Ricoh are about to release an update to the R3 model (which was reviewed a few weeks ago here on ThinkCamera) in the form of the Ricoh Caplio R4, which offers a few improvements over its predecessor, namely a bigger 6 mega-pixel sensor and an improved LCD screen. The screen is still 2.5 inches diagonally, but now offers a brightness control and a much better pixel resolution - 150,000 pixels compared to 110,000, and the screen is large enough to display twelve photos in playback mode.
The same lens as the R3 is present on the R4. This isn't a bad thing however; as the lens is remarkably good for a tiny compact like this, offering 7.1 optical zoom thanks to its “Double Retracting Lens System” that allows part of the lens structure to safely sit outside of the camera body when it's turned off. The lens still keeps its macro option, down to a distance of 1cm, a feature Ricoh considers to be its speciality as a manufacturer. The vibration correction (an argument against the camera in our review) has been improved and it now uses a CCD-shift method that moves the sensor in response to camera movement.
Other enhancements over the R3 are a more efficient battery that can now take 330 pictures per charge rather than 310 (based on CIPA standards) and an even quicker release time of 0.09sec. This refers to the time between the operator pressing the shutter button and the camera taking the picture, which Ricoh claims is the best in its class. Even though this doesn't take Auto-Focus time into account it does allow for almost instantaneous action photos to be taken.
The Caplio R4 is available in two finishes, silver and the more-fetching black, and will be available in the middle of March.
For more information on Ricoh click here.
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| Mega-pixels |
6 |
| Optical Zoom |
7.1x |
| Digital Zoom |
3.6x |
| LCD screen |
2.5 inch |
| Storage |
SD, MMC, 26mb int |
| Size |
95 x 26 x 53 |
| Weight |
135g |
| Battery |
Lithium-ion |
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