Released by Ricoh:
Ricoh launches 3.24-megapixel digital zoom camera with die-cast magnesium body and the world's fastest shutter response time*
Tokyo, April 1, 2003. Ricoh is pleased to announce the release of the Caplio G3 Model S digital camera. This latest Caplio G3 Model S has a body made from die-cast magnesium, an innovative material that's both extremely durable and attractive. It also encompasses a blistering 0.14-second shutter response time that exceeds the speed of conventional 35mm cameras - a major milestone that makes it the world's fastest in its class. *
The Caplio G3 Model S is the more refined sister camera to the award winning Caplio G3. The G3, followed the revolutionary Caplio RR30, that in the autumn of 2002 had the world's fastest shutter response at just 0.22-seconds. The simple, elegant shape and feel of the Caplio G3 Model S was designed to fit comfortably in the photographer's hand - enabling photographers to capture action opportunities quickly and reliably.
The Caplio G3 Model S also boasts an internal image memo functionality. Most digital camera users have expressed frustration when trying to locate specific images amongst the masses stored on their computers. This function allows the user to store their photos into easily created folders directly in the camera before any file transfer takes place. The RICOH GATE La software can also generate A4 pages that carry full text commentary beneath images, making it simple to share information with work colleagues, friends and family.
Caplio G3 Model S has the choice of an optional long-lasting lithium-ion battery that enables hundreds of shots to be taken between charges, two convenient AA alkaline or nickel metal hydride batteries, or an AC adapter to power the camera. Industry-leading 1-cm macros and an impressive 3.24 effective megapixel CCD that features a 3x optical zoom lens and a 3.4x digital zoom image-capturing options.
For action sequences, M-continuous mode allows the capture of the last 16 frames taken of a subject to one file, which is ideal for analyzing a golf swing. Users can also record up to 120 seconds of AVI video with sound.
The Caplio G3 Model S's high-sensitivity mode provides exceptional illumination of subjects in the dark, which aids framing and shooting. Moreover, making instant image transfers from the Caplio G3 Model S to USB-equipped personal computers is fast and easy with the imaging software provided.
Main Features:
Refined die-cast magnesium body
The Caplio G3 Model S's body is made from durable die-cast magnesium, making it one of the toughest digital cameras in the marketplace today. Its unique and refined finish also makes it one of the most stylish digital cameras specifically crafted to feel comfortable in the user's hand.
World's shortest release time lag
The Caplio G3 Model S helps to eliminate the problematic slow shutter response time found on the vast majority of digital cameras today with the world's shortest release time lag of just 0.14 seconds. The Caplio G3 Model S achieves such speed with its hybrid auto-focusing system, comprising both external and through-the-lens focusing. From an incredible 1/2000th of a second to long exposures of 8 seconds, the shutter speed makes anything from instantaneous action photography to night time sequences a visible reality.
3.24-megapixel CCD with 3x optical and 3.4x digital zoom
The Caplio G3 Model S allows everyone from novices to experts to capture true-colour images with a highly reliable 3.24-megapixel CCD. Users may also take advantage of its 3X optical plus 3.4x digital zoom that delivers an outstanding combination of 10.2x zoom - ideal when closing in on specific areas within a picture.
Convenient and dependable power sources
The Caplio G3 Model S can take a remarkable 3,500 shots** between recharges using an optional lithium-ion battery or can be powered conveniently by an optional AC adapter for those wishing to take advantage of a nearby power source. The camera also has the rare ability to switch to two AA alkaline or nickel metal hydride batteries if the occasion demands it.
** A maximum 3,500 shots under power-save mode (flash off, without zooming, LCD off, with VGA); up to 350 shots under normal usage conditions (with 50 percent flash and zoom usage, LCD on, 30 seconds between shots, reviews of all photos).
Addictive 1cm macro photography
Capturing macros as close as 1cm from a subject is one of the outstanding advantages of the Caplio G3 Model S. Getting in super close to flowers, a brilliant engagement ring, even your clients' products to seize the smallest detail - even those practically invisible to the human eye-makes macro photography exciting and addictive. The camera also offers macros across a zoom range of up to 16cm away, while the built-in flash can be used for shots as close as 16cm.
