Ricoh CX2 9.29MP Digital Camera

The CX2 is in actuality merely an incremental upgrade of the CX1, and shares just about all of that camera's characteristics, including the 9.29MP CMOS sensor, the exceptionally sharp three-inch 920k LCD monitor, the tough all-metal body and of course the in-camera HDR feature. The only noticeable exterior dissimilarity is the small handgrip, which is now somewhat more rounded and has a non-slip texture. I say noticeable, because this key upgrade is easy to overlook at first glimpse. The CX2 has a new f/3.5-5.6 10.7x zoom lens, with a 35mm equivalent to 28-300mm, and which withdraws flush with the camera body and is precisely the same dimensions as the f/3.3-5.2 7.1x zoom that Ricoh has been using since 2005.

Ricoh practically invented the idea of the pocket-sized compact camera with a long-zoom wide-angle lens, when they introduce the five-megapixel, 7.1x zoom Caplio R3 in 2005. Back then it was an outstanding brainchild, but in due time other manufacturers saw the possibility of the design and launched their own compact zooms, in particular Panasonic with its very profitable TZ-series, the most recent of which includes a 12x zoom and HD video recorder. Rather than try to play catch-up however, Ricoh launched a new technical advance with the CX1, in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging, taking two pictures simultaneously at different exposures and blending them to create a single image with enhanced highlight and shadow detail. I have no reservation that other manufacturers will quickly duplicate this design, in fact Pentax has included in-camera HDR in its most recent digital SLR, the K-7.

Ricoh CX2 advanced digital camera : Ricoh announced the release of a new digital camera, the Ricoh CX2. This new compact camera featuring a high magnification 10.7x (28-300 mm) optical wide-angle zoom lens in a compact camera body only 29.4 mm thick. The Ricoh CX2 camera is capable of 5 frame/second high-speed continuous shooting of still images with the maximum number of megapixels. The new CX2 from Ricoh inherits many popular camera features from its predecessor, the Ricoh CX1, such as the high image quality and expanded dynamic range made possible by image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine IV and a high-speed image processing CMOS image sensor. The Ricoh CX2 camera will be available for £299.99 or 349,00 Euro.

Ricoh CX2 camera features
The Ricoh CX2 digital camera enhances functions that expand photo possibilities in a number of areas, including a 10.7x optical zoom lens that expands shooting capabilities from wide-angle through telephoto range, high-speed continuous shooting (approx. 5 frames/sec. at maximum number of pixels) functions so you won't miss the target scene, and the easy-to-use Auto Focus functions Pre-AF and Continuous Auto Focus. New scene modes such as "high-contrast B&W mode" and "miniaturize mode" have been added to stimulate shooting creativity, and various CX1 camera functions have received enhancements, such as the addition of face recognition to easy shooting mode and the addition of an AUTO option for automatically defining the range expansion effect in dynamic range double shot mode. With its expanded range of camera functions for the relaxed enjoyment of digital photography, the Ricoh CX2 represents the further evolution of the compact digital camera as "A tool you will want to use every day."

Ricoh CX2 with 10.7x optical zoom
With a 10.7x optical zoom lens (28-300 mm) in a compact body only 29.4 mm thick, the CX2 shoots freely all the way from wide-angle to telephoto. Ricoh's original retracting lens system made it possible to fit the newly developed high magnification 10.7x optical wide-angle zoom lens in a 29.4 mm body that is both easy to carry and easy to operate. With 28 mm wide-angle to 300 mm telephoto coverage, this high magnification zoom lens can handle a wide range of shooting situations, including powerful telephoto shots as well as wide-angle shooting of both expansive landscapes and interior scenes with limited distance between camera and subject. The zoom function can be switched to high-speed zoom by continuing to turn the zoom lever.

Ricoh compact camera with high-speed continuous shooting
With the enhanced continuous shooting mode, it is possible to do high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 5 frames/second for still images with the maximum number of pixels. Continuous shooting speed will vary depending on shooting conditions, card type, card condition, etc. For the M-continuous plus shooting function, which saves consecutive images shot before the finger is removed from the shutter release button, a mode has been added that makes it possible to shoot at the maximum number of pixels. To fit the scene being photographed, you can select from two modes: M-Continuous Plus (9M) for 15 images (5 frames/sec.) taken in as little as three seconds and M-Continuous Plus (2M) for 30 images (30 frames/sec.) taken in about one second. The consecutively shot images are recorded as a single MP file (a file format with multiple still images in a single file). With ultra-high-speed continuous shooting, the CX2 shoots 120 images (120 frames/sec.) during an interval of about one second after the shutter release button is pushed, or 120 images (60 frames/sec.) during an interval of about two seconds. The consecutively shot images are recorded as a single MP file (a file format with multiple still images in a single file).

