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Ricoh Caplio RR30 Digital Camera

	Camera QuickLook
	Review Date	07/01/03
	User Level	Novice
	Product Uses	Family / Travel / Special Events
	Digicam Design	Point and Shoot
	Picture Quality	Fair, 3.2-megapixel CCD
	Print Sizes	Up to 8x10s
	Availability	now
	Suggested Retail Price (At Introduction)	$399

 

Camera Overview
With a thin, elongated, yet compact body style, Ricoh's Caplio RR30 digital camera is readily portable. With its all-plastic body, the RR30 is lightweight with small enough dimensions for nestling in larger shirt pockets and most purses. A wrist strap keeps it securely attached to your wrist when shooting (necessary given the lack of a handgrip). The compact design includes a shutter-like, built-in lens cover which conveniently slides open whenever the camera is powered on, allowing the 3x zoom lens to telescope outward about a half-inch from the body. The camera's 3.2-megapixel CCD produces ample resolution for prints to 8x10 inches, as well as lower resolution images better suited for e-mail transmission among family and friends. Exposure control is completely automatic, though six preset "scene" modes and a host of creative exposure options are available, making the RR30 an good choice for novice consumers who want to take great pictures without hassling over complicated exposure decisions.

The RR30 is equipped with a 3x, 5.5-16.5mm lens, equivalent to a 35-105mm lens on a 35mm camera. Normal focus ranges from approximately 11.7 inches (30 centimeters) to infinity, with a Macro range from 0.4 to 24 inches (1 to 60 centimeters). A manual focus option is available through the Record menu, as are Infinity and Snapshot fixed focus modes. In addition to the 3x optical zoom, the RR30 also features a maximum of 3.4x digital zoom. Keep in mind, however, that because digital zoom is simply enlarging the central portion of the CCD, image quality typically decreases (usually in the form of softer details or increased artifacts). For composing images, the RR30 offers a real-image optical viewfinder with a comfortably high eyepoint for eyeglass wearers, as well as a 1.6-inch, color LCD monitor. The LCD display includes an informative data readout, detailing various camera settings, and includes a central autofocus crosshair. For aligning difficult subjects, the LCD also features a grid display, which divides the image area into thirds horizontally and vertically. Pressing the Display button on the camera's back panel controls the LCD's information and image displays.

Exposure remains under automatic control on the RR30, although the camera does report the selected aperture and shutter speed settings whenever the Shutter button is halfway pressed. An On/Off button on top of the camera does what you'd expect, and is surrounded by a Mode dial that selects between Playback, Record, Scene, Movie, and Setup exposure modes. Record mode puts the camera in control of aperture and shutter speed, but allows you to set other variables such as ISO, White Balance, etc. Scene mode offers six preset "scenes," which optimize the camera for specific shooting situations. Available scenes are Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Nightscape, Text Mode, and High Sensitivity. Portrait mode employs a larger aperture for a more shallow depth of field, capturing a sharply-focused subject in front of a slightly-blurred background. Sports mode uses fast shutter speeds to freeze fast-moving action, and Landscape mode uses a small aperture to capture both the foreground and background in sharp focus. Nightscape mode is best for shooting night scenes and portraits, as the camera uses a slower shutter speed (meaning you'll likely need a tripod to prevent any blurring). Text mode captures black and white subjects, such as printed documents, clearly. Text mode features a Density setting for controlling the background shading, and saves images as uncompressed TIFF files. Finally, High Sensitivity mode boosts the ISO setting for dim lighting, and brightens the LCD display (by slowing the LCD's refresh rate), making it easier to frame dimly-lit subjects.

By default, the RR30 uses a Multi metering mode, which takes exposure readings from throughout the frame to calculate the best overall exposure. Through the Record menu, you can also opt for Center and Spot metering modes, for more precise exposure readings. An Exposure Compensation adjustment increases or decreases exposure from -2 to +2 exposure equivalents (EV) in one-third-step increments, with a live display of what the resulting exposure may look like. If you find it difficult to determine the best exposure setting, the RR30's Auto Exposure Bracketing mode takes a series of three images at different exposures, so you can choose the best overall image. Although you can't adjust the shutter speed in normal usage, the RR30's Time Exposure mode lets you select from a range of longer exposure times (from one to eight seconds), when shooting in dark conditions. White Balance options on the RR30 include an Auto setting, as well as Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten, Fluorescent, and One-Push (manual) settings. The camera's sensitivity can be set to Auto (variable as the camera sees fit, starting at an ISO 125 in bright conditions), or to 200, 400, or 800 ISO equivalents. A Sharpness adjustment is also available, for controlling the in-camera sharpening, and a Self-Timer mode offers a two or 10-second countdown before capturing the image. The RR30's built-in flash operates in Forced, Suppressed, Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, and Slow-Synchro modes, and is effective to approximately 7.6 feet (4.5 meters).

