Ricoh GXR Interchangeable 12MP Unit Body

GXR Interchangeable Unit Camera System features the world's smallest and lightest digital camera with interchanegable lens capability.

The new GXR is an interchangeable unit camera system in which lenses are changed by using a slide-in mount system to attach camera units to the body. The lens, image sensor, and image processing engine are integrated into the camera units so the body itself does not contain an image sensor.

The adoption of this new system has made it possible to achieve both "pocket size for go-anywhere portability" and "the highest image quality for every photographic situation and subject."

In addition, since the image sensor is not exposed when lenses are changed, the camera's structure makes it inherently difficult for dirt and dust to get inside.

Elegant design
For the exterior, we utilized die cast magnesium, which has a strong track record in the GR series, and we covered the surface with a corrosion-resistant "pear-skin" coating. The end result is a body with superior levels of durability, light weight, and feel in hand.

Building on the operation control designs of the GR series and GX series, the GXR has several types of customizable buttons as wellas the new DIRECT button, which the photographer can use to see many current settings at a glance. Sophisticated shooting settings can now be made faster than ever before.

The directional pad, the three My Settings, the ADJ.lever, and the function buttons all contribute to the even greater operability achieved by the GXR.

The grip form allows the GXR to be firmly held despite its small size, and the suitably yielding rubber material on the grip surface enables the camera to feel like an integral part of the hand.

Enhanced rapid shooting capabilities help capture fleeting shutter chances
The Pre-AF function accelerates focusing speed by adjusting the focus to match subject movement.
The full press snap function shoots at a preset distance for a one-push full-press of the shutter-release button.
When shooting subjects up close, the camera automatically switches to macro mode so macro photography can now be enjoyed without having to worry about switching modes.(Auto macro setting)

Wide range of functions
Tilt indicator utilizing an acceleration sensor.
Three grid guides useful for framing images while shooting.
Image flag function to enable the quick display of specific images from among those in the camera. Up to 20 images can be flagged

New DIRECT screen enabling current settings to be displayed and changed.

Lens, image sensor, and image processing engine comprise an integrated unit which can be changed to match the scene being photographed.

World's smallest and lightest digital camera with interchangeable lenses

System potential expanded through use of interchangeable units

Body exterior is die cast magnesium which has a strong track record in the GR series, and the the surface is covered with a corrosion-resistant "pear-skin" coating. The end result is a body with superior levels of durability, light weight, and feel in hand.

The automatic exposure modes include program shift mode, shutter priority mode, and aperture priority mode.

Picture settings can be customized with nine setting levels for easy creation ofa diverse range of images.

ISO 3200 facilitates shooting in low light conditions

Enhanced rapid shooting capabilities help capture fleeting shutter chances

High-definition 3.0-inch 920,000-dot VGA LCD picture display with 100% sRGB coverage for color reproduction, the picture display vividly reproduces image colors.

• USB Cable
• AV Cable
• GXR Software CD-ROM
• Hand Strap
• Rechargeable Battery DB-90
• Battery Charger BJ-9
• GR LENS A12 50mm F2.5 MACRO Camera Unit
• Lens Cap
• Connector Cap
• Soft Case

Could be a classic, May 21, 2010

By Mark Dale "photo phanatic" (Damascus, OR USA)

This review is from: Ricoh GXR Interchangeable Unit Body with Ricoh LENS A12 50mm F2.5 MACRO Camera Unit, 12 Megapixel (Electronics)

After doing extensive research for a pocket-sized quality camera, the Ricoh GXR A12 was always on my short list and I decided it was worth the risk given the uniqueness of the unit and I have no regrets. Picture quality is exceptional and the user interface is intuitive enough and offers many options depending on your shooting methods. Add to this the macro function and you have a very capable and high quality camera. I was going to get the Leica X1 but given the price/picture quality ratio especially given higher ISO noise verses the Ricoh A12 lens kit. Also, the build quality is exceptional which was another reason I wanted the Leica. Don't buy a name like so many end up doing. I'm glad I didn't.

The one factor that keeps this from getting higher marks from various reviews is the slow AF like I said. So I would say for now it's not for action shots but is perfect for those like composing photos or portraiture type photos. There are two firmware updates that address some issues and have enhanced other functions and I'm very pleased with Ricoh's efforts. They still need to get their computer interface up to date for the software that comes with this kit. I use Snow Leapord so the 64 bit is currently being developed and should be out soon. The firmware is easy to upload and the PDF files from their website is great. Ricoh just announced a 28mm-300 lens kit which I will getting to compliment my 50MM macro. This would have been 5 stars if the AF was faster but I'm confident this will be addressed with a future firmware update since

Ricoh is committed to this camera is rolling out some very impressive options to use with the GXR camera body. I was not too happy dropping $$$ on the viewfinder which I feel is overpriced but it does a fine job. I guess if I had gone with the Leica, the $2,000 investment would have quickly mushroomed to 3 grand and it's just not worth it for owning the Red Dot. The GXR picture quality exceeds that of Leica's X1 and while some argue this camera is over-priced, I beg to differ since I'm interested in picture quality but who isn't? Give this one some time and once you have shot with it for a while and learn to use the features, my guess is you will be very happy with your decision to get the Ricoh. This is one of those special company's that is under-rated because of the domination by more well known's like Leica, Panasonic, Olympus, Canon and Nikon or as I like to say (Coke and Pepsi). In fact, my DSLR is a Pentax and the lens systems are simply head and shoulders above Nikon and Canon for price/quality performance. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? Comment