All five of the projectors are very bright with at least 2,500 lumens of brightness. The resolution for the range varies from XGA up to WXGA and the all weigh less than 4.4 pounds and come with their own carry case for portability. They all use 3LCD tech making them easier to set up in rooms where there isn’t necessarily a straight shot at the wall or screen. The higher end PJ WX3231N and PJ X3241N both have more connectivity.

Those two projectors have LAN ports and WiFi integrated for connecting to local networks. A USB port also allows the user to give presentations without needing a computer with all the content coming from a flash drive connected to the projector. These should work well for the business user needing flexibility and portability.

The new camera also uses an independently developed external AF sensor and has a 3-inch rear LCD with 1.23-million dot resolution. The display is also optimized for outdoor visibility. Other features include a digital level inside to let the user determine the tilt direction. The camera has a Dynamic Range Compensation system that lets the user take photos of the subjects when they are backlit or have high contrast scenes.

The fancy AF sensor the camera uses has 190 auto focus points and can focus in as little as 0.2 seconds. The image sensor has a resolution of 10MP. The lens the camera uses is a 28mm/F1.9 GR unit optimized for image quality. The camera also has a bunch of automatic shooting and scene modes. The standard camera is black and there is a limited edition white version with the same features of the black camera. There will be 10,000 of the white cameras sold globally.

Ricoh recently announced it was purchasing Pentax to expand its consumer digital camera business, specifically in the lightweight interchangeable lens camera department. But that doesn’t mean that Ricoh will discontinue its own GXR series cameras, which are preferred by some for the ability to swap out not only the lens but also the camera sensor so that they can better adjust for varying shooting conditions.

The new GXR module is called the A12 and it uses a 12.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with a Leica M mount. It also comes with its own focal plane shutter so that it can be used instead of the camera’s electronic shutter. The module is expected to become available on September 9, priced at $649.

[via Electronista]

That merger was originally motivated by the medical expertise at Pentax, with the digital imaging side simply coming along for the ride. Now, with Ricoh looking to extend its feelers into the consumer digital camera market, the company reckons the best way it can do that is using “the small and lightweight interchangeable lens camera technology, lens technology and sales channels held by the Pentax Imaging Systems Division.”

The split itself is expected to be finalized by the start of October this year, after which point Ricoh will be free to chase its interchangeable lens dreams as well as the “creation and development of value-added services that encourage seeing, storing and refinishing photographs and utilize photographs as communication tools.” No word on what interchangeable format Ricoh will decide upon, whether a home-grown one based on Pentax technology or buying into the Micro Four Thirds standard which has already proliferated.

[via Engadget]

Like current e-paper panels, such as those E Ink offers and which are used in the Amazon Kindle among other devices, Ricoh’s new screen requires no backlighting and dramatically less power than traditional LCD.

Ricoh expects the technology to result in high-resolution e-paper displays that are capable of showing fine characters along with graphics. However, it will also have to work on boosting screen sizes and improving long-term reliability before any commercial launch; there’s no timescale for when that might happen.

Press Release:

Ricoh Achieves Color Electronic Paper Display with Significantly Enhanced Brightness and Color Reproducibility

Tokyo May 18 — Ricoh Company, Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Kondo) announced that the company, utilizing its original display method, has achieved a display of color still images with about 2.5 times brighter (in white reflectivity) and about 4 times wider color reproduction range compared with presently commercialized or announced color electronic paper technologies.

Electronic paper, having no luminous source, differs from a conventional display unit-it requires no electric power except for rewriting characters and images. Known as a technology gentle on the environment and the human eye, 6.6 million monochrome devices for reading digital books are now sold annually throughout the world and sales are predicted to exceed 11 million readers in 2011 (*1). Although color devices have long been desired, the methods proposed for color electronic paper have thus far not been able to solve the lack of brightness or color reproducibility, even in theory. Therefore the color electronic paper market is expected to grow significantly with future technology development, greatly expanding possible applications.
(*1) Gartner Report: “Competitive Landscape: Connected E-Readers, North America,” published on December 8, 2010.

