Ricoh releases function-enhancing
firmware updates for GXR and GR DIGITAL III
Tokyo, Japan — May 17 — Ricoh Co., Ltd. (President and
CEO: Shiro Kondo) announced today that it will release on May 19 the first
function-enhancing firmware update for the high-image-quality GXR compact
digital camera (launched December 2009) and the second function-enhancing
firmware update for the GR DIGITAL III (launched August 2009).
Ricoh's
function-enhancing firmware updates are developed in response to opinions
and requests received from a large number of customers via surveys
submitted at customer registration time and other channels. These updates
enable customers who already own a GXR or GR DIGITAL III to update their
firmware to include the latest functions, thus making it possible for them
to enhance the performance and usability of their cameras by adding new
function and setting possibilities.
The GXR is a revolutionary
interchangeable unit camera system in which lenses are changed by using a
slide-in mount system to attach camera units to the body. The lens, image
sensor, and image processing engine are integrated into the camera units
so the body itself does not contain an image sensor.
Successor model to
the GR DIGITAL II, which went on sale in November 2007, the GR DIGITAL III
features an F1.9 large-aperture lens and achieves high image quality in a
compact body.
The function-enhancing firmware and instructions for
using these functions can be downloaded free of charge from the Ricoh
website.
| 1. GXR
function-enhancing firmware: Release 1 |
|
 |
|
<Enhanced functions>
|
| (1) |
Noise reduction performance
enhancement
The MAX setting has been added to the noise reduction
settings. When MAX is specified, the image data's noise distribution
is analyzed and the optimum processing is done for each region of
the image, thereby increasing image quality in low-light
scenes. |
| |
| (2) |
Noise reduction for nightscape
and landscape scene modes
The ability to specify noise reduction
for the nightscape and landscape scene modes has been
added. |
| |
| (3) |
Addition of "ADJ. ISO direct
change" function
The "ADJ. ISO direct change" function has been
added to the setup menu. If it is set to ON, in situations where
shooting is possible (shutter release button pressed half way),
moving the ADJ. lever right/left changes the ISO
sensitivity. |
| |
| (4) |
Two "incandescent lamp" settings
for white balance
There used to be just the "incandescent lamp"
setting for white balance, but now there are two settings:
"incandescent lamp 1" and "incandescent lamp 2." Compared to
"incandescent lamp 1," "incandescent lamp 2" gives the image a
slightly more reddish cast so it is the equivalent of the old
"incandescent lamp" setting. |
| |
| (5) |
Auto shutter speed shift
function
In cases where the image will be overexposed or
underexposed when in shutter speed priority mode, if this setting is
on, the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed to give a
suitable exposure. |
| |
| (6) |
Flash and self-timer selection
with up-down dial
Flash and self-timer setting changes can be
made with the up-down dial. |
| |
| (7) |
Zoom position changes with My
Setting edit
The zoom position can be changed by editing My
Settings. (When RICOH LENS S10 or RICOH LENS P10 is
used) |
| |
| (8) |
Macro AF distance restriction
limitation
When doing macro photography with GR LENS A12 50 mm
F2.5 MACRO, it is possible to select shooting distance (focus
distance for auto focus) ranges of either 10-30 cm or 7-10cm. This
increases auto focusing speed. |
| |
| (9) |
Focus ring high-speed move (when
using GR LENS A12)
During manual focusing, the focus ring
movement speed increases when the macro button is being
pushed. |
| |
| (10) |
Camera unit information in
detail information display and Exif
The camera unit designation
A12, S10, or P10 is displayed in the detail information display and
in the Exif information. |
| |
| (11) |
Firmware version information on
setup menu
The firmware version information has been added to the
setup menu. |
| 2. GR DIGITAL
III function-enhancing firmware: Release 2 |
|
|
|
<Enhanced functions>
|
| (1) |
Noise reduction performance
enhancement
The MAX setting has been added to the noise reduction
settings. When MAX is specified, the image data's noise distribution
is analyzed and the optimum processing is done for each region of
the image, thereby increasing image quality in low-light
scenes. |
| |
| (2) |
Auto bracketing setting
change
When shooting with auto bracketing it is possible to
specify exposure variations of up to 2.0 EV. In addition, the change
sequence can be specified for each shot. |
| |
| (3) |
Image trimming
An image
displayed in playback can be trimmed and saved as a separate file.
It is also possible to trim an image's proportions to aspect ratio
1:1 (square). |
| |
| (4) |
Two "incandescent lamp" settings
for white balance
There used to be just the "incandescent lamp"
setting for white balance, but now there are two settings:
"incandescent lamp 1" and "incandescent lamp 2." Compared to
"incandescent lamp 1," "incandescent lamp 2" gives the image a
slightly more reddish cast so it is the equivalent of the old
"incandescent lamp" setting. |
| |
| (5) |
Auto shutter speed shift
function
In cases where the image will be overexposed or
underexposed when in shutter speed priority mode, if this setting is
on, the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed to give a
suitable exposure. |
|
