If it moves, shoot it
Ricoh’s new RDC-1 digital camera looks like an old Kodak Instamatic, but it does more than take snapshots. The camera records images, audio, and full-motion video to thin flash-memory cards.
An 8MB card can store up to 81 images with 24-bit color depth and resolution of 768×480 pixels. Alternatively, you can annotate 57 images with 10 seconds of audio each. Full-motion video capture is more of a gimmick than a useful feature; a single 5-second clip fills an entire 8MB card.
Attach the pivoting LCD video monitor and you can see and hear your clips on the spot. The monitor has a built-in speaker and a connection for an AC adapter and battery charger.
The diminutive camera (with 3X zoom) is comfortable to hold, fits easily in a shirt pocket, and tips the scales at just 11 ounces. The monitor adds 8 ounces to the package, but the combined assembly feels fragile. And without a lens cover, it’s too easy to put fingerprints on the lenses. A tripod mount, shutter timer, and remote control make it easy to take self portraits.
You can use Ricoh’s playback adapter to transfer the still-image and video files (including sound) to your PC or through a modem to an online service. The camera can also receive files through a modem if you attach the optional communication adapter.
The RDC-1 takes better pictures than most other digital cameras, but quality comes at a price: A fully configured system with a single 8MB flash-memory card sells for more than $3,000.
– Michael Brown
Realize Year 1996
