Ricoh GXR - compact with interchangeable lenses?

[Amy Davies]

What does everyone think about the new Ricoh GXR with interchangeable "lens units" - basically making this a compact with different lenses.

http://www.photoradar.com/news/story...-camera-system

I like the basic idea of it, not sure about the premium they put on this, you're looking at £700+ for the body and the lenses, just not sure it's worth it personally - what's your thoughts?

Amy

[chris-p]

Hi Amy

I think this is fascinating. I've just been having a flick through the DPReview hands on preview (link) and I really like the idea.

For me, the thing that makes this stand out is the fact that the sensor is part of the lens unit so if you buy a new lens, you get a new sensor, aperture ring, shutter etc. The theory of being able to link the sensor type to the lens is very clever and it seems that the first 2 lenses available really make use of this.

The smaller lens is the 24-70 f/2.5-4.4 VC lens which has a 1/1.75" 10MP CCD sensor and a sensor based shake reduction system. The "bigger" lens (in physical dimensions at least) is the 50mm f/2.5 macro which has a 12.3MP APS-C sensor.

There are what I consider to be inherent advantages and disadvantages to the system. The processor built into each unit means that you'll get different "inherent" specifications with each lens unit (like continuous drive rates, video capture etc). To me this seems like a double edged sword.

As DPReview point out, it's not a new idea (Minolta EX1500) but Ricoh have a bit of a history for creating oddities and "ahead of their times" cameras. The RDC-i700 is a prime example (released in 2000 with a 3.5" screen, video capture, sound recording, touch screen, fully web enabled with it's own built in modem blah blah blah...).

But... I have to say that I like it. I've been banging on for ages now (especially on forums) about the fact that cameras (SLRs at least) are basically the same as they were 40 years ago just with a sensor instead of film. I've questioned why none of the manufacturers have tried something different. The “hybrid” doesn’t do it for me. It’s not pocket friendly no matter how much the manufacturers say it is.

So long as Ricoh continue to make a few more lens units for it and they think carefully about tailoring the lens to the sensor I think it has a lot of potential.

Sadly, I don’t think many people are going to buy it though!

[Amy Davies]

Hi chris,

Yes you're right, I love the idea of it and I think it'd be great to have something high quality like this that truly does fit in your pocket (yes bridge cameras don't really do that unless you have very large pockets!), but I do think they're pitching the pricing far too high.

Yes, you're getting something that is technologically advanced, but the amount they're charging for the whole system £1k plus would mean you could get a really kick-*** SLR, which I think if you were THAT serious about your photography you'd be buying anyway.

I'll be interested to see if the price comes down on this as it could make a great second camera, or just a nifty little piece of equipment for the serious amateur - I'll be keeping my eye out!

Amy

[chris-p]

Yeah, the price does seem a little steep but then I suppose (as Phil Askey points out) you are effectively buying a whole camera every time you buy a lens unit.

That £700 - what do you get for it? Body only or a lens as well?

[Amy Davies]

Hi chris-p

I believe for around £700 you can get the body and the standard lens, if you want to add the macro lens on as well then it becomes over £1000.

All the details and prices are in the news story: here.

Amy