Inside Story

What is a top-level image stabilization function?

So why should the correction effect of an average of about 3.7 stops be considered top level? When the shutter speed (generally 1/8, 1/16, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, or 1/1000 seconds) is doubled, the difference is referred to as one “stop.” Doubling the shutter speed time lengthens the exposure time light is striking the image sensor so hand-motion blur is more likely to occur. “With a 3.7 stop effect, hand-motion blur that would normally occur at a 1/8 second shutter speed becomes less likely with the CX4 image stabilization function on because the potential for blur is reduced to what it would be at a 1/60 to 1/125 second shutter speed level,” explained Kobayashi.
(*These results were achieved under the shooting conditions used by Ricoh, satisfactory results may not be possible under all conditions.)

Even when shooting with one hand, the likelihood of blur is low.
f=200mm 1/23sec F4.5 ISO200 EV±0 WB: Multipattern AUTO

With this advanced image stabilization function and the rich tone range made possible by reducing noise, when shooting low-light scenes it is no longer necessary to choose between an image with noise and an image that is flat and dull. The CX4 gives you “pure image quality, true to what is perceived by the naked eye.”

“In order to detect noise under a variety of shooting conditions, many evenings we would leave the office to go outside and shoot as the sun began to go down,” Kakuta said, recalling the days of CX4 development. “It is this achievement of a certain level of fundamental image quality that, in turn, made it possible to create the five creative shooting modes* that give CX4 users the ability to enjoy a more diverse range of photo expression,” he added.

  • * Creative shooting modes
    When shooting with a film camera, it is possible to create unusual effects with techniques used at the development stage. The creative shooting modes produce those effects on a digital camera. The CX4 modes are: soft focus, cross process, toy camera, miniaturize, and high-contrast B&W.

For a detailed explanation of these creative shooting modes see:

“When I heard how users have praised the image stabilization function since the CX4 went on sale, it made all my days laboring away in that dimly lit room worthwhile. This was rewarding work in which I was able to make the kind of camera that I wanted to make,” said Muramatsu.

How is the CX4 being presented to the market?
Next time we will hear from the sales and marketing staff responsible for popularizing the CX4.

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