Ricoh developed the world’s first new organic electrochromic material (*2) producing three primary colors (Cyan, Magenta and Yellow) while improving memory properties in March 2009. The company at the same time proposed a simple laminating element structure, forming three electrochromic layers between two substrates. This was made possible by stepping outside the box and beyond the original display methodology hitherto in vogue. This proved the feasibility of color electronic paper capable of achieving a bright display at low power consumption and low cost.
(*2) Joint development with Yamada Chemical Co., Ltd. (Kyoto, President: Shimpei Yamada).

Based on this result, Ricoh moved from the development phase of element technology to the development of a practical application of prototypes featuring high resolution electronic paper. This led to success in achieving bright images with high color image reproducibility. Ricoh will accelerate development toward practical application by improving reliability/repetition durability (guaranteeing tens of thousands of rewrites) and larger screen size. Although development will expand to include document display devices that can display fine characters, the evolution will progress with various applications developing in parallel.

Ricoh introduced this technology at DISPLAY WEEK 2011 of SID (The Society for Information Display) held in Los Angeles from May 15 to 20.

Ricoh reports that the new firmware brings features and enhancements that customers have been asking for. The new firmware for both cameras can be downloaded right now. The firmware for the GXR adds Scene Mode with five types of modes including soft focus, cross process, toy camera, miniaturize, and high contrast monochrome. It also adds a new Target Follow Function. This allows the focusing on a specific part of a subject.

Other new features include reset/cancel for the target move, magnified playback function to magnify the center of the target, and exposure correction and white balance can now be assigned to the zoom button. The GR Digital III gets the SF Target Follow feature, the ability to switch that function to the Fn button, and a setting change to the ADJ level for scene mode allowing the lever to change settings like ISO and image quality. Several other improvements are added as well.

The CX5 has a wide-angle lens and a 10.7x optical zoom that is equivalent to 28-300mm. The camera also has a fast autofocus speed thanks to the new hybrid AF system that Ricoh uses. The autofocus times are as low as 0.2 seconds for wide angle and telephoto shots. That is about half the time that the previous generation CX4 needed to focus.

The CX5 has a 10MP image sensor and has a super-zoom mode that is like 600mm zoom. I would assume that super-zoom mode is a digital zoom. The rear LCD is 3-inches wide and the camera has a plethora of automatic modes and scene selections for making easy photos. The large rear LCD is also very high resolution with 920K dots. Pricing and availability are unknown.

The G700SE is an “upgraded” version of the previously released G700 by Ricoh, and now features wireless LAN support, as well as Bluetooth functionality. The use of GPS and laser barcode reading are extra features, which Ricoh will be selling as extra options. But, by installing the electronic compass equipped GPS unit, users of the camera will be able to add direction and location information to their images. When the user installs the laser barcode reader, the camera is instantly able to read one-dimensional barcodes.

Ricoh mentions in the press release that all of these features make hte G700SE a camera perfectly suited for use with facility maintenance, government agencies and utilities, as well as police departments and fire departments. Thanks to the integrated Bluetooth 2.1+EDR function, the camera can partake in high-speed wireless data communication with other Bluetooth-equipped devices. The camera is also water and dust resistant, too. Pricing is listed at 799 EUR, or about $1,070, and it will be made available for main stream purchase in the early stages of 2011.

Press Release

Ricoh have announced the development and release of the new G700SE water and dust resistant digital camera. In addition to its wireless data communication capabilities, the G700SE can also utilize options supporting GPS functions and laser barcode reader functions.

As an expanded function model of the G700 water and dust resistant digital camera released in 2010, the new G700SE has wireless LAN and Bluetooth functions as standard features and supports the use of GPS and laser barcode reader functions with options.

In addition to the ability to do wireless data transfer to external devices, by installing the internal-electronic-compass-equipped GPS unit (option), it is possible to add position and direction information, and by installing the laser barcode reader unit (option), it is possible to do rapid recognition of one-dimensional (linear) barcodes. These capabilities make the G700SE a powerful tool for a wide range of operations, including facility maintenance (electric, gas, and water utilities; roads; etc.), disaster planning, and other functions of local governments, police departments, and fire departments; photo management in hospitals; production line management in the manufacturing industry; and warehouse management in the transport industry.

