Ricoh Releases New GPS-Ready Digital Camera - High-resolution Rugged Camera Optimizes GIS Mapping

location based services

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Jan. 16 -- Ricoh Corporation, a leader in business solutions, solidified its leadership position in providing cameras with integrated GPS technology by releasing the 500SE GPS-ready digital camera today. Developed for outdoor location-based photography, the 500SE boasts extreme ruggedization and high resolution to meet the image quality and all-weather usability demanded by the mobile GPS photographer.

' The camera's integrated precision GPS module provides for an all-in-one, easy- to-use device for geo-coding images and video at the time of capture. For applications that require even greater precision, the camera is capable of receiving NMEA data streams from external GPS devices via its on-board Bluetooth(R) radio. "Ricoh's design philosophy is to produce cameras that meet the unique needs of its target markets, and the 500SE was specifically designed to optimize map-based workflows. It provides the definitive process to easily integrate location-based multimedia files into mapping software and overcomes all of the detriments found in other methods of associating pictures or videos with a point on a map," said Jeff Lengyel, Manager, Ricoh Digital Imaging Division.
Once the captured "geo-images" and "geo-video" files are transferred to a PC, they are automatically converted to shape files or merged into geo- databases for instant integration into Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Points representing each file's position may be hovered over to display a thumbnail of the file, or clicked on to access the original image or video.
In addition to storing GPS data in the image and video files, the camera also utilizes a user-configurable "data dictionary" to tag files with workflow-related information. These attributes become part of the GIS layer table for automated database integration.
The 500SE's waterproof and shock-resistant shell protects a high- resolution 8MP sensor that is image stabilized and has an ultra rapid shutter response. Additional features include GPS track log capability, GPS lock (to record the position of an object as opposed to the position of the photographer), and the ability to send images wirelessly to handheld devices via Bluetooth(R) or WiFi.(R)
The 500SE is available from Authorized Ricoh Geo-Imaging resellers. To find a reseller, or to learn more about the 500SE, please visit: http://www.ricohsolutions.com/geo/.
Website: http://www.ricoh-usa.com/Website: http://www.ricohsolutions.com/geo