The RR30 also features an Interval shooting mode, which takes a series of images at preset, fixed intervals from 30 seconds to three hours. The camera will capture images for as long as the memory card has available space, or the camera has power. Three Continuous Shooting modes act like a motor drive on a 35mm camera. The basic Continuous Shooting mode captures a series of images, for as long as the Shutter button is held down. The number of images in the series depends on the amount of available memory card space, and frame rates will vary with resolution and compression settings. "SCont" mode captures 16 consecutive frames in about two seconds. The 16 images are grouped together as one large image, arrayed in a four-by-four pattern. Finally, "MCont" mode "memorizes" the scene while the Shutter button is held down. Once released, the camera records the last two seconds, or 16 frames. Image display is the same as in "SCont" mode. The RR30's Movie exposure mode captures either 320 x 240-, or 160 x 112-pixel resolution moving images (without sound). Maximum recording times vary with the resolution and available memory card space, with a maximum of 30 seconds for the large resolution and 120 seconds for the smaller setting.

The RR30 stores images either on SD/MMC memory cards, or in its internal memory. The camera does not come with a memory card, so you'll want to purchase a large capacity SD or MMC card right away, as the camera's internal memory won't hold too many files. The RR30 uses two AA batteries for power, either alkaline, NiMH, or lithium. A set of two alkaline AAs is included in the box with the camera, but I strongly recommend purchasing a couple of sets of high-capacity NiMH batteries and a good charger, and keeping a spare set of batteries charged at all times. The RR30 has no external power jack, so I wasn't able to conduct my normal power-consumption tests. With only two AA cells for power though, you'll want to make sure that you have high-capacity rechargeable NiMH cells for the best run times. Click here to read my "battery shootout" page to see which batteries currently on the market are best, or here for my review of the Maha C-204F charger, my longtime favorite. The RR30 features a Video Out jack, for connecting to a television set, and a USB jack for downloading images to a computer. A software CD is loaded with the Caplio software and USB drivers, for downloading and organizing images, as well as a full copy of the instruction manual. Additionally, the RR30 comes packaged in a plain brown cardboard box, which is more easily recycled.

Basic Features

• 3.2-megapixel CCD.
• Real-image optical viewfinder.
• 1.6-inch color LCD monitor with backlight.
• 3x zoom lens, equivalent to 35-105mm on a 35mm camera.
• Maximum aperture of f/2.6 - f/4.7, depending on lens zoom position.
• As much as 3.4x digital zoom.
• Automatic exposure control.
• Shutter speeds from 1/2,000 to eight seconds.
• Built-in flash with five modes.
• Images stored to internal memory or SD/MMC memory cards (not included).
• USB computer interface and supplied cable.
• Power supplied by two AA batteries or optional AC adapter.
• Caplio image software and USB drivers included for both Windows and Mac platforms.

Special Features

• Amazingly fast shutter response!
• Movie mode without sound.
• Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Nightscape, Text, and High Sensitivity preset modes.
• 10- and two-second Self-Timer modes for delayed shutter release.
• Macro (close-up) lens setting.
• White balance (color) adjustment with six modes, including a manual adjustment.
• Interval, Auto Exposure Bracketing, and three Continuous Shooting modes.
• Multi, Center, and Spot metering modes.
• Sensitivity setting with three ISO equivalents (200, 400, 800) and an Auto setting (equivalent to ISO 125).
• Two (optional) fixed focus settings and a manual focus adjustment.
• Sharpening adjustment.
• DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatibility.
• Video cable for connection to a television set.

