Stories tagged with ricoh

We recently returned from the CP+ show in Yokohama, Japan, where we sat down with Kazunobu Saiki - General Manager of the Marketing Communication Department, in the Global Marketing Division of Ricoh Imaging. We spoke to Mr Saiki about Ricoh's forthcoming full-frame DSLR, the success of the 645Z and about his desire to improve AF performance in Pentax's DSLRs and lenses. Click through to read the interview

We're at CP+ in Yokohama Japan, where Ricoh is showing off two new Pentax lenses designed for full-frame imaging. Although the company's upcoming full-frame DSLR is still in the mockup stage, the D FA* 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW and D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW are very real indeed. We snuck into the show early this morning before the crowds arrived, to take a look. Click through for more details and images. 

Ricoh has released its lens roadmaps for the new year (and potentially beyond), and in the works are seven lenses spanning a wide range of types and focal lengths. The highest number of additions will come in the Pentax K-Mount lineup, which is set to get four new lenses this year or next. Read more

After announcing the development of a full-frame DSLR recently, Ricoh is showing a very early mockup at the CP+ show in Yokohama Japan. Although details are extremely limited (limited, in fact, to the words 'Full-frame' in the press release and 'Pentax' written on the front) Ricoh's mockup does give some clues as to the camera's specification. Kind of. Click through for images and some - frankly - rampant speculation. 

Ricoh has announced the Pentax K-S2 DSLR, offering a 20MP APS-C sensor, fully articulated LCD, weather-resistant construction and Wi-Fi with NFC. Where the K-S1 took an unconventional approach, the K-S2 is more traditional with a mode dial on the top panel, dual control dials and a standard grip without the preceding model's flashing LED lights. Read more

Ricoh has introduced the WG-5 GPS, the latest in its line of rugged compacts. It exceeds its predecessor's shockproof rating of 2m to 2.2m, and maintains its other rugged specs including -10C/+14F degree freezeproof rating, 14m/45 ft waterproof capability and 100kgf/220lbf crushproof rating. The WG-5 uses a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, a 25-100mm equivalent zoom lens and as its name suggests, built-in GPS. Read more

Ricoh has just announced a new collapsible standard zoom lens. The HD Pentax-DA 18-50mm F4-5.6 DC WR RE is the world's shortest zoom when its stored position, and is to be sold as a kit with the just-launched Pentax K-S2 DSLR. The lens offers weather-resistant construction for shooting in rain or mist, and uses Pentax's multi-layer HD coatings to reduce flare and improve light transmittance. Read more

Ricoh has announced two new zoom lenses for Pentax K-mount DSLRs, the HD Pentax-D FA * 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW and HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6ED DC AW. Both are designed to cover a full-frame sensor and are built to withstand exposure to dust and moisture. Read more

Pentax owner Ricoh has released very limited details of a DSLR and a collection of three lenses that it says it will launch in the future. Reference images that accompany the announcement appear to show a mid-range APS-C DSLR that the company says will feature a CMOS sensor. This may arrive in stores in spring this year. The camera is shown with a new 18-50mm f/4-5.6 collapsible zoom lens attached - which will be available at about the same time. Read more

Ricoh has announced the HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR standard zoom. Covering an equivalent range of 24.5mm to 130mm, this lens uses Pentax's HD coating to cut down on flare and ghosting and offers a weather-resistant construction. It will be available in November for $749.95/£599.99. Read more

Ricoh has announced the Theta M15, a second version of its 360-degree camera. The M15 is also capable of 360-degree spherical images, which can be viewed using Ricoh's mobile app or theta360.com. The M15 adds video recording to its portfolio with clips up to three minutes. Learn more

Ricoh Imaging is set to introduce three new colors for the company’s Pentax K-S1 DSLR camera in what it calls the 'Sweets Collection'. Already available in 12 different main body colors, the 20-million-pixel APS-C camera will now also come with a white body featuring cyan, yellow or magenta colored panels. The company has named these Strawberry Cake, Blue Cream Soda and Lime Pie, and each features the trademark colored light strip on the handgrip of the original K-S1 that was launched back in August.

