Ricoh CX1
Say hello to the 'careful-cam'
Review The performance of compact cameras has greatly improved over the years, largely as a result of advances in auto technology. Improved autofocus, white balance and exposure systems mean that most pictures will turn out sharp and correctly exposed, while face- and smile-detection systems mean you're more likely to snap your subject’s face rather than the tree behind.
But you know what? Even with all these advances, there are still times when shooting in auto mode produces less-than-satisfying results.
Ricoh's CX1: say hello to the 'careful-cam'
There are, of course, various features that can increase the odds of getting optimum picture quality, such as auto bracketing. But Ricoh has taken this a stage further with the launch of the CX1. It’s a camera with so many fail-safe features that we’ve dubbed it the Careful-Cam.
Not sure if your shot is correctly focused? Why not use a system that shoots seven consecutive shots at different focal lengths to ensure that at least one of them is pin-sharp? And there’s more technology like this lurking under the CX1’s body. But is it all worth the effort or simply marketing hype? Let’s consider the evidence.
Ricoh has gone for a minimalist design with the CX1. OK, that’s a posh way of saying it has a rather austere look about it. At the top is a small power button, shutter, zoom lever and mode dial. At the back is a large, 3in LCD screen with 920,000 dots; Menu, function, self timer/delete and display buttons arranged vertically; and a tiny joystick control. Press the centre of the joystick and you can quickly make adjustments to parameters such as ISO speed and white balance; pushing the joystick lets you change the flash and macro settings.
A nice, big 3in LCD
On the right is a tiny flap covering a mini USB port, and at the bottom, a flap for a lithium ion battery and SD/SDHC card. In terms of size, the CX1 is certainly pocketable, but it does look a tad wide compared with many of the slimline cameras on the market. Its dimensions are 101.5 x 58.3 x 27.9mm and the weight with battery and card is around 200g.
COMMENTS
digital camera
Of all the digital camera, there are no comparison to tradition film camera when come to instant clear shot after one another with almost 0 wait time. Most current available digital camera in market, with 7 megpix or larger image size, will blur or pause if you try take 3-8 continuous high resolution snaps. Even the best sony or kodak, have this problem, particularly the pain in the neck batteries power hogging problem yet to solved.
@Depressing
I think the "party mode" option would be great - only it work as it should do in that mode. It would recognise potentially embarrassing or career-damaging situations and photograph those automatically, preferably slightly out of focus and - ahem - over-exposed...
Ricoh crap
It only takes half a year of moderate use to get a Ricoh camera broken. If you buy one of these, buy it in a shop so you can demand a replacement. Buying this brand via the net was a bad move to make, won't do it again...
Stop it
The camera reviews on El Reg are all... they don't really cut the mustard.
By the way, the "HIGH-END" compact Ricoh is the GX200. A very interesting camera, yet sadly in urgent need of a better sensor with less noise issues. I say urgent as the GX200 has much better ergonomics & handling than what Canon (G10 heavy brick) & Panasonic (LX3 fiddly toy) offer at the high end. Once Ricoh updates that model they will likely be the best option for folks who actually want some nifty features in a compact that feels "right". If you're "only" after total image quality you're getting a Sigma DP anyway.
Depressing
How long before I turn my camera on and send it out for walk to take a picture of anything that interests it ?
Automation surely has its limits ? Next mode will be 'party mode', switch to this and the camera will check alcohol levels and refuse to take a pic if you are more than three times over the limit.