Recommendation
The Caplio RR30 is small, compact, and light weight, with an easy-to-follow interface that should set novices at ease. It offers the convenience of point-and-shoot simplicity, but also features creative options for capturing images in challenging situations (low light, fast action, etc.). The 3.2-megapixel CCD delivers high quality images, appropriate for any use from printing to distributing via e-mail, and its compact design makes it a good candidate for travel. It has more features than are commonly found on a low-end digicam, but its biggest claim to fame is its blazing shutter response. - I found its image quality to be sub-par relative to its competitors. If you need really low shutter lag, this camera is the fastest consumer model I've found, but you'll have to accept some tradeoffs in image quality.

 

Design
With its thin, elongated body size and compact design, the RR30 is small enough to travel just about anywhere. The two-toned, black and silver body is free from any extreme protrusions except for the lens, which telescopes outward when powered on. Measuring 4.48 x 2.14 x 1.28 inches (114 x 54.5 x 32.5 millimeters) makes it just small enough to fit into a shirt pocket or small purse. The all-plastic, yet rugged, body keeps the RR30 light weight as well, at just 7.5 ounces (212.5 grams) with batteries and memory card.

The RR30's front panel features the lens, protected by a shutter-like, retractable lens cover that opens quickly when the camera is turned on. The lens then telescopes out from the camera body about half an inch into its operating position. Also on the front panel are the flash, AF sensor window, and optical viewfinder window. A very slight indention on the right side provides a small fingergrip when holding the camera, but is small enough that you'll probably want to keep the wrist strap securely in place while shooting. Also visible from the front is the very edge of the battery compartment door.

On the right side of the camera (as viewed from the rear) are the battery and memory card compartments. A sliding plastic door protects the battery compartment, and remains hinged when opened. In the center of the two hinges for the battery compartment door is a tiny, plastic door covering the memory card slot. (I found that the battery door had an annoying tendency to pop open when I was closing the memory card compartment. Not a huge issue, but an annoyance nonetheless.) Just below the battery compartment is the eyelet for attaching the wrist strap, adjacent to a small plastic flap that slides out of the way for the AC adapter cord.

The opposite side of the camera features only the USB and Video Out connector terminals, beneath a flexible plastic flap.

The RR30's top panel features the Shutter and Power buttons, as well as the Mode dial.

The remaining few camera controls are on the rear panel, along with the optical viewfinder eyepiece and LCD monitor. Two LED lamps below the optical viewfinder report camera status, indicating when focus is set or the flash is charging. The Zoom rocker button dominates the top right corner of the back panel, while the rest of the control buttons are arranged alongside the LCD monitor. These include the Erase/Self-Timer button, Menu button, Four-Way Arrow pad, OK button, and Display button. Just below the Zoom rocker button is a raised thumbgrip, which promotes a firmer hold on the camera when shooting.

 

Camera Operation
The RR30's user interface is very straightforward, with only a few external controls and a very concise LCD menu system. The Mode dial on top of the camera quickly sets the operating mode, and options like flash, macro, and the Self-Timer have external controls. The LCD menu features three main screens in Record mode, and is quick to navigate. The arrow keys of the Four Way Arrow pad scroll through the selections, and the OK button in the center of the pad confirms any changes. The menu system is so simple and intuitive I think even novice users will be able to become completely familiar with it in an hour or so. (The one thing I found awkward was that I had to hit the OK button for everything. - I'm used to just hitting the right-arrow a second time to make the selection on many cameras, but on the RR30, this just bumped me onto the next menu page.)

Record Mode Display
The RR30 has three record-mode displays, shown at right. Pressing the Display button cycles between the three displays and a mode with the LCD turned off entirely. The main information display shows the center autofocus area along with currently-selected options for image size/quality, macro and flash mode, white balance, zoom position, etc, as well as the number of images of the current size and quality that can be stored in the remaining space on the memory card. When the Shutter button is halfway pressed, the camera reports the selected aperture and shutter speed settings. The RR30 also offers a plain image display, and a grid display for aligning shots.

Playback Mode Display
In Playback mode, you can use the RR30's zoom control to enlarge an image, with a maximum enlargement of 3.4x. Zooming out from a full-frame view brings up a thumbnail display of the images on the card, letting you move quickly between them by via the arrow keys on the camera's back panel. The screen shot at right shows the progression of playback displays, beginning with the thumbnail index view and ending with a zoomed view at the maximum 3.4x magnification.