Multi-shot continuous shooting
In M-continuous mode, with the shutter button held down the camera memorizes the last 16 shots, taken at 0.13-second intervals, in one file. This comes in handy when users are uncertain about the start or finish of a particular action. In S-continuous Mode, it can take a series of 16 shots-at 0.13-second intervals, for two seconds of footage-in one file with just one press of the shutter button. When reviewing the 16 shots during playback, each frame can be enlarged individually and quickly skimmed back and forth, delivering a sense of animation to the viewer. All this makes it a useful and enjoyable tool to analyze golf swings and other action sequences. (In normal continuous mode, the intervals are 0.3 seconds while the button is being pressed.)
Superior high-sensitivity display
The Caplio G3 Model S's high-sensitivity mode makes visibility in dim environments superior to most digital cameras on the marketplace today by illuminating subjects in the dark to aid in framing and shooting.
Simple and fast image transfers
Once having installed the RICOH GATE La software into a Windows PC or Mac OS computer, simply turn off the camera and link the Caplio G3 Model S up via a USB cable. The computer will then instantly start importing files at an impressive speed of 3 megabytes per second.
Optimal exposure settings
The Caplio G3 Model S's 256-point light sensor scans the subject area to determine optimal exposure settings and also offers centre-weighted and spot metering that incorporates auto-bracketing.
Compatible with Secure Digital memory cards
The Caplio G3 Model S has 8MB of internal memory and can also use optional Secure Digital memory cards. These especially compact devices do not need a power source to store information and permit fast and simple downloads of images. The camera is also compatible with Multi Media cards.
Synchro monitor mode
In Synchro monitor mode, the Caplio G3 Model S conserves power by turning the monitor off before shooting. The monitor comes on the moment the shutter button is pressed to preview a shot or operate the zoom. It also remains on for several seconds after a picture is taken.
Quick reviews at the press of a button
Most cameras require users to switch modes if they want to review results. With the Caplio G3 Model S, the most recently taken image gets conveniently displayed by simply pressing the "Quick review" button. The "Quick review" functionality applies to shots taken in any shooting mode.
Six distinct scene modes
The Caplio G3 Model S offers six distinct scene modes: portrait, sports, landscape, night scene, text, and high-sensitivity, all of which help to optimise results depending on the shooting situation.
Video and sound recording capability
For times when motion paints a much livelier picture than stills, the Caplio G3 Model S is equipped to capture 120 seconds of AVI video with sound. It also has sound-recording capabilities that enable the user to leave a 10-second "voice memo" stamp to photos taken and also allows the camera to act as a convenient voice recorder.
Auto-bracket and white balance bracket
When challenging lighting situations arise, such as in heavy sunlight, the handy auto-bracketing function allows the photographer to take three individual shots, at different exposure settings, at one time. The same functionality applies to the white balance bracket setting by applying tones of red, normal white and blue to three separate images.
Image memo functionality
Most digital camera users have expressed frustration when trying to locate specific images amongst the masses stored on their personal computers or laptops. The Caplio G3 Model S answers this call by allowing the user to store their photos into easily created folders directly in the camera before it any file transfer takes place. The RICOH GATE L software can also generate A4 pages that carry full text commentary beneath images making it simple to share information with work colleagues, friends and family.
Caplio G3 Model S design concept
Architect and industrial designer Masayuki Kurokawa, in collaboration with in-house designers at Ricoh, developed the Caplio G3 Model S's design concept. The expertly crafted and stylishly durable die-cast magnesium body was born from close observations on how we hold objects such as chopsticks, pens, soda cans and 35mm cameras. This examination led directly to the rounded shape that the camera was granted, thus making it extremely comfortable to hold while tough enough to withstand the everyday demands photographers place on their equipment.
