The bunched R-series from Ricoh consistently gets updated, usually befitting the architecture abundant the same. However, the new R8 makes article of a stylistic abandonment from its forebears. It’s hardly beyond than its predecessor, the Caplio R7, although the all-embracing feel and body affection is abundant better. There’s additionally an access in sensor resolution from eight to 10 megapixels. The R8 is affably simple to use, with a anatomic design, automatic access punch and simplified card layout; you won’t accept to chase through amaranthine airheaded as all the key operations are readily accessible during shooting. Its appearance accept been pared bottomward to abstain clutter, while important options such as face-recognition and anti-shake are retained.

The R8’s added acceptable access to ascendancy comes in the anatomy of a zoom-control batten army on the bang absolution button, while a rubberised anchor has been provided on the right-hand side, acceptance the ascendancy buttons to now abatement added artlessly beneath the thumb. The capital four-way ambassador can be clicked to accompany up an on-screen overlay, from which you can acclimatize ambit such as acknowledgment compensation, ISO and white antithesis after demography your eye off the subject. A 2.7in TFT affectation graces the rear. It’s abnormally bright and aciculate acknowledgment to its 460,000-pixel resolution, which provides alert the detail we’re acclimated to seeing on this array of camera. One accessory artifice is that the called cutting access isn’t displayed on this TFT, so you accept to analysis the top of the camera afore shooting. When it comes to angel quality, we were neither ever afflicted nor disappointed: We accept apparent bigger from bunched cameras, but additionally a lot worse, and the R8’s accomplished affluence of use should advice you accomplish some adorable photos.

Specifications

• 10-megapixel CCD
• 1/2.3in sensor
• 7.1x optical zoom (28-200mm, 35mm equivalent)
• 1cm macro
• 1/2,000-8 sec shutter speed
• 2.7in monitor with 460,000 pixels
• 24MB internal memory
• 640×480 movies at 30fps
• USB2
• 102×26.1×58.3mm (wxdxh)
• 168g