Ricoh GXR Interchangeable Unit Digital Camera System with 3-Inch High-Resolution LCD

by Ricoh

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002W6Z1JA
• Item model number: GXR
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,515 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • #63 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Digital Cameras > Compact System Cameras
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 9, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The new Ricoh 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.

With world-leading small size and low weight* enabling easy carrying, the GXR interchangeable unit camera system features a highly rigid magnesium alloy body and multiple camera units that can be changed to best fit the scene to be photographed. You can enjoy easy lens changes as well as amazing image quality and shooting flexibility. Concealing infinite possibilities in its small body, the GXR is a revolutionary camera system that pioneers a new realm of photography.

Distinctive characteristics
1. Lens, image sensor, and image processing engine comprise an integrated unit which can be changed to match the scene being photographed.
2. World's smallest and lightest* digital camera with interchangeable lenses
3. System potential expanded through use of interchangeable units
_{*Internal flash, interchangeable lens digital cameras with lens attached. As of November 10, 2009, Ricoh research.}

Ricoh GXR Highlights

Ideal form for an interchangeable lens camera

• By integrating lens, image sensor, and image processing engine into a single optimized unit, we were able to created a compact camera with interchangeable lenses.
• 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."
• 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.
• Putting image processing engines in both the body and the camera units, our focus was on achieving the highest image quality.

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 well as 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.

Even greater power of expression

• 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 of a diverse range of images.
• ISO3200 facilitates shooting in low light conditions.

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)

High-definition 3.0-inch 920,000-dot VGA LCD picture display

• The high-resolution LCD picture display provides a wide viewing angle and high contrast. The screen has a fluorine coat to prevent soiling, a hard coat to prevent scratches, and an anti-reflection coat to give excellent visibility even outdoors in bright sunshine.
• With 100% sRGB coverage for color reproduction, the picture display vividly reproduces image colors.

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.
• The new DIRECT screen enabling current settings to be displayed and changed.

New options enhance series expandability

• Two soft cases, one for each camera unit.
• The GXR can use the GR DIGITAL III external flash (GF-1), which can do TTL flash using auxiliary flash.
• Convenient for shooting in bright outdoor situations, the newly developed 920,000-dot- equivalent high-definition LCD viewfinder is removable and can be tilted up to 90 degrees. With a 100% field of view, it displays information in the same way as the picture display, thus enabling the photographer to shoot in a film camera style.

Functions expanded using firmware

• Function-enhancing firmware releases for the GR DIGITAL series have proved very popular, and this practice will be continued for the GXR. By updating their firmware, GXR owners will be able to use the latest functions.

Product Description

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 f

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent camera, March 24, 2010

By 

ImportFood (Seattle WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ricoh GXR Interchangeable Unit Digital Camera System with 3-Inch High-Resolution LCD (Electronics)

I'm not a professional photographer but I use a digital camera for work. There are very sophisticated reviews of this camera on professional camera review websites, but here is a review from a basic user.

Ricoh cameras are hard to find, as most retailers offer Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc. I became a Ricoh fan in the late 1980s, using a very inexpensive point/shoot camera. The picture quality was great, and I used that camera for years. When digital photography became more mainstream, I bought a Ricoh RDC-5000. It was $1000 at the time, that was 1999. Believe it or not, I have used that Ricoh RDC-5000 for 11 years, until now (2010). About two years ago I bought a Nikon Sd7 to replace the old Ricoh, but the pictures were not as good, and perhaps out of habit I just kept using the Ricoh for my work (indoor) photos.

I finally decided I had to upgrade to a new digital camera. I decided to try Canon, Nikon and Ricoh. Most of my photos are taken indoors, although recently I use my camera for natural city scenes. I don't want to use a huge camera because it can take something away from the mood of the shot if I appear too "professional".

I went to an excellent camera store in Portland OR, where they cater to every camera equipment need. They stock Ricoh and all other brands. They allowed me to take photos using the Ricoh GXR, Canon G11, and Nikon (don't recall the model). I downloaded the photos onto their computer and examined, took more photos, examined more, it was a 2 hour process. I decided to buy the Ricoh GXR even though it was a fair bit more expensive than the alternatives. The photos seemed to have a slight "edge" in quality, and I am already a Ricoh fan, and I kind of like the fact that nobody else has the same camera as I do.

I've used this for about a month now. The camera exceeds my expectations in every respect. I could go on and explain every little thing I like about it, but I'd rather just say "I love it". And I think you will too. I got the smaller lens package, and am considering to add the larger one later. It really is a great camera.

I did have a small bit of frustration, and that was the camera store sent me home with the camera and lens unit but I did not get the accessory lens cap that they had on their display model. This lens cap, about $20, is VERY important. The stock lens cap must be removed each time you take a photo, and it's a real hassle. The accessory lens cap, called the "LC-2" is a self-retaining cap that opens and closes cleverly each time you turn on/off the camera. I had to order that and got it in the mail a week later.

