Digital Camera Reviews
Product
Name: Ricoh Caplio RZ1
.
Manufacturer:
Ricoh
Price: A$499.00 as at Nov 2004
Release Date: .
Ideal For: First-timers who expect functionality and results from simplicity
Pros:
- Changeable colour panels (!)
- Uncomplicated design and feel
- Ultra-close-up macro
Cons:
- Li-Ion battery optional
- No AF assist lamp
- Lacks rigidity
Features:
Ease of Use:
1/2
Overall:
Verdict:
The austere little Ricoh packs a decent 4MP CCD into a slim (30mm) case, touts the major selling points for this level of camera, but just doesn’t impress soundly enough to raise itself above the rabble..
Notes:
Plain simplicity and unassuming design is one of the strong points of the diminutive RZ1. The fact my 8 year old child chose this camera over five other similar cameras reviewed here must say something in its favour.
The layout of functions is straight-forward, uncomplicated and easy to follow, while delivering perfectly adequate results.
Easy to dismiss as unremarkable, the RZ1 has, upon critical examination, everything you’d expect in a pocket-sized compact and few things you don’t. The removable, interchangeable mobile phone-like colour panels smack of gimmickry and only encourage clumsy fingers to bugger something. Consequently I’d prefer to see that ingenuity invested elsewhere in the camera.
The ultra-macro function, although theoretically advantageous is a bit unwieldy in practice. How do you illuminate something 1cm from the lens?
The multiple power
options are also useful, but the unit only comes supplied with AA batteries
– the Li-Ion battery and charger remain optional.
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