In December 2007, the new Ricoh Caplio R7 replaced the R6 after just six months on the shelves. Improvements are, at face value, minimal. The LCD screen gains 0.2in from 2.5in to 2.7in, while the sensor is pumped up from 7MP to 8MP. The notable improvements come inside the camera, in the form of the new Smooth Imaging Engine III image-processing engine. The design of the R7 maintains all of the positive features from the R6, such as the tough feel, simple layout and super-slim body. In use, the R7 is lightning-quick during start-up, focusing, shooting and zooming.

Image quality is good, with massive noise control improvements giving manageable images up to ISO: 800. Images soften at the edges, yet colours and exposures are consistent.