoe

Other playback options:
Auto image rotation (when camera unit attached); multi-frame playback; playback zoom (up to 16 ×); resize

Interface:
USB 2.0 (High-Speed) Mini-B connector; Mass Storage *5; AV output (NTSC), HDMI connector (Mini HDMI Type C)

Video signal format:
NTSC, PAL

Power source:
DB-90 rechargeable battery (3.6V), AC adapter (AC-5 option; 3.8V)

Battery life:
Refer to camera unit specifications.

Dimensions (W × H × D):
113.9 mm × 70.2 mm × 28.9 mm (excluding projections)

Weight:
Camera body (excluding battery, memory card, neck strap, and connector cap): 160 g
Battery, neck strap, and connector cap: 66 g

Tripod screw hole:
1/4-20UNC

Operating temperature:
0 °C to 40 °C

Date storage time
Approx. 1 week

Operating humidity:
85% or less

Storage temperature:
–20 °C to 60 °C

*1 A JPEG file is also recorded (the JPEG file may be a fine or normal quality file with the same dimensions as the RAW file or a VGA file). RAW files use the standard DNG format promoted by Adobe Systems Incorporated
*2 Compatible with the Design rule for Camera File system (DCF, a JEITA standard) and DPOF. Full compatibility with other devices is not guaranteed.
*3 Audio: PCM 32 kHz, 16 bit monaural
*4 Flash off.
*5 Mass Storage is supported under Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Mac OS X 10.4–10.5.7.

Photography Blog has reviewed a compact superzoom camera from Ricoh called Ricoh CX2. In addition to having 10.x zoom the camera is also capable of shooting at 5fps at full resolution. Pretty impressive!

Some key features for the Ricoh CX2:
-9 megapixel image sensor
-5fps at full resolution
-10.7x optical zoom lens (28-300mm)
-3″ LCD screen
-Compact body only 29.4mm thick

Photography Blog ends up giving the Ricoh CX2 a “Highly Recommended” 4.5 out of 5 points score. The reviewer like that you get such a long zoom range in a compact body. The CX2 is also capable of producing pictures with improved dynamic range with its DR-mode and image quality overall has been improved compared to the CX1. The only downside is no HD-video and if you are a CX1 owner you might feel a bit left out since Ricoh upgraded the CX-series so fast.
Read the full review of the Ricoh CX2 camera here.