Ricoh has announced the WG-30W and WG-30, expanding its rugged compact camera lineup. The WG-30W provides Wi-Fi connectivity while the WG-30 doesn't, but outside of that the two cameras are identical. Offering a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, the WG-30W is waterproof to a depth of 40ft / 12m, shockproof to 5ft / 1.5m, crushproof to 220lbf/100kgf and coldproof down to +14F/-10C. Read more

Ricoh Imaging has released new firmware for its Pentax 645Z medium format camera to make it compatible with the latest version of the company's IMAGE Transmitter software. Firmware version 1.10, which is available to download by users via the Ricoh website, allows Pentax’s second digital medium format camera to be controlled when tethered to a PC via USB cable, so images can be saved directly from the camera into a chosen folder as they are taken. Read more

Behind Nikon's Photokina 2014 stand is the Ricoh booth, the most colorful we've seen thus far. It's not the design of the booth that's colorful. Rather, it's the dozens of color combinations available for the company's DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The waterfall in front was pretty cool, too. Take the tour.

Ricoh is entering the choppy waters of the action camera market, which is currently dominated by GoPro. The company isn't truly a newcomer into the rugged market, as it has been making rugged cameras for many years. The WG-M1 is a 14MP camera that can dive up to 10m underwater, be dropped from 2m, and function at temperatures as low as -10C - all without a housing. The WG-M1 sports a 14MP CMOS sensor, super-wide lens with a 160° field-of-view, 1.5" LCD, 1080/30p video, and Wi-Fi. Naturally, mounts for nearly every purpose will be available.

Ricoh and its Pentax brand have never been afraid of a little color, and the introduction of the K-S1 DSLR reaffirms that. The K-S1 offers a 20.1MP APS-C sensor, an AA filter simulator (as seen on the Pentax K-3) and burst shooting at 5.4 fps, but none of that is quite as attention-grabbing as its headline body specification - a set of green LEDs on the front of the camera's grip and around the power switch. Read more

Ricoh has announced the Pentax Q-S1, its latest compact interchangeable lens camera with a Q lens mount. It offers some cosmetic updates, but the internals like a 12MP 1/1.7-inch BSI CMOS have remained largely unchanged from the previous Q7 model. The Q-S1 will be sold in 40 different color combinations when it becomes available in September for a price of $499.95/£379.99 with kit zoom. Read more

Ricoh adds a new lens to its 645 medium format lineup, the weather-resistant HD Pentax-DA645 28-45mm F4.5ED AW SR. Covering a 22-35.5mm equivalent range in full-frame terms, it uses 17 elements in 12 groups. It's Pentax's first optically stabilized zoom lens, with SR Shake Reduction technology that claims to compensate for camera shake for an additional 3.5 stops. The lens is dust- and weather-resistant, becoming available in August for a price of $4,999.95/£3,399.99. Read more

Ricoh has announced the Pentax XG-1 superzoom, featuring a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor and a 24-1248mm equivalent F2.8-5.6 zoom lens - covering a 52x optical zoom range. Other specs include a fixed 460k-dot 3.0-inch LCD, built-in EVF and full resolution burst shooting at 9 fps. Read more

The Ricoh WG-4 offers a 16 megapixel sensor and a 25-100mm equivalent F2.0-4.9 lens. Identical to its WG-4 GPS sibling in almost every way except for the obvious (one has GPS and a front-facing display, one doesn't) the WG-4 is waterproof to 14m/45 feet, freezeproof to -10° C/14° F and shockproof to 2m/6.6 feet. Take a look at our real-world samples. See gallery

A new firmware updated for the Ricoh GR adds a 'High Speed' AF mode and claims to improve operational performance for aperture preview. Other additions include a 'Shift Crop' effect mode designed to reduce perspective distortion by removing a portion of vertically-oriented images, and improved stability when connecting via USB to a Mac. Read more

