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Ricoh GR DIGITAL II

Ricoh GR DIGITAL II PictureTokyo, Japan – Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president: Shiro Kondo) announced today the development and release of the GR DIGITAL II. This compact digital camera succeeds the high image quality GR DIGITAL released in October 2005.The multi-award winning GR DIGITAL was launched as the successor to the GR Series of 35mm compact film cameras (first released in 1996) popular for their superb image quality. Its depictive performance that satisfied even professional photographers was condensed into a compact 25-mm thin magnesium alloy body has been highly accepted by a wide range of users including high-end amateur and professional photographers in the two years since its release. The new GR DIGITAL II retains the concept of the GR DIGITAL that is the idea of being a high image quality compact camera that achieves excellent resolving power from edge to edge, low noise, and low color aberration. It tops that off with, expressive power, operability, and expandability for even higher image quality.

Main Features of GR Digital II

  1. GR DIGITAL concept was inherited, and even higher image quality achieved.

    • The GR DIGITAL II is equipped with the newly developed GR ENGINE II image processing engine to keep the excellent resolution, tone characteristics, and color saturation of the GR DIGITAL, while achieving dramatic reduction in noise.
    • A new 1/1.75-inch CCD with 10.01 million effective pixels is employed to achieve improved resolution with an increased number of pixels.
    • High image quality that meets the needs of professionals is achieved by coupling with the F2.4 aperture, f:5.9mm focal length (equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm camera) GR LENS popular for its high resolution feel and low distortion.
  2. Highly expressive photos can be taken thanks to an acceleration sensor that measures camera tilt along the perpendicular axis and the newly developed image processing engine, GR ENGINE II.

    (1) Equipped with an electronic level.

    • With the addition of an acceleration sensor, the GR DIGITAL II could be equipped with an electronic level function that allows users to know if the camera is level while looking at the LCD monitor. Adjusting levelness when taking pictures of buildings or scenery takes further advantage of the characteristics of GR LENS with its small distortion.
    • With the level indicator display on the LCD monitor, composing photos with horizontal or vertical lines visible is possible without looking away from the camera when shooting.
    • A level sensor sound to let you know if the camera is level during shooting can be set.

    (2) Square format photography enabled.

    • A 1:1 aspect ratio (vertical/horizontal ratio) image size that allows for easy photography of square format images is included.
    • Square format is achieved where one can enjoy photography different from standard rectangular images. That aspect ratio has been well received with classic 6×6 medium-format and Ricoh Caplio GX100 cameras.
    • RAW mode also is compatible with 1:1 aspect ratio (vertical/horizontal ratio).

    (3) A variety of monochromatic expressions possible with black-and-white (TE*) settings.

    • Color, color depth, contrast, and sharpness of an image can each be adjusted in +/- five steps.
    • Color can be selected as desired from sepia, red, green, blue, and purple.
      *TE=Toning effect
  3. Enhanced operability while inheriting a design to accompany photographers wherever they go.

    • The function button allows for one-push mode switching. Settings can be registered to switch from “JPEG to RAW,” “color to black & white,” between “Snap and AF,” and others for quick switching of modes when sudden photo opportunities present themselves.
    • Functions registered to the Fn button can be saved to the My Settings Mode.
    • By displaying the depth of field in the focus bar, the distance range of the depth of field can be confirmed in advance.
    • The 2.7-inch, 230,000-pixel display with a high 160º viewing angle is easy to view from both low and high angles.
    • Writing time for RAW mode has been reduced and shooting during RAW image writing has been achieved.
    • Image writing time in RAW mode has been reduced to as short as approx. 3.8 sec. And with boosted buffer memory, the next shot can be taken while the first is still being written. (RAW writing time for GR DIGITAL was approx. 11 sec., and continuous shooting was not possible.)
    • A manual pop-up flash operated by a sliding switch is employed to prevent accidental flash operation. The camera is equipped with a flash exposure compensation function that can compensate light intensity from +2.0 EV to -2.0 EV.
    • An information display mode shows specific information of your choice on the screen even when the LCD monitor is turned off thereby increasing its ease of use when using the external viewfinder.
    • The mode dial is equipped with two My Setting modes. Just aligning the mode dial to a My Setting allows the user to switch to a preregistered shooting setting of choice.
    • The GR DIGITAL II has been equipped with an ADJ. lever to assign functions with a push after setting values are chosen from the operation menu in ADJ. mode.
    • Automatic horizontal or vertical rotation of images according to the camera position has been achieved and can be viewed during playback on the LCD monitor.
    • Approx. 370 shots can be taken with one charge of the included rechargeable battery (DB-60). (The GR DIGITAL could take approx. 250 shots.)
    • A thin, compact size was achieved, measuring 107.0 × 59.0 × 25.0 (W x H x D) and weighing 168 g, while ease of use was improved.
  4. Expandability is increased with a wide range of optional accessories.

