Ricoh has added a new, extended-zoom model, the CX2, to its range of digicams with high-speed CMOS sensors.

-
leadpic_CX2

August 21 2009: Ricoh has added a new, extended-zoom model, the CX2, to its range of digicams with high-speed CMOS sensors.
Developed to provide 10.7x optical zoom and wide-angle coverage in a camera body that is only 29.4 mm thick, the lens in the CX2 covers a focal length range equivalent to 28-300mm in 35mm format and has maximum apertures ranging from f/3.5 to f/5.6. The zoom lever is pressure sensitive and can be switched from normal to high-speed at a touch. The CX2’ssensor is a 6.16 x 4.62 mm CMOS chip with 9.3-megapixel (effective) resolution. The new camera includes many features of the CX1 model (which was introduced in March, 2009), notably the Smooth Imaging Engine IV image processor, expanded dynamic range (which includes a new Auto option in dynamic range double shot mode ) and slim, pocketable camera body.

-
Ricoh_CX2_front_sml

Front view of the Ricoh CX2. (Source: Ricoh.)
High-speed continuous shooting is available at up to 5 frames/second at maximum resolution and the M-continuous plus mode, which saves consecutive images shot before the finger is removed from the shutter release button, had been added. The new camera also comes with the easy-to-use Pre-AF and Continuous AF autofocusing functions. New Scene presets include a high-contrast B&W mode and a ‘miniaturise’ mode that shoots scenes with the top and bottom areas of the image blurred to replicate the appearance of close-up photography.

-
Ricoh_CX2_back_sml

Rear view of the Ricoh CX2. (Source: Ricoh.)
Face detection capabilities have been expanded with the addition of face recognition. Up to eight human faces can now be detected in a scene. When shooting close subjects, the camera will automatically switch to macro mode, eliminating the need for manual switching. Movie clips can be recorded at VGA or QVGA resolution with frame rates of 30 or 15 fps. The CX2 boasts a large, 3-inch VGA-quality (920,000 dots) LCD monitor, which is coated to minimise grease and scratching and reduce reflections.
Ricoh’s new CX2 measures 101.5 (W) x 58.3 (H) x 29.4 mm (D) and weighs only 208 grams with battery and strap. It will be available locally in mid-September and offered three colours: black, silver and two-tone grey/pink for an RRP of $599. For more information, visit www.tasco.com.au.