Below you will find this week’s firmware updates. Hit the manufacturer website links for more details and download instructions for the firmware. [Read more…]
Ricoh Stepping Up Mirrorless Camera Offerings
Ricoh’s president was recently quoted saying that “Ricoh will offer characteristic compact cameras under its own label, while trying to bring the Pentax brand on par with Nikon Corp. and Canon Inc. in interchangeable-lens cameras.” While we have no specs or details on what the camera will be like, the source article notes that it would not necessarily be an expansion of the recently-announced Pentax Q system, but rather a more prosumer offering with a larger image sensor.
Of course, the Pentax reference comes from recent news that Ricoh is acquiring the company, effective October 1.
[Rice High via 1001 Noisy Cameras]
Ricoh GR Digital IV Officially Announced
Ricoh has unveiled its GR Digital IV, which features a 10MP and a 28mm f/1.9 fixed lens. The Ricoh GR Digital IV adds sensor-shift image stabilization over its predecessor, the GR Digital III.
Additional features include a 3-inch 1.23 million dot resolution LCD, an improved image processor and quicker autofocus. A special edition, white model will be available in a total of 10,000 units.
No word yet on price or release dates. Check availability on Amazon.com.
More details and images below. [Read more…]
Ricoh GXR Mount A12
Ricoh GXR Mount A12
Ricoh has unveiled a new Leica-mount unit for its GXR system. The unit is equipped with an APS-C format CMOS sensor and the Leica M-mount.
In addition to capturing 12MP still images, the new GXR Mount A12 unit records 720p HD video.
The Ricoh GXR Mount A12 should be available in September at an initial retail price of $649. Check availability on Amazon.com.
Full details on the in the press release below. [Read more…]
Ricoh GXR with Leica M Lens Mount
The Ricoh GXR may finally get noticed since there’s a new lens mount unit that will accept Leica M-mount lenses. [Read more…]
Ricoh PX Rugged/Waterproof Compact Camera Announced
The Ricoh PX is a new compact camera that sports a 16MP image sensor, a 5x optical zoom (28-140mm equivalent) and a 2.7-inch LCD. [Read more…]
Ricoh GXR to Get Leica Lens Mount Unit
Ricoh has announced that it will offer a Leica lens mount unit for the Ricoh GXR system. The new unit will include an APS-C format 12.9MP CMOS sensor and will feature a newly-developed focal plane shutter. The Leica GXR lens unit is set to be released Fall 2011. No word yet on price.
Ricoh CX5 Announced
The Ricoh CX5 is a new point and shoot camera with a 10.7x optical zoom lens (28-300mm equivalent) and a 10MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor. The CX5 sports a new hybrid AF system that Ricoh says reduces AF focusing times down to 0.2 seconds. The hybrid AF system is made up of “a passive AF sensor that continuously measures the distance between the camera and subject using an area sensor together with Contrast AF (a system in which the imaging elements search for the peak location for contrast on the subject and focus on that location).”
The CX5 also offers a continuous shooting speed of 5fps at full resolution, a sensitivity range of ISO 100-3200, 720p HD video capture and a 3-inch LCD at 920k dot resolution. No word yet on pricing or release date. Check availability on Amazon.com.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Ricoh CX4 Announced
Ricoh has announced the CX4 compact camera, which features a 10MP CMOS sensor, 10.7x optical zoom (28-300mm equivalent), and the ability to capture 720p HD video. The Ricoh CX4 also offers a high resolution 920k dot 3-inch LCD and sensor-shift image stabilization.
The Ricoh CX4 should be available in September at an initial retail price of $399. Check availability on Amazon.com.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Ricoh GXR System Firmware Version 1.17 Update
Ricoh has released a new firmware update for its GXR camera system. The new firmware provides the following enhanced functions:
- Noise reduction performance enhancement
The MAX setting has been added to the noise reduction settings. When MAX is specified, the image data’s noise distribution is analyzed and the optimum processing is done for each region of the image, thereby increasing image quality in low-light scenes. - Auto bracketing setting change
When shooting with auto bracketing it is possible to specify exposure variations of up to 2.0 EV. In addition, the change sequence can be specified for each shot. - Image trimming
An image displayed in playback can be trimmed and saved as a separate file. It is also possible to trim an image’s proportions to aspect ratio 1:1 (square). - Two “incandescent lamp” settings for white balance
There used to be just the “incandescent lamp” setting for white balance, but now there are two settings: “incandescent lamp 1” and “incandescent lamp 2.” Compared to “incandescent lamp 1,” “incandescent lamp 2” gives the image a slightly more reddish cast so it is the equivalent of the old “incandescent lamp” setting. - Auto shutter speed shift function
In cases where the image will be overexposed or underexposed when in shutter speed priority mode, if this setting is on, the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed to give a suitable exposure.
Additional information, download and installation instructions are available on Ricoh’s GXR System firmware website.