Other Cameras

With a 5-megapixel sensor, Schneider 3x zoom lens, and dual SD/MMC and Memory Stick Duo card slots, Samsung’s Digimax V50 is the flagship model in the current line-up. This model supports VGA movie capture at 30 frames per second and the MPEG-4 compression used lets you record up to 110 seconds of top quality video on the supplied 32MB SD card, making it worthwhile for those who want high quality in both stills and movies. However, its shooting controls are complex and adjustments to white balance and ISO settings, exposure compensation, long time exposures (up to 15 seconds) and R, G and B colour adjustments can only be made through a sub-menu controlled by an ‘S’ button. The icons displayed with this button are small and difficult to read, but the range of adjustments is generous.

A minor upgrade to the CX3 model with six new scene pre-sets and revamped cosmetics.Ricoh’s CX4 is a relatively minor upgrade to the CX3, which was announced in February this year. The 10-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor and Smooth Imaging Engine IV image processor appear unchanged, as does the 10.7x optical wide-angle zoom lens. Video capture remains at 720p maximum resolution.

A slimline point-and-shoot digicam with a 10.7x optical zoom lens and new, back-illuminated CMOS sensor.Although the latest addition to Ricoh’s popular CX series of slimline digicams, the CX3, retains the overall styling and 10.7x optical wide-angle zoom lens from its predecessor, it has some new additions to improve imaging performance. Most noteworthy are the new, back-illuminated CMOS sensor that records more detail in low light photography and the inclusion of 720p HD video recording.

Ricoh’s second CMOS-sensor digicam extends the zoom range of the previous model to 10.7 times.Ricoh’s second CMOS-equipped digicam, the CX2, comes hard on the heels of the CX1, which we reviewed in March. It has the same 6.16 x 4.62 mm CMOS sensor with 9.3-megapixel (effective) resolution but boasts a new lens that provides 10.7x optical zoom and wide-angle coverage in a camera body that is only 29.4 mm thick.

Ricoh’s first camera with a CMOS sensor features slimline styling and a 7x optical zoom lens.Offered in black, silver and Champagne Rose, the new Ricoh CX1 is the first Ricoh camera with a CMOS sensor that provides an effective resolution of 9.29 megapixels. Coupled to this sensor is a 7.1x optical zoom lens that covers a focal length range equivalent to 28-200mm in 35mm format. Maximum apertures range from a modest f/3.3 at the wide setting to f/5.2 at full optical zoom.

Ricoh’s Caplio RZ1 comes with six clip-on face plates that let you match the camera to your mood or outfit. Designed for ease of use, it has six scene settings (portrait, sports, landscape, might scene, text and high-sensitivity) plus a small real time histogram display.

A slimline digicam with some handy recording modes for everyday photographers.Ricoh’s Caplio R6 is an upgrade to the popular Caplio R5 model with a slimmer, but slightly longer, body that’s 30 grams lighter than its predecessor. Physically, the two cameras look very similar, which isn’t surprising as they share the same 7.24 megapixel CCD imager and 7.1x wide-angle zoom lens. The same CCD-shift vibration correction function appears in both cameras, although the R6 benefits from improvements to the correction algorithms. It also sports a larger 2.7-inch LCD and is available in silver, black and red. No viewfidner is provided.

Ricoh’s Caplio R1V is essentially a Caplio R1 with a 5-megapixel CCD. It’s a reflection of market trends that the company is offering the new model at the same price as its predecessor. The 4.8x retracting zoom lens covers the same angles of view and combines with a 3.6x digital zoom to offer up to 17x magnification.

The first digicam with the new Super CCD EXR sensor, which promises dynamic range expansion.Fujifilm’s FinePix F200EXR introduces a brand new image sensor. Significantly larger than the standard ‘1/2.3-inch’ type (6.16 x 4.62 mm) chip, the new Super CCD EXR sensor measures 8.08 x 6.01 mm. With an effective resolution of 12 megapixels, this sensor represents the latest generation of Super CCD technology. Designed primarily for point-and-shoot photographers, the F200EXR relies mainly on automated exposure controls.

Excellent value for money but some functional and performance limitations.Ricoh is pushing the ‘value for money’ message with its latest camera and, at $299, the Caplio RR630 is well ahead of most competitors. With a larger than average 6.1-megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom lens, the RR630 has an odd mix of complex controls and functional limitations. The mode dial carries auto, P, Tv, Av and M settings as well as four scene settings (Night Scene, Landscape, Portrait and Sports) but sensitivity adjustment stops at ISO 200.