The 10 Megapixel Ricoh R8
Already two versions removed from the Ricoh R6 I reviewed what seems like only weeks ago the Ricoh R8 is the successor to the R7. Both the R7 and the R8 tout a 7.1x optical wide-angle zoom lens with a 28-200mm in 33mm focal length in an incredibly compact package at just 22.6mm at its thinnest point.
The R8, however, touts an impressive 10 megapixel CCD combined with the R7s popular Smooth Imaging Engine III image processing engine. The R8 really is high-definition photography in your pocket.
The body of the R8 has undergone a complete re-design to produce something far more contemporary and stylish than the earlier models.
The Ricoh R8 will arrive in March for around £249.99 and has notably dropped the “Caplio” moniker present in its predecessors.
And, finally, a little PR spiel copied verbatim for those of you who love a little more information:
Main features of the new Ricoh R8
1. High-picture quality, low-noise photography is achieved with the high-resolution 10 mega-
pixel CCD and the Smooth Imaging Engine III image processing engine.
An effective 10 megapixel CCD has been newly installed. Working together with the popular image
processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III, this new CCD makes possible high-quality images
that have both high-resolution and low noise.
2. High-resolution 2.7-inch, 460,000-pixel HVGA LCD
The new 2.7-inch, 460,000-pixel high-resolution LCD has a wide viewing angle and high contrast
for distinct, easy viewing even outdoors. When thumbnail images are displayed, even the small
1/20 size images are clearly reproduced.
3. Based on the „A tool you will want to use every day“ concept, the R8 has been given a totally
new design emphasizing its beauty as a tool.
Styling that intensifies a simple, functional beauty and eliminates design frills. A rubber grip that fits
well in the hand and is easy to hold. An easy-to-operate mode dial. The many features of the R8
combine to achieve both functional beauty and ease of use.
In addition to its compact pocket size, the mounting of two strap eyelets has further increased port-
ability.
The R8‘s solid, high-quality feel has been further enhanced by the top cover emphasizing a solid,
metal feel; the lens barrel end and rings finished with metal spin processing, and the spin proc-
essed mode dial and release button.
4. Ricoh’s original double retracting lens system has made it possible to equip the R8 with a
7.1x wide-angle zoom lens in a compact body with both operability and portability.
Measuring only 22.6 mm at the thinnest point, the slim body features a 7.1x wide-angle zoom lens
with a 28-200 mm range.
5. Expanded shooting functions for richly expressive photographs.
(1) Square format photography
The R8 has a shooting function for an image size aspect ratio of 1:1. This square format photo-
graphy has proved very popular on Ricoh’s Caplio GX100 (launched April 2007) and GR DIGITALII
(launched November 22, 2007) models. The resulting composition has quite a different feel from
the standard rectangular vertical or horizontal format. This format can also be quite convenient for
blog photographs.
(2) Expanded functionality for the ADJ. (Adjust) button
Already given enhanced usability in the Caplio R7 (launched September 2007), the ADJ. (Adjust)
button has further evolved in the R8. Integrating the ADJ. (Adjust) button functions with those pre-
viously controlled by the cross-key has made menu operations even faster and simpler.
(3) Fix minimum aperture function provided
When the fix minimum aperture function is on, shooting is done at the smallest aperture, which
gives a deep depth of field in the resulting photograph.
(4) AF/AE Target shift functions provided
Enhanced capabilities have been given to the AF target shift function which was previously only
available for macro photography. While shooting, it is possible to shift the target for AF or AE or
both without moving the camera.
(5) Zoom lever usability improved
With zoom lever operation it is possible to switch between two zoom speeds. This enables the full
capabilities of the 28-200 mm 7.1x wide-angle zoom lens to be utilised.
6. Enhanced image editing functions enable images to be manipulated in the camera.
(1) Image brightness and contrast correction (level compensation)
Still image brightness and contrast can be corrected with either auto or manual modes, with the
corrected image being recorded in the camera. With manual correction, the image is corrected by
adjusting the histogram.
(2) Image colour tone correction (white balance compensation)
By adjusting green, magenta, blue, and amber tones, still image colour tone can be corrected, with
the corrected image being recorded in the camera.
(3) Trimming of still images
Still images can be trimmed and the resulting image saved in a separate file. This is convenient
when doing direct printing with PictBridge, etc.
7. Vibration correction functions, face recognition mode, and macro functions are provided.
The R8 contains Ricoh’s original CCD-shift vibration correction function which compensates for
camera shake when it is detected. This reduces the blurring that tends to occur in situations such
as telephoto and macro photography.
Face recognition mode automatically identifies faces in a scene and optimizes focus, exposure,
and white balance for the faces