    GR DIGITAL optional accessories can continue to be used with the GR DIGITAL II. And the new GT-1*, GV-2, and GC-2 can also be used with the original GR DIGITAL.

(1) A tele conversion lens (GT-1)* equivalent to 40mm on a 35mm camera has been added to the lineup for shooting with a standard frame.

(2) An external viewfinder (GV-2) equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm camera has been added. It is even compatible with 1:1 aspect ratio image size photography. (The currently available external viewfinder (GV-1) is equivalent to 28mm and 21mm on a 35mm camera.)

(3) A soft case (GC-2) has been added to the lineup that can accommodate GR DIGITAL II with the GV-2 attached .
*Upcoming product

Included in Box 

Rechargeable Battery (DB-60)
Battery charger (BJ-6)
USB Cable
AV Cable
Hand Strap
Software CD-ROM
Instruction Manuals

Specifications 

Item Specifications
Imaging Sensor 1/1.75″ primary-color CCD with 10.01 million effective pixels(total pixels: 10.3 million)
Lens
Focal length 5.9 mm (equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm camera)
Digital Zoom Magnification Approx. 4.0X digital zoom. Approx. 5.7X auto-resize zoom (VGA images)
Focus Mode Multi AF (CCD method)/Spot AF (CCD method)/Manual focus/snap/Infinity
(focus lock and AF auxiliary light also available)
Shutter Speed 1
Still image 180, 120, 60, 30, 15, 8, 4, 2, 1 to 1/2000 sec.
Exposure Adjustment
Exposure
metering mode
Multi Light Metering (256 segments), Center-weighted Light Metering, Spot Metering (TTL-CCD Metering Method, AE lock available)
ISO sensitivity (Standard Output Sensitivity) AUTO/AUTO-HI/ISO80/100/200/400/800/1600
White Balance Mode Auto/Outdoors/Cloudy/Incandescent Lamp/Fluorescent Lamp/Manual Settings/Detail, White balance bracket function
Flash
Flash mode Auto (fires automatically when subject poorly lit or in backlight situations)/ Red-eye/Flash On/Flash Synchro/Flash Off
Built-in flash range Approx. 20 cm to approx. 3.0 m (ISO AUTO)
Flash compensation ±2.0 EV (1/3 EV steps)
Picture Display 2.7-inch Transparent Amorphous Silicon TFT LCD, approx. 230,000 pixels
Shooting Mode Auto Shooting Mode/Program Shift Mode/Aperture Priority Mode/Manual Exposure Mode/Scene Mode (skew correct/text/movie)/My Settings Mode
Picture Quality Mode 2 F(Fine)/ N(Normal) / RAW (DNG file format) 3
Number of Recorded Pixels
Still image 3648 x 2736, 3648 x 2432, 2736 x 2736, 3264 x 2448, 2592 x 1944,2048 x 1536, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480
Movie 640 x 480, 320 x 240
Text 3648 x 2736, 2048 x 1536
Recording Media SD memory card, SDHC card, Multi media card, Internal memory (approx. 54MB)
Storage Capacity/ Time 4 (Built-in approx. 54 MB storage)
Still 3648 x 2736 (RAW: 2, F: 14, N: 24), 3648 x 2432 (RAW: 3, F: 15, N: 27),
2736 x 2736 (RAW: 3, F: 18, N: 32), 3264 x 2448 (N: 30),
2592 x 1944 (N: 47), 2048 x 1536 (N: 73), 1280 x 960 (N: 133), 640 x 480 (N: 497)
Movie5 640 x 480 @ 30 frames/sec. (41 sec.),
640 x 480 @ 15 frames/sec.(1 min 22 sec.),
320 x 240 @ 30 frames/sec. (1 min 22 sec.),
320 x 240 @ 15 frames/sec. (2 min 40 sec.)
Recording File Formats
Still JPEG (Exif ver2.21) 6, RAW (DNG)
Movie AVI (Open DML Motion JPEG Format Compliant)
Other Major Shooting Function Continuous/S-Cont/M-Cont, Self-Timer (delay: approx. 10 sec./ approx. 2 sec.),Interval (shooting interval: 5 sec. to 3 hrs. in 5-sec. intervals)7, Color Bracket,B&W(TE), Color Space Set, Noise Reduction, Histogram Display, Grid Guide Display, Depth of Field Display, Enlarge Photo Icon, Electronic Level, Hot Shoe
Other Major Playback Function Auto Rotate, Three-frame View/Grid View, Magnifying (up to 16X), Resize
Interface USB2.0 (High-Speed USB) Mini-B cable, Mass storage 8, AV output
Video Signal Format NTSC, PAL switchable
Power Source Rechargeable Battery (DB-60) x 1, AC Adapter (AC-4c option), AAA Alkaline Batteries x 2, AAA Oxyride Batteries x 2, AAA Nickel-Hydrogen Batteries x 2
Battery Consumption 9 When CIPA-standard compliant DB-60 used: approx. 370 pictures When AAA alkaline batteries used: approx 45 pictures10
Dimensions 107.0 mm x 58.0 mm x 25.0 mm (W x H x D); does not include protruding parts
Weight Camera: Approx. 168 g (excluding battery/SD memory card/strap); Accessories: Approx. 30 g (battery/strap)
Operating temperature 0°C to 40°C
*1 Maximum and minimum shutter speeds differ by shooting mode and flash mode.
*2 Image-quality modes that can be set differ depending on the image size.
*3 Simultaneous recording of a JPEG in Fine/Normal or Normal640 mode at the same size as the RAW image. DNG is a type of RAW image file format. It is a standard file format advocated by Adobe Systems.
*4 Estimated number of shots/time that can be recorded.
*5 Up to 90min. or 4GB can be recorded in one shot.
*6 DCF compliant; DPOF supported.
DCF is an abbreviation for Design rule for Camera File system standardized by JEITA.
(Full compatibility between devices not guaranteed.)
*7 With Flash off.
*8 Mass storage supports Windows Me/2000/XP/Vista and Mac OS 9.0 to 9.2.2/Mac OS X 10.1.2 to 10.4.9.
*9 The numbers of photos that can be taken were measured using conditions compliant with the CIPA standard. Actual number of photos that can be taken will differ greatly depending on conditions of use.
*10 AAA alkaline dry-cell batteries made by Matsushita Battery Industrial Co., Ltd. were used

