has released details of a new Caplio digicam with a 5-megapixel CCD image sensor and 7.1x optical zoom lens.

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Leadpic_Ricoh%20R3

September 7, 2005: has released details of a new Caplio digicam with a 5-megapixel CCD image sensor and 7.1x optical zoom lens.
The new Caplio R3 has an easy-to-see 2.5-inch LCD monitor and its zoom lens features a new double retracting lens system, which leaves part of the lens assembly protruding from the front of the camera when the lens is stored. This has allowed the designers to produce a camera body that measures 95 x 53 x 26 mm and weighs just 150 grams. The zoom lens has a focal length range equivalent to 28-200 mm in 35mm format and Ricoh has included a vibration correction function, developed from Ricoh’s original CCD shift method, which moves the CCD in the opposite direction to counterbalance camera shake. The lens focuses to 1 cm in macro mode. A new zoom macro function automatically focuses the lens at the optimum distance for capturing an image of each object as large and close as possible. If AF Target Selection is used, users can focus on objects within the frame without moving the camera. Focusing accuracy becomes that much higher when shooting in macro
The Caplio R3 also includes a skew correction function, which automatically detects trapezoids in images and corrects them to rectangles. This is handy in business environments where blackboards, overhead projector, OHPs, time schedules; signs, etc. cannot be shot from the front. Ricoh claims the Caplio R3 has a release time lag (the time from the instant the shutter button is fully pressed – without using focus lock – until exposure actually starts) is approximately 0.09second on average. The new camera can also capture bursts of shots at 0.5 second intervals and the long-life rechargeable battery, a standard accessory, lets users take approximately 310 shots per charge. During playback, 12 pictures can be displayed simultaneously on the LCD monitor and the screen can be separated into three parts to allow fast forwarding and rewinding.
The Caplio R3 will be available in both black and silver. Local release date and pricing have still to be confirmed.