New Ricoh compact: HZ 15

[Ricohfanboy]

Ricoh have a new compact out, take a look:

http://www.pentax.co.uk/en/news/2557/press-center.html

I am somewhat confused by this camera: The back of it looks nothing like a Ricoh, nor does the camera body -- which reminds me more of the somewhat lackluster (and unsuccesful-in-the-market) Pentax compacts. Even the name isn't Ricoh-like (but rather like "Pentax RZ 10", don't you think?).

Now, if Ricoh want to market the cheap compacts under their brand name, that's fine -- but I will stop looking for Ricoh compact announcements, if Ricohs are now cheap Pentaxes. Up to this point, I'd have said I know no other company that gets the "small form factor with brilliant UI" right like Ricoh does. This thing doesn't look too good, though. Couldn't Ricoh at least tell Pentax how to build a compact camera if they market it under the Ricoh name?

But enough with the rant: What do you make of all this? How's the camera look to you? Do you like the specs?

 

[33dollars]

Does look like a Pentax

 

[odklizec]

Its lens look like Ricoh CX lens, but here ends all similarity with the CX range. No mode dial, no ADJ button and poor LCD resolution makes it a true low-end for masses. But I'm afraid, there is plenty of similar "low-end" cameras in this range. The lens starting at 24mm is nice, but on the other hand, not a feature people would "kill" for? Others have it too and with much more advanced Video mode (Full HD, 60fps, etc...). I'm really not sure what to think about this camera? The only thing I'm quite sure about is that it's not a CX successor.

 

[Ricohfanboy]

I sure hope they don't want to replace the CX with it, too...