*As of February 1, 2003 for all auto-focus digital cameras. Speed measured as time between pressing shutter release button and starting exposure in auto-focus mode without using focus lock.
The G3 Model S will be available from the middle of July 2003 and RRP is £249.99 (VAT incl.).
Website: www.ricohpmmc.com
Specifications: Ricoh Caplio G3 Model S
Recording formats:
Still picture: JPEG (Exif 2.2), according to "Design rule for Camera File system" (DCF), supports DPOF
Text: TIFF (MMR system, ITU-T.6)
Film scenes: AVI (Open DML Motion JPEG)
Sound: WAV (Exif 2.2)
Video signal standard: switchable PAL / NTSC
Storage media:
Internal memory 8 MB / SD Memory Card (3,3 V, 8/16/32/64/128/256/512 MB) / Multimedia card
Recording element: CCD 1/2,7" with 3.34 million square pixels (effectively 3.24 million pixels)
Resolution:
Still picture: 2048x1536 / 1280x960 / 640x480
Text recording: 2048x1536 / 1280x960
Film scenes: 320x240 / 160x120
Recording functions:
Still picture / Still picture+sound / film scenes+sound / sound / serial recordings (normal, multi-image S and M) / motif programs (portrait, sport, scenery, text, night scenes, high sensitivity)
Image quality settings: fine / normal
Lens: Luminous intensity 2.6–4.7; 6 glass lenses in 5 groups
Zoom:
Optical zoom: triple focal length range 5.5–16.5 mm (corresponds to 35–105 mm with miniature cameras)
Digital zoom: 3.4x
Shutter:
Still picture: 8, 4, 2, 1 to 1/2000 sec. (mechanical/electronic shutter)
Film scenes: 1/30 to 1/2000 sec. (electronic shutter)
Photographic range:
30 cm to infinity
Macro: 1 cm to 60 cm (wide-angle), 16 cm to 60 cm (tele)
Light sensitivity: automatic / can be selected manually (corresponds to ISO 125/200/400/800)
Optical viewfinder: real image viewfinder
Monitor: TFT-LCD 1.6" (approx. 80,000 pixels); light-transmitting, amorphous silicon
Integrated flash:
Automatic / constantly on / long-time synchronisation / off / red eye reduction
Focussing: Auto focus / manual focussing / fixed focus (SNAP, infinity)
Exposure control:
Program automatic. Exposure metering: centre-weighted / spot / multi-field (TTL/CCD photometry)
Exposure correction: manually to ± 2.0 EV in 1/3 EV stages
Colour balance:
automatic / manual (daylight, overcast sky, incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, measurement of white area)
Time release: approx. 10 sec. or 2 sec. release time lag can be selected
Connections: USB computer interface, audio/video output
Sources of current:
Choice between two alkaline-manganese batteries or NiMH rechargeable batteries (round cell size) or rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries (optional accessories)
Dimensions (L x B x H): 123.9 x 36.4 x 56 mm (without protracting parts)
Weight: about 175 g (without batteries/accumulator, SD memory card, hand strap)
Software-CD (Windows)
System requirements:
Operating systems: Windows 98; Windows 98 Second Edition; Windows ME; Windows 2000; Windows XP
CPU: Pentium II Processor or faster
Main memory: Windows 98/98SE: 32 MB or more (96 MB recommended); Windows 2000: 128 MB or more (256 MB recommended); Windows ME: 64 MB or more (96 MB recommended); Windows XP: 128 MB or more (256 MB recommended)
Fixed disk storage: 10 MB or more
Contents:
Ricoh Gate La *1 (program for image file transfer), DU-10s, USB driver, WIA driver (for Windows XP), Acrobat Reader (for Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP).
*1 no camera control function.
– The connection between Caplio G3 and computer is only possible via the USB interface (not via serial standard interface).
Optional accessories for the Caplio G3 model S
PC-Card-Adapter (FM-SD53), rechargeable lithium-ion battery (DB-43), battery charger (BJ-2), power pack (AC-4a).
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We retain the right to make changes to the specifications without prior notice.
