Recent Press Releases
Announcing the Release of the Caplio GX8
Ricoh launches the Caplio GX8, 8-megapixel successor to the popular GX
Tokyo, Japan, 26th April 2005. Ricoh announces the Caplio GX8, an 8-megapixel successor to the popular Caplio GX. The GX8 Combines a 28mm wide-angle zoom digital camera with outstanding performance and expandability, all in a sleek and compact aluminum die-cast body featuring the signature rubber handgrip. In addition to offering lightning fast operation and astounding macro mode capabilities that have long distinguished Ricoh digital cameras, the Caplio GX8 boasts superb flexibility, connecting to a wide array of accessories and instruments, such as wide conversion lens, external shutter release, and even a telescope. With such a plethora of tools on board, the photographic possibilities are limitless.
Main Features
More PixelsEquipped with a superb 8.24-megapixel (effective) CCD, the Caplio GX8 breaks new ground among compact digital cameras. All that power in a slim 29 mm package weighing a mere*205 grams. Those 8-megapixels deliver stunning clarity and resolution for prints up to A3 size, and Ricoh’s proprietary image processor ‘Smooth Imaging Engine’ ensures accurate colors, quick response and low noise levels.
- *without battery, strap and SD Memory Card
A 28mm wide-angle zoom lens ideal for capturing breathtaking landscapes or street shots complements the 8.24 megapixel CCD. Composed of 9 glass elements in 7 groups this lens delivers sharp, clear pictures without distortion or aberration even at wide-angle operations, as well as 12x zoom capability combining a 3x optical zoom with a 4x digital zoom to hone in on even the smallest detail of a distant object.
Lightning fast response timeBoasting the fastest response times the Caplio GX8 is always ready to capture those precious moments where speed is of the essence. The Caplio GX8 takes only 1.3 seconds* from start up to taking the first shot. Incorporating a hybrid auto-focus system, the shutter instantly focuses on the object and shoots in 0.10 seconds. Moreover, the Caplio GX8 is ready to take the next shot in 1.7 second intervals (fine mode, resolution 3264 x 2448) until the memory card** is full. In continuous shooting mode, the Caplio GX8 can shoot 16 consecutive images in roughly two seconds with one press of the shutter. This feature could come in handy for checking a golf swing frame by frame, or for creating a slide show of a toddler's precious first steps.
- *with flash off
- **high speed SD Memory Card (10MB/s)
Featuring unrivaled versatility, the Caplio GX8 exceeds the limitations of a regular compact digital camera: it acts more like an advanced single-lens reflex camera, connecting with a vast array of both Ricoh and non-Ricoh brand accessories and instruments. No other compact digital camera offers such a range of opportunities in digital photography.
By attaching a Ricoh optional wide conversion lens (with adapter), the wide-angle capability of the Caplio GX8 further expands to an incredible 22mm. An external USB equipped cable release allows for self-portraits as well as preventing camera shake during long exposures In situations where a flash or strobe unit is required, the interval time between shots can be shortened significantly by using an external strobe mounted to the Caplio GX8's dedicated hot shoe instead of the built-in flash. Furthermore, the Caplio GX8 is compatible with a broad range of external finders, field scopes, microscopes, and even telescopes, for astrophotography.
Naturally, the Caplio GX8 connects directly to a personal computer or a PictBridge* printer with a USB connector, so pictures stored in the Caplio GX8 can be downloaded or printed with the greatest of ease.
- *PictBridge is a trademark
With greatly enhanced focus precision, a little imagination is all that is needed to take professional-looking macro pictures. The Caplio GX8 automatically measures the closeness, size, and contrast of the object and captures even the tiniest details of an object as small as 18mm x 24 mm to reveal an world of intricate beauty normally unseen by the naked eye. Even with the camera on a tripod, the focus point can be freely shifted within the frame without moving the camera using AF Target Selection. Additionally, the Caplio GX8 is outfitted with a special flash capable of illuminating objects even 15cm away without producing any of the washed out effects present with regular flash.
Creative controlThe Caplio GX8's aperture priority and manual exposure modes allow photographers to explore creative possibilities and produce quality images that go beyond pixel resolution. Aperture priority mode allows control of depth of field, very useful for portraiture.
In addition to aperture priority, the Caplio GX8 provides other greatly improved auto exposure functions. For added control, exposure compensation is possible in 1/3EV steps over a range of ±2.0EV. Shutter speed can be adjusted manually from a very fast 1/2000 seconds to 30 seconds for night exposures. Moreover, the Caplio GX8 LCD monitor provides "live" feedback of current exposure levels with a histogram, so the necessary adjustments can be made before taking a shot. In especially difficult lighting, the Auto Bracket function automatically takes three consecutive shots at three different exposure levels so that the best shot can be selected without re-shooting.
