The meeting to decide the name for the successor to the very popular Ricoh Caplio R7 must have been a very short one, as the company has name the new digital compact camera the R8. 

But names aside, the latest 10-megapixel wide-zoom compact still has 28-200mmm equivalent 7.1 times compact zoom lens and makes sure that the body is thinner than a supermodel's sandwich, small enough to pop in your handbag. (After all, it does only measure 102mm by 58.3mm by 26.1mm)

The 10-megapixel CCD lens is combined with Ricoh's Smooth Imaging Engine III image processing engine, which should make for clearer, crisper photos.

It also boasts a new 2.7-inch LCD screen on back with a 460,000 dot resolution, which is around twice that of other cameras in its class.

There are several features included in the camera which should set it apart from other cameras. The double action zoom control has a variable speed and a new fixed-minimum aperture function for massive depth of field.

The rechargable battery should give it a life of around 270 pictures before needing the mains again.

The outside has been given an overhaul, cleaning up the outside, making it less fussy and somewhat pain. The camera goes on sale in March for around £249.99 and will be available in black, silver or two-tone. We hope to bring you a review of the camera as soon as we can.