Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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...

This is a hidden gem for photographers, this system may be pricey for the lenses with larger sensors, but you can literally store this camera in any bag. It's the most portable SLR system out there, and well built. I recommend to any serious photographer that they get this system. This company takes it users seriously and releases updates for the software as fast as possible.

TRY THIS CAMERA AND FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE WITH LIGHT WEIGHT AND QUALITY OF PHOTOGRAPH. LITTLE BIT PRICY BUT IT IS REALLY GOOD ONE.