Ricoh GXR Preview
Ricoh GXR Preview - The Interchangeable Lens Sensor Unit Camera System
November 2009, Carl Garrard (Update 11-12, Production Samples, 11-11-09, important links)
| GXR Preview - Just when we thought that compact cameras were about as interesting as they can get, Ricohs' genius design team decides to wow the entire photographic industry and community by introducing the all new Ricoh GXR, yet another completely different and unique camera system. As implied, the Ricoh GXR is actually a camera system, it cannot be referred too as a 'camera' by all intents and purposes, because the heart of camera itself lies within interchangeable units sold separately (just think a DSLR lens that comes with its own sealed sensor and processing unit). Two interchangeable units (the A-12 and S-10) will be available by early December- a 1 1/7.5" sized sensor mated with a 24-72mm f/2.5-f/4.4 lens unit, and a APS-C 33mm mated to a (50mm 35mm equivalent) f/2.5 'macro' lens unit as well. |  |
Ricoh GXR Preview
Initial Impressions and Notes
When I first heard of the GXR from Ricoh, it was in person. No, this time it wasn't through the usual embargo broken rumor mill on the internet. Instead, it seems all of the rumors on the internet this time were indeed just that- rumors, and the GXR managed to remain secret till near launch. Amazing feat in today's time.
I have to say I was just about as shocked and surprised as I could be when I met with Ricoh and the GXR system unfolded before my eyes. Knowing I was also the first person in the U.S. to see this new camera system was also quite a treat and a unique and humbling honor indeed.
During my time with Ricoh and the GXR I tried both modules and the new EVF (VF-2 viewfinder, all were impressive for what they target and are intended to do. The A12 33mm f/2.5 APS-C unit (50mm equivalent in 35mm terms), is pretty large and heavy compared to the smaller S10 24-72mm f/2.5-f/4.4 unit, but still overall smaller when combined to the body than any DSLR I have used to date. With the S10 module attached, it is slightly larger than the GX-200 as it is a bit taller and wider, and a bit heavier, yet still remains pretty small (I'd have no reservations about pocketing it for example).
The body of the GXR is still large enough to handle the heavier A12 lens module with aplomb, and should be a pretty impressive combo for candid/street photography- not only of its capabilities technically, but also because it's smaller, less intimidating, and lighter weight compared to a DSLR. Basically this module was designed to increase the access of Ricoh users to more isolated depth of field (more beautiful bokeh) and low light/high quality photography, while still maintaining excellent macro capability. It has a fly by wire manual focus ring as well for manual focus fans.
In my hand the GXR is extremely comfortable. What is so funny here if I may recollect for a moment, is that I mentioned to Ricoh some time back (GRD III release) that the GX200 replacement ought to be a bit larger, but of course not too large, and offer some new and unique features. It seems the GXR is exactly what I was hoping for in this regard. It's just about the same size as the Canon G10 with the 24-72mm S10 module- about 5mm wider overall.. but slightly shorter (6mm), with the same depth, yet with a more comfortable front and rear grip. This camera fits like a glove in my hand, and is much more solid than the Canon G10 as well. Easily the most comfortable full sized compact camera I have tried to date.
It is built around a fantasic high quality low static Magnesium Alloy frame (same technology that goes into the GRD III), and seems to strike the perfect balance between small and concealable yet large enough to handle larger heavier lens modules. I welcome the additional size as it is still pocketable with the S10 module.
The addtion of a direct access control button (below, top left) that takes you to the direct access control panel on the GXR to me is one of the most exciting features added to this camera design. It operates very similar to Sony's Quick Navi and Olympus's Super Control panel- simply highlight a particular field and adjust that setting with the control wheel easy as that. No diving into a menu to access your main settings. Of course customization of the GXR is also possible, with function buttons etc, very similar to Ricohs of past.
Ricoh by far has had the best user interfaces of any named manufacturer and with the addition of this feature now makes it the reigning king. I simply love it, whooo-eee!
I was able to shoot some images with both modules but I am unable to share those images based on the fact that the units I used were pre-production and I am keeping my word not too share them. Addendum: As of today, I have already seen some images on the internet posted not only from Ricoh but some other review sites as well, yet it is unclear if these images are taken with pre-production units or not.
