New Ricoh PX Series Compact Camera (Initial Preview)

June 2011, Carl Garrard

Ricoh has announced a new series of compact camera called the Ricoh PX. This time it is a pocketable, water resistant, shock resistant model available world wide (as opposed to the larger G500/600 series available in only certain locations, and isn't nearly compact). It is a stylish camera aimed at entrants into digital photography and competes with other waterproof shockproof cameras on the market. 

Ricoh GXR P10 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 VC Module Preview

May 2010, Carl Garrard (UPDATE! Pricing Announced for GXR Unit and Kit! $499.00 kit, $299.00 Unit Only!)

Exciting News: Ricoh Fights Back

Today Ricoh announced a new and quite exciting GXR module (P10) for the GXR camera system. It has impressive specifications with a 28-300mm (all new) f/3.5-f/5.6 lens, Smooth Imaging Processor IV, and five frames per second image capture even in Raw mode. Mated to the superior handling GXR body, the P10 module incorporates Sony's excellent back lit 10MP sensor, a double shot HDR mode, 1280x720p HD video recording, image stabilized sensor, and much more. Expect full customization options, top notch build quality, and other excellent Ricoh features commonly found on high end Ricoh compacts. Although Ricoh previously announced this unit would be coming this time this year, I didn't expect some of the impressive specifications. Quite a treat indeed.

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.

Sony Alpha DSLR A500 Announced- Brief Hands On Report

August 2009, Carl Garrard

Today Sony has announced another barrage of DSLR news, this time with much larger artillery than fired earlier in the year when it announced the entry level triage of Alpha DSLRs- the Alpha A230, A330, and A380. Sony's Alpha A500 12.3MP DSLR is one of two new mid-tier models aimed at the enthusiast category, which is considered the next tier up from its entry level DSLRS. I had a chance to meet up with Sony and get my hands on the Alpha A500 DSLR and was able to get a crash course overview of its list of new features. The Sony Alpha A500 shares a similar frame platform with a sibling the Alpha A550 (also previewed here), but there are some key differences in the model design that I will share with you in this article. It is worth noting I left the meeting with information overload.

Sony Alpha DSLR A550 Announced- Brief Hands On Report

Update 11-14-2009: Full Alpha DSLR A550 Review Completed HERE

August 2009, Carl Garrard

Today Sony has announced another barrage of DSLR news, this time with much larger artillery than fired earlier in the year when it announced the entry level triage of Alpha DSLRs- the Alpha A230, A330, and A380. Sony's Alpha A550 14.2mp DSLR is one of two new mid-tier models aimed at the enthusiast category, which is considered the next tier up from its entry level DSLRS. I had a chance to meet up with Sony and get my hands on the Alpha A550 DSLR and was able to get a crash course overview of its long list of new features. The Sony Alpha A500 shares a similar platform with a sibling the Alpha A550 (also previewed here), but there are some key differences in the model design that I will share with you in this article. It is worth noting I left the meeting with information overload.

Sony Alpha DSLR A850 Announced- Brief Hands on Report

August 2009, Carl Garrard

It's suddenly getting really hot this summer with Sony introducing it's third DSLR today, the Sony Alpha DSLR A850. The big news here is that it is the worlds first full frame DSLR that is priced under $2,000.00 USD to be priced at $1,999.00 USD when it goes to sale in October. Sony's Alpha A850 is nearly identical to the Alpha A900 yet it is obviously more affordable and has a few changes in the feature set and exterior finish. I had a chance to preview the Alpha A850 with Sony side by side with the Alpha A900. There are only two visible differences on the outside of the A850 when compared to the Alpha A900. A new flat black finish, and of course the new Alpha A850 Logo. There are a couple performance differences as well beneath the skin of the A850.