Ricoh today launched its latest model in its CX series of digital compact cameras, the CX3.  The new 10-megapixel CX3 features a host of innovative features, including a back-illuminated CMOS sensor which the company says delivers a new level of detail in low light photography.

Ricoh says it has also made an effort to increase shooting options—the company says the addition of a 1280 x 720 pixel HD movie function will give the CX3 a new “cinematic appeal.” To accommodate the new HD movie function, the CX3 offers a number of aspect ratios including 16:9 which creates images in a size that delivers maximum impact on a wide-screen television.

“With a back-illuminated CMOS sensor and a noise reduction function incorporating the algorithm used on the GR Digital III, the new CX3 has dramatically improved image quality performance when shooting in low light scenes,” says a Ricoh spokesman.

The CX3 also features the same 10.7x (28-300 mm equivalent) optical wide-angle zoom lens from its predecessor,  while also sporting super-fast continuous shooting speeds of 5 frames per second, user-friendly auto focus (AF) functions which automatically respond to subject movement and scene modes including ‘pets’, ‘high contrast black & white’ and ‘miniaturize.’

The CX3 is arriving this month, with early prices listed at$441—but if you’re looking for a bargain, Amazon actually has it right now for $399.