* Windows is a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.A. and other countries.
* Mac OS is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. in the U.S.A. and other countries.
* Adobe is a trademark or registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and other countries.

DXG-110 Digital Camera

DXG-110 Digital CameraDXG-110 Includes Pro Features: Focus Illuminator ISO 1600/Antishake, AutoFocus Tracking, Automatic Contrast, & Face DetectionCity of Industry, CA, November 1, 2007 - DXG USA (www.dxgusa.com), one of the fastest growing digital camera manufacturers, announced today the DXG-110, the first 10 Megapixel digital camera to break the $200 price barrier. With a street price of only $169.99, the DXG-110 offers consumers a low price without sacrificing quality and features. The camera boasts an astounding 10 Megapixel CCD sensor (with up to 12 Megapixel image resolution), a large 2.5” high-resolution TFT screen, 3X Optical/4X Digital Zoom, 30 FPS of VGA video with sound, digital voice recording function, and the convenience of 32MB of built-in internal flash memory and an SD card slot, for the total easy-to-use high-res digital camera package.

The DXG-110 advanced point-and-shoot digital camera captures professional-looking pictures with minimal settings so everyone will feel comfortable using the camera. It eliminates complex adjustments so users can take great pictures easily and instantaneously, with just a touch of a button. Even in extreme low-light situations, the new DXG-110 camera adjusts shutter speed and aperture automatically to take the perfect picture every time.

Easy-to-use Pro Features for a Low Price

The DXG-110 offers pro features typically found in much more expensive digital cameras, such as AutoFocus tracking, Focus Illuminator, and Face Detection. DXG proprietary technology, including Automatic Contrast Management, Advanced Flash Controls, ISO 1600/Antishake, and Dynamic Fill Light also ensures that you can take great pictures consistently. All of these features make the DXG-110 the perfect holiday gift — the ultimate 10 Megapixel digital camera for everyone who enjoys taking pictures, but demands quality, ease of use, and technology at an affordable price.