Ricoh CX2 photo quality
The Ricoh CX2 digital camera has the image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine IV and a high-speed image processing CMOS sensor. Together they can shoot high-quality images with high resolution and low noise. Residing on a customized circuit of the image processing engine, the pixel output interpolation algorithm reduces whiteout in high-contrast situations, thereby recreating beauty as seen. Dynamic range double shot mode makes it possible to record images with an almost naked-eye impression; it has a new AUTO option where the camera automatically defines the optimal exposure difference. Now it is even easier to enjoy the benefits of dynamic range expansion of up to 12EV. Multi-pattern auto white balance makes it possible to recreate natural as-seen colors even in people-photography scenes that were difficult to shoot with past auto white balance functions, such as scenes with both shadow and sunlight and scenes mixing flash and natural light or fluorescent light, etc.

New Ricoh camera modes to stimulate creative photography
As the name implies, "high-contrast B&W mode" shoots images with higher contrast than normal black & white mode. This makes it possible to record images with a grainy feel such as that created by using ultra-high-sensitivity film in a film camera or by push processing film at the development stage. The new "miniaturize mode" shoots scenes with the top and bottom areas of the image blurred. This makes it possible to shoot actual scenes but record images that recreate the impression given when photographing miniatures. The new "manner mode" enables you to turn off the flash, the AF auxiliary light, and operation sounds without changing the camera settings. This is convenient when shooting in museums and other public buildings

Ricoh CX2 camera function for automatic face recognition
When faces are detected during shooting, the CX2 shoots the image with the focus, exposure, and white balance optimized for the faces. Compared to the previous model, there have been increases in recognition speed and number of faces detectable. A maximum of eight subject faces can now be detected. When shooting subjects up close, the camera automatically switches to macro mode so macro photography can now be enjoyed without the inconvenience of having to switch modes. Pre-AF and Continuous AF functions quickly and accurately focus on the subject. With Pre-AF, the camera automatically adjusts the focus even when the shutter release button is not half-pressed. Quick shooting is possible since the focus is adjusted in response to subject movement. With Continuous AF, if subject movement is detected while the shutter release button is half-pressed, the camera automatically adjusts the focus to match the subject movement.

Ricoh High-definition LCD camera monitor
The large, high-resolution LCD monitor has a wide viewing angle and high contrast. The screen has a fluorine coat to prevent soiling, a hard coat to prevent scratches, and an anti-reflection coat to give excellent visibility even outdoors in bright sunshine. With sRGB comparison of 100% for color reproduction range, the monitor vividly reproduces image colors. A wide range of functions inspired by the "A tool you will want to use every day" concept. With the macro photography functions you can get as close to the subject as 1 cm for wide-angle and 28 cm for telephoto. The Ricoh CX2 Image flag function to enable the quick display of specific photos from among those in the Ricoh camera. The maximum number of flags has been increased from 3 to 20.

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Really good camera for casual use, July 22, 2010

By George J. Silvaney

This review is from: Ricoh CX2 9.29MP Digital Camera with 10.7x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3 inch High Resolution LCD (Black) (Electronics) Build quality is very good. I bought this camera to replace my Fujifilm 700, which died on me when I was at a Pirates game. This camera cost twice as much as the Fujifilm. I loved my little Fujifilm.

Here's the deal. I wanted a compact traveling camera as a backup to my DSLR. (Canon 40D) I wanted something for those times when I'm riding on my scooter, going to the pool, running around the park. Going to a ball game. I also wanted to take some short videos.

This camera has some really interesting features. Wonderful LCD display. Good zoom range in a very compact size. A vivid color setting that's quite nice. Image quality is good in normal/daytime lighting. Good macro Built very well. Pretty cool high-speed burst function. Just keep in mind that the buffer will fill up quick. (Something my Fujifilm really lacked)

Things I wish were better. Slow focus. Slow zoom. I've missed shots because the camera doesn't know what to look at. Low light= not so good. Mucho JPEG and color noise. Oh how I wish it would shoot RAW - I think every camera over $200 should shoot RAW these days. Weird menu settings, not very user friendly. No Manual setting, no Av, no Tv setting. Weird face recognition/autofocus settings that I have yet to figure out. Flash is fare, I never like to use built-in flash if I can avoid it. I know it's asking a lot, but I'd like a hot shoe.

I think I'd consider a Lumix in the same price range, or spend a bit more and buy a Canon s90, or go for a G11 to get RAW and hot shoe.