Ricoh Caplio GX200

Opinion: Overall a great camera for many who like to have a similar feature set as a DSLR. The interface is exceptionally good. I prefer taking pictures in RAW over jpeg for the additional flexibility at "fixing" my photos in post processing. The RAW files at ISO 64 are stunning. The Electronic viewfinder is useful for framing and gives better feedback on camera/user shake at lower shutter speeds.

I like taking photos in the existing natural light, but unfortunately in low light conditions, noise in color photos is quite noticeable at ISO 200 and its really very very noisy at ISO 400 and above. At higher ISO, convert the RAW to B&W.

That's why I gave it only a "4.0" on image quality due to its limited ISO usability in low light. If I want low light out comes my Fuji 31fd, but then you're talking jpeg files only.

Overall a great camera that brings RAW functionality along with a handy 24-72mm focal length in a Point & Shoot size camera.

If you're not taking RAW and stickiing to jpegs, then I'd recommend you look at other P&S. If you want better image quality in a similar size package and don't mind a fixed 28mm focal length, go for the DP1 or hope Sigma comes out with a zoom DP2 at Photokina in September.

Opinion: For the fully featured compact, this camera still competes as the current compact king, all said and considered. Yes it is noisy from ISO 400 on, but with a nice and bright 2.5 aperture, and Camera Shake Correction, you are able to use much lower ISO's than typical compact cameras in lower light situations. Even tho noisy, it retains detail as a priority vs. smearing images. This allows the photographer to decide on noise removal, or you can just set the camera to remove noise. Enough on IQ.

Handling, ergonomics, features, writing speed w/raw,this camera takes first place. Not to mention it uses DNG format which is fast and easy to use with Adobe products in comparison to other formats that often require additional raw support software. These features cannot be understated. In use, they really matter the most. And thats what the GX200 is, a camera that performs best in most situation where they matter most. You get a lot for its higher than average price, but once you use it, you will be thankful for the extra money spent.

Opinion: I have dipped into the point-n-shoot realm many times attempting to find an alternative to lugging my DSLR around, and have never found anything that was good enough to substitute for my other cameras, until now. I had the Ricoh GX100 and was pretty happy with it, the two things that held me back were the amazingly slow RAW file writing and the inability to control the flash output (as it had a tendency to over expose). Both of these issues have been fixed with the GX200 update, making it a realistic alternative to a DSLR (something I know a lot of photographers are looking for).

The speedy RAW file writing allows me to only shoot RAW finally and that's where this camera pushes way ahead of anything else comparable. I recently spent a month on a trip and shot with both the Ricoh GX200 and a Canon 5D (both on RAW). In the process of editing, I often have to check to see which camera was used when comparing images. The RAW capture elevates this camera where it can be used by serious photographers.

As expected, a point-n-shoot sized sensor is going to have noise at 400 ASA and above, but the Ricoh has a great setting that is like an "intelligent auto" setting and adjusts the ASA automatically while not going above whatever speed you choose (400 by default). So I don't have to be changing film speeds and still never have to worry about it getting too noisy. All the common controls are within a click or two of the different conveniently-placed controls. It is a truly intelligently designed camera.

I recently did a little shoot-n-compare test with my friend and her Canon G9 (which is 35mm, not wide enough for me). When we were done, the Ricoh was declared the winner and my friend went home to Ebay her camera and buy a GX200. It is also pocket-sized enough to fit in my jeans (barely), which I can't say about the G9.

Another thing that sold me is the wide 24-70mm lens, for me having it wide is essential. The fact that the flash is off by default since it is a pop-up is nice too. My only improvement would be to somehow get rid of the lens cap and have the lens protect itself similar to the Ricoh GR II.

If you are looking for a compact alternative to a DSLR, start with the GX200. The Sigma DP1 is a large, clunky, and slow, hopefully future generations will improve, but for now it is a joke. The G9 is nice, but if you want more pocket-sized and a wider lens, the Ricoh is it, hands down.

Opinion: Finding myself using my wife's very cheap P&S instead
of lugging my metal bodied dSLR, I realized that if I am
to have my camera with me as much as I wish, it will
have to be a form factor of a P&S but with the artistic
control I demand in any camera. The Ricoh seemed
closest to my desires / needs and in use has proved
itself well.

I am a wide angle person myself so the 24 mm lens on
this camera immediately grabbed my attention. In fact,
the lens quality is much better than I bargained for - I
couldn't be happier. Add to that that I have almost
complete artistic control lacking only an auto shutter
priority mode and that pretty well sums up my needs.
The macro capacity of this little camera is truly terrific -
way ahead of the pack.

The electronic viewfinder also puts this machine ahead
of the competition for my use. Not only a viewfinder,
but you can review what you've shot through it. Thus
I can see my photos clearly in bright sunlight where
the usual LCD screen would be washed out. Thus
unlike cameras with just a view finder, I can absolutely
see my results whilst in the field no matter the
conditions.

The downside is a bit more noise at higher ISO's than
some prosumer P&S's and with the viewfinder
attached, the camera loses some of its handiness. I
carry mine with the viewfinder detached. It goes on in
less than a second. As to the noise, I shoot at 200
ISO or less almost always. If I need a higher ISO, I need
to decease the noise post processing. Not wonderful but
not bad either. This is not an ideal tool for available light
but no P&S is either due to the sensor size (except the
Sigma).

Since getting this camera, I hardly ever use my
expensive and bulky dSLR.