It is probably best to wait on on making any final determinations of image quality until you see final product images in a final review. I will have the camera body, units, and other accessories soon and will be preparing a final review as promised.
Overall, I was pretty impressed even with both of the pre-production units and firmware, which I am sure they are to be improved prior to final product release.
Product Information
| This is the first camera system from any designer that allows multiple sensors to be used with one camera body. Currently there are two sensors to choose from that are developed and sold to Ricoh by Sony, an APS-C sized 12.3 MP sensor for the 33mm (50mm equivalent) A12 module, and a brand new 1 1/7.5" sensor mated to a 24-72mm f/2.5-f/4.4 lens module (using a newly developed Ricoh Smooth Imaging V Engine) that incorporates integrated vibration control (Ricoh calls image stabilization Camera Shake Control, or CSC for short). The larger APS-C unit does not have image stabilization built in, it seems adding a stabilized sensor would have increased the overall size and price of this unit to unacceptable levels. |  |
A12 Module Highlight's:
- Fast nine bladed aperture rated at a max f-stop of f/2.5
- High sensitivity APS-C 12.3mp sensor
- Macro capability
- Built in Lens Hood
- 720p HD Video Recording
- Versatile 50mm equivalent field of view
- ISO 200-3200 Sensitivity Range
S10 Module Highlights:
- Proven high quality, highly sensitive 1 1/7" 10mp sensor (same sensor as GRD III but with a new processing engine and ISO 3200 capability)
- Smooth Imaging Engine V (slightly better image quality than even the GRD III)
- Image Stabilized Sensor (CSC) rated for 2.5-4 stops improvement
- Excellent Macro Capability
- Small Size with High Performance (think beefed up and improved GX200)
VF-2 EVF Highlights:
- Compact 100% field of view
- Ability to tilt 90 degrees (Ricoh pioneered this feature along with the external EVF)
- 920,000 dot/pixel display
- 2nd highest resolution external EVF on the market
- Easy to adjust diopter control
- Excellent color and contrast and detail
The Ricoh GXR system allows the possibility for future development of lens modules, using not only different lenses, but could even theoretically use additional sensor sizes as well, not to mention a mountable mass storage device, projector, or anything else you can dream up to attach to the camera body. Woe, that's cool!
Unofficially Ricoh is working on a third lens module, one of an ultra wide designation (10-24mm or so), that should be announced by the 2nd quarter of 2010. There is talk of a super zoom module using the CX-2 sensor as well, but both aren't official yet, and will be announced by Ricoh when it is time to do so.
Basically with the GXR Ricoh has just expanded further photographic possibilities to its loyal user base, which is all this system is intended to do. By introducing this system it becomes even more obvious of the capabilities of Ricoh to introduce innovative and interesting products. It should penetrate a bit deeper into the enthusiast pool, but isn't intended to be a top of the line professional camera system. Certainly some pro's will use this system along side other systems they may already have, but make no mistake, Ricoh isn't try to arrive, nor have they arrived, into the professional camera market here.
This system isn't meant to compete directly against DSLR's or even Micro 4/3 cameras, it simply offers a totally unique alternative system that no other manufacturer has. I guess you could say it competes with other systems but not directly head to head in the typical manner. There are a lot of creative advantages to having multiple sensors available in one camera design, the most being control over depth of field that no other single system offers, not to mention compact size and versatility.
You could niggle the price of this system compared to other products on the market, but try doing that with Ricoh loyalists and you won't get very far. The arguments to use Ricoh products are just too compelling to ignore, and many Ricoh users will convince you if you aren't careful. I am proud and excited to use Ricoh products along side my DSLRs, they offer a unique quality experience unlike any other camera manufacturer. The GXR raises the bar much higher than anything that I have seen from Ricoh to date.
The GXR certainly has my attention, and will most likely replace some aging compacts I use.
The Ricoh GXR System is already available on Ricoh's main distributors/retailers for pre-order and should be available around December 10th or so. It should sell for about $950.00 with the GXR body and S10 module together, about $200.00 more than a brand new GX200 that sold nearly 2 years ago, yet you get the advantages of the new design plus better image quality and performance out of the new module.
