RICOH GXR: compact digital camera with a new system of removable optics

RICOH Japanese company unveiled its new model of digital camera GXR with removable optics system, which is the external removable modules with integrated them into the lens matrix and image processor. Such a system, with the words producer, makes it easy to change lenses in accordance with the terms of shooting, reaching the maximum image quality.

Luggage GXR can be equipped with a compact module with a small matrix and a zoom lens for every day, or fix-quality lens with APS-C matrix of the same size as that of the DSLR-chambers. According to the manufacturer, its know-how, is not currently available analogs, is to develop a mobile system of attachment plug-in modules to the camera, with the design eliminates the ingress of dirt or dust on the image sensor while changing lenses.

At Ricoh argue that such an approach, GXR was obtained by itself and lightest in the world with a digital camera with built-in flash and interchangeable lens: its "pure" weight of 160 g (without plug-in modules, and charger) with dimensions of 113.9 x 70, 2h28, 9 mm. A shock-resistant body of the aircraft, made of cast magnesium alloy, covered with a special anti-corrosion layer (pear-skin).

In addition, GXR has a large removable 3-inch LCD display, VGA resolution (920 thousand pixels) and angle of inclination of 90 °, providing a wide viewing angle, high contrast ratio and 100 per cent color. Resistant screen is protected from scratches and dirt fluoride coating, and anti-reflective coating designed to provide adequate visibility even in bright sunlight. More accessible electronic viewfinder, which is installed on the upper part of the body. GXR supports SD memory card and SDHC, and the photos are saved in JPEG or RAW.

At the beginning of world sales (December 2009) will be available two removable module: GR Lens A12 50mm F2.5 Macro and Ricoh Lens S10 24-72mm F2.5-4.4 VC, extension configuration is planned for the second quarter of 2010.

GR LENS A12 50 mm F2.5 MACRO is equipped with a matrix of APS-C size 23,6 x15, 7 mm and a resolution of 12.3 MP, the maximum sensitivity of 3200 ISO-equivalent. Lens Focal Length - 50 mm, the maximum aperture ratio - f / 2,5. Maximizing macro lens - 1:2, the minimum focusing distance - 7 cm from the edge of the front lens. Lens construction includes 9 elements in 8 groups. Record video supports resolution 1280x720 pixels at 24 frames per second. Also worth noting, and continuous shooting at 30 fps (with a resolution 1280h854 point). Module sizes 68,7 x 57,9 x 71,3 mm, weight 263 g.

Module RICOH LENS S10 24-72 mm F2.5-4.4VC equipped with CCD-matrix of a 1 / 1, 7, and a resolution of 10 MP. The maximum ISO value to 3200. Lens with three-times optical zoom lens comprises 11 elements in 7 groups. Minimum focusing distance - just 1 cm from the edge of the front lens, which allows the module including for macro photography. As an image stabilization system uses sensor shift function. video capabilities at RICOH LENS S10 modest - 640x480 pixels at 30 fps. Dimensions - 68 , 7 x 57,9 x 38,6 mm, weight 161 g.

The package bundle includes the camera lens hood and adapter HA-3, wide-angle converter DW-6, telekonvektor TC-1, an external flash TTL GF-1 LCD viewfinder VF-2, self-retaining lens cap LC-2 Battery DB-90 Charger BJ -9, Cable CA-1, neck strap, soft blankets for interchangeable lenses, CD-Rom with software, user manual and warranty card.

Suggested retail price of the actual camera body GXR about 460 euros, the lens GR A12 - 670 euro, Ricoh Lens S10 - 330 euros.