Press Release:
Ricoh is proud to announce the release of the Caplio RZ1, a fashionable 4.0 Megapixel digital camera combining an outstanding 28mm wide-angle lens and a 3x optical zoom lens in a super slim 25mm body. On the performance side, the Caplio RZ1 incorporates technologies that professional photographers will appreciate, the world's fastest shutter response, Ricoh's outstanding 1cm wide macro technology, and the combination of a 4.0 Megapixel CCD with Ricoh's unique image processor. The Caplio RZ1 offers user-friendly functionality that is sure to capture the hearts of all photo enthusiasts. Aside from performance, the Caplio RZ1 adds fashion and fun to photography with three faceplate variations to match any occasion from business to pleasure.

Main Features:

 - 28mm wide-angle lens offer boundless photo opportunities.
The Caplio RZ1's 28mm wide-angle lens is a truly remarkable feature that adds to the excitement of photography. Enjoy capturing the beauty of expansive landscapes or taking an image of a large number of people in a group photo with ease. In limited spaces where a subject is apt to fill up most of the image sans background, the Caplio RZ1's wide-angle lens provides the scope to include more background. With an incredible 75-degree angle of view, it can preserve a surprising amount of scenery (and people!) on a single image, far more than with just the 62 degrees offered by conventional 35mm digital cameras. The applications and advantages of the 28mm wide-angle lens are unlimited.

 - Super quick shutter response to seize the perfect moment!
Speed is of the essence in capturing picture-perfect moments that cannot be missed. That is why Ricoh relentlessly pursues the world's fastest shutter response time. Incredibly, the Caplio RZ1 can start up and be ready to shoot in less than 0.8 seconds. The release time lag is almost negligible, as short as 0.05 to 0.1 seconds calculated from the time the user presses the shutter button, and a miraculous 0.003 seconds or even less from the time when focus lock is achieved, so the Caplio RZ1 is very unlikely to miss those exquisite picture-perfect moments. Combined with a hybrid auto focusing system, even fast-moving objects are instantaneously captured in a quality image. Furthermore, with a shooting interval of 0.9 seconds or less, continuous shooting is smooth and stress-free.
4.0 Megapixel CCD and Ricoh's unique image professor ensure quality images. A superb 4.0 Megapixel CCD and the "smooth imaging engine," Ricoh's unique image processor, ensure sharp, rich colours and clean high-quality images even in large printed formats. This outstanding processor also shortens image-processing speed and contributes to power saving.

 - Incorporating Ricoh's superior 1cm "wide" macro mode.
Be it the smallest detail of a flower petal or the intricate pattern of a butterfly's wings, Ricoh's impressive 1cm macro technology is designed to take close-up shots from a distance of just 1cm. Combined with the 28mm wide macro, the Caplio RZ1 can take macro shots that include more background or add more depth to an image. The AF target shift function conveniently allows the user to pan around the image and locate the desired focus point with the operation of a button instead of moving the camera. This is especially helpful when using a tripod. With a little creativity, almost anyone can create professional-looking macro images with the Caplio RZ1. In telemacro mode, there is even a built-in flash for shots as close as 16cm that highlights objects while protecting against any unwanted whiteout effects to ensure sharp, clear macro shots.

 - Three power source options offer greater efficiency and reliability.
The Caplio RZ1 offers greater power efficiency and reliability with three power source options. No more missing precious photo opportunities while recharging batteries or when running out of batteries without a backup on hand. In addition to the long-life lithium ion rechargeable battery (optional) or the AC adapter (optional), the Caplio RZ1 features the unique ability to switch to AA size alkaline batteries or nickel metal hydride batteries that are widely available in stores when the occasion demands it. The Caplio RZ1 can shoot as many as 500 images between recharges when using the lithium ion rechargeable battery, and up to 200 images when using AA alkaline batteries.

 - Three faceplate variations to suit any occasion.
The Caplio RZ1 not only boasts impressive performance, but it also makes a fashion statement with its three-faceplate variations. These interchangeable faceplates can be easily snapped on or off to suit the occasion, to colour-coordinate with other possessions, or to simply match one's moods.

Price and Availability.
The Caplio RZ1 will be available in retail from September 2004 priced at £149.99 including VAT.