Ricoh RR30 Caplio Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the RR30

The Caplio RR30 is a compact and lightweight 3.24-megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom that Ricoh claims has a shutter release time of just 0.22 of a second. Ricoh states: "The Caplio RR30's shutter releases almost instantly once pressed enabling you to capture shots that would otherwise be missed on other digital cameras. It is ideal for taking pictures of moving objects. Speed measured as time between depressing shutter release button to the start of exposure in autofocus mode without using focus lock."

The RR30 can be powered by two AA batteries or an optional rechargeable lithium battery. With the lithium pack it can take up to 350 shots (50% with flash and using zoom, LCD on, 30 secs between shots and post capture review of all photos.) The 3x optical zoom has a most impressive 1cm macro mode, the flash is useable down to 16cm in macro. A normal continuous capture mode plus; M-Continuous saves the last 16 frames at 8fps when you release the shutter and S-Continuous saves 16 frames in 2 seconds as you push the shutter. The High Sensitivity mode provides illumination of subjects in darkened rooms so you don't need the flash, the LCD display is also brightened to aid in framing.

The RR30's hybrid auto focus system is comprised of both external and TTL focusing components. Other features include a 256-element matrix exposure metering with center-weighted and spot options, auto exposure bracketing, six Scene modes (portrait, sports, landscape, nightscape, text and high-sensitivity), automatic shutter speeds from 1/2000 to 8 seconds with manual settings for 1, 2, 4 and 8 seconds. Motion video capture without sound for up to 30 seconds at 320x240 or 120 seconds at 160x120. The LCD turns on automatically when the shutter button is pressed and remains on for several seconds and then shuts off to extend battery life. Image and movie data can be stored in 8MB of internal memory or on optional Secure Digital or MultiMedia Cards. The JPEG file format is Exif 2.2 (Exif Print) compatible and also supports the Epson PIM II standard.

Caplio RR30 Features

• 3.2 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 2048x1536 pixel images
• 3x optical 35-105mm f/2.6-4.7 zoom
• Almost instantaneous shutter release
• Macro focus as close as 1cm (1/2 inch)
• 1.6" color LCD with up to 3.4x playback zoom
• Compact and lightweight body
• Program AE, AE Bracketing and 6 Scene exposure modes
• Movie mode w/out sound, 320x240 to 30 secs, 160x120 to 120 secs.
• Continuous mode and two "Multi-Shot" continuous modes
• Metering options: Multi, Center-weighted or Spot
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• White Balance: Auto, 4 presets and One-push Custom
• Shutter speeds of 8 seconds to 1/2000 second
• Time Exposure: 8, 4, 2 or 1 second shutter speeds
• Time-lapse interval recording 30 secs to 3 hours
• Selectable ISO settings from 200 to 800
• Powered by two AA type batteries or
• Optional high-capacity lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• USB connectivity for PC and Mac
• 8MB internal memory plus SD/MMC card slot

Physical Views

The Caplio RR30 compared to a standard CD disc.

Caplio RR30 Specifications