Press Releases

RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX XG-1 digital camera. Thanks to its high-magnification 52-times optical zoom lens covering ultra-wide-angle to super-telephoto ranges, this all-in-one model performs superbly in a wide range of shooting opportunities, without the need for lens changes.

The PENTAX XG-1 is designed to be a versatile, all-purpose model ideal for a variety of applications and situations, including fast-action sports. Its compact, lightweight, easy-to-carry body contains an array of outstanding basic features, including a powerful 52-times optical zoom lens, approximately 16.0 effective megapixels for high-resolution images, and a large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor. It boasts a stylish, high-grade design resembling PENTAX-brand SLR cameras.

It comes equipped with a sensor-shift-type SR (Shake Reduction) system, which effectively minimizes annoying camera shake, even under demanding, shake-prone conditions, such as when using the zoom lens’s telephoto range, shooting with incident light only in poorly lit locations, or photographing sunset scenes. In order to provide the photographer with a greater range of creative, convenient options, it also features such innovative tools as: 1cm Macro mode for the capture of dramatic close-up images from just one centimeter away; high-speedcontinuous shooting of up to 60 images per second; and HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode to synthesize an ultra-wide-gradation image from three images taken at varying exposure levels.

Main Features:

1. 52-times optical zoom lens with 24-mm ultra-wide-angle coverage to accommodate diversified subjects

The XG-1 incorporates a high-magnification 52-times optical zoom lens in its compact, portable body. In addition to its extra-wide focal-length coverage — from 24mm ultra-wide angle to 1,248mm super telephoto (in the 35mm format) — it also features the 1cm Macro mode, which allows the photographer to capture dramatic, eye-catching close-up images from a distance ofone centimeter. This extra-wide coverage means that a wide range of subjects and applications can be accommodated without the need for lens changes. It even provides the Digital Zoom function, which extends the zoom coverage to approximately 208 times (for a maximum focal length of 4,992mm in the 35mm format) without compromising image quality.

2. Back-illuminated CMOS image sensor

The XG-1 features a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, which demonstrates remarkable high-sensitivity, low-noise characteristics and assures high-speed image data readout. Coupled with its top sensitivity of ISO 3200 and approximately 16.0 effective megapixels, it delivers super-high-resolution images. In addition, its innovative Handheld Night Scene mode assists the photographer in capturing blur-free night-time images by taking multiple images simultaneously and synthesizing them into a single composite image.

3. Large, high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor

Equipped on the back of the XG-1’s body is a large, high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor with approximately 460,000 dots. Its large screen provides a clear view of images and menus to not only assure a quick, effortless check of on-screen images, but also facilitate swift, error-free setting changes.

4. High-speed continuousshooting to capture decisive moments

In addition to its standard continuous shooting mode with a maximum speed of approximately nine images per second, the XG-1 also provides a super-high-speed continuous shooting mode with a maximum speed of approximately 60 images per second* and a high-speed continuous shooting mode at approximately 30 images per second.** Coupled with its Auto Tracking AF function, which automatically keeps a moving subject in focus, the XG-1 lets the photographer capture dramatic, once-in-a-lifetime shutter opportunities in sharp, crisp images, even with active, fast-moving subjects.

* In the super-high-speed continuous shooting mode, the image size is fixed at VGA format (640 X 480 pixels).

** In the high-speed continuous shooting mode, the image size is fixed at 4M (2304 X 1728 pixels).

5. Reliable shake-reduction system for sharp, blur-free images

The XG-1’s advanced sensor-shift-type SR (Shake Reduction) system assures sharply focused, blur-free images even under demanding photographic conditions prone to camera shake, such as when using the zoom lens’s telephoto range, shooting indoor scenes with incident light, or photographing sunset scenes. By accurately assessing the amount of camera shake using a high-precision gyro sensor, this system shifts the CMOS image sensor vertically and horizontally with great precision and speed to achieve a required anti-shake effect.

6. Electronic viewfinder for a clear view of the subject in outdoor shooting

The XG-1’s electronic viewfinder comes in handy when shooting a subject placed against harsh backlight, or when the photographer needs a more solid grip of the camera.

7. Full HD-standard movie recording for extended shooting of high-quality movies

The XG-1 features a Full HD movie recording function employing the H.264 recording format. The user can capture high-quality, extended movie clips (at a frame size of 1920 x 1080 pixels, in a 16:9 aspect ratio) at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. Using the i button, the user can instantly switch to one of eight digital filters (including black & white and sepia), even during recording. It even provides a host of creative movie playback features, including High-speed Movie mode for slow-motion playback.* A micro-HDMI terminal (type D) is also provided on the camera body for the output of recorded movies and sound to external audio-visual devices.

* Sound cannot be recorded in this mode.

8. Quick-set mode dial for easy selection of the desired shooting mode

The XG-1’s mode dial provides quick, effortless selection of the desired shooting mode, without the need for recalling the menu screen. The user can select the mode that best suits the subject or scene, from a total of 10 modes including the hands-off Auto Picture, Scene (11 options), Program, Face Beautifier and Movie.

9. Other features

・HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode to synthesize an extra-wide-gradation image from three different images of varying exposure levels

・Digital filters such as black & white and fish-eye, with easy selection via the i button

・Interval shooting mode, useful in fixed-point observation of landscapes and flowers/plants

・Pet detection mode for automatic recognition of up 10 pet faces

・Compatibility with Eye-Fi wireless LAN SD memory cards