Here is the most vexing problem in photography: to get snaps that look more pro, we need a digital SLR. But the bulk of body and lens combined means that it’s not the most portable option. DSLR quality without the heft is the Holy Grail. Olympus and Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens system is one answer. Ricoh’s GXR system provides another.
– Take a closer with out RICOH GXR hands-on
– Watch our RICOH GXR hands-on video
The basic GXR comprises just a three-inch, very hi-res LCD, pop up fl ash, plus handgrip. Not only is there no lens, but there’s also no sensor, because these are integrated into each lens unit. Currently the choice is either a 50mm macro (close-up) lens with 12.3-meg sensor or a 3x optical zoom lens with ten megs. Because the sensor and image processor aren’t in the body but rather twinned with the detachable lens – collectively known as the “camera unit” – Ricoh’s system is expandable in the way that no one else’s currently is.
Like choosing a different film in the days of analogue photography, users can choose a different sensor, JPEG and uncompressed Raw format images committed quickly to removable SD or higher capacity SDHC cards.
This does come at a price. The GXR body retails for a semi-reasonable £419, but the 3x zoom will add £329, and the macro £599 – in other words, you’ll need to shell out almost £750 before a single picture can be taken. Ricoh seems to be struggling with its marketing as well. This would-be breakthrough product is apparently aimed at a younger, hipper audience, yet the price and the fact that it looks like it was designedin a Russian tractor plant during the Cold War means it’ll only actually sell to cash-rich 45- to 65-year-olds. As the concept has been patented purely for Ricoh’s own use, a flood of similar devices seems unlikely, too.
However, the benefits of the slide-in mount system over standard DSLRs are still clear to see. It’s not only very compact but also the sealed units mean dust can’t get in. The slide on, slide off nature means it’s also faster to swap than lenses on a DSLR. Speeding up operation further is a Direct button that provides an instant, icon-led overview of main shooting settings. It’s a godsend as the main shooting menu is busy, ill thought out and uses a miniscule typeface.
Although with lens attached we struggled to squeeze the GXR into a pocket, detached and transported separately we just about managed it. Given that image results are notably better than on its closest rival, the Olympus PEN E-P1,the GXR is a highly impressive gadget. It’s the closest thing yet to a DSLR in compact clothing.
Link: RICOH
