Ricoh PX review

Ricoh claims the PX has been designed so that it may be easily slipped in and out of a pocket, so the photographer can respond swiftly when a photo opportunity presents itself.

And this much is true. The lack of any protrusions means it slides comfortably in and out of a jeans or jacket pocket, although its bulky body means that it won't be quite at home in tighter pockets (and it's certainly too large to be discreetly carried around inside a shirt pocket).

Build quality is impressive, though, with metal used throughout its outer shell and a sturdy battery compartment door at its base.

Although the Ricoh PX's water and dustproofing capabilities are clearly marked on its top-plate, its design doesn't particularly allude to this. Admittedly its lens is sealed and its battery door is a little harder to close then usual, but all buttons travel easily when pressed.

The only exception to this ease of operation is with the zoom rocker, which protrudes from the camera's top plate and is somewhat annoying to manoeuvre with the forefinger (see above).

Worse still, when the rocker is used it moves the zoom erratically, beginning at a steady pace before rushing through the rest of its range, while its ideal position on the back of the camera is occupied by a lesser-used dial that changes flash settings.

Thankfully, the otherwise pleasing operation of the camera's external controls is matched with a responsive menu system. It's long overdue a makeover, but it remains functional and lists options clearly and in full.

To make things easier on the eye, colours and images are also used to accompany scene modes and other options, but only conservatively so.