Recent Press releases
Announcing the Release of the Caplio G3 Model S
Ricoh launches 3.24-megapixel digital zoom camera with die-cast magnesium body and the world's fastest shutter response time *.
Tokyo, April 1, 2003. Ricoh is extremely pleased to announce the release of the Caplio G3 Model S digital camera. The camera will start selling in Asia in April.The new Caplio G3 Model S has a body made from die-cast magnesium, an innovative material that's both extremely durable and attractive. It also encompasses a blistering 0.14-second shutter response time that exceeds the speed of conventional 35mm cameras - a major milestone that makes it the world's fastest in its class. *
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- * As of February 1, 2003 for all auto-focus digital cameras. Speed measured as time between pressing shutter release button and starting exposure in auto-focus mode without using focus lock.
The Caplio G3 Model S is the more refined sister camera to the Caplio G3, which built on the solid success of the revolutionary Caplio RR30, that in the autumn of 2002 had the world's fastest shutter response at just 0.22-seconds. The simple, elegant shape and feel of the Caplio G3 Model S was deliberately designed to fit comfortably in the photographer's hand - enabling photographers to capture action opportunities quickly and reliably.
Another upgrade feature of the Caplio G3 Model S is its internal image memo functionality. Most digital camera users have expressed frustration when trying to locate specific images amongst the masses stored on their computers.The Caplio G3 Model S answers this call by allowing the user to store their photos into easily created folders directly in the camera before it any file transfer takes place. The RICOH GATE La software can also generate A4 pages that carry full text commentary beneath images, making it simple to share information with co-workers, friends and family.
Caplio G3 Model S also boasts the choice of an optional long-lasting lithium-ion battery that enables hundreds of shots to be taken between charges, two convenient AA alkaline or nickel metal hydride batteries, or an AC adapter to power the camera. Industry-leading 1-cm macros and an impressive 3.24 effective megapixel CCD that features a 3x optical zoom lens and a 3.4x digital zoom image-capturing options.
For action sequences, M-continuous mode allows the capture of the last 16 frames taken of a subject to one file, which is ideal for analyzing a golf swing. Users can also record up to 120 seconds of AVI video with sound.
The Caplio G3 Model S's high-sensitivity mode provides exceptional illumination of subjects in the dark, which aids framing and shooting. Moreover, making instant image transfers from the Caplio G3 Model S to USB-equipped personal computers is fast and easy with the imaging software provided.
"I am absolutely certain that no other digital camera has been crafted with such exquisite attention to detail and performance. The Caplio G3 Model S is simply the perfect tool for photographers that will settle for nothing but the best." says Katsunori Nakata, general manager of the Marketing Office at Ricoh's Personal Multimedia Products Company. "Its original die-cast magnesium body makes it such an attractive buy - let alone being faster than any regular 35mm camera! I am also excited about the new camera memo functionality that will help users to better organize and search for their photos. We believe the Caplio G3 Model S will significantly shape the future on how digital cameras are made- and made to perform!"
Main Features
Refined die-cast magnesium bodyThe Caplio G3 Model S's body is made from durable die-cast magnesium, making it one of the toughest digital cameras in the marketplace today. Its unique and refined finish also makes it one of the most stylish digital cameras specifically crafted to feel comfortable in the user's hand.
World's shortest release time lag
The Caplio G3 Model S helps to eliminate the problematic slow shutter response time found on the vast majority of digital cameras today with the world's shortest release time lag of just 0.14 seconds. The Caplio G3 Model S achieves such speed with its hybrid auto-focusing system, comprising both external and through-the-lens focusing. From an incredible 1/2000th of a second to long exposures of 8 seconds, the shutter speed makes anything from instantaneous action photography to nighttime sequences a visible reality.
3.24-megapixel CCD with 3x optical and 3.4x digital zoom
The Caplio G3 Model S allows everyone from novices to experts to capture beautiful, true-colour images with a highly reliable 3.24-megapixel CCD. Users may also take advantage of its 3X optical plus 3.4x digital zoom that delivers an outstanding combination of 10.2x zoom - ideal when aiming in on specific areas within a picture.
The Caplio G3 Model S can take a remarkable 3,500 shots * between recharges using an optional lithium-ion battery or can be powered conveniently by an optional AC adapter for those wishing to take advantage of a nearby power source. The camera also has the rare ability to switch to two AA alkaline or nickel metal hydride batteries if the occasion demands it.