Ricoh has launched the Pentax 645Z, a medium-format camera with a 51.4 megapixel CMOS sensor. Boasting an articulated 3.2-inch LCD, top ISO of 204,800, 3 fps continuous shooting, and 1080/60i video, the 645Z is cold-resistant, dustproof and weather-resistant with 76 weather-seals. It's also compatible with the Pentax FluCard, offering wireless remote control and image sharing from the camera to a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Ricoh Imaging Company has announced an advertorial feature on cnn.com called 'Spherical Report 360', where 360 people will be selected to receive a free Ricoh Theta spherical camera to shoot local news and events. Images taken with the Theta will then be judged for a Pentax K-3 grand prize. To be considered for a free Theta camera visit the Spherical Report 360 website for application guidelines. Applications will be accepted between March 27, 2014 through April 10, 2014. Learn more

The Ricoh WG-4 and WG-4 GPS update the previously Pentax-branded rugged WG-series as step-up models featuring a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor, 25-100mm equiv. F2-4.9 lens and sensor-shift image stabilization. The two models are nearly identical with the exception of the WG-4 GPS' built-in location tagging capability and front-facing display, and are introduced with a number of mount accessories for action videography and photography. Both cameras are waterproof to 14m/45ft, coldproof to -10C/+14F, crushproof to 220lbf and shockproof from 2m/7ft. The WG-4 and WG-4 GPS will sell for $329.95 and $379.95 respectively. Learn more

Ricoh has announced the WG-20, an inexpensive rugged compact that's waterproof to 10m/33ft, freezeproof to -10C/+14F, and able to survive a 1.5m/5ft drop. Sporting a 14 megapixel CCD sensor, it provides a 28-140mm 5x optical zoom lens and 720p HD movie recording. It's a continuation of Pentax's WG-line (minus the 'Pentax' logo), and presumably a WG-10 replacement, though the cameras appear to share the same sensor, lens and rugged specifications. Available in March, it will ship in red or white for $199.95. Learn more

Ricoh has announced the HD Pentax DA AF 1.4X AW Rear Converter - a weather-resistant 1.4x teleconverter. It's designed to maintain autofocus both with lenses that use built-in focus motors, and those which are driven from the camera body. It'll be available in March 2014 for a price of $599.95 / £379.99. See full details, including a list of compatible lenses

Ricoh Imaging has announced it will be showing four 'reference products' at the forthcoming CP+ trade show in Yokohama, Japan. The company's Pentax brand has previously shown early prototypes of future models at the show. This year's products include a CMOS-based 645D medium format camera with tilting LCD, scheduled for launch in Spring 2014, along with an ultra-wide-angle zoom for the 645 system. Also on show will be a telephoto macro prime lens for the small sensor Q-mount system and a DSLR accessory for making digital captures from slide and negative film.

Ricoh has updated the suite of apps provided with the Theta spherical image camera, to allow users to post images from the Theta to Google Maps and Google+. According to Ricoh, these new abilities are a result of collaboration with Google to make the Theta's images compatible with Photo Sphere XMP, Google's standard for panoramic images. Click through for more details. 

Ricoh has released firmware version 3.00 for its GR compact camera. The list of updated features includes two options for folder name settings, ability to develop RAW images in different aspect ratios, and customization to assign various AFL Focus Settings to the AF button when the AF function switching lever is set to AEL/AFL (previously only Spot AF was available). Get the update

Ricoh has announced a 'Limited Edition' GR camera, which features a 'high-end' design plus bonus accessories. The Limited Edition GR's magnesium-alloy body comes in a 'metallic vintage green wave-tone finish' and features a 'marbleized ebony grip patterned in burl wood'. To sweeten the deal, Ricoh is including a lens hood as well as a leather case and strap, all of which complement the camera's color scheme. Click through for a closer look.

Ricoh has announced the Pentax K-3 - a 24 megapixel enthusiast APS-C DSLR. In addition to the higher pixel count, the range-topping camera gains a 27-point autofocus system and a more advanced 86,000 pixel metering sensor, compared with the K-5 II. Rather than offering versions with an without an optical low-pass filter, the company has found a way to selectively use the image stabilization system to mimic its effect. It also offers twin SD card slots and USB 3.0 connection. Click through to find out more.