 

External Controls

• Playback: Replays captured still images and movie files, with options for image management and printing.
• Record: Places the camera in Record mode, with a range of exposure options available.
• Scene: Lets the user select from six preset shooting modes, including Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Nightscape, Text, and High Sensitivity.
• Movie: Records moving images without sound, for a maximum of 30 seconds at 320 x 240 pixels or 120 seconds at 160 x 120 pixels.
• Setup: Displays the Setup menu, for changing camera settings.

In Playback mode, this button controls the digital enlargement of captured images and accesses the index display mode. (The "T" side zooms in, the "W" side zooms out. Zooming out from the normal-sized single image view brings up an index display of tiny "thumbnail" images.)

Erase / Self-Timer Button: To the left of the Zoom rocker button, this button accesses the two- and 10-second Self-Timer modes in Record mode.

In Playback mode, this button displays the Erase menu, which lets you delete the displayed image or all images on the memory card or internal memory (whichever is selected).

Menu Button: Beneath the Erase / Self-Timer button, this button displays or dismisses the settings menu in any Record mode or in Playback mode.

Four Way Arrow Pad: Just to the right of the center of the LCD monitor, this control pad features four arrow keys, which navigate through any settings menu.

In Record mode, the up arrow controls flash mode, cycling through Auto, Forced, Suppressed, Red-Eye Reduction, and Slow-Synchro modes. The down arrow activates the camera's Macro shooting mode, while the left arrow controls the Quick Review mode. (The right arrow has no additional function.)

In Playback mode, the left and right keys scroll through captured images on the memory card. When an image has been enlarged, all four arrow keys move around within the enlarged view.

OK Button: Next to the lower right corner of the LCD monitor, this button confirms menu selections.

Display Button: Directly to the right of the OK button, this button controls the LCD monitor's display mode. In both Record and Playback modes, the button cycles through the image and information displays, and turns the LCD monitor on and off. In Record mode, this button also accesses an alignment grid display.

 

Camera Modes and Menus

Record Mode: In this mode, the camera captures standard still images, controlling aperture and shutter speed. Pressing the Menu button displays the Record settings menu, with options varying depending on the exposure mode selected:

• Menu 1:
  • Exposure Compensation: Increases or decreases exposure from -2 to +2 exposure equivalents (EV) in one-third-step increments. A live display appears, showing what the exposure may look like at each setting.
  • White Balance: Adjusts the color balance depending on the light source. Options are Auto, Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten, Fluorescent, or One Push (manual setting).
  • Picture Quality / Size: Sets the image resolution and compression. Options are: F2048 (2,048 x 1,536 pixels), N2048 (2,048 x 1,536 pixels), F1280 (1,280 x 960 pixels), N1280 (1,280 x 960 pixels), and N640 (640 x 480 pixels).
  • Focus: Sets the camera's focus mode to Auto or Manual, or to Snapshot or Infinity fixed settings.
  • Continuous Mode: Selects the continuous shooting mode. Options are Cont, SCont, and MCont, or Off. (SCont captures 16 sub-images, stored in a single high-res frame. MCont does the same, but "memorizes" the scene, then records the last 2 seconds of action in the 16 sub-images, after you lift your finger from the shutter button.)
    
    
    
• Menu 2:
  • Photometry: Sets the camera's metering system to 256-segment Multi, Center, or Spot modes.
  • ISO Setting: Controls the camera's sensitivity setting. Options are Auto (equivalent to ISO 125), or 200, 400, and 800 ISO equivalents.
  • Sharpness: Designates the amount of in-camera sharpening applied to the image. Choices are Sharp, Normal, or Soft.
  • Auto Bracket: Turns the camera's Auto Exposure Bracketing mode on or off.
  • Time Exposure: Accesses longer shutter times of 1, 2, 4, or 8 seconds. The Off setting returns to the normal automatic exposure control.
    
    
    
    
• Menu 3:
  • Interval: Activates and sets the interval for Interval shooting mode. Shot intervals range from 30 seconds to three hours.
  • Date Imprint: Designates whether the date and time are imprinted on images as they are recorded.
  • Restore Defaults: Resets the Record menu to its default settings.