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Did you say Ricoh CX1 ?

Just try a simple test; ask a couple of your friends to list down 10 digital camera brands and the chances of Ricoh being on that list are quite remote! Known more for its fax machines and digital copiers; Ricoh's cameras are quite understated and probably under-marketed as well.

Ricoh recently introduced the compact CX1 digicam. If you are thinking about how the term 'CX1' reminds you of the Sony 'HX1'; wait! There is one more similarity between the two; both of them are built around CMOS sensors.

Traditionally most compact digicams were built around CCD (Charge-coupled device) sensors, whereas the bigger and more expensive DSLRs used CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensors. Without getting into the CMOS vs. CCD debate, let me just say that currently, CMOS seems to have an edge over CCD technologies in terms of absolute speed.

First the basics; the CX1 has a 7.1x zoom optical lens capable of ranging from a 28mm wide angle to a 200mm at the telephoto end. The CMOS sensor is rated for 9.29 million effective pixels. Image composition and viewing is via a 3-inch TFT screen.

The Ricoh CX1 features a new 'Smooth Imaging Engine IV' processor, which works with the CMOS sensor to deliver high speed image processing capabilities. Those familiar with advanced image processing techniques may know about HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging, which can result in some stunning images; Ricoh has built in a similar feature into the CX1 called the 'Dynamic Range - Double Shot' mode, in which the camera takes two photos in fast succession while varying the exposure settings and the two images are then combined to ensure that the best exposed parts are used to deliver one image with optimal exposure.

The 'Multi-Pattern Auto White Balance' feature enables the camera to analyze multiple areas of the intended image, measure the lighting across each individual area and set the white balance considering multiple light sources. This feature is useful when the image area has different zones with sharp contrasts such as bright sunlight, with deep shadow areas and other artificial light sources thrown in. In the 'Multi-Target Auto Focus' setting, the camera will shoot 7 images with different focal lengths, allowing the user to later select the image that has the optimal focus settings.

Ricoh has not built in HD movie capability into this machine, so movie clips can be shot at 640p x 480p or 320p x 240p settings. Other features of this camera include six focus modes including a manual mode, ISO sensitivity settings of up to ISO 1600, 10 scene modes including an interesting 'Skew Correction' mode that allows you to correct the image distortion that occurs when you shoot documents, cards or white boards.

Overall, the CX1 is a very capable camera and should definitely be checked out if you are looking for a compact camera with good optical zoom and above average imaging capabilities.

Rmax
Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:37:23 +0000

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