Ricoh has launched the HD Pentax DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED WR, a telephoto zoom that's weathersealed to complement the company's recent SLRs. It also gains Pentax's latest 'High Definition' coating to minimize flare and ghosting. Aside from that, the specifications are practically identical to the existing smc DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED. It'll be on sale in November 2013 for a suggested retail price of $449.95 / £399.99.

Ricoh has released firmware v2.03 for its GR enthusiast compact. The list of updated features includes support for Raw file transfer via Eye-Fi card, the ability to use 1/2500 sec shutter speed with maximum aperture and a 47mm-equivalent crop mode. Also new is a 'Maximum Aperture Priority' setting available in Program and Manual exposure modes. Click through for a link to download the latest firmware version.

Ricoh has announced the Ricoh HZ15, a 15x compact superzoom that will only be sold in Europe. Though it isn't sold under the Pentax name, it bears a striking resemblance to Optio compacts of recent years. It features a 16 megapixel CCD sensor, 24-360mm equivalent zoom lens, 720p HD video and sensor-shift 'SR' shake reduction (terminology definitely borrowed from Pentax cameras). Click through for more details.

Ricoh Imaging has announced an updated set of Pentax DA Limited primes, with improved lens coatings and circular aperture diaphragms. Based on the existing 15mm F4, 21mm F3.2, 35mm F2.8 Macro, 40mm F2.8 and 70mm F2.4 designs, the 'HD' versions gain Pentax's multi-layer HD (High Definition) coating, promising reduced flare and ghosting, and include diaphragms that are completely rounded at large aperture settings to give attractive background blur. The lenses will all available in September 2013, in a choice of silver or black. Click through for more details, including pricing.

Ricoh has announced the AF540FGZ II and AF360FGZ II Pentax-branded flash units. Both are updates to existing models, now boasting weather-sealed construction to match Pentax's line of weatherized DSLRs. The new flash units also feature built-in LED lights, intended for video recording. The AF540FGZ II offers a guide number of 54 at ISO 100/ft (178 ft) and the AF360FGZ II has a guide number of 36 at ISO 100/m (118 ft). Click through for the full press release.

Ricoh has released firmware v2.30 for its GR Digital IV enthusiast compact. The latest update is the fifth for the GRD IV, and adds a couple of features, slightly modifies the camera's behavior and fixes some minor bugs. The latest update brings the white balance options of the GRD IV into line with the more recent, large sensor, GR model, for which Ricoh has also said it will provide function-enhancing firmware.

Hot on the heels of Carl Zeiss's decision to become simply Zeiss, Pentax Ricoh has decided that from August 1st it will be known simply as Ricoh. It's not all bad news for Pentax fans though - the brand name will continue to be used on the company's SLRs and interchangeable lens cameras. Meanwhile the Ricoh name will be used for compact cameras and, cryptically, 'new technological innovations'.

Just Posted: Our review of the Ricoh GR, compared with the Nikon Coolpix A. We've already reviewed the conceptually similar Nikon Coolpix A and concluded that in some respects it was it out-gunned by the Ricoh, so what does that mean for the GR? We've delved into the Ricoh's menus to get to grips with what it's capable of and explored a range of its interesting features. Read our comparative review to see how it performs.

Pentax Ricoh has released the first firmware update for its Q10 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Firmware v1.01  improves operational stability and contrast AF performance. The update is available for immediate download from the company's website. Click through for the download link.

Ricoh exhibited a concept camera at CP+ that captures spherical panoramic images and sends them wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet. Apparently produced mainly to gauge market reaction, Ricoh released no technical info on the camera apart from the fact that it uses two opposed 180-degree lenses whose images it combines into one spherical panorama. Users can zoom in on the image elements and swipe to look around the sphere; they can also zoom out to a circular image. The company imagines printing images on spheres as a potential product concept, and is considering video capture as well as stills.

