Ricoh releases CX3: CMOS chip set to be the next big thing

Ricoh has released the CX3 compact digital superzoom camera, with a brand new 10 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor. Other features which were in the CX2 Compact are still apparent, but with the addition of the CX3 now being able to shoot video in 720p and having an advanced variable setting for further noise reduction. ISO also now stretches to 3200 (up from 1600 with the CX2).

The CX3 will have an advanced high magnification 10.7x (28-300 mm) optical wide-angle zoom lens, the addition of a 1280 × 720 pixel HD movie function and settings for “dynamic range double shot mode” expansion effects. With it being an upgrade from the CX2, the form factor of the predecessor is still there – the camera looks portable, highly functional and has a nice right side grip for ease of hold.

With a back-illuminated CMOS sensor and an enhanced noise reduction function incorporating the algorithm used on the GR DIGITAL III ( originally introduced August 2009), the new CX3 will dramatically improved image quality performance when shooting low-light scenes. That, together with the undoubtedly high quality flash, should make for some great images.

The CMOS sensor is not a backlit add on, instead the sensor shifts the circuitry of the chip to the back, and the actual sensor now sits directly behind the micro-lenses and filters of the CMOS chip, increasing light sensitivity. Backlit could, quite literally, become the new black.

Price wise this camera is shipping at around $400, and if you have that money to spend, this camera is definitely worth a look. But, if you are a CX2 owner, then you should stick out for the next in line camera – the CX4. Having said that, the new features on this camera have put it right up there with other high quality and highly featured digital cameras. And so with its form factor, rugged looks and soon to be highly praised image quality, I would recommend this over some other mainstream brand competitors.