Main features of the G700SE:

1. Internal Bluetooth and wireless LAN functions
The camera body has an internal Bluetooth Ver.2.1+EDR function. The ability to do high-speed data communication with a wide range of Bluetooth-compatible devices makes it possible for the G700SE to receive position data from highly precise GPS devices, transmit image data to compatible personal computers and smartphones, etc.
The camera body has an internal wireless LAN (802.11b/g) function. This function supports the “WPS button connection” for easy wireless LAN connection settings.
The G700SE can also transmit images via wireless LAN while receiving GPS data from Bluetooth®-compatible external GPS devices.
2. GPS unit with electronic compass function (option)
The G700SE can use the GP-1 (option) GPS unit which compactly connects to the camera body.
Connection of the GP-1 makes it possible to add position information to the image data of photographs taken. In addition, since there is an electronic compass function, it is possible to record information indicating the direction in which the photograph was taken.
There is also a GPS log function that tracks camera movement.
The GP-1 can be easily attached to the camera body using the tools provided.
With the GP-1 attached, the G700SE satisfies IP64 dust and water resistance performance standards and shock resistance standards for a 1.2 m drop.
3. Laser barcode reader unit (option)
The G700SE can use the BR-1 (option) barcode reader unit which reads one-dimensional barcodes.
Since this unit reads barcodes with a laser beam, recognition speed is fast and the unit can be easily used even in dark places.
The BR-1 can be easily attached to the camera body using the tools provided.
With the BR-1 attached, the G700SE satisfies IP64 dust and water resistance performance standards and shock resistance standards for a 1.5 m drop.
4. Compact and lightweight body that can be carried in a breast pocket
With compact body size of 118.8 mm (W) × 71.0 mm (H) × 41.0 mm (D) and light body weight of approximately 286 g*, the G700SE is considerably smaller and lighter than the previous Caplio 500SE model. (Caplio 500SE: body size 133.0 mm (W) × 78. 5 mm (D) × 74.0 mm (H); body weight 430g).
* This weight does not include the rechargeable battery, SD memory card, and neck strap supplied.
5. Other functions and capabilities from the G700
The G700SE also boasts the high functionality, performance, and ease of use featured on the G700, with functions and capabilities such as water, dust, shock, and chemical resistance; security functions such as password-based camera lock and support for SD WORM (write-once read-multiple) cards; one and two dimensional barcode recognition in the camera unit itself; camera memo function for adding information (audio, text, etc.) to the image data; flash with a maximum range of 10 m; 28 to 140 mm wide-angle zoom lens; mode dial that includes CALS mode; and much more.

Ricoh is mum on pricing at this time, but has offered up the details on the camera. The CX4 will have 10.7 times optical zoom lens that is equivalent to 28-300mm focal range. The camera also has a continuous automatic focus mode that will track a user and keep them in focus when moving.

The CMOS sensor in the camera has 10MP resolution and the camera has 11 different automatic scene shooting modes. The rear LCD of the camera is 3-inches and has an anti-scratch coating and an anti-reflective coating for better usability outdoors. Bursts can be shot at five frames per second continuously and the lens can shoot macro photos as close as 1cm from the subject.

ISO from 80 to 3200 is supported, as well as 5fps continuous shooting, and there’s optical image stabilization too.  Up to 32GB SD/SDHC memory cards are accepted, though unlike some HD-recording cameras we’ve seen lately, there’s no HDMI port for easy hook-up to an HDTV.

Behind the scenes, Ricoh’s Smooth Imaging Engine IV keeps things ticking over, and there’s a dynamic range double-shot function which combines a purposefully under-exposed shot and over-exposed shot to produce one with the best of both.  No word on pricing from Ricoh as yet, but there are more hardware details here [pdf link].

There’s also face detection and improved autofocus, the latter now supporting continuous AF along with pre-AF.  The existing 80 to 1,600 ISO range, 3-inch LCD preview display and automatic macro mode remain, as does a “high-contrast” black & white mode.

