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Ricoh PX

Ricoh jumps out of the starter's gate with a boxy waterproof camera. At least the price is appealing.

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Lexy Savvides Principal Video Producer
Lexy is an on-air presenter and award-winning producer who covers consumer tech, including the latest smartphones, wearables and emerging trends like assistive robotics. She's won two Gold Telly Awards for her video series Beta Test. Prior to her career at CNET, she was a magazine editor, radio announcer and DJ. Lexy is based in San Francisco.
Expertise Wearables, smartwatches, mobile phones, photography, health tech, assistive robotics Credentials
  • Webby Award honoree, 2x Gold Telly Award winner
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Lexy Savvides

In brief

We know by now that waterproof cameras are far from the most attractive models on the block; however, Ricoh's newest entry looks like it could win the (un)coveted title of worst in show. At least it's tough, with waterproofing credentials to 3-metres, shock proofing from a drop of 1.5 metres and dust proofing.

The PX also comes with a 5x optical zoom (28-140mm) and a 16-megapixel CCD sensor. An additional boost to 10x optical zoom equivalent is possible with the built-in digital zoom, using the super resolution technology that we also saw on the CX5. The PX also borrows a range of creative filters such as miniaturise, black-and-white, soft focus and toy camera. A 2.7-inch scratch-resistant screen sits at the back of the camera.

Start-up time, often the bane of the owners of waterproof cameras, is promised to be just 1.4-seconds on the PX. Available from late June, the PX will retail for a wallet-friendly AU$299 in black, silver or green. Optional accessories also available include coloured protective jackets and neck straps.