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Ricoh RDC-6000 Ricoh's inexpensive 2 megapixel digicam doubles as a USB webcam. (With optional software.) Select a topic Reference: Datasheet RDC-6000 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on RDC-6000 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Camera Modes & Menus :(Previous) | (Next): Video, Power, Software>> Page 10:Image Storage & Interface Review First Posted: 1/9/2001

Image Storage and Interface
The RDC-6000 uses SmartMedia for image capture and storage. An 8MB card comes with the camera, but upgrades are available separately up to 64MB. Remember to use only 3.3V SmartMedia cards (sometimes marked simply 3V) and steer clear of the 5V version. The table below shows card capacities, based on the included 8MB memory card, and approximate JPEG compression ratios for the various size/quality combinations the camera provides.

Image Capacity vs Resolution/Quality (Number of images that fit on an 8MB SmartMedia Card)		Fine	Normal	Economy
Highest Resolution (Interpolated 2000 x 1480)	Images	5	N/A	N/A
	Approx. Compression	6:1	N/A	N/A
Highest Resolution (1600 x 1200)	Images	7	15	31
	Approx. Compression	5:1	11:1	22:1
Standard Resolution (800 x 600)	Images	31	63	127
	Approx. Compression	6:1	11:1	23:1
Low Resolution (640 x 480)	Images	49	99	198
	Approx. Compression	6:1	11:1	23:1

SmartMedia should never be removed while the camera is on, and neither should the camera be turned off while performing operations, to avoid damaging the media. If the SmartMedia slot cover is opened while the camera is on, the camera will automatically turn off. Always load the SmartMedia with the gold electrodes going into the camera first (the card will not fully slide into the slot if inserted incorrectly). The card is released by a small lever that pops up into its operating position. We found it a little difficult to release the lever, as its placement is somewhat deep within the compartment.

You can write-protect SmartMedia cards by placing a write-protection sticker in the designated area. Write-protection stickers can only be used once and must be clean to be effective. You can protect all images or individual selections in Playback mode, accessible via the Mode Dial. Protection prevents images from being accidentally erased, or manipulated in any way except with card formatting.

Frames are assigned file numbers from 0001 to 9999, with a preceding directory number. Once 9999 is reached, the directory number goes up by one. Setup mode allows you to reset the frame numbering sequence for new cards. Images are saved in DCF compliant (Exif Ver. 2.1 JPEG compliant) format with Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compatibility.

You can erase images in Erase mode, with the option of erasing the last frame displayed, all frames, or selected frames. Formatting erases all images on the card, including protected images, and reinitializes the SmartMedia card.

A USB cable accompanies the camera for quick connection to a PC or Macintosh, as well as an RS232 serial cable for PCs. A software CD holds a complete Ricoh interface package, including a full suite of ArcSoft image editing software.