The CX2 comes with 88MB of internal memory and an SD/SDHC card slot, and will land in Japan on September 11th in black, silver and pink/grey versions.  It’s priced at £299.99 ($496).

Press Release:

10.7 optical zoom (28 ~ 300mm) with about 5 frames / compact digital camera that achieves high-speed continuous shooting of the second ”CX2″ Release

August 20, 2009

Ricoh Corporation (Executive President: Kondou Shirou), 10.7 × optical (28 ~ 300mm) the thickness 29.4mm wide-angle and high magnification zoom with compact body, about the number of recorded pixels Still image up to 5 frames / digital camera is the second high-speed continuous shooting, “CX2″ developed, and new releases.

Product Name CX2
Body Color Black / Silver / TSUTON (Pink x Gray)
Retail Price Open Price
Release Date September 11, 2009
Monthly volume 50,000 units
※ As accessories, RICHAJABURUBATTERI, battery charger, AV cable, USB cable, CD-ROM (software), including straps.

New “CX2″ will, “CX1″ (2009 Release 3) of the popular image processing engine “SUMUSUIMEJINGUENJIN IV”, and image processing capabilities to expand high-speed CMOS image quality and dynamic range of sensors mounted while inheritance, (1) open up the possibility of optical作画from wide angle to telephoto zoom with 10.7 times, (2) The record number of pixels in the scene want to take 5 frames / second high speed continuous shooting function, (3) AF-friendly features “pre-AF” “continuous AF” and with the ability to strengthen and expand the area of shooting.
The scene mode to “high-contrast black and white mode” and “MINICHUARAIZUMODO” In addition to new and creative shooting modes to meet the desire and ability to detect faces in Easy mode, to automatically DAINAMIKKURENJIDABURUSHOTTOMODO To determine the effect of expansion in the “AUTO” and realize the power of conventional models and added features. By improving the capabilities to enjoy comfortable shooting, “使ITAKU become daily tools” as a more advanced camera.

1. 29.4mm thick optical freely taken from wide angle to telephoto in a compact body of 10.7 times zoom (28 ~ 300mm) with
Ricoh’s unique “RITORAKUTINGURENZUSHISUTEMU” Newly developed optical zoom lens provides high magnification by the Sumi Hiroshi 10.7 times the thickness of both the mobile and 29.4mm operation was mounted on the body.
Wide-angle 28mm ~ telephoto 300mm high magnification zoom lens, and a vast landscape, shooting wide from distance in the room and not the subject, to a powerful telephoto shooting wide.
Was equipped with a zoom feature to change the zoom and keep high-speed zoom lever.

Two. Advanced high-speed continuous shooting function that takes a missing scene wants
Improved high-speed continuous shooting mode, continuous shooting. About the number of recorded pixels Still image up to 5 frames / high-speed continuous shooting is now available in seconds.
※ continuous shooting speed will vary by state and type of card or card and shooting conditions.
To record a series of images just before the shutter release button “M plus continuous shooting” mode that can shoot up to record the number of pixels. With a minimum of about shooting a scene with three seconds to 15 cards (5 frames / second) continuous shooting “M plus continuous shooting (9M)”, about 30 pictures per second (30 frames / second) continuous shooting. ” plus continuous shooting M (2M) “You can choose from two modes.
※ “M plus continuous shooting (9M)” image size is N3456 (9M) is fixed.
※ “M plus continuous shooting (2M)” image size is N1728 (2M) is fixed.
※ MP a continuous image file (an image file format to a multiple of two) and record.
From the moment the shutter button押SHI切TTA about 120 pictures a second (120 frames / s), or 120 copies in about two seconds (60 frames / s) ultra-high speed continuous shooting is possible.
※ The image size is N640 (VGA) is fixed.
※ MP a continuous image file (an image file format to a multiple of two) and record.