Much more to follow in my final review, as I will give impressions of the new VF-2, and all the other accessories as well. Keep checking in with us as it may be sooner than later. Obviously there is quite a bit to be excited about with this new system introduction today, and for the future possibilities and additions to this system as well.
As usual, be safe and happy shooting.
-Carl Garrard
Official Ricoh GXR Press Release and Product Information on the next page, thank you!
UPDATE 11-12-09
Link to real Production samples: http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/gxr/sampleimage.html
UPDATE 11-11-09
Link to "special Ricoh site", neat presentation!: http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/gxr/special/
Link to distributors for purchase: http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/contact/contact_us.html
Very interesting write up
Very interesting write up Carl.
Been chewing this one over, and it's starting to make a bit more sense to me. You are right, it's not a DSLR rival, but caters for a different market. Say a serious photographer, who wants a compact system to take around, that can deliver the goods, but offers very high quality in build and fully featured. It's more serious aimed, def not your average consumer, or low end to mid DSLR buyer.
In that respect it could be a hit, clearly it's not cheap..however some will pay for a high quality upgradeable compact (best phrase I can find to fit it) Could be a potent tool for someone wanting to travel fairly light, a body a few extra bits and some modules won't take up a lot of space. I can see this being popular with pros and well heeled enthusiasts. If we start to compare it to xyz DSLR and lenses, obviously it's going to lose on cost alone. Should be interesting to see how this fleshes out, I like the samples I have seen so far. Could be a travel photographers dream come true.
The only slight issue might be competition from micro 4/3 type bodies (and other makers soon to join) which will also offer a compact size, and good IQ.
Glad you understand my point Barry
I believe this is key to understanding the GXR system, and its potential as well.
Carl
Edit: Remember too, that Ricoh aren't concerned about mega volume sales, really they aren't in it for that in that respect.
Ricoh are focused on one thing, and one thing only, making a unique and better camera/system for its users. They are obessed with that, in a very good way. If they make more sales as a result, then all the better, but with Ricoh... first things first. Slow and steady.
Its like a small winery vs. a large winery mentality, or whatever metaphor you choose to use.
Either way, I love it.
Beyond the offering ...
I could see this "idea" inside the SONY DSLR System, with an "improved" Sensor/LCD having the ability to be "swapped out" from the rear of the camera body, allowing your SYSTEM to maintain all its respective high-end and costly replacement parts (lenses, vertical grip, other specific accessory attachments ... all dependent on the same body).
You could, effectively, advance your camera SYSTEM from standard designs to things more specific such as SPORTS and advanced MACRO/MICRO capabilities, using the comfort of the very familiar (no, make that an effectively identical) camera body.
I am not into smaller camera bodies, but the interchangeable sensor idea is an idea I have supported since this all began. It would be an awesome option and one I know we all would enjoy.
Thank you for sharing this, Carl.
Great you see you getting a
Great you see you getting a heads up on this camera before the official announcement. I know you are a Ricoh fan so you must be pretty pleased with this system.
To me this seems to have potentiel to be a very cool system if developed properly and to aquire a real cult following - again assuming they develope it to it's potentiel.
Thanks for the review.
Holding a bit of my excitement
till I get to use a final product in the environments that I'm used to shooting in, but yeah the concept and initial impression are very good so far.
Been working with Ricoh for a while now, good company to work with, just as my pals at Sony are.
Carl
Sorry but this system
Sorry but this system doesn;t make sense to me from my perspective.
I get the feeling these guys are just buying prebuit lens modules from china and are selling it as somehing great (probably not the case but it makes you think). whats the body consist of? just a holder for the lens assembly? if not then how are they going to acheive diferent sensors in the future? is this going to have enough processig power for next years APS-C sensors? how do they even know what they are going to need for future sensors? if it can only take what they've planned for in the initial designs then how are they going to avoid missmatches with gen 1,2,3 ect technology? seems to me if you bought one of these you could be buying into a technological dead end.
Look at our systems. we can use lenses from '85 with all the advantages of new technology except maybe some lens specific things like the newer coatings, (big deal ...) that technology only had to communicate a few things to he body so the bodies can be made with the required advances in technology and it should translate without trouble into the old lenses. I think of Canon now with their second generation IS. if you want that you will have to replace your lenses to get it (as the new ones becme available) We won't have to to do anything to get incremntal advances as the technology matures. On the Ricoh machine you may just be stuck with whatever they can do now.
