The hybrid AF system works in combination with a passive AF sensor and contrast AF system. The CX5's lens is designed to produce the 35mm viewing angle equivalent of a 28-300mm zoom. A super-resolution mode magnifies zoom power by 2x. Ricoh adds that the CX5 delivers reduced noise and employs a Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor that uses an algorithm claimed to cut loss of highlight details and allow high-contrast scenes to be rendered 'more faithfully'.

Firepower also includes a 3in (920,000 dot) LCD screen, while digital effect modes include Cross Process, Toy Camera and Miniaturize. Also on board are shooting modes such as Cooking, Fireworks and Continuous Golf Swing. The Ricoh CX5 is due on sale in the UK at the end of February priced £259.99