Ch-ch-changes… Ricoh’s GXR interchangeable camera

The Japanese Ricoh GXR digital camera, though yet to be released, has created ripples of anticipation in the industry. If it is all it claims to be, it could be the beginning of a new phase in digital camera technology and transform the way the average amateur photographer takes photos. The most distinguishing feature of the camera is its interchangeability; the lens, sensor and engine is one detachable unit that slots in to the separate camera body.

It boldest claim to fame is as the world’s smallest and lightest camera that allows the lens to be changed, trumping the Olympus Micro Four Thirds. It also promises the freedom of flexibility, allowing use of the most suitable lens/sensor combination unit for each photograph, an exaggeration at best, given there are really only two lens/sensor options: the A12 50 mm F2.5 Macro camera unit with a 12.3MP CMOS sensor, ISO sensitivity of up to 3200 and use of 720p video of up to 24 frames per second; and the Ricoh Lens S10 24-72 mm F2.5-4.4 VC camera unit, which has a 10MP CCD sensor with the same ISO sensitivity. A tele-conversion lens and a wide conversion lens can be added as optional extras.

The other significant limit to the camera’s promised interchangeability is its incompatibility with other brands of lens. Ricoh has made a decided move to pitch itself against the Two Thirds, which has been readily adopted by Olympus and Panasonic, and march out on its own.

And it has done this fairly well; its rigid magnesium 113.9 × 70.2 × 28.9 mm body is distinguishable, moving away from the sleek look of most new cameras and towards a more retro design. The camera has an integrated flash, but also supports a removable one and an external view finder can be added to the clear and bright LCD 920,000 VGA display screen at back of camera. The camera units do slot in easily as promised, protecting against dust damage.

It is expected to be released in the UK in December at fairly inflated prices: the GXR body for £419, the GR Lens costs an additional £599 and the Ricoh Lens £329. It will be interesting to see how British consumers respond to the brand, which is a household name in Japan.

See ricoh.com for full pricing information and YouTube for Which? Magazine’s preview of the camera ahead of its UK release.