Everyone has their own opinion
doesn't sound like it is for you but will be for others. That happens all the time. You can choose to look upon any ground breaking product with disdain and criticism or you can look at its positives and potentials.
Its kinda like life.
Carl
I don't really see the
I don't really see the potential. Minolta had one with a detachable lens too years ago but it was tethered. it doesn't look significantly smaller than the 4/3's cameras. really I didn't mean to be so hard on it I'm just wondering what they are selling here?
Wow ... this is intriguing
This is so interesting - just the other day, I was looking at Sigma's DP2 and thinking that it was almost a great idea - a DSLR sensor in a compact, mirrorless design - however, it needed more flexibility regarding it's lens. It seems like Ricoh figured out the answer to that in the GXR; a very elegant solution. Now that they've shown this, it's like one of those ideas that you might say - "Of course! Why didn't I think of that - That's a great idea"
Shiloh, you can be as honest as you want
nothing wrong with that at all. :)
Really to understand Ricoh, you have to want what they offer is all. It's hard to describe but in a nutshell they offer the most customizable compact cameras of all brands, excellent build and handling, minimalist simplistic shooting interface, and top notch optics I'd go against Leica any day of the week with.
They are a unique brand and product, and they are a small company who really listen to their users (they really really do). They aren't cheap, but you get alot for your money if what you need or want is what Ricoh offers. Don't know how to put it any other way, I know profit margins are small for Ricoh so they aren't gouging us.
I think they just build a higher than average product with higher than average customer satisfaction and service.
Carl
Interesting. I hope it works
Interesting. I hope it works out for them. I only know them from their pitney bowes machines from years ago.
shutter sound
How loud would you estimate the A12 shutter is compared to other cameras you've used?
Which cameras?
DSLR's or Compacts?
No comparison to a DSLR here, the GXR is very quiet.
About average for a Compact.
Carl
re shutter sound
I was surprised by the amount of noise m4/3 camera's shutters make, and was half expecting the A12 to be similar. I do a lot of street/candid photography so would prefer as quiet a shutter as possible. Good to know it's as quiet as a compact. Thanks for the info.
Waiting and Weighing S10 Compared to GRD III
All helpful as always Carl. The A12 is more and more looking like a no brainer for me and I can't wait to use it.
But I had been thinking seriously about the GRD III and while I love a fast prime lens camera, with the GRD III clearly being a very good one, I'm now undecided.
If the GXR S10 is as good as some of its early published images it may rival the GRD III in quality with the advantage of additional flexibility, including the EVF if it's a good one.
It may be an apples and oranges situation though and of course if I sell off a couple more of the heavy zoom lenses I never use I could have all three! :-)
Looking forward to your review.
Mark
Thanks Mark
Its a tough call, they are indeed apples and oranges. I doubt Ricoh will come out with prime lens module to compete with the GRD III anytime soon either (perhaps a small sensor longer focal prime) but Ricoh can do whatever they want with this set up pretty much.
I really like how the GXR body fits in the hand, slightly smaller than the G10 Canon but more comfortable and much much better ergonomics and layout.
I think for now I'm going to really enjoy the S10 module, tis the GX300 I wanted basically. The new processor gets more out of the GRD III sensor they use in it too.
I'm hoping to have the review out mid dec. Ricoh moved the availability date up to 12-18 from 12-7.
Carl
I agree
It reminds me of the APS system, the Instamatic, the 110 zoom from Minolta, the numerous Polaroid p&s cameras, half frame 35mm, and all of the other "innovative" ideas that turned out to be nothing but marketing ploys. Soon we will have a cell phone integrated into our cameras, not because it is needed or adds real value, but because it sells. I also do not see Ricoh as altruistic. What camera do they make that's a photographer's camera? Take a look at the Onion's article about the marketing of "devices." Its good satire and right on the money. I think p&s has its place but this to me is just something different for the sake of being different. Who needs a different sensor for every lens? A removable sensor module separate from the lens, yes, like many medium format cameras, but not requiring that you pay for a different sensor with every lens. Its just absurd and I am glad it's not Sony marketing this.