PhotographyBLOG Review: Ricoh Caplio R1

Ricoh have launched a number of stylish and innovative digital cameras during 2004, with the Caplio R1 being the latest model. The Ricoh Caplio R1 retains the wide-angle 28mm lens of the slightly older Caplio RX, but now extends the zoom range to a very useful 135mm, whilst still maintaining a slim camera body of 25mm. As usual with Ricoh cameras, the R1 has the world’s fastest shutter response and start-up times (at least according to Ricoh when it was first announced in August 2004), being ready to shoot in less than 0.8 seconds, and taking less than 0.1 seconds to fire the shutter release. The Caplio R1 also has a has a pretty amazing Macro setting that allows you to focus on a subject that is just 1cm away from the camera. So does all of this add up to make a great digital camera?

Website: Ricoh Caplio R1 Review

Published: Monday, November 15, 2004

Reader Comments

1. Thanks for the review, there aren't many useful reviews of Ricoh-cameras, which is a shame!
   
   I'm a little disappointed in hearing that the controls of the R1 are more or less useless. I'm looking for a replacement of my film-based Ricoh GR1, and I'm hoping that you Mark, or someone else can comment on the responsiveness of the R1 compared to the GR1 or similar high-end film-based compacts.
   
   

   Jimmy F. Lampetta at 01:54pm on Tuesday, November 16, 2004

2. I've not used the Ricoh GR1 before, so I can't really comment on the responsiveness of the R1 in comparison.

   Mark Goldstein at 03:43pm on Tuesday, November 16, 2004

3. Frustrating experience is a little bit harsh to describe this decent cam. The button is not too difficult to press for me. Actually I found that R1 is one of the most comfortable DC to use.
   
   The only weak point is the F3.3 aperture, which make it nearly impossible to shoot without flash indoors. And the night scene is too soft, so as many other tiny DC.
   
   I would rate it at 4.5 stars and recommend this to everyone as the outdoor image quality is one of the best in a 4.0 MP tiny DC.

   Darren Chuck at 04:35am on Tuesday, November 23, 2004

4. Thanks for such a detailed review. I am looking for a camera of this size for quick snaps that look good if I have them printed. Are there any other cameras around this price (£190), speed of use and size that are better tham the R1?

   Ian Dunston at 09:32pm on Wednesday, November 24, 2004

5. Thank you for detailed review of Capios. Very helpful!

   Vic at 07:27pm on Saturday, November 27, 2004

6. After reading the review on the Sanyo Xacti J4, I decided to buy the Sanyo. I've ordered it from Robertsons via the link from this site. Also ordered a memory card from eBuyer.

   Ian Dunston at 09:19am on Saturday, December 04, 2004

7. Thanks - a great review. Now the bad news - I've just returned the second R1 to my dealer. After a month of careful use, I just could not get a decent crisp picture out of either of them. To say that the images are a little soft is a real understatement. Pictures taken indoors with flash are too out of focus to sharpen even in Photoshop. Outdoor images - even in good sunlight also lack clarity and remind me of the quality APS cameras used to give. This is such a let-down as the 28mm lens setting is a true delight. Now have a Canon IXUS - what a difference!

   Martin T at 01:09pm on Wednesday, January 12, 2005

8. A very complete review. There is a new version with 5MP, the Caplio R1V, which otherwise looks the same. I would be interested to know if this has the same problem of the controls. If it has, then there is little point in the extra pixels. I can buy the R1 for 249€ and it has exactly the features I need, so I was a bit disappointed by some of the comments. I will have to try it out and see if I have the same issues with the handling.
   
   Many thanks.

   Peter Dean at 11:44am on Sunday, January 16, 2005

9. Yes, I will be reviewing the R1V very soon, so stay tuned!

   Mark Goldstein at 11:57am on Monday, January 17, 2005

10. Thanks for the interesting review of the Ricoh Caplio R1. It was good except for the conclusion which I think is much too negative, I would rate it 4.5 stars. I have now tried the camera for one week and I am very satisfied it. The wide angle lens (very important feature) with large 4.8x zooming range, the small size and high quality housing, the fast startup, the relatively low power consumption and possibility to use ordinary AA-batteries were the features that made me to decide to buy it. I have not noticed the sound from the zoom until I read the review; it runs fairly smooth and fast in both directions. I agree that the flat buttons are a bit unresponsive but I prefer that than having a big protruding buttons that get stuck in the pocket. They also give the camera a nice all-metallic quality look.
    
    A disadvantage is the smaller F3.3 instead of F2.8 aperture and that it is not possible to select the aperture setting manually. For indoor photography I increase the ISO setting from auto to 200-800 in order to avoid the pictures getting unsharp due to movements. The picture noise is low enough to make the high ISO-settings useful.
    
    As opposed to experiences from some other users here, the pixelresolution and NOT the optics seems to limit the sharpness of the pictures from my camera. If one wants the 28 mm wide angle but even better image performance and manual control over aperture one has to go for the Canon Powershot S60 and S70 but they are larger, slower and more expensive, especially considering that they can only be run on expensive nonstandard rechargeable batteries.
    
    The vignetting effect (dark corners) is noticeable in the wide angle mode although a software function improves the situation. The lens has otherwise amazing performance. The combination of wide angle capability, 4.8x zoom and a powerful macro is impressive considering that the lens fits in the 25 mm slim housing.
    
    Overall I think the Ricoh Caplio R1 (or R1V) is currently the best choice for the casual user who wants to capture moments and memories of the family rather than making art photography.

    Richard Schatz at 06:54pm on Wednesday, February 09, 2005

11. The Caplio's specs and concept are exceptional but the build quality is a bit sloppy. Unfortunately I have a real problem with mine- any bright object creates massive flare and there is a slightly off-centre part of the image which is permanently grayed-out and weak. It looks as though the sensor is faulty. There are also vertical blue streaks in the lcd viewer whenever a bright object is central but bizarrely they don't appear in the picture. About to take it back for exchange.

    Peter Dean at 07:17pm on Wednesday, February 09, 2005

12. Dear Mark
    Now I would like to read your mind about Ricoh Caplio GX8 because there is not many cameras of this size and performance

    Sasha at 02:31pm on Friday, July 01, 2005