Ricoh Caplio GX8 Digital Camera

Bought it as a "do-it-all" camera that I could use as a pocketable travel cam,use in connection with my day-job, as well as being usable for the odd freelance pro jobs that come my way. First thing I noticed was the speed - so much faster than my previous digicams, including one "semi-pro" type. Other reviews had mentioned this, so it was in my mind when I decided to buy. Having used manual film cameras for years, I was missing the quick, no-delay action possible (especially with motordrives), but this little jem delivers that - no problem! Just point n'shoot! Ideal for kids/pets/ grab-shots etc. It handles well, too - feels quite well balanced in use, easy to hold/operate with one hand. Great macro capability - other reviews had found this. Now, I was/never will be into close-ups of flowers, insects etc. but I do sometimes put smallish items on Ebay, again this baby delivers! no matter how close, just compose shoot, and there you have it - sharp, detailed close-up! Once you see the results, you find yourself taking all sorts of close-up pics, just for fun! Lens/ccd quality seems good - I've noticed a lot more detail/clarity in shots, even at low-res settings than previous cams gave me. Not too many "useless" functions on board - they seem to have got the balance about right (for me, at least).Hotshoe/manual operation works fine with studio flash units (I use a pc cord adapter slotted into hotshoe), doesn't need too much experimenting with settings to get quick results. Battery life (supplied Li-on)good, ability to put AA's in as well =excellent bonus feature! Optional extras such as lens filter adapter, hood, plug-in remote release, all make it an ideal all-rounder. Gripes? one or two. ..only gives you one compression level in the low-medium resolution settings - a "fine" option would be useful. Display could be bigger (but then that would make the whole camera bigger too, or lose the optical finder which I like to have).Noise - over ISO 200, but I use "Neat Image" post processing to take care of that. (otherwise, it's a big heavy,full-frame Canon, mate!)Telephoto end of lens range could be better - I'd prefer it to go to 100/120mm instead of only 85mm.