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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 <<Executive Overview :(Previous) | (Next): Viewfinder>> Page 3:Design Review First Posted: 1/9/2001

Design
Compact and low-profile, the Ricoh RDC-6000 packs a lot of features into its trim body size. It measures a mere 4.33 x 2.64 x 1.56 inches (110 x 67 x 39.5mm) and weighs just seven ounces (220g), so should have no trouble slipping into most shirt and coat pockets. A wrist strap is included with the camera, for a little added security. The camera's simple, clean design includes only a handful of control buttons and a very large mode dial. On the inside, a 2.1-megapixel CCD sensor produces images as large as 1,600 x 1,200 pixels in standard mode. The Image Enlargement function (available through the Record menu) interpolates the CCD image to nearly 3 megapixels, producing a larger 2,000 x 1,480 pixel image size.

The front of the camera houses the lens, built-in flash, flash sensor, self-timer LED, viewfinder window, and remote control sensor. Ricoh solved the lost lens cap problem by placing a stationary, clear plastic protective cover over the lens. Though we appreciate not having to keep track of a removable lens cover, we're concerned that the plastic itself could be scratched or smudged, causing anomalies to show up in captured images. (You can avoid this problem by keeping the camera in the accompanying soft case whenever it's not in use.) A set of tiny raised finger grips and a large, rubber ridge on the front of the camera provide a firm, comfortable hold. A small rubber grip below the lens provides extra support for a two-handed hold.

The right side of the camera features the SmartMedia card slot and the wrist strap attachment eyelet. The SmartMedia slot is protected by a hinged, plastic door that snaps firmly into place. We were somewhat mystified with the design of the card release lever, which requires a fairly strong (and long) fingernail to pop it into position. In fact, we also found the card slot door a little difficult to open, with the placement of the access notch slightly difficult to maneuver.

The opposite side of the camera houses the DC-in (power) terminal, as well as the Video Out and serial port connection jacks. The DC-In port is protected by a soft rubber flap which is connected to the camera body by a small rubber strap. Both the Video-Out and serial port jacks are covered by another hinged plastic door, similar in design to the one covering the SmartMedia compartment (though a little less difficult to open).

On the top panel of the RDC-6000 are three control buttons (flash, self-timer, and image-quality controls), the mode dial, shutter button, and a small, black-and-white status display panel that reports most camera settings. (We're always glad to see a status display panel, as it enables you to work without the LCD monitor activated.) The mode dial is nice and large, with easy-to-grip notches around the outside of its bezel.

The remaining control buttons are on the camera's back panel, along with the eye-level viewfinder, flash/autoficus status LED, LCD monitor, and power switch. A small thumbgrip in the lower left corner, and a series of raised notches in the top right corner, are provided for one- or two-handed hold. (The control layout is relatively simple and able to accommodate one-handed operation in a pinch, but much easier to handle with two hands.)

The bottom of the camera has a tripod mount, battery compartment door, and LCD monitor brightness adjustment dial. The plastic tripod mount and battery compartment are far enough from each other to allow battery changes while working with a tripod, which is always beneficial. However, the LCD brightness adjustment dial is completely hidden by the tripod mount plate. (This isn't much of an issue for most users, given the RDC-6000's more practical, portable applications.) The battery compartment is accessed via a plastic door, which slides outward and then opens to reveal the battery pack.