Ricoh’s new creative compact unleashes the artist within

Tokyo, Japan, 19 August 2010:   Ricoh today launched the latest model in its acclaimed CX series of digital compact cameras. Available from September, the CX4 introduces new creative shooting modes, a new subject tracking auto-focus system, improved image stabilisation technology and host of other sophisticated features - all encapsulated in a redesigned chassis with sleek head-turning curves.

Offering more power and control than your average compact camera, Ricoh's new CX4 has been designed for photographers who want to take their craft to new heights of creative expression. New soft focus, cross process and toy camera shooting modes join the popular miniaturise, high contrast black-and-white and dynamic range modes first introduced by the CX2. Photographers need simply choose the desired mode then press the shutter release button for unique results that capture the essence of their imaginations.

In addition, Ricoh has included a "night landscape multi-shot mode" to allow CX4 users to experience the joys of handheld, tripod-free photography after dark. Using this feature, the camera reduces the image noise normally associated with pictures taken under low light by automatically and precisely combining four exposures shot at high sensitivities into a single optimally exposed photograph.

Crisp, clear photos are further assured with the evolution of Ricoh's image stabilisation technology. Whether shooting under dim indoor lighting or while making the most of the 10.7x wide angle zoom lens (28-300 mm equivalent), the improved image stabiliser reduces blur by an average of about 3.7 shutter-speed stops.

The CX4 also offers a new subject-tracking auto-focus system that automatically tracks the subject, ensuring that photographs are in focus and correctly exposed whenever the shutter is released. Ideal for shots of active children and pets, this feature is also perfect for close up photos of flowers and other subjects that demand careful composition.

Boasting a 10 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS image sensor to more efficiently capture light coming through the lens, the CX4 also sees the return of multi-pattern auto white balance to faithfully recreate the detail seen by the naked eye in scenes which include mixed lighting. When combined with the Smooth Imaging Engine IV, the result is dramatic – beautiful images that have maintained their original resolution, tone characteristics and colour saturation.

Other key features include:

- high burst rates of 5 frames per second (maximum pixels) during continuous shooting to ensure no scene ever gets away;

- "scene auto mode" offering the ultimate in point and shoot photography; just point the camera at the subject and the camera optimises settings for best results;

- HD movie recording with a frame size of 1280 x 720 pixels;

- a macro mode that can be used to take photos as close as 1cm or at distances as close as 28cm when the camera is zoomed all the way in;

- a 920,000-dot, 3.0-inch high resolution LCD monitor featuring an anti-reflection coating to ensure clear visibility even in bright sunlight.

Available from leading camera and electronics retailers from September, the Ricoh CX4 is available in black, champagne silver and bubblegum pink. For customer enquiries contact Ricoh's Australian distributor, Tasco on 02 9938 3244 or visit the new website www.ricohcameras.com.au

Pricing and availability

Product name: Ricoh CX4     

RRP: AU$499

Available: 4 September 2010

To view and download web quality images from the online gallery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/writeaway/sets/72157624632034061/

2010 RICOH Women's British Open Golf Championship tournament.

The Old Course at St. Andrews will hosted the first Women's British Open ever in 2007.  Last year the 2008 Ricoh Women's British Open was played at Sunningdale G.C. for the 33rd edition of this tournament. 

Here in 2010 the 35th edition of the Ricoh Women's British Open will be played at the Royal Birkdale golf club.

The Women's British Open was first held in 1976 after being established by The Ladies Golf Union.  In those early days it was a regular annual stop on the Ladies European Tour and mostly relegated to 'second tier' host course status with the LPGA adding it as 'official stop staus' since 1994.  The Women's British Open then became an official LPGA Major Championship in 2001 replacing the du Maurier Classic.

Since that time the venues have moved to the more prestigious links courses including, Turnberry, Royal Lytham and St. Annes, Sunningdale, Royal Birkdale, and now the famous Old Course at St. Andrews.  (Scotland)

Past champions of the Women's British Open include Karrie Webb, (Australia), and Sherri Steinhauer, (U.S.), both three time winners.  Other notable winners include Laura Davies, Betsy King, Helen Alfredsson, Debby Massey, (twice), Patty Sheehan, Se Ri Pak, Annika Sorenstam, and Lorena Ochoa won at St. Andrews in 2007 with Jiyai Shin winning in 2008 and Catriona Matthew defending here in 2010 after winning last year's event at Royal Lytham and St. Annes.

For further information visit the official website http://www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com/Home.aspx#? 

Source: www.caddybytes.com

Aussie photographers rally for rights

A group of photographers led by renowned landscape photographer Ken Duncan will rally against restrictions on taking images in many iconic Australian places on 29 August.

Arts Freedom Australia, founded by Duncan in 2004, will lead the rally designed to raise awareness about the diminishing rights Australian photographers have when taking photos in public places and iconic areas such as Uluru and national parks in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Sydney Harbour.