Three. Image processing engine “SUMUSUIMEJINGUENJIN IV” and high-definition CMOS sensor, can shoot high-quality
Image processing engine “SUMUSUIMEJINGUENJIN IV” High-speed processing with CMOS image sensors. You can shoot high quality images with low noise and high-definition.
Circuit with a dedicated image processing engine “output pixel interpolation algorithm”, and to reduce the large difference between white and light-dark scene, and recreate the beauty of the remains seen.
Images can be recorded near the impression in the eyes of people saw “DAINAMIKKURENJIDABURUSHOTTOMODO” to set the exposure difference between the best automatic camera “AUTO” added. 12EV maximum equivalent to the effect of dynamic range expansion, and easy to enjoy.
Light and flash light and flash when shooting scenes with a mixture of sun and shade (such as fluorescent lights) and a mixture of scenes, in the conventional OTOHOWAITOBARANSU impressive people I saw in the eyes of the person shooting the scene in response to difficult To reproduce a color close to “multi-pattern OTOHOWAITOBARANSU” features.

Four. Mode with a new willingness to respond to creative photography
Taken to highlight the contrast of black and white mode than the normal “high-contrast black and white mode” feature. Taking or using super-sensitive film in film cameras, such as the sensitization process, you can record images ZARATSUITA impression.
Taken part to blur the images of heaven and earth “MINICHUARAIZUMODO” chip. The actual scene, you can record sound like a picture taken and reproduced in miniature.
Regardless of the configuration flash, AF assist light will turn off the sound action “manner mode” feature. This is useful when shooting in museums and museums.

Five. Function automatically detects faces in easy shooting mode to enjoy shooting with simple operations
If it detects human faces to the camera, face each other automatically to the focus, exposure and record the images to optimize the white balance. Compared to conventional, the number of detection and improved detection rate.
※ faces a maximum of eight subjects to detect.
When the subject of close range shooting, it automatically switches to macro mode, and enjoy macro shooting without having to worry about the hassle of switching modes.

Six. Reliably and quickly focus on the subject “Pre-AF”, “continuous AF” function
To operate the camera to focus automatically without pressing the shutter button halfway, “Pre-AF” was mounted. To adjust the focus depending on the movement of the subject, allowing quick response to the shooting.
To detect movement of the subject while pressing the shutter button halfway, the focus will automatically work with the movement of the subject “continuous AF” was mounted.

7. 92 high-definition 3.0-million dot LCD monitor with VGA
Wide viewing angle, high contrast large, with high-resolution LCD monitor. Fluorine coated to prevent dirt, hard-coat anti-scratch, anti-reflective AR (ANCHIRIFUREKUSHON) gives the court, with the harder dirt and scratches, ensures a high visibility in strong sunlight outdoors.
sRGB color gamut of 100% by a broad, enabling display vivid images with high reproducibility.
8. “使ITAKU become daily tools” with the concept of functionality
The wide-angle (*) 1cm to 28cm in the telephoto and the macro shooting function that can approach the subject. (*) In the 35mm equivalent focal length 31mm
Familiar to them, we have adopted the easy-grip shape.
Level features using electron acceleration sensor.
Blurred IMEJISENSASHIFUTO correction function to reduce the system’s hands blurred.
A guide to help you decide the grid pattern with three variations of the shooting.
Clip features images that can quickly display the image to see in the image. The conventional 3 files, 20 files were to be registered.

Product Name Model Retail Price Price includes tax
RICHAJABURUBATTERI DB-70 5,500 5,775 yen
Battery Charger BJ-7 4,000 yen 4,200 yen
Soft Case (Black) SC-90BK 3,500 3,675 yen
Soft case (brown) SC-90BN 3,500 3,675 yen
Lanyard ST-2 2,000 yen 2,100 yen
Cable Switches CA-1 2,800 yen 2,940 yen
AC Adapters AC-4c 5,500 5,775 yen

※ Focal length of all in this news release is equivalent 35mm format camera.
※ Digital camera “dynamic range” is a range of brightness that can be processed by the camera.
※ Described in this release “MP files”, CIPA-normalized “MARUCHIPIKUCHAFOMATTO” based on “Extended MP files”. (MPO is the extension)
CX2 images captured by the MP file, extracts a specific frame in the camera, the individual can be saved as JPEG images.

