Ricoh GX200

Ricoh has just announced an update of its popular Caplio GX100 model, called the GX200. The new version has the same 5.1–15.3 ƒ/2.5–4.4mm (24–72mm-e) lens. It features 12 megapixels, better noise reduction through the use of a new processing engine, a 2.7-in. 460,000-dot LCD, and enhanced raw buffering.

Press release and pictures

Image samples on photographyblog.com.

_____________________

Mike

Comments

[Antony Shepherd]

Is it me or does it look like they've taken the improvements between the GRD1 and the GRD2 and applied them to the GX100 to make the GX200.
If I was in the market for a new compact (quite happy with my GRD) I'd think about it.

Mind you, what I'm really waiting for is a GRD3 with an larger sensor to come along and eat Sigma's lunch.
Go on, go on Ricoh, you know you want to.

[Puplet]

More info on the downloadable brochure here:

http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/gx/gx200/index.html

Has all the non-headline stuff (second function button, third MY setting, flash exposure compensation, in-camera lens distortion correction, modified lens design for flare control) which Ricoh afficiandos like me get really excited about!

[Christer Almqvist]

No VR?

[switters]

Provided the IQ is equivalent or superior to the GX100, this looks like a worthwhile upgrade. The slew of small but significant features Ricoh added really does prove that they are making cameras for photographers.

[Ken Tanaka]

Ricoh is understandably trying to make hay while the sun shines on these little cameras. But honestly I've never seen the attraction. They really aren't terrific cameras from any point of view. But if it makes someone feel good to use these cameras I suppose that's enough of an excuse to buy one, eh?

One neat feature I noticed in this new model is an "electronic level" indicator. That's something that I've long thought might be very useful for every digital camera. (Heck, if my 1/4" Black and Decker drill can incorporate such a feature why not a much more expensive camera?

[triplight]

Great, looks like everything I wanted for my GX100 (especially the distortion correction and 1:1 RAW.) But the loss of hybrid AF didn't seem to do the GRD2 any good, I wonder why they'd go this route when they had something that worked fine.

[Robin P]

I had a look at the image samples on photographyblog.com and got the impression that the built in level had not been used much.
At first glance the camera seems to resolve detail remarkably well but pixel peeping at a converted .dng the telltale sign of a small sensor is there as usual - look carefully and you'll see that the people in the distance are really cardboard cut-outs!

Cheers, Robin

[Thiago Silva]

Yes, it has CCD-shift stabilization.

The only thing it needs now is a 4/3 sensor :-)

[Tim]

You have to look through the brochure to find the key difference: bigger buffer, up to 5 consecutive shots in RAW. Yes! My #1 gripe with the GX100 is the slow RAW shooting. Nothing else matters. Pity about the unnecessary extra pixels, if they give up even 1% on low-light sensitivity that's a near-criminal mistake.

[Miserere]

In case anyone is tempted, Adorama are taking preorders. $600 for the camera, or $750 for the camera plus viewfinder.

Anyone think this will be a DMC?

[Dave Kee]

A bigger sensor and a hot shoe for an external flash and I would pop for one.

[Colman]

The view finder slides into the hotshoe - you just can't use external flash and VF at the same time.

[jobo]

Dave: It does have a hotshoe, just like the other premium Ricohs. Another reason why I enjoy using my GX100 for macros/closeups (although 72mm equivalent is a bit short) is that the bellows factor is so much lower than for an APS sensor: More DOF and more light to the sensor, what's not to like?

[AndrewG NY]

It has CCD-vibration shake reduction AND a hotshoe (that can also hold an accessory electronic viewfinder). In my opinion though it either needs a bigger sensor with only moderate price increase, or to be priced $150 less. The RAW files that come in different dimensions (to do 1:1 as well as 4:3) is a nice feature.

I'm guessing that even removal of the mirror box and legacy mount requirements still might not allow for a very compact or fast 24-70 zoom supporting an 4/3 or APS-C sensor though.

[Dave Kee]

Guys: Thanks for the info on the hot shoe. That does make it a lot more attractive to me. Now if Sigma would just get its act together on updating the DP1...

Dave

[Mark Goldstein]

We've just published a review of the GX200...

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews_ricoh_gx200.php