Ricoh RR30 Caplio Review

The RR30 features a 3x optical zoom lens with an equivalent coverage of 35 - 105mm in 35mm format. This is an all-glass optic comprised of 6 elements in 5 groups. The maximum aperture is F2.6 - F4.7.

The focus range is from 30cm (11.8 in.) to infinity in normal mode. Macro focus mode coverage is from 1cm (0.4 in.) to 60cm (23.6 in.) in Wide angle or from 16cm (6.3 in.) to 60cm (23.6 in.) in Telephoto.

The RR30 uses a hybrid focusing system that combines the usual contrast-detection method along with a passive infrared ranging system. When powered down the lens retracts into the camera an is protected by an automatic lens barrier, no lens cap is required.

The built in flash offers Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye Reduction and Slow Synchro modes. Flash range is 0.2 to 4.5m in wide angle, 0.16 to 2.5m in telephoto.

You can frame your pictures with the color LCD or to save precious battery power you can use the optical eyelevel finder. This is a coupled viewfinder with approx. 82% coverage. It has no dioptric adjustment. Below the finder are two LEDs that indicate the flash and focus status.

On the top you'll find the On/Off button in the center of the Mode Dial which has positions for: Setup, Movie, Scene, Record and Play. Next to that is the shutter release.

In the upper right is the zoom control which also functions as the Index / Magnify controls in play mode. Over to the left is the Selftimer / Delete button. The MENU button calls up and dismisses the menus. The OK button accepts menu selections. The DISPLAY button turns the color LCD on/off and controls the amount of data displayed on it The 4-way controller lets you navigate menus and select images during playback. In record mode you press "Up" to change flash mode, press "Down" to enable Macro focus mode and press "Left" to activate the Quick Review mode.

The I/O ports are on the side: The USB port connects the camera to a computer to download the images and movies. The Video Out lets you connect to a TV set with the supplied cable. The video signal is selectable for NTSC or PAL standard.

The RR30 is equipped with 8MB of internal memory and a SD / MMC card slot. Any size SD or MMC card up to 512MB may be used (with firmware v1.04 or newer installed.)

Storage Capacity (8MB = internal memory)

The RR30 can be powered by two standard AA-type batteries, alkaline, NiMH or lithium cells. Ricoh claims approx. 50 shots using alkaline batteries and up to 350 shots using the optional DB-43 lithium rechargeable battery pack. If using the AA type batteries we highly recommend the use of high-capacity NiMH rechargeable cells.

The optional DB-43 lithium rechargeable battery pack.