So--buy this camera especially if you like Ricoh. It's going to make you very happy. And make sure you also get the accessory lens cap.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best User Interface ever. Great camera, buy it now., October 30, 2011

By 

Streetphotopix - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ricoh GXR Interchangeable Unit Digital Camera System with 3-Inch High-Resolution LCD (Electronics)

I love this camera. I've used many systems trying to find the perfect street photographer / versatile carry around camera, and this is it. As background, I've used:

1) Nikon - Film system including FA, FM2, FM3a, F3, F100, and Digital, including D90, D5000, D7000. All Nikon gear now sold, except the FM3a for collectors value.

2) Canon - Film system including EOS 3, EOS Elan II, and Digital - 5D (borrowed from friend). All canon gear sold.

3) Sony - A850 - love this camera.

4) Olympus E-420 and E-520 - both sold.

5) Micro 43 - Panasonic GF-1, now sold.

6) Samsung NX100 - another great camera.

I am an advanced amateur photographer who has exhibited at local galleries.

Why you should buy the the GXR -

- 100% customizable interface. there is absolutely no need to dive into the menus.
- everything is at the "top level" meaning there is instant control - just spin the knob or push the button. There's no "hold this button down then turn this" For example: I shoot in aperture priority. here are the commands that are directly accessible without any need to hold down any button or dive into menus:
1) Aperture
2) ISO
3) exposure compensation
4) switch to Manual focus
5) enlarge image (focusing aid)
6) focus assist (peaking)
There are 5 additional, easily accessible and completely customizable functions that are just 1 button press away.
- snap focus mode with depth of field gauge. This is amazing, highly useful for street photography, and taking photos of fast-moving kids. there are 2 ways to do this:
1) when the camera is in AF mode, you can make it so that if the shutter button is fully pressed in 1 motion, the camera will focus at a pre-determined and user-adjustable distance (i.e. 2-meters). You can change this distance with 1 button press. if you use 1/2 press shutter, it is AF as usual.
2) when you are in snap focus or manual focus mode, there is a depth of field gauge that tells you the focus point and the DOF around that focus point.
- great LCD screen at 920k dots
- magnesium alloy build. the build quality is superb.
- you can hold the camera in 1 hand and operate almost all the controls. Also, the back of the camera has a large area where the thumb can rest and not accidentally touch any other button.
- the mode dial locks. This prevents accidentally changing the shooting mode.

Now, here's a thought. I never understood why people bought the GXR until now:

1) the GXR balances sensor size to deliver a great shooting experience in a small form factor. want a large zoom? ok, get the 28-300 module. It's got a small sensor to keep the overall size small. If you want a 28-300 lens on full frame, buy the Canon 5D2 and 28-300 L for about $6000. You want uncompromising image quality? ok, get the 50mm or 28mm module w/ APSC module. The A12 APSC sensor is superb. clean to ISO 800. 1600 needs just a touch of NR in Lightroom.

2) why would the majority of people really need more than ISO 1600 and 12MP? this sensor and lens setup on the A12 modules is so good, I don't think anyone would need to update. i'll take the superior user interface any day.

Who should NOT get the GXR?

1) Sports photographers who need long, fast zoom lenses to shoot from the sidelines

2) night wedding photographers needing ISO 3200 and a 70-200 2.8 zoom

3) gear heads wanting to buy 12 lenses at 1,000 each, then wind up using just 2 of those.

4) people who need long tele lenses (i.e. bird photographers or animal photographers) or ultrawide lenses.

if you are in one of these groups, the GXR would not be a good 1 system camera, but would be a great 2nd system camera.

Now that the M mount is coming out, it's just getting better.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!, April 19, 2011

By 

NJC - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ricoh GXR Interchangeable Unit Digital Camera System with 3-Inch High-Resolution LCD (Electronics)

This is my first ever review of a product, from any website.

I absolutely love this camera. I spent quite a bit of time researching. Top reasons I purchased (pros):


Pros
1) Liked the idea of the modular sensor/lens.
2) Upcoming module that would handle a Leica M lens.
3) All reviews pointed at extra solid construction - I have to agree - its a rock. (but not too heavy)
4) I have bigger hands, and it fits perfectly.
5) Purchased with the 28mm A12 - which is a very exciting lens and sensor in my opinion.

Cons
1) Tones are dynamic on the A12, but the "Standard" setting isn't saturated enough. Easy fix - just change to "Vivid" to capture if this is your preference.
2) I hope this system will continue to be supported. I think with the Leica module, it should gain quite a bit of popularity in the mirrorless segment, but this is a risk...