Ricoh GXR leaked, lens and sensor one module

Leonard Goh | Nov 10, 2009

The lens-sensor module. (Credit: Screenshot by Leonard Goh/CNET Asia from YouTube)

Modular camera systems are hard to come by, and so far only RED has it, though it'll set you back a hefty US$17,500 for the system's body. Ricoh has, however, taken a bold step in this direction with the GXR. While the company hasn't officially announced this shooter yet, videos and pricing have leaked online and are spreading like wildfire.

According to the YouTube video below, the system consist of two components: The camera body and the lens with a sensor built into it. Yes, you heard right. The image sensor and lens are combined as one module and this slides into the snapper's body where exposure control can be performed. Since the back and front are well-covered, there is little chance for dust to sneak in.

The camera body without the lens-sensor attachment. (Credit: Screenshot by Leonard Goh/CNET Asia from YouTube)

As for specifications, the "Body" (so-called as there is no official name for it) has a pop-up flash and accessory port for optional peripherals such as an electronic viewfinder. It will also have a slot for a memory card, though it the format supported wasn't specified.

There seems to be two options for the sensor-lens module.

The A12 and S10 block. (Credit: Screenshot by Leonard Goh/CNET Asia from YouTube)

The Ricoh GR A12 has a 50mm F2.5 macro GR lens with a 12.3-megapixel sensor and records HD-quality video.

The Ricoh S10 block houses a 24-70mm F2.5-4.4 VC glass with a 10-megapixel sensor that can shoot up to 5fps in RAW format. Also, note the lens cap is self retracting like the LC-1 Self-Retaining accessory for the GX100.

The A12 and S10 block. (Credit: Screenshot by Leonard Goh/CNET Asia from YouTube)

So what's the advantage of such a system? It may look ridiculous at first, but if you look closer, you'll realize that each time you purchase a new lens/sensor, it's akin to buying a new camera. It's also rumored that Ricoh may be developing projector and printer modules for the system, adding even more flexibility.

The camera body will retail for US$703, while the A12 and S10 block costs US$1,004 and US$502, respectively. It is expected to be in stores come December.

We'll be waiting for the official press release from Ricoh for more updates, so check back soon.

Via 1001noisycameras

Update: Ricoh has officially announced the GXR camera system. Click here to find out more.

Filed under: Digital Cameras
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Jerry

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Jerry says...
Isn't the Hasselblad H3DII such a system? If it was made smaller and priced for amateurs, the idea is not new. Olympus is famous with small cameras. I like Nikon for their variety of lenses.
If this existed, I wouldn't have to switch from D-70 to D-300 but just switch new back and buy an other lens instead.
My old Nikon F2 was sort of modular and lasted 30 years. In time of digital cameras, we constantly change good cameras, because the "film" is built in.
An other thought. Today we can take great shots with EVF cameras. So for serious photographers, DSLR should become modular. The size would not change much.
One reason I don't have the Hasselblad H3DII, because I bought Mercedes Benz. But also because I like extreme telephoto shots and the Hass can't match what I can do with 400mm lens on Nikon D-300

Nov 10, 2009 23:00