November 26, 2009 (Happy Thanksgiving U.S!)

Ricoh releases first function-enhancing firmware update for GR DIGITAL III

Tokyo, Japan – November 26 – Ricoh Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Shiro Kondo) announced today that it will release on December 1 the first function-enhancing firmware update for its GR DIGITAL III, a high image quality compact digital camera launched in August 2009.

Ricoh GXR Preview - The Interchangeable Lens Sensor Unit Camera System

November 2009, Carl Garrard (Update 11-12, Production Samples, 11-11-09, important links)

GXR Preview - Just when we thought that compact cameras were about as interesting as they can get, Ricohs' genius design team decides to wow the entire photographic industry and community by introducing the all new Ricoh GXR, yet another completely different and unique camera system. As implied, the Ricoh GXR is actually a camera system, it cannot be referred too as a 'camera' by all intents and purposes, because the heart of camera itself lies within interchangeable units sold separately (just think a DSLR lens that comes with its own sealed sensor and processing unit). Two interchangeable units (the A-12 and S-10) will be available by early December- a 1 1/7.5" sized sensor mated with a 24-72mm f/2.5-f/4.4 lens unit, and a APS-C 33mm mated to a (50mm 35mm equivalent) f/2.5 'macro' lens unit as well.

Ricoh Announces New CX2 Digital Compact Camera

August 2009, Carl Garrard

Today Ricoh announces a successor to the highly acclaimed CX1 Digital Camera, the CX2. In tradition with the previous R series and new CX line, Ricoh has wasted no time in coming up with an upgraded model with a few key changes and upgrades. Full of features for the beginning enthusiast photographer, the new CX2 expands further capabilities, features, comfort, and style to keep up with dedicated consumer demands.

SONY DEBUTS WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL STILL CAMERAS WITH

BACK-ILLUMINATED “EXMOR R” CMOS SENSOR TECHNOLOGY

Ricoh GR Digital III Announced/Brief Hands On Preview

July 2009, Carl Garrard (Updated 8-11-2009 First Shots!)

(Updated 8-05-2009 Price Announced)

Today Ricoh has introduced a new successor to the Ricoh GR Digital II, the GR Digital III. The GR III is the worlds only compact in development with a bright f/1.9 maximum aperture. I've recently spent some time with a pre-production GR Digital III, and I am happy to report in this preview that my first impressions were positive. The improvements in the design such as image quality, speed, features, and build quality (although subtle) are all impressive and a seemingly natural course for the highly regarded GR series. For those wanting a fully featured low light "prime lens" camera, I cannot think of a better solution or design currently on the market.

Ricoh CX1 Review - Goodbye Ricoh 'R' Series, Hello New Ricoh CX1

April 2009, Carl Garrard

The Ricoh CX1 is an interesting new compact camera with a high speed 9.29mp CMOS sensor that officially signals the end of the R series Ricoh lineup (the last being the R10). Ricoh enters a new era of compacts by introducing the all new CX1. Our review will detail a basic tour of this camera along with some highlights of the new technologies employed into this rather svelte and classy designed compact camera. The CX1 looks much like the R10 which it replaces but has key changes that I think make it a more comfortable and easier to use compact camera. If you are in the market for a new compact, the CX1 might be a good candidate to consider. Ricoh's CX1 is currently priced at $379.00 USD and offers quite an advanced camera for the price.

Sony Cybershot HX1 Camera Announced Today

March 2009, Carl Garrard (Update 3-2 Cybershot HX1-Product Images)

Today Sony announces the new Sony Cybershot HX1 Digital Camera, set to compete in the very popular superzoom category. Normally we do not report on Cybershot news here at AlphaMountWorld, yet our preview shows this camera was simply way too interesting to ignore. If you think this camera is just a slightly modified Cybershot H50, we ask that you think again. For the first time, Sony has incorporated Alpha DSLR technology into a Cybershot digital camera. The Sony Cybershot HX1 boasts a 20x Zoom 28mm-560mm "G" lens, 9 Megapixel Exmor 1/2.4" CMOS sensor, and a BIONZ processor. Clearly, these are proven technologies borrowed from the Alpha line. The Sony HX1 also features other neat tricks under its skin. Features like full 9mp resolution 10fps still image recording, 1080p HD Video with Stereo Sound recording (at up to 30fps), a one of a kind Panorama mode that stitches several images automatically in camera (with only one press of the shutter), and a real mechanical shutter apparently to help eliminate image distortion electronic shutters can sometimes introduce.