DXG New Technologies
Automatic Contrast Management is a new DXG technology that detects contrast levels and applies the best dynamic range in high contrast scenes. Compared to the 8-bit post processing known as D-Lighting, the DXG-110 does this completely in 12-bit resolution to provide the best detail possible. In addition, the new DXG Dynamic Fill Light technology reveals details in dark areas in high-dynamic (high-contrast) scenes. This is particularly useful to correct dark photos when shooting against backlighting.

The DXG-110 also features an Advance Flash Control System that ensures exposure is accurately captured when the flash is fired, especially against dark/black or white/bright backgrounds. This technology automatically measures AF distance, aperture and zoom to ensure that pre-flash provides the best linearity for more accurate flash output.

DXG-110 Features:

  • Image Sensor: 1/1.76” Panasonic 10.37 Megapixel CCD Sensor
  • Active Pixels: 10.0 Megapixel – up to 12 Megapixel
  • 3X Optical Zoom/4X Digital Zoom
  • Focus Illuminator
  • Face Detection
  • AutoFocus Tracking
  • Supports Direct Print
  • Sensor Sensitivity – Auto or Manual (ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 Equivalent)
  • Storage Media
    1. Internal: 32MB Flash Memory
    2. External: SD/MMC Card, support high-capacity SD cards up to 4GB
  • White Balance
  • EV Compensation
  • Self-Timer
  • PC Interface
  • TV Out Format
  • Shutter – Mechanical and Electronic Shutter
  • Auto Power Off
  • Power Supply – 2x Alkaline Batteries

The DXG-110 is available immediately with a street price of $169.99 through major retailers and at www.dxgusa.com. It comes complete with 2AA Alkaline Batteries, a USB/AV Output Cable, wrist strap, camera pouch, Mr. Photo 3, VideoWorks6 and driver software, and User Manual.

About DXG USA
DXG USA “The Digital Camera Company” is one of the fastest growing digital camera manufacturers in the United States, selling attractively-designed digital cameras for the youth and mainstream markets. Compact, fashionable and affordably priced, DXG digital cameras are setting trends for quality and utility. DXG USA is a fully-owned subsidiary of DXG Technology Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and designers (OEM/ODM) of digital cameras and camcorders. With over 20 years of experience manufacturing digital technology products under other brand names, DXG now designs and manufactures cameras under its own name. DXG Technology has won numerous design and innovation awards and employs over 4,000 people worldwide.

For more information on DXG USA, please visit www.dxgusa.com

Distagon T* 2/28 SLR Lens from Carl Zeiss

Distagon T* 2/28 SLR Lens from Carl ZeissHigh-speed wide angle puts everything else in the shade 

Oberkochen, 17.09.2007.
A new high-speed, wide-angle lens complements the advanced SLR line of lenses from Carl Zeiss for analog and digital 35 mm single lens reflex cameras. With an aperture of 1:2.0 and 28 mm focal length, the Distagon T* 2/28 lens is the ideal bridge between the existing wide-angle lenses with 25 mm and 35 mm focal lengths. It is available as the Distagon T* 2/28 ZF for cameras with the F bayonet and Distagon T* 2/28 ZK for cameras with a K mount. This lens is among the most high-speed optics for these focal lengths and is thus ideally suited for taking pictures in unfavorable lighting conditions. Equipped with manual focus, a high-quality metal casing and floating elements, it provides demanding photographers with a creative, top-class tool with lasting value. As a result, the performance potential of the lens is also available throughout the entire image field even with professional digital cameras featuring full format sensors.

28 mm lenses are primarily used for landscapes, architectural photography and excellent, short-range portraits. It is particularly suited for picture taking indoors – even in natural light. The high image quality down to the close focus range of 0.24 m extends the application range of this lens to include photography of small objects.

The use of floating elements ensures equally impressive image quality in the close-up range as well as at larger distances. With the initial aperture of 1:2.0, photographers enjoy greater creativity through flexible use of the depth of field. This enables them to effectively separate the subject from the background at full aperture and achieve a strong 3D effect. If needed, they can also use the full definition of short focal length optics with smaller apertures over a wide range. High image quality is provided under all conditions despite the extremely high speed.

With its numerous, outstanding properties, the Distagon T* 2/28 from Carl Zeiss is a multi-purpose lens. Thanks to the standard F and K bayonet connections, it can integrated into the corresponding camera systems – with limited compatibility on a case-by-case basis with simple camera models.

This lens will be available for shipping by the end of 2007:
Distagon T* 2/28
1,049.00 € (incl. 19% German VAT)