In summary
Test shots were colour accurate with moderate saturation and contrast. Noise was negligible at ISO 100 and remained quite low up to ISO 400, becoming noticeable only at ISO 1600. Close-up capabilities were impressive and flash coverage was adequate. The white balance control handled fluorescent lighting adequately but did poorly with incandescent lights. . . [more]
Full review
With its well-built and compact black metal body, 5-megapixel sensor and wide-angle zoom lens, Ricoh’s new Caplio GX will appeal to many photographers. Serious photographers will welcome TIFF image capture, though it’s only available at the highest resolution setting. Others will welcome the GX’s power versatility. In Australia , it’s supplied with a DB-43 lithium-ion battery and charger, but it can also use two AA cells or a CR-V3 lithium battery. The Caplio GX supports P, A, S and Ml shooting modes and also provides six scene selections, with on-screen illustrations to guide novice users. There’s a neat ADJ. (Adjust) button that supports on-the-fly changes to the exposure correction, white balance and ISO settings, and users can add picture quality/size, manual focus, sharpness and photometry adjustments to this menu. A hot shoe is provided for accessory flash units.
Test shots were colour accurate with moderate saturation and contrast. Noise was negligible at ISO 100 and remained quite low up to ISO 400, becoming noticeable only at ISO 1600. Close-up capabilities were impressive and flash coverage was adequate. The white balance control handled fluorescent lighting adequately but did poorly with incandescent lights.
Strengths
- Negligible capture lag
- Excellent close-up capabilities
- Well-balanced flash
- Several battery options (incl. AA)
Weaknesses
- Some colour fringing in contrasty shots
- Poor auto white balance in incandescent light [BG05]
Full review in Issue 18 (August/September 2004)
Specifications
Image sensor: 7.18 x 5.32mm CCD with 5,250,000 photosites (5.13 megapixels effective)
Lens: 5.8-17.4mm f 2.5 to 4.3 (equivalent to 28-85 mm in 35mm format)
Zoom ratio: 3x optical, 4x digital
Dimensions (wxhxd): 113.6 ø— 58 ø— 29mm
Weight: 205g (without battery and card)
Retailers
CamBuy
www.cambuy.com.au
Digital cameras, lenses and accessories with 100% genuine Australian manufacturer’s warranties.
Ph: (02) 9029 2219
Camera House
www.camerahouse.com.au
Ph: 133 686
The largest speciality photographic retail chain in Australia.
Camera Pro
www.camerapro.net.au
CameraPro Pty Ltd
Suite 607, 180 Queen St, Brisbane 4000
Tel: 07 3333 2900
Australian owned and run company based in Brisbane.
Camerasdirect
www.camerasdirect.com.au
Retailer of digital camera equipment and more.
Secure online shopping and delivery across Australia.
Ph: 1300 727 056
Camerastore.com.au
Camerastore.com.au
Ph: 1800 155 067
Camera-Warehouse
www.camera-warehouse.com.au
Comprehensive range of digital cameras and accessories online (www.camera-warehouse.com.au) and an online print service (www.royalexpress.com.au).
Digital Camera Warehouse
www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au
174 Canterbury Road 367 High Street
Canterbury Northcote
NSW 2193 VIC 3070
Ph: 1300 365 220
Electronics Warehouse
www.electronicswarehouse.com.au
1300 801 885
Australian retailer of Vapex rechargeable batteries offering factory direct prices and fast, free shipping Australia wide.
<
Photographic Equipment & Supplies – Retail & Repairs. Click here for list of stores.
Ted’s Cameras
1800 186 895
Big range of cameras and photographic products with stores in most states and online.
Rating