Ricoh R8, R50 compact digital cameras announced

Ricoh has developed a reputation for offering up compact cameras with off-beat features that have strong niche market appeal, and the latest announcements from the company look to be no different. In a press release late yesterday, the company made speculations about a new model official, announcing the portable R50 and the high-spec, high-end R8 compacts.

The compact, 10 megapixel R50 sports a 5x zoom with an equivalent range of 36-180mm.

The camera is relatively conventional otherwise, emphasizing a broad range of scene modes, user-friendliness, and its audio recording capabilities.

More impressive and interesting to photography buffs is the Ricoh R8. The successor model to the relatively new Caplio R7 (Ricoh has opted to drop the "Caplio" name for its digicams going forward), the R8 utilizes its predecessor's 7.1x (28-200mm) optical zoom.

Other key features include a 2.7-inch, 460K-pixel LCD, a 10 megapixel CCD sensor, mechanical image stabilization, and Smooth Imaging Engine III processing. Distinguishing elements of the R7's design and functionality, including its stopped zoom and 1:1 aspect ratio picture mode, have also been retained.

Styling for the R8 is in line with expectations for a high-end camera, with a basic, streamlined look that suggests a serious camera.

Online camera retailer Adorama will continue to be the exclusive US distributor for new Ricoh models. Information on pricing or anticipated US release dates for both cameras has not been announced.

Ricoh R8 Specifications: