Dust can be a nightmare when it comes to shooting digital - especially when switching lenses frequently to achieve different effects. Ricoh's GXR mirrorless Camera System virtually makes dust worries obsolete, because the lens is never detached from the camera. Instead, a Camera Unit slides into the GXR Body, the foundation of the system. The sensor, the lens, and everything that drives the camera lives, completely enclosed, in each Unit. When a different look, feel, or approach is desired, the Camera Unit slides out and another can be attached.
The GXR Body is the base of the entire system. Capable of accepting any of the Camera Units developed by Ricoh, the Body maintains a low point and shoot profile. Ricoh was able to keep the size of the system compact, while providing creative options for the shooter. One example would be the hot shoe, which allows for adding accessories such as a flash or viewfinder. The Body also has a built-in flash and tripod mount for added flexibility.
When it comes to the nuts and bolts, the GXR Body looks pretty much like most compact cameras. A 3.0" LCD provides a generous platform for composing and reviewing shots or scrolling through the menu. An SD/SDHC memory card slot, battery slot for the rechargeable battery, and an ample supply of controls round out the exterior. The My Settings on the mode dial, and the My Settings box, allow the most used functions to be programmed for easy access. In addition, a number of menu options are at the user's disposal for a more user-friendly experience.
An Innovative Camera System Expanding Your Range of Expression with Interchangeable Units
GXR is a new camera system that consists of a body and camera units. Each camera unit contains a lens (focal lengths differ between units), an image sensor of optimum type and size for the unit, and an image processing engine. By changing units, the photographer can handle a diverse range of scenes in a way that satisfies sophisticated requirements for photo expression. The slide mechanism adopted for attaching and removing camera units enables changes to be made quickly and securely
Compact, High-Performance Lens Design Enabled by the Interchangeable Unit System
It is the lens that gives life to the photograph. In interchangeable lens camera systems up to now, the distance from the mount and the back of the lens to the sensor image plane was subject to requirements for flange back distance and back focal length. This made it difficult to achieve both compactness and high optical performance. Eliminating the lens mount, however, means that the back focal length can be freely defined for the GXR, enabling the new system to use the most optically efficient lens designs and giving it excellent potential for future expansion. This practical concept has given birth to camera units that achieve compact size without compromising image quality
Optimum Tuning to Realize All the Capabilities of the Lens and the Image Sensor
In order to make the best use of the inherent power of the lens and the image sensor, the ideal solution is to combine both in a single unit. Consider, for example, the low-pass filter covering the surface of the image sensor. The dilemma faced is that while the filter helps prevent color noise and color moiré, increasing this benefit results in an ever greater sacrifice in lens resolution. Traditional interchangeable lens systems use a single low-pass filter for all lenses so they are unable to avoid situations where the filter effect is excessive or inadequate. With the GXR, on the other hand, we can design a filter optimized for the resolution of the specific lens. In this way, Ricoh has succeeded in effectively preventing color noise while suppressing filter influence on lens resolution
No Worrying About Dust when Changing Lenses. Highly Airtight System for Superior Dust Proofing
The ease with which dust can adhere to image sensors has been a system problem for interchangeable lens digital cameras up to now. In the case of GXR camera units, however, the lens and the image sensor are integrated into a single unit. This structure makes it difficult for dust to get in since it is not necessary to expose the inside of the camera when changing lenses. In addition, the inside of the units are highly airtight with light-shielded walls. Even in highly dusty shooting environments, camera units can be changed without hesitation
Slide Mechanism for High Precision and Reliability
In a relationship similar to that of an SLR and its lens mount, the guide rail is a defining characteristic of the GXR system. In order to create a highly reliable slide mechanism, stainless steel with superior strength and corrosion resistance was adopted for the rails. Surface hardness and wear resistance were further enhanced with a soft-nitriding process, the end result being a high-precision slide that enables secure attachment and removal. The combination of the slide, the resin components, and the pressure-welded springs give an appropriate sliding feel and quietness. In the development, high-stress attachment/removal testing was done to verify the reliability of both mechanical and electrical connections
Durability and High-Class Feel Worthy of Regular Use. Magnesium Alloy Exterior
Both the body and the camera units utilize a magnesium alloy exterior. Light, strong, and exhibiting superior precision-molding, heat-dissipation, and magnetic-shielding characteristics, magnesium alloy is an ideal material for digital cameras. With a non-slip "pear-skin" baked finish for both corrosion resistance and a high-class feel, the GXR exterior achieves durability, reliability, and high-class impression
ISO 3200 Sensitivity, A Strong Ally in Shooting Dark Scenes and Preventing Subject Blur
You can turn off the flash to shoot images that preserve an ambient-light atmosphere. You can prevent subject blur. The GXR has a maximum ISO 3200 setting for all camera units. Through the synergy effects generated by combining a high-sensitivity image sensor with an advanced image processing engine, you can get natural-looking images with a low-noise feel even at high sensitivity levels. In addition to the AUTO setting leaving the sensitivity level up to the camera, you can select AUTO-HI, which allows the photographer to define the maximum automatic setting allowed, or manually specify the sensitivity yourself
Freedom to Create the Best Image Quality - Image Settings Adjustable to 9 Levels
Image settings include Vivid, Standard, Natural, Black & White, B/W (TE), and Setting. In addition, for Black & White, B/W (TE), and Setting, the contrast and sharpness can be adjusted to 9 levels. When photographs are to be printed and framed, you can increase the sharpness to give a "crisp" feel, or create a more natural-feeling resolution by reducing sharpness for images to be printed in a large format. With this ability to specify settings at many levels across a wide range, you will be free to delicately fine tune images to match your preferences and goals
Seize that Shutter Chance. Full Press Snap
With this quick-shooting function, a one-push full-press of the shutter-release button instantly takes the shot, skipping the usual AF operation. For full press snap on the GXR, it is possible to select from the following focus distances: 3.3', 4.9', 6.5', 8.2', 9.8', 11.4', 16.4', or infinity. This ability to precisely define the steps enables the GXR to fine tune shooting style for a variety of focus distances between camera unit and subject. Even if a snap focus distance is defined, AF operates when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Pressing it the rest of the way then takes the picture using AF
The Focus is Ready When You Are. Pre-AF
The GXR automatically identifies the subject and continues to focus. So when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the lens is already at a focus distance close to optimum. Since the focusing is quickly done, you can shoot with greater ease
Natural Images Closer to What the Eye Sees. Multi-Pattern Auto White Balance
A subject illuminated by flash and a background of incandescent light. A subject in bright sun and a background in shadow. With traditional white balance functions that apply an average white balance to the entire frame, when there are areas with two different color temperatures, it is likely that one of them will end up converted to an unnatural color. The GXR uses multi-pattern auto white balance, which segregates the image into multiple areas and applies the optimum white balance to each. Therefore, even if the subject and background have different white balance values, they are both reproduced with natural colors
Don't Miss the Moment with M-Continuous Plus
In addition to the regular continuous shooting function, the GXR has M-continuous plus. The camera shoots continuously while the shutter-release button is pressed, and it records the 30 still images shot just before the instant you remove your finger from the shutter-release button. Shooting continuously, you can be sure you will be ready when that unforeseeable moment arrives. Continuous shooting speed with the GR LENS A12 50mm camera unit is 24 frames/second for 1 second, and with the RICOH LENS S10 24-72mm camera unit you can select from M-Continuous Plus (HI), at 30 frames/second for 1 second, or M-Continuous Plus (LO), at 15 frames/second for 2 seconds
Accurate Camera Leveling for Stable Composition with Tilt Indicator
When photographing nature, it can be difficult to determine if the camera is level, and shooting at night may be no visual clues to judge by. Even in such situations, the tilt indicator makes it possible to find the precise level position. It is also useful for preventing camera tilt during daytime street photography in which line of sight tends to converge on the subject. You will see a change in the stable feel of your image composition
Three Grid Guides
In addition to the traditional three-by-three grid guide that is said to provide a stable feel to the image, two other grid patterns are also provided. The four-by-four grid with diagonal lines is effective for finding the center of the subject when photographing buildings or products. With the center of the frame left clear, the two-by-two grid makes it easier to shoot moving subjects. From among the three grid guides, chose the one that is best for your subject and shooting style
Additional Shooting Functions
- Pixel output interpolation algorithm suppresses whiteout and expands the dynamic range of bright areas
- Noise reduction increases image quality during high-sensitivity shooting
- Distortion correction reduces the distortion that is characteristic of wide-angle lenses
- AE/AF target selection provides greater freedom in framing and creative use of light
- Auto bracketing and white balance bracketing are effective for scenes where setting decisions are difficult
- Color bracketing simultaneously records black and white and tinted monochrome images, each with a different feel
- Manual flash amount enables the control of subject and background light balance
- Flag function enables registration of up to 20 images for easy viewing later
Flexible Accommodation of Subject and Shooting Style. Settings Read When Camera Unit Attached
The GXR remembers shooting settings in both the body and the camera unit. It is possible to select in advance which settings are to be used when the camera unit is changed. Select the body settings if you want to shoot and process images in the same way regardless of the camera unit. Select the camera unit settings if you want to change settings for image creation in a style specific to the camera unit. For example, for the camera unit with a zoom lens, settings for sharp black and white street scenes could be specified, while settings for natural color portraits are specified for the camera unit with a fixed-focal-length lens. In this way, camera units can be used for different purposes without making detailed setting changes
Speedy Function Settings via DIRECT Screen
The DIRECT button is located on the back of the GXR. When in shooting mode, pressing the DIRECT button displays the current shooting settings. Since the settings are transparently displayed over the image, the DIRECT screen is convenient for simultaneously checking both the image and the settings. In addition, you can smoothly prepare to shoot by selecting settings with the directional pad and then making changes. Background image density (three levels) can be changed by pressing the DISP. button while the DIRECT screen is displayed
Easy and Intuitive Operation - 8-Directional Pad Handles Diagonal Movement
The directional pad handles diagonal movement in addition to the standard up-down and right-left. This enables smoother and easier operations for AE/AF target selection, image selection on the micro-thumbnail display, etc.
Enhanced Function Setting Efficiency - Three My Settings and the My Settings Box
A wide range of settings can be registered in advance and instantaneously accessed by just turning the mode dial. The GXR provides three My Settings to enhance the photographer's ability to respond instantly to scenes and creative inspirations. In addition, up to six special purpose and infrequently used My Settings can be saved in a My Settings Box and quickly assigned to the mode dial as necessary
A Smart Choice for Frequently Used Functions - The Customizable ADJ Lever
Frequently used functions can be assigned to the ADJ lever. This is convenient for creating a shortcut to menu functions and for making direct setting changes. Press at the center to call up the registered functions and then press to the left or right to select a function. Use the + or - button to quickly complete the setting
One Push for Easy Function Changes - Two Fn Buttons
There are two Fn buttons which can be used to switch functions with one push. Avoid missing shutter chances by responding instantly to scenes and creative inspirations. In addition, when the power is turned on, when the shooting/playback mode is changed, and when the mode dial setting is changed, it is possible to confirm which functions are assigned to which Fn button. This is helpful for preventing operation errors
High-Definition 920,000 Pixel Picture Display Enables Precise Focus Checks
A 3.0", 920,000-dot high-definition LCD panel is used for the picture display. A wide color reproduction range with 100% sRGB coverage gives a high-reality image for both shooting and playback. The large screen size and high resolution enable careful checking of focus when images are magnified and reviewed in playback. Superior visibility and durability are achