Ricoh unveils waterproof, dirt-resistant PX camera for outdoorsy photographers
Just a few months after releasing its outdoorsy, G700 point and shoot, Ricoh has taken the wraps off yet another rugged digital camera -- the waterproof, shockproof and dust-resistant PX. This small warrior packs a 16-megapixel CCD sensor along with a 5x optical wide zoom lens and is capable of booting up in just 1.4 seconds. The device also supports subject-tracking and face-priority auto-focus features, in addition to a host of shooting modes, including toy camera, soft-focus and high-contrast black and white, among others. Most alluring, however, is its resilience. According to Ricoh, the PX can survive drops from an altitude of up to five feet, remains waterproof at depths of about ten feet, and is impermeable to dust, sand and dirt. There's also a 2.7-inch, scratch-resistant LCD on its backside, meaning you won't have to worry about casually tossing it in your backpack as you make your way along the trail. More flamboyant hikers, meanwhile, can add their own personal touch to the PX by wrapping it in a protective silicon sleeve, available in five, vibrant colors. If you're interested, you can grab a PX of your own when it hits stores later this month, for $300 AUD (about $317). You can check out some sample images from Digital Photography Review by hitting the link below, or flip through some pics of the PX in the gallery below. There's also a full PR waiting for you, after the break.
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Capture all the action with Ricoh's new adventure-proof PX Series
Waterproof, shockproof and impermeable to dust, dirt and sand, Ricoh's PX promises fun, hassle-free photography in any environment
9 June 2011: Adding everyday toughness to its digital compact camera range, Ricoh has today launched the all new waterproof and shockproof PX.
Ready for anything outdoor-loving Australians can throw at it, the PX partners the latest photo-taking technologies with intuitive operation and rugged features. Waterproof to 3 metres, shockproof for falls up to 1.5 metres and impermeable to dust, dirt and sand, it promises fun, hassle-free photography in any environment.
In the pursuit for durability, image quality has not been forgotten. The PX combines a responsive 16 megapixel CCD sensor with the Smooth Imaging Engine IV and a 5x optical wide zoom lens (28mm-140mm) to deliver natural images, even in challenging low light conditions.
With the help of innovative new Super Resolution Technology - which works by effectively discerning a subject's many outlines, textures and gradations, then processing the image based on the optimal settings for each - the PX's telephoto range can be extended even further to a focal length of 280mm (10x optical zoom equivalent) with almost no drop in image quality.
To capture all the action, the camera springs to life within just 1.4 seconds and features a range of settings that can spontaneously adapt to the subject including auto scene selection, subject-tracking auto-focus and face-priority multi auto-focus.
Staying true to its Ricoh heritage, the PX exhibits many of the same attributes that has seen Ricoh's CX Series be named Consumer Compact Camera of the Year for the last two consecutive years*. Popular creative shooting modes such as miniaturise, high contrast black-and-white, soft focus and toy camera feature alongside more than 20 other shooting modes including beach, snow, party, cooking and night scene. With so many to choose from, users can also customise a 'my modes' menu for quick access to their favourite settings.
The PX ensures snapping stunning images is as easy as A B C. Specially designed for intuitive operation, the camera features easy to navigate menus, an independent lever-style flash dial and one-touch underwater movie recording.
While built to be tough, this stylish compact is a far cry from the usual sports utility. Available in black, silver and green, the PX can be further personalised through the addition of a range of vibrantly coloured protective silicon sleeves. Meanwhile, the camera's fully flat design and 2.7" scratch-resistant LCD screen means it can be carelessly thrown into a backpack, pocket or handbag without fear of lens damage.
The new Ricoh PX will be available in leading camera and electronics retailers from late June 2011. RRP $299
Protective jacket PJ-1 (option) available in five colours: yellow, pink, blue, brown and white.
Neck Strap ST-4 (option) available in five colours: black, pink, blue, green and brown.
