Inside Story
The search for expanded photographic scope
The R8 seeks an expanded photographic scope from both a space axis of "shooting what I want" and a time axis of "shooting when I want". The main features it incorporates are as follows.
Furthermore, as a consideration towards making after-shooting work easier, the camera was given functions for adjusting image transparency and contrast, white balancing for tonal adjustments and trimming for still pictures. Fukui says, "We pursued a camera that would reflect the user's intentions."
Also, using a dual size recording feature, users can record images both in the original full size and a smaller size for instant upload to blogs, in a single shot.
Opening the catalog, Takeuchi said, "We went through great pains trying to find ways to convey to users that this was a camera in which each and every function was carefully chosen and groomed." It can take high resolution pictures with depth and minimal noise, pictures so that only a subject 200 mm away stands out sharply, and close-ups with defocused backgrounds using the Tele/Macro modes, etc. "We felt that the R8 concepts would be conveyed when seeing what kind of photos it can actually take," adds Takeuchi.
Body design for a "tool"
R8
Of course, the "tool" concept was applied to the body design as well. Fukui pointed out, "It was covered with a single plate on top and given hairline processing as if polished with a brush in the quest of a durable, thick-boned and high grade look."
On March 7, the R8 hit stores. Both the black model and silver model have a sense of presence. The most often-herd comment is "Cool!" The R8 looks and performs like a "tool" both in terms of function and design. Test those preferences the next chance you have.
