The
Ricoh Caplio RR1 is the 4 megapixel incarnation of the RDC-7,
a 3.3 megapixel camera that was released in the Spring of 2000. The outer
shell of the Caplio is similar to that of the RDC-7, and so are most functions.
The differences lie in the resolution, and some internal functions.
All other controls
are grouped on the top side of the Caplio, with the exception of the
Mode Dial and Power Switch that are mounted near the viewfinder. The
top of the Caplio RR1 provides a group of buttons for quick access to
some settings:
The
zoom control is accessible from both sides of the camera and is integrated
with the Mode Dial. Its position makes it a bit awkward to use when the
camera is vertical, but makes it accessible to the left thumb when the
camera is held horizontally.
The viewfinder provides a diopter correction, -2 to +1 dpt, and has parallax
markings. Two small LEDs are embedded on its left, the top one for the
flash (red), the lower one for the autofocus (green).
The Caplio has a 2
inch LCD screen that is normally kept closed, face down. Raising the
screen automatically turns it on and provides access to the remaining
controls of the camera, which are arranged as a keypad.
The screen itself can be pushed past the vertical — to about 135°;
and when vertical can be rotated 90° to the left and 180° to
the right. When fully rotated to the right, it can be folded back down,
face up.
The
controls covered by the LCD screen consist of buttons that serve to access
and manipulate the options of the menu [Menu, Cancel, Enter];
four navigation buttons [blue arrows]; and controls for 6 camera
functions, two of which do double duty for menu navigation.
Starting with the row of round grey buttons, the first is to delete an
image, the second is to control the brightness of the screen, the third
is to remove the information overlay, replace it with a framing grid,
or clear all overlays. The second row, of which two buttons double as
menu navigation controls, provides for exposure compensation, white balance,
and Macro mode.
The Ricoh
Caplio RR1 is capable of recording sound, with the same quality as a digital
sound recorder. The microphone is located beneath the flash, and a small
but very audible speaker is located on the right side of the camera.
Even though the design of the Caplio RR1 is interesting, we remain somewhat
dubious when it comes to its functionality. The placement of the controls
leads to some impractical finger movements, and often leads to critical
parts such as the flash — or the lens when the camera is held vertically
— getting partially covered
by straying fingers.
