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Details at a glance
Megapixels: 5.13
Optical Zoom: 7.1x
Digital Zoom: 3.6x
LCD screen: 2.5inch
Storage: SD, MMC, 26mb int
Size: 95(w) x 53(h) x 26(d)
Weight: 135g
We clicked with
Internal 26mb memory
28 - 200 Zoom
1cm Macro Mode
Shots in the dark
The lack of RAW format
Vibration Control
Links
More Ricoh information
www.ricoh.co.uk
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The Ricoh Caplio R3 is described as "A pocket-sized digital compact that combines the 7.1x optical zoom with vibration control". From the outset, the zoom hits the mark; the vibration control less so. The camera is a good solid build, and being 26mm thick isn't the slimmest model on the market (not necessarily a bad thing). That said it does feel good in the hand and slips easily into the pocket. Ricoh have made the camera a healthy 7.1x optical zoom; which compares well with other cameras in its class. Note the word "optical"- that means real zoom quality rather than a poorer digital interpretation. Because of the zoom, the lens does stick out a little from the front.
As a bit of a dinosaur, I was sad to see that there was no viewfinder, and taking pictures was a bit like using a mobile phone. If you like the comfort of real-vision viewing, you'll need to spend a wee bit more. That said the controls were easy to use, and the digital sound of the shutter opening so quickly very comforting. But do remember that the full shutter press is further than you think.
Bad Vibrations
The Caplio R3 has an equivalent 28 - 200mm lens. This works well and the change from 28mm to 200mm is pretty fast. It is sold with a vibration control, which I didn't find particularly successful: at full zoom you'll still have to find something to brace yourself against, and the vibration control won't cope with the small amount of movement which is evident without a tripod. Hand held with nothing to lean against and with the camera being so light and small, it was just too much for the vibration control to handle.
Out of the box
I was impressed with the fact that the camera had 26MB of it's own built in memory - many manufacturers offer large-size photos with barely enough onboard memory to take three snaps. With the R3, it was a case of out of the box, pop it on charge then away you go. Instructions are simple and easy to follow, although there wasn't much to learn - the camera on the whole is admirably self explanatory.
The camera also has a built in flash and is powered by a L-ion battery which allows shooting of some 310 shots from full charge.
The 1 cm Macro mode was impressive for a camera of this size, allowing close-ups of virtually everything. I think this the best macro function available in this class of camera.
With the ability to change shutter speed and ISO sensitivity, the R3 allows users to play with some of the setting options that you get from professional level cameras. With manual exposure compensation and auto bracketing modes, for example, you can make the best of most situations and get a fairly advanced shot. Of course, there's the option to "auto-everything", but hardened photographers will get a good deal of flexibility for the price.
The camera only uses compressed image saving and does not include RAW modes for higher quality images. But then for £220 approx, what do you expect?
Image Quality
The quality of the images was good, colour capture was accurate and clean. Where a few cameras fall down, which is on the red/magenta differential, the Ricoh Caplio R3 was spot on. I was a little concerned to start with; looking at the image on the LCD, but closer inspection, after transferring the images showed then to be thoroughly realistic.
At 5.13MP, the images produced by the Ricoh are excellent. Although a little grainy even at 64ASA, the picture quality on the whole was well saturated and accurate to the scene.
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Ease of use 
Functions 
Value for Money
Overall 
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Overall this camera is probably one that people will pass by, as the Ricoh name, although around for many years, has lost out to the likes of Canon, Fuji and Nikon. Which is a shame, because this is an excellent camera, well constructed and at a reasonable price. |
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