Camera Test: Ricoh Caplio GX100

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Lens: 24-72mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.5-4.4 zoom.
Imaging: 10.3MP (effective) CCD captures 10MP images (3648x2736).
Storage: 26MB internal memory plus SD/SDHC/MMC card slot. Stores JPEGs or Adobe DNG RAW + JPEG.
Burst rate: Up to 5 highest-quality JPEGs at 2.5 fps (tested).
Video: 640x480 at 30 fps with mono sound.
AF system: Hybrid TTL phase detection plus external passive system reads 17 autoselect zones or single central spot; selected zone is highlighted on LCD monitor. AF zone can be placed anywhere on the screen in macro mode. Single-shot AF. Cancelable AF-assist lamp.
Shutter speeds: 1/2000 sec to 3 min.
Metering: TTL 256-segment evaluative, centerweighted, and central spotmetering. EV -2 to 18 (at ISO 100).
ISO range: 80, 100 to 1600 in 1-EV increments.
Flash: Built-in with TTL autoflash, GN 21 (ISO 100, feet), hot-shoe.
LCD: 2.5-in. TFT with 230,000-pixel resolution.
Viewfinder: Optional shoe-mounted VF-1 electronic viewfinder ($170, if bought separately; $100 in kit) with 201,000-pixel 0.2-inch LCD.
Output: Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and video.
Battery: Proprietary Li-ion rechargeable; 380 shots per charge (CIPA rating, 50% with flash).
Size/weight: 4.4x2.3x1.0 in.; 8.7 oz with card and battery.
Price: $599; $699 with VF-1 viewfinder.
For info: www.ricoh.com.
Distributed exclusively by Adorama (www.adorama.com).

COMPETITIVE SET

• Canon PowerShot G7 ($500, street): 10MP, lens-based image stabilization. Has a greater range zoom (6X, 35-210mm) than the Ricoh, can use Canon EX-series Speedlites. Optical viewfinder is compact and sharper but less accurate than the Ricoh's accessory EVF. The Ricoh scores higher on image quality -- in both noise and resolution -- and offers RAW capture, absent on the Canon.

• Nikon Coolpix P5000 ($340, street): 10MP, lens-based image stabilization. The bargain of the trio, it has slightly greater-range zoom than the Ricoh (3.5X, 36-126mm), but we like the Ricoh's wider optic. Has an optical viewfinder for less bulk -- but less accuracy. Can use current Nikon Speedlights. Ricoh edges it in resolution and control of noise, has a tougher body, and allows RAW capture.

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