Ricoh today officially announced the GXR, a completely new camera system involving an interchangeable sensor module, allowing the user to switch between DSLR and compact camera quality with a fixed lens attached to each. With the choice between a 50mm lens and 12MP APS-C sensor combination, and a 24-72mm 10MP 1/1.7 inch compact camera sensor duo the user should have maximum choice over definition, speed and tonal range.

As confusing as it may sound, the theory behind the GXR is reasonably simple. Because users with  DSLRs are normally more concerned with clarity and detail rather than speed that setup has been given a fixed f2.5 50mm macro lens. From the test shots from a close-to production model the clarity and colour reproduction are excellent, although there was a slight tendency to overexpose. The smaller sensor utilised a 3x zoom lens, with sensor shift technology built in. The end quality was similar to that of the CX2 compact, and the optics were excellent. As is expected the body is very similar to a GRDIII or GX200, offering a robust magnesium shell which feels lightweight, yet sturdy. The module detachment and re-attachment is relatively simple as well, with a single button press releasing the lock so the unit can simply slide off. As the lens and sensor are sealed in one body there’s no chance of dust or other particles being attracted to the sensor when the modules are being exchanged. There’s even the possibility to not only view images without the module attached, but thanks to the multi-connector system other modules have been mooted as on the horizon. For example, because the drive motor is sealed with the lens/sensor module a faster setup could be on the cards. Also other, non-shooting modules are a possibility such as a projector unit similar to Nikon’s Coolpix S1000PJ or even a small printer.

Throwing up the kind of numerous possibilities that might or could be released does the consumer few favours relating to whether they should be investing in it, but at least Ricoh will release a slew of extras at launch. The viewfinder, wide angle and telephoto adapters as well as the flash unit will appear, and more of the like are expected to follow on behind shortly. Body only the GXR will be £419, then the smaller sensor setup and 3x zoom lens will cost £300 and the 50mm/APS-C sensor £600, meaning the whole  kit could easily cost over £1000. For the majority of consumers this will be a hefty cost for something as limited as a fixed lens when a decent DSLR can cost similar money. Ricoh are clearly aiming at the ‘prestige’ user, who is looking for optical quality as an absolute paramount. With the GRD III already achieving that task in impressive fashion it is perplexing as to where the GXR will sit, especially with a system that takes a fair amount of explaining. Image quality shouldn’t be an issue, and the build is fantastic, but anyone not looking to use both the smaller sensor and APS-C sensor setup frequently will see little point in not just buying a DSLR or high-end compact. After all, it is conceivable to buy a perfectly decent compact with a 3x optical zoom and a DSLR for less than the whole GXR two module setup and still have change for a bag big enough to hold them both.