There were a couple of recent digital camera announcements that I think are important and wanted to point out to you guys. One is the new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 which has a digital SLR-sized, 10-megapixel sensor. This is significant because a larger sensor means better image quality. Larger pixels will deliver better images than more, tiny pixels. If APS-sized sensor start to find their way onto compact cameras, we may start to see compact digital cameras that can equal legendary, "secret weapon" 35mm point-and-shoots like the Yashica T4 Super, Olympus Stylus Epic, and expensive compacts made by Contax and Leica. So far, in my opinion, there have been no compact digitals that can compare to those film cameras loaded with good slide film.
The other notable camera announcement is the Ricoh GR Digital. Ricoh produced a series of simple, excellent 35mm point-and-shoot cameras, starting with the R1. Those cameras all featured high quality, fixed focal length, large aperture, wide-angle lenses and spot meters. They were tiny and became underground classics among people who knew - just like the Yashica T4 Super and Olympus Stylus Epic. Ricoh stopped selling their film cameras in the US 5 or 6 years ago, though. The only way you could get them was to order from B&H or other dealers who carry overseas products.
If the new, 8-megapixel Ricoh GR Digital is as good as the Ricoh 35mm point-and-shoots, then I'm excited and intend to be first in line to try one. Ideally we'll see small simple cameras like this with full-sized (APS) sensors. I'm not sure about the dimensions of the GR Digital sensor but I don't think it's as big as the new Sony DSC-R1's. However, the GR Digital name indicates the lens and meter will be excellent and it will have very quick startup and shutter response. I'm excited to get a hold of one and find out if it lives up to the reputation of its 35mm predecessors. Ever since I went 100% digital and my last Yashica T4 Super was stolen, I've been waiting for a worthy digital replacement. So far nothing has measured up. But these two new cameras from Sony and Ricoh give me hope.
Related Links
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 Press Release >>
Ricoh GR Digital Press Release >>
Yashica T4 Super Reviews >>
Olympus Epic Stylus Reviews >>
Richoh 35mm P&S Reviews >>