Ricoh unveils CX2 CMOS compact super-zoom
Aug 20, 2009 at 06:00:00 GMT
Pre-IFA 2009: Ricoh has unveiled the CX2 super zoom compact. Featuring the same 9 MP CMOS sensor inherited from its predecessor CX1, it offers a larger 10.7x zoom range at 28-300mm equivalent, a faster continuous shooting range of 5 fps, Pre- and Continuous-AF modes and additional scene modes. The rest of the features mirror the CX1 including the 3.0 LCD with 920k dot resolution and the faster Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor.
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Ricoh announces the CX2
10.7x Optical zoom (28-300 mm) compact digital camera
with 5 frame/sec. high-speed continuous shooting
Tokyo, Japan, August 20, 2009 - Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) today announced the release of the CX2, a new digital camera featuring a high magnification 10.7x (28-300 mm) optical wide-angle zoom lens in a compact body only 29.4 mm thick. The CX2 is capable of 5 frame/second high-speed continuous shooting of still images with the maximum number of pixels.
The new CX2 inherits many popular features from its predecessor, the CX1 (introduced March 13, 2009), such as the high image quality and expanded dynamic range made possible by image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine IV and a high-speed image processing CMOS sensor. At the same time, it enhances functions that expand photo possibilities in a number of areas, including (1) a 10.7x optical zoom lens that expands shooting capabilities from wide-angle through telephoto range, (2) high-speed continuous shooting (approx. 5 frames/sec. at maximum number of pixels) functions so you won't miss the target scene, and (3) the easy-to-use AF functions Pre-AF and Continuous AF.
New scene modes such as "high-contrast B&W mode" and "miniaturize mode" have been added to stimulate shooting creativity, and various CX1 model functions have received enhancements, such as the addition of face recognition to easy shooting mode and the addition of an AUTO option for automatically defining the range expansion effect in dynamic range double shot mode.
With its expanded range of functions for the relaxed enjoyment of photography, the CX2 represents the further evolution of the compact digital camera as "A tool you will want to use every day."
The CX2 will be available at SRP £299.99 inc
Features
With a 10.7x optical zoom lens (28-300 mm) in a compact body only 29.4 mm thick, the CX2 shoots freely all the way from wide-angle to telephoto.
- Ricoh's original retracting lens system made it possible to fit the newly developed high magnification 10.7x optical wide-angle zoom lens in a 29.4 mm body that is both easy to carry and easy to operate.
- With 28 mm wide-angle to 300 mm telephoto coverage, this high magnification zoom lens can handle a wide range of shooting situations, including powerful telephoto shots as well as wide-angle shooting of both expansive landscapes and interior scenes with limited distance between camera and subject.
- The zoom function can be switched to high-speed zoom by continuing to turn the zoom lever.
More advanced high-speed continuous shooting* functions enable you to get the shot you want.
- With the enhanced continuous shooting mode, it is possible to do high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 5 frames/second for still images with the maximum number of pixels.
Continuous shooting speed will vary depending on shooting conditions, card type, card condition, etc. - For the M-continuous plus shooting function, which saves consecutive images shot before the finger is removed from the shutter release button, a mode has been added that makes it possible to shoot at the maximum number of pixels. To fit the scene being photographed, you can select from two modes: M-Continuous Plus (9M) for 15 images (5 frames/sec.) taken in as little as three seconds and M-Continuous Plus (2M) for 30 images (30 frames/sec.) taken in about one second.
M-Continuous Plus (9M) image size is fixed at N3456 (9M).
M-Continuous Plus (2M) image size is fixed at N1728 (2M).
The consecutively shot images are recorded as a single MP file (a file format with multiple still images in a single file). - With ultra-high-speed continuous shooting, the CX2 shoots 120 images (120 frames/sec.) during an interval of about one second after the shutter release button is pushed, or 120 images (60 frames/sec.) during an interval of about two seconds.
Image size is fixed at N640 (VGA).
The consecutively shot images are recorded as a single MP file (a file format with multiple still images in a single file).
High image quality from Smooth Imaging Engine IV and a high-resolution CMOS sensor.
- The CX2 has the image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine IV and a high-speed image processing CMOS sensor. Together they can shoot high-quality images with high resolution and low noise.
- Residing on a customized circuit of the image processing engine, the pixel output interpolation algorithm reduces whiteout in high-contrast situations, thereby recreating beauty as seen.
- Dynamic range double shot mode makes it possible to record images with an almost naked-eye impression; it has a new AUTO option where the camera automatically defines the optimal exposure difference. Now it is even easier to enjoy the benefits of dynamic range expansion of up to 12EV.
