Digital Camera News and Reviews

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.

Pentax Optio RZ10
CNET UK has reviewed a compact camera from Pentax that is supposedly very easy to use and the camera does not cost too much. The camera is called Pentax Optio RZ10 and has plenty of megapixels and a pretty wide lens starting at 28mm.

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.