Rich Caplio GR reviewed

Ricoh's Caplio GR has got to be one of the most unusual digital cameras ever made. While it has some features that rival those of high-end EVFs and even some DSLRs, including an 8-megapixel imager, ISO settings up to 1600 and RAW support, it also has a fixed wide-angle lens at 28 mm at f 2.4. That's right: no zooming in or out with this camera, and no aperture adjustments either. You get one focal length, and if you don't like it, too bad. Oh, and you'll pay about $700 for the privilege, putting the GR at a higher price point than some SLRs. So, what's the point of this unique camera, and is it really worth $700? DigiCamReview took a look at it, and found that the camera took good shots with decent color, saturation and contrast, had solid autofocus performance, and was well-designed, with good ergonomics and controls. However, the reviewer also found that, even for photographers looking for a wide-angle compact, there are better options, such as Kodak's EasyShare V570, which, with its unique dual-lens setup, is able to offer both a 23mm wide-angle lens and 3x optical zoom. Still, we agree with the reviewer that Ricoh deserves kudos for taking the risk of creating something as unique as the GR, even if it is priced way out of line with its features.

[Pedro Pinheiro @ Feb 23rd 2006 7:44AM]

Apart from having a fixed f:1:2.4 aperture (which I don't understand), I think they tried (managed?) to create a purist's camera like the legendary rangefinder Leicas, with unsurpassed optical quality.
Without being able to zoom, the whole of your creativity has to go into composition within that fixed frame. The only thing I disagree with is the fixed aperture - it does remove your ability to play with the depth of field.

[cuby @ Feb 23rd 2006 7:53AM]

Rich Caplio is a good friend of mine, I'm glad he's being reviewed positively. Didn't realize he was that expensive though, that's disappointing.

[Antony Shepherd @ Feb 23rd 2006 8:11AM]

Er. Either you're looking at a completely different type of Ricoh GR Digital to the one I have here, or it was reviewed by a steaming idiot!

In the Manual or Aperture Priority settings, you can adjust the aperture setting manually using the wheel in front of the shutter button. Wide aperture to minimise depth of field, small aperture to maximise it.

[Josh @ Feb 23rd 2006 8:32AM]

It doesn't have a fixed aperture / it has a fixed focal length f5.9 - in my specifications section I've stated it has F2.4 - but forgot to mention the aperture range. In the rest of the review I do mention that you can change the aperture / shutter etc.

[David @ Feb 23rd 2006 9:01AM]

The intro states: "That's right: no zooming in or out with this camera, and no aperture adjustments either." Just plain wrong, of course the aperture is adjustable.

[shoepal @ Feb 23rd 2006 9:51AM]

It is a digital version of the famous Ricoh GR1, which is also fixed focus and has amazing optics & ergonomics.
http://pachome1.pacific.net.sg/~kennetht/GR1specs.html
http://www.ricoh.co.uk/35mmCameras/gr1s.htm

[Ed Charles @ Feb 23rd 2006 10:15AM]

Despite the expense, it is the best digital camera I've ever used. The controls are really easy and intuative with the click wheel system. And the macro is superb � I use it mainly for close up food pics for my blog and the results speak for themselve cf my old Pentax. Also its performance in low and poor light conditions outshines all the digitals my friends have. I think we are a little obsessed with zooms nowadays. Without the hefty zoom it slips into my jean pocket so travels with me just about anywhere.

[Pedro Pinheiro @ Feb 23rd 2006 11:15AM]

If it does have aperture control, then it completely makes sense, specially being a small camera. I wrote what I wrote based on the news on this site only.

[Mike Prevette @ Feb 23rd 2006 2:25PM]

I have one, I imported it from japan right after it came out. It does have some limitations and is designed for a specific style of work but I love it. It is deffinatly quirky.

IT HAS AN ADJUSTABLE APERTURE (2.4-11 + a nd filter)!!!!!

[Mike Prevette @ Feb 23rd 2006 2:27PM]

flicker GR group:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/79391232@N00/

[EvolutionKills @ Feb 23rd 2006 7:06PM]

Yeah, the R1/GR1s were fantastic cameras of the sort that you would just always carry around with you when you didn't have your main camera body. The sort of workhorse camera that you'd buy two of, just to have one in your glovebox and one on your person at all times. Like a Yashica T4/T4 super. Unfortunately, that capability is all but gone with this price point, and the camera sort of loses the purpose it earned. All but professional/big studio photographers will be priced out with this one; even serious or freelance photogs won't be able to afford this bad boy. But what I wouldn't give for a cheap, reliable wide-angle reasonably high-resolution, quick-responding digicam with good optics! You can keep your 10^6x zoom lenses.

[Mike @ Feb 23rd 2006 8:40PM]

For those who own a film-based Ricoh GR-1, Caplio GR is a must have - stylish, compact, excellent optic ... perfect for high-quality snapshot.

[W. Sandle @ Feb 24th 2006 5:19AM]

How this reviewer can compare the Ricoh with a Kodak Easyshare V570 is beyond belief. I had been using a Canon G5,which was stolen and replaced by insurers with a G6 - always highly rated by reviewers - I personally always thought optics a little soft, yet flash etc perfect. I can no longer use it after the results from the little Ricoh.
After owning and loving the results from GR1 35mm, I gambled on the digital. Easiest camera ever used - can change aperture, set ISO or switch to manual in a second and only looked at handbook to find often mentioned ND filter, which does not seem to exist, which on contacting Ricoh, is a mystery to them as well. For my sort of photography, usually of artwork in auction rooms, it is unobtrusive and gives the most incredible results,macro unbelievable, only let down by flash using aperture mode, which requires a little practice. What I find stupid and unforgivable, is a recommendation by Ricoh to use large Sigma flash for the cameras hot shoe.
My next digital camera can only be a SLR with prime lenses, as I have been spoilt by this tiny wonder.

[Rinze Vegelien @ Feb 25th 2006 9:05AM]

why doesn't it have a optical viewvinder?

[Decker @ Feb 26th 2006 7:38AM]

The ND filter is built into the lens assembly.Completely bonkers to compare it the Kodak,but there you go,reviewers are renound for their BUTS whether justified or not not.

[AutoDas @ Mar 19th 2006 1:14AM]

Hey does anyone know the cheapest place to import this from outside of the states? Does this break easily or often because if it does than the warranty doesn't cover the US.

[Robynne Hayward @ Mar 20th 2006 9:24PM]

Mike Prevette, could you tell me where in Japan you imported yours from, and how much it cost?