- Multi-pattern auto white balance makes it possible to recreate natural as-seen colours even in people-photography scenes that were difficult to shoot with past auto white balance functions, such as scenes with both shadow and sunlight and scenes mixing flash and natural light (or fluorescent light, etc.).
New modes to stimulate creative photography.
- As the name implies, "high-contrast B&W mode" shoots images with higher contrast than normal black & white mode. This makes it possible to record images with a grainy feel such as that created by using ultra-high-sensitivity film in a film camera or by push processing film at the development stage.
- The new "miniaturize mode" shoots scenes with the top and bottom areas of the image blurred. This makes it possible to shoot actual scenes but record images that recreate the impression given when photographing miniatures.
- The new "manner mode" enables you to turn off the flash, the AF auxiliary light, and operation sounds without changing the camera settings. This is convenient when shooting in museums and other public buildings.
Easy shooting mode which can be enjoyed by a simple operation now has a function for automatic face recognition.
- When faces are detected during shooting, the CX2 shoots the image with the focus, exposure, and white balance optimized for the faces. Compared to the previous model, there have been increases in recognition speed and number of faces detectable. A maximum of eight subject faces can now be detected.
- When shooting subjects up close, the camera automatically switches to macro mode so macro photography can now be enjoyed without the inconvenience of having to switch modes.
Pre-AF and Continuous AF functions quickly and accurately focus on the subject.
- With Pre-AF, the camera automatically adjusts the focus even when the shutter release button is not half-pressed. Quick shooting is possible since the focus is adjusted in response to subject movement.
- With Continuous AF, if subject movement is detected while the shutter release button is half-pressed, the camera automatically adjusts the focus to match the subject movement.
High-definition 3.0-inch 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor.
- The large, high-resolution LCD monitor has a wide viewing angle and high contrast. The screen has a fluorine coat to prevent soiling, a hard coat to prevent scratches, and an anti-reflection coat to give excellent visibility even outdoors in bright sunshine.
- With sRGB comparison of 100% for colour reproduction range, the monitor vividly reproduces image colours.
A wide range of functions inspired by the "A tool you will want to use every day" concept.
- With the macro photography functions you can get as close to the subject as 1 cm for wide-angle** and 28 cm for telephoto.
- A comfortable and easy-to-hold grip shape.
- Electronic level utilizing an acceleration sensor.
- Image sensor shift blur reduction function to reduce hand-motion blurring.
- Three grid guides useful for framing images while shooting.
- Image flag function to enable the quick display of specific images from among those in the camera. The maximum number of flags has been increased from 3 to 20.
* Continuous shooting speed will vary depending on shooting conditions, card type, card condition, etc.
** Equivalent to 31 mm focal length for 35 mm cameras
Ricoh CX2 specification
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| Sensor | • 1/2.3" Type CMOS |
| Image sizes | • 3456 x 2592 |
| Movie clips | • 640 x 480 [L] • 320 x 240 [M] |
| Text* | • 3456x2592 • 2048x1536 |
| File formats | • JPEG (Exif v2.2) |
| Lens* | • 28 - 300mm (35mm equiv) |
| Digital zoom | up to 4.8x |
| Focus | • Multi • Spot • Continuous* • Multi-Target AF • Manual • Fixed • Infinity |
| Focus distance | Closest focus distance 1 cm |
| Metering | • Multi (256 segments) • Centre Weighted Light Metering • Spot |
| ISO sensitivity | • Auto • Auto HI • ISO 80 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600 |
| Exposure compensation | +/- 2EV in 1/3 stop increments |
| Auto Bracketing | +/- 5EV |
| Shutter speed | • 8 sec-1/1200 sec • Movie : 1/30 - 1/2000 sec. |
| Modes | • Auto |
| Continuous Shooting Modes | • Continuous • M-Continuous Plus • Ultra-High-Speed Continuous |
| Scene modes | • Portrait |
| White balance | • Auto • Multi-Pattern • Outdoors • Cloudy • Incandescent • Incandescent 2 • Fluorescent • Manual • White Balance Bracket |
| Self timer | • 2 or 10sec |
| Continuous shooting | • Approx 5 fps |
| Flash | • Auto, Red-eye-Reduction, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Flash Off |
| LCD monitor | • 3.0" TFT • 920,000 pixels |
| Connectivity | • USB Hi-Speed • AV out (PAL / NTSC switchable) |
| Storage | • Internal memory 88MB • SD, SDHC |
| Power | Rechargeable Battery DB-70 |
| Weight (no batt) | 185 g |
| Dimensions | 102 x 58 x 29 mm |
* Compared to Rioch CX1
Additional images
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