Just before the opening of Photokina, Pentax it refreshed its popular K-5 DSLR, releasing two new models, the K-5 II and the K-5 IIS. Barnaby Britton caught up with John Carlson, Sr. Manager of Sales & Marketing at Pentax Imaging USA, at the show.

Photokina 2012: Pentax Ricoh has announced its latest flagship DSLRs - the K-5 II and K-5IIs. The 's' version, which costs $100 more, comes without an anti-aliasing filter, to offer higher resolution at the risk of more prominent moiré interference patterns. Both cameras feature 16MP sensors and the weather-sealed magnesium alloy build of the original K-5. The biggest difference is the latest, SAFOX X, autofocus sensor. This is designed to work in lower light than any of its rivals (down to -3EV) it will also provide greater accuracy when working with F2.8 and fast lenses. The K-5 II will be available from October at a cost of around $1350/€1099 with 18-55mm WR kit zoom. The K-5 IIs will be available, body-only for around $1300/€1249 - a $100/€250 premium over the standard version.

Photokina 2012: Pentax Ricoh has expanded its Q system with the addition of the Q10 body and adapter allowing the use of K-mount lenses. The Q10 features a slightly redesigned body and updated 12.4MP 1/2.3" back-lit CMOS sensor. Improvements include faster operation and autofocus performance, the company says. There is also a 15-45mm F2.8 fast 80-250mm equivalent telephoto zoom, the Pentax 06 Telephoto Zoom lens. There's also an adapter for mounting and manuallty focusing K-mount lenses on Q-mount bodies - where the Qs' compact-camera-sized sensors will give a roughly 5.5x crop factor, meaning a 28mm lens will give a 154mm equivalent field of view. The Q10 will cost around $700 with the 02 Standard kit zoom, with the fast zoom costing around $300 and the K-mount adapter roughly $250.

Ricoh has issued a firmware update for all the camera modules of its GXR modular camera system. Version 1.51 is supposed to improve image quality in photos taken when combining negative exposure compensation with the multi-area 'Multi-P Auto' white balance setting. There are additional big fixes when the firmware is intalled on the GXR M-mount module and the A16 zoom module. Downloads are available from Ricoh immediately.

Ricoh has prepared a firmware update for its GR Digital IV enthusiast compact camera, based on user feedback. The update includes a series of function and user-interface tweaks to improve the camera's behavior, including the ability to write copyright information to EXIF, and the ability to save the snap-focus distance to the ADJ lever, avoiding the need to delve through the menus. 

Ricoh has announced that its Pentax Ricoh Imaging (PRI) business unit will take full control of the design, development and sales of the company's cameras, worldwide. PRI was created when Ricoh bought Pentax and is the business that has been responsible for the design, manufacturing and sales of Pentax cameras. It will now absorb the consumer businesses of Ricoh's Personal Multimedia Product Company, which was responsible for the design, manufacture and sale of Ricoh cameras. The change will take effect from April 1st 2012.

Ricoh has released a 24-85mm equivalent F3.5-5.5 zoom module with a 16MP APS-C sensor for its GXR system. The latest camera unit offers a flexible focal length range that starts slightly wider than the average kit zoom, without making the camera excessively large. It's the first GXR module to be built around a 16MP sensor. Announced back in November, it is the first zoom module for the system to offer APS-C image quality. If our suspicions are correct and it uses the excellent Sony 16MP sensor, this promises a lot both in terms of image quality and focus speed (the faster readout of the sensor helps contrast-detection systems to more quickly ascertain correct focus).

Just Posted: Ricoh GR Digital IV Preview Samples Gallery. We've been using a Ricoh GR Digital IV for some time, just long enough to get a quick gallery of samples together. As usual, our 24-image gallery contains images taken at a mixture of different camera and lens settings, in a variety of different shooting conditions. As well as 'straight from the camera' JPEGs we've also included a number of images converted from raw files, using Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) and processed 'to taste'.