Comments on: Ricoh Caplio R3 Review

By: Jessie

Jessie — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 08:47:43 +0000

Jessie…

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By: Wolfie

Wolfie — Thu, 25 May 2006 08:35:28 +0000

Hello Howard,

I haven’t done a review of the R4, I’ve managed to have a little play with one though and my impression is that its very similar. Principally you have a larger image size and the slightly improved LCD resolution, and that’s all really. I can confirm that those are sensors next to the flash and that there is definitely no AF assist light, although in all fairness the latest firmware upgrades on the R3 and the R4 give quite acceptable auto-focus function.

By: Howard

Howard — Wed, 24 May 2006 19:59:50 +0000

Hi, Wolfie, thanks for your review, it is very useful to me, by the way, do you hae any review on the new model of Ricoh R4? and there is one things that i am not undersatnd, there is somethings that looks like LED that sit at the right hand side of the flash in the R3/R4, what is it anyway? is it an AF assist light? but seems like no function at all. thanks for your reply and take care, cheers!

By: Villis

Villis — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 14:07:41 +0000

JEG VIL HA LITT IS!!! ELLERS

By: brianj

brianj — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 10:42:16 +0000

I like your photos, and I have been watching the R3 since its release last year. It is very difficult to get a good review from the big reviewers, that is what makes your review of great value to those investigating this camera and susequently the R4.

I like many have been concerned by excessive noise, and there is some visible in the deep blue sky of even ISO 64 images. But on closer inspection, I have begun to suspect that the default in camera sharpening is a bit too much. It not only produces a slight halo around edges, but also amplifies noise.

I downloaded one at full size, and in PSP9 simply applied edge preserving smoothing noise reduction, and the skies then looked quite smooth. I compared this to my 5mp 1/1.8 CCD optio 555 and found that it was similair at 100% magnification. At normal viewing size, it looks excellent.

Can you tell me if in camera sharpening can be reduce in increments, as well as turned off completely. I think with a little less sharpening, this would be a very good camera as the lens and colour redition are quite good.

Thanks
Brian

By: John

John — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 09:46:46 +0000

Thanks for your review of the R3. I found it very helpful. I was just about to buy one and then I saw that the R4 will be available in a few weeks. It seems to offer significant improvements. It is very frustrating to potential purchasers (and to reviewers) that all new cameras become ‘old’ so soon. Your comments on the R4 would be appreciated…….

By: Wolfie

Wolfie — Sat, 18 Feb 2006 18:14:37 +0000

Hi Steve,

I’m glad you found my review useful. I have just got back from a skiing trip in Italy so its the first time I’ve seriously used the R3. The things which were apparent to me were :

1) The battery power is astonishing, I didn’t have to charge it once while away.

2) The size is perfect, easily pocketable and light.

3) The wide to zoom lens gives you great photographic creativity options and I don’t think you can criticise the lens quality (certainly not at the price).

4) Most pictures display some noise, you will need to get some noise-reduction software. I use Neat Image which gave me very pleasing results.

Almost all of my photos have been tweaked in Photoshop but you can take a look for yourself : Skiing in Cortina.

By: Steve

Steve — Sat, 18 Feb 2006 11:38:42 +0000

Hi, I so want to buy the R3, I’ve been reading up on it for the past couple of months. It’s not on the market here in Aussie as yet but should be out soon. I love the features, the zoom, the look and size. But like so many before me, I too have been spooked by the bad lens and noise issues.

Your review has somewhat settled my fears and perhaps even given me an excuse to buy the R3. My alternative is the Canon 750, which has better quality pictures and performance (see reviews anywhere)…but I hate it! It is the ugliest compact I’ve ever seen, it’s too bling bling, I just can’t bring myself to buy and use it!

Thanks for the review anyway…

By: Wolfie

Wolfie — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 09:07:16 +0000

The instructions can be found here :

Firmware load instructions.

and the firmware itself here :

Firmware download page.

By: ck

ck — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 05:19:13 +0000

I am already an onwer on R3, and am new to camera too. May I know where and how to upgrade the firmware?

By: lidia

lidia — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 22:27:42 +0000

Hi, I read your entire review because I have the same criteria as you: quick startup, small size, large focal length. I am still wandering if Ricoh R3 is the best for me, because I read that the zoom is actually in several fixed steps and if you want to zoom to a level between 2 steps, it’s not possible.