In fact, while the megapixel count may be the same as with the last-gen version, Ricoh are claiming that sensitivity is doubled on the III; at ISO 200, for instance, they claim performance of the new camera is the same as ISO 100 on the old.  Throw in pre-autofocus, which tracks subject movement even if the shutter release button isn’t being depressed, and a quick-shoot mode which – if you slam the button all the way without waiting for the focus to lock – shoots a speedy frame with a preset focal length, and you’ve got a camera with plenty of promise. 

Other specs include 640 x 480 30fps video recording, a 3-inch VGA preview display and an SDHC card slot.  Images can be saved in JPEG or RAW format.  The Ricoh GR Digital III will go on sale in the UK come mid-August, priced at £530 ($873).

Ricoh isn’t the only one that’s pushing digicam with HDR’s feature; Fujifilm has unveiled a new Finepix with combine images, taken at different exposures, to expand dynamic range early this month. We expect the HDR technology to gain popularity next in compact P&S, much likes the Face Detection and Smile Check functions we’ve seen on nearly all of them.

Additional, the CX1 is powered by the Smooth Imaging Engine IV together with a CMOS sensor to enable high-speed image processing at lower possible noise. The newly enhanced technology allows the Ricoh to capture 120 images, continually at VGA resolution.

The announcement covers only UK’s release and availability from March at a suggested retail of £299 ($430). Color option includes silver, black and bronze.

The R10 uses a 1/1.23-inch CCD sensor and 28mm Ricoh lens, and features the Smooth Image Engine III processing engine for improved quality shots.  Built-in accelerometers can track whether the camera is being held in portrait or landscape orientation, and rotate the photos automatically; they also offer a digital on-screen level, to help you hold the camera straight. 

Internal memory is 54MB and there’s an SD/SDHC card slot to augment that.  Three color options will be available - black, silver and brown – and the R10 will go on sale in Japan on September 15th priced at around $400.

[via Akihabara]

The Ricoh pro-series GR Digital II and GX100 digital compact cameras get an update with Ricoh’s Creative Sets. The bundle consists of a 0.75x wide angle converter, lens hood with adapter, external viewfinder and a leather camera case to use with attached viewfinder and neck strap. The Ricoh Creative Set will be available at the end of this month with price to be announced.

[via dcviews]

The R50 uses a 1/2.3″ type CCD sensor with sensitivity up to ISO 3200. It features a 2.5” TFT type display and 5x optical zoom range of 35mm-180mm (35mm equiv.) Movie mode is only support at VGA mode of 30fps. It runs on a lithium-ion rechargeable and supports SD/SDHC/MMC storage media with built-in 52MB internal memory.

The other new addition is a much luxury model and in fact, an upgrade version of last Caplio R7. The R8 uses a much bigger 1/2.33” CCD type sensor and increased 10 megapixel image size as oppose to the ½.5” and 8 megapixel R7, but keeps the same Smooth Imaging EngineIII image processing engine and CCD-based image stabilization.

The new Caplio features a larger 2.7-inch, 460,000 pixel HVGA LCD display with a 7.1x optical wide-angle zoom lens of 28-200mm (35mm equiv.) Like R50, it runs on lithium-ion battery and supports the same storage media, Vga movie mode but comes with a rather small 24MB of internal memory.

[via impress R50, R8]

These printers are sleek and compact and made for small workgroups. They are both MAC and PC compatible and easy to set up and manage. The models (C220DN, C221DN, C222DN) in this series will cost $530, $630 and $760 respectively.

Seriously, guys, no no no. 

I understand that rough’n'ready cameras have a certain niche appeal, but something with these bleeding-edge features should’ve been sleek, slick and most likely silver.  Let me put it simply: there’s no way I’d buy this camera, no matter how much I love the features, because I couldn’t be bothered carrying something so bulky and ugly around with me. 

It’s such a shame, and the sooner they get their act together and make a sexy version the better.  Besides being waterproof and shock-resistant, the 500SE has a 2.5-inch screen, anti-blur stabilisation, 28mm wide-angle zoom lens and the ability to take macro shots just 1cm away.

Priced at £599.99 ($1179) for the version with WiFi, there’s another without it for £50 less.

Digital Photography Review [via Coolest Gadgets]

Press Release [via DPReview]