Restrictions on photographers is not unique to Australia; it's also an issue in the UK as we've previously covered.

All photographers are invited to the rally to be held on 29 August at Campbells Cove in Sydney. Bring your own camera and tripod.

(Credit: Ken Duncan Group)
Article by CNET Pulse http://www.cnet.com.au/aussie-photographers-rally-for-rights-339304810.htm

Tasco announces new Australian pricing for Ricoh GXR camera system

Tuesday, 22 June 2010: Tasco has reduced the price of Ricoh’s GXR interchangeable lens camera system.

According to Tasco’s Stewart Pickersgill, General Manager – Camera Sales Division, the move follows increasing competition in the compact interchangeable lens category.

“The digital camera market has always been a competitive one. A year ago, there were only two or three players in the compact interchangeable lens category – now there are half a dozen.

“People who are serious about image quality will always aspire to buy Ricoh, but we’ve had to respond to increasing competition in the category by reducing the price of our GXR offering.”

Setting it apart from other interchangeable lens cameras, the GXR utilises an innovative slide-in mount system to attach units which integrate lens, image sensor and image processing engine. The key advantage of this world-first design is a more finely tuned relationship between lens and sensor, resulting in the image quality one would expect from a DSLR.

The GXR represents a further evolution of Ricoh’s award-winning GR Digital and GX compact digital cameras. Like its predecessors, the GXR offers an irresistible combination - the superior image quality and advanced manual control of a SLR, with the pocketability and handling of a compact.

Three interchangeable camera units are currently available, with a fourth camera unit featuring a 28mm fixed-focal-length Ricoh GR lens and a high speed APS-C size CMOS sensor scheduled for release in October. Pickersgill says this demonstrates Ricoh’s commitment to the GXR system.

“The GXR is here to stay. Ricoh is listening to its customers and has mapped out the release of new camera units heading into 2011 and beyond.

“To fully utilise the GXR’s unique ability to accommodate interchangeable units other than camera units, Ricoh is also investigating possibilities for the development of a variety of devices, such as storage, printers and projectors.”

New recommended retail prices including GST
GXR camera body                                       $599 (was $699)
A12 50mm F2.5 MACRO camera unit         $949 (was $999)
S10 24-72mm F2.5-4.4 VC camera unit      $549 (was $649)
P10 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 VC camera unit    $449 (was $499)
GXR A12 soft kit                                         $1399 (was $1599)
GXR S10 hard kit*                    To be announced 2 July, 2010
GXR P10 hard kit                                       $749 (was $799)
GXR dual soft kit (A12 + S10)                    $1949 (was $2099)   

The GXR camera system is available exclusively through the Ricoh Pro G Dealer Network.
For a full list of Ricoh Pro G Dealers please visit: http://www.ricohcameras.com.au/progdealers/progdealers.html

For sales and customer enquiries contact Ricoh’s Australian distributor, Tasco on 02 9938 3244 or visit www.ricohcameras.com.au

Ricoh announces the GXR+S10 KIT

A camera kit that includes the GXR and RICOH LENS S10 24-72mm F.2.5-4.4 VC*

Ricoh has announced the release of the new GXR+S10 Kit, a camera kit that combines the GXR body and the RICOH LENS S10 camera unit featuring a high-performance 24–72mm 3x wide-angle zoom lens.

The GXR+S10 Kit is the second GXR and camera unit kit product, following the popular GXR+P10 Kit, which is already on sale. As GXR basic kits, these two kits can be used as is immediately upon purchase so they make it easier for a wider range of customers to buy and use the GXR.

Available from selected camera specialists, the Ricoh GXR+S10 Kit will retail for RRP AU$849. Compared to buying the GXR body and camera unit separately, this represents a significant saving of AU$299. Optional add-ons include an electronic viewfinder, external flash, teleconversion lens and self-retaining lens cap, among others.

About the Ricoh GXR
The GXR is an interchangeable unit camera system in which lenses are changed by using a slide-in mount system to attach camera units to the body. In a world-first design, the lens, image sensor and image processing engine are integrated into the camera units so the body itself does not contain an image sensor.

The GXR represents a further evolution of Ricoh’s award-winning GR Digital and GX compact digital cameras. Like its predecessors, the GXR offers an irresistible combination - the superior image quality and advanced manual control of a SLR, with the pocketability and handling of a compact. With the innovative slide-in mount structure, camera unit changes are as quick and easy as changing a memory card.

To fully utilise this system's unique ability to accommodate interchangeable units other than camera units, Ricoh is investigating possibilities for the development of a variety of devices, such as storage, printers and projectors. Three camera units are currently available. A fourth unit featuring a 28mm fixed-focal-length GR lens and APS-C size CMOS sensor is scheduled for release in late 2010.

For customer enquiries contact Ricoh’s Australian distributor, Tasco on 02 9938 3244 or visit www.ricohcameras.com.au