Ricoh Caplio GX100 Review

The Ricoh Caplio GX100 is a digital camera that tries to bring back the control of taking photographs to the hands that are holding it. Rather than packing it with various automated features, the GX100 kept it at a minimum and rested its faith on the user—as if to say; “Only the ‘worthy’ may touch me”.

The design itself of the GX100 seems to connote seriousness. The body is made of aluminum alloy and dressed in somber black. Rubber is placed strategically on its body to allow a better grip and a metal tripod mount is placed at the bottom center. The adjustable lens barrel at the center completes this look. But unlike the bulky SLR’s, the GX100 is smaller and lighter. It weighs about 220 grams and has dimensions of 111.6 mm
(W) x 58.0 mm (H) x 25.0 mm (D).

The GX100 has a bright 2.5-inch LCD and 10 megapixel resolution. It is fitted with a 24-72mm wide-angle optical zoom lens which is equivalent to a 35 mm camera. The increase in the diagonal view can capture a wider expanse of landscape and urban settings.

The GX100 boasts a removable electronic viewfinder that attaches via the flash hot shoe. This unique electronic viewfinder can be titled upwards to 90 degrees and give a single view with the focal distance. However, you cannot use then external flash when using the electronic viewfinder or the built-in pop-up flash when it is tilted.

Though guising a stern, professional look, the GX100 can still boast of its unsophisticated handling. Its fitted with controls for quicker access of different functions in the camera. On top of the GX100 is the Mode dial that lets you select from auto to manual and choose the mode for program, aperture, priority, movie, and scene The Function button lets you to choose the setting for ISO, exposure compensation, white balance, lock, focus, sound, and picture quality. The Selector button is used to move on a menu. The Flash button activates the flash. When the camera is on manual mode, the Flash button will not activate the flash. This is the mode where you can use an external flash. There is also the Shutter Release button and the Power button.

At the back, with the LCD, you can find the Zoom button. Pressing the Display button will navigate you through whatever is on the display. It also has a dedicated button for shifting between the view finder and LCD screen.

The GX100 also has other innovations to help you get that perfect shot. For instance, it as 17 auto focus points within the auto focus region to prevent out of focus shots even without locking the focus. Manual spot focusing and Center focusing is also available. The GX100 employs three types of light metering for maximum usage in any lighting condition. These are spot metering, center weighted average metering, and multiple metering. The GX100 also has My Settings options which let you access your favorite scene and settings at a touch of a button. Some functions that you can set are Photo mode, Picture quality/size, Focus, Metering method, Continuous shooting, Exposure compensation, White balance, ISO sensitivity, Camera shake correction, and Zoom position.

The Camera Shake Correction is probably the only automated technology installed in the GX100. When turned on, it automatically corrects the effects of shakes often associated with slower shutter speeds. With the camera shake correction, you can take shots at a lower shutter speed and still get clear and sharp pictures.

Summary of Ricoh Caplio GX100 features:

• Resolution: 10 megapixels
• LCD: 2.5-inch
• Optical Zoom: 3x
• Focal Length: 5.1-15.3mm
• Digital Zoom: 4x
• Sensitivity: Auto, High, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
• Aperture: F2.5(Wide) - F4.4(Tele)
• Flash Range:0.2 - 5.0 m (Wide), 0.15 - 3.0 m (Tele)
• Still Image Format: JPEG, RAW
• Video format: AVI
• Sound: WAV
• Memory: 26 MB internal memory
• Supported Media: SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card
• Dimensions: 111.6 mm (W) x 58.0 mm (H) x 25.0 mm (D)
• Weight: 220 g,
• Power source: Rechargeable battery (DB-60), AC adaptor (AC-4c) or AAA (alkaline battery)

PROS: The most obvious selling point of the Ricoh Caplio GX100 is its wide angle optical zoom lens. Its wider view provides for more dramatic shots that can be difficult to achieve with other compact digital cameras.

CONS: For all its features, the Ricoh Caplio GX100 can be a bit intimidating for less experienced users. One should be familiar with the various effects of each variable to effectively handle the GX100.

The Ricoh Caplio GX100 is unique in its attempt to combine the convenient features of a compact digital camera and the versatility and control of an SLR. Its no nonsense minimalist design and features is an indication of its performance. The GX100 is truly a serious camera for the, serious and discerning photographer.

Attached Images

Ricoh_Caplio_GX100.jpg (2.7 KB, 2 views)