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- * A maximum 3,500 shots under power-save mode (flash off, without zooming, LCD off, with VGA); up to 350 shots under normal usage conditions (with 50 percent flash and zoom usage, LCD on, 30 seconds between shots, reviews of all photos).
Capturing macros as close as 1cm from a subject is one of the runaway advantages of the Caplio G3 Model S. Getting in super close to flowers, a brilliant engagement ring, even your clients' products to seize the smallest of detail-seven those practically invisible to the human eye-makes macro photography exciting and addictive. The camera also offers macros across a zoom range of up to 16cm away, while the built-in flash can be used for shots as close as 16cm.
Multi-shot continuous shooting
In M-continuous mode, with the shutter button held down the camera memorizes the last 16 shots, taken at 0.13-second intervals, in one file. This comes in handy when users are uncertain about the start or finish of a particular action. In S-continuous Mode, it can take a series of 16 shots-at 0.13-second intervals, for two seconds of footage-in one file with just one press of the shutter button. When reviewing the 16 shots during playback, each frame can be enlarged individually and quickly skimmed back and forth, delivering a sense of animation to the viewer. All this makes it a useful and enjoyable tool to analyze golf swings and other action sequences. (In normal continuous mode, the intervals are 0.3 seconds while the button is being pressed.)
Superior high-sensitivity display
The Caplio G3 Model S's high-sensitivity mode makes visibility in dim environments superior to most digital cameras on the marketplace today by illuminating subjects in the dark to aid in framing and shooting.
Simple and fast image transfers
Once having installed the RICOH GATE La software into a Windows PC, simply turn off the camera and link the Caplio G3 Model S up via a USB cable. The computer will then instantly start importing files at an impressive speed of 3 megabytes per second.
Optimal exposure settings
The Caplio G3 Model S's 256-point light sensor scans the subject area to determine optimal exposure settings and also offers center-weighted and spot metering that incorporates auto-bracketing.
Compatible with Secure Digital memory cards
The Caplio G3 Model S has 8MB of internal memory and can also use optional Secure Digital memory cards. These especially compact devices do not need a power source to store information and permit fast and simple downloads of images. The camera is also compatible with Multi Media cards.
Synchro monitor mode
In Synchro monitor mode, the Caplio G3 Model S conserves power by turning the monitor off before shooting. The monitor comes on at the moment the shutter button is pressed to preview a shot or operate the zoom. It also remains on for several seconds after a picture is taken.
Quick reviews at the press of a button
Most cameras require users to switch modes if they want to review results. With the Caplio G3 Model S, the most recently taken image gets conveniently displayed by simply pressing the "Quick review" button. The "Quick review" functionality applies to shots taken in any shooting mode.
Six distinct scene modes
The Caplio G3 Model S offers six distinct scene modes: portrait, sports, landscape, night scene, text, and high-sensitivity, all of which help to optimize results depending on the shooting situation.
Video and sound recording capability
For times when motion paints a much livelier picture than stills, the Caplio G3 Model S is equipped to capture 120 seconds of AVI video with sound. It also has sound-recording capabilities that enable the user to leave a 10-second "voice memo" stamp to photos taken and also allows the camera to act as a convenient voice recorder.
Auto-bracket and white balance bracket
When challenging lighting situations arise, such as in heavy sunlight, the handy auto-bracketing function allows the photographer to take three individual shots, at different exposure settings, at one time. The same functionality applies to the white balance bracket setting by applying tones of red, normal white and blue to three separate images.
Image memo functionality
Most digital camera users have expressed frustration when trying to locate specific images amongst the masses stored on their personal computers or laptops. The Caplio G3 Model S answers this call by allowing the user to store their photos into easily created folders directly in the camera before it any file transfer takes place. The RICOH GATE L software can also generate A4 pages that carry full text commentary beneath images making it simple to share information with co-workers, friends and family.
Caplio G3 Model S design concept
Architect and industrial designer Masayuki Kurokawa, in collaboration with in-house designers at Ricoh, developed the Caplio G3 Model S's design concept. The expertly crafted and stylishly durable die-cast magnesium body was born from close observations on how we hold objects such as chopsticks, pens, soda cans and 35mm cameras. This examination led directly to the rounded shape that the camera was granted, thus making it extremely comfortable to hold while tough enough to withstand the everyday demands photographers place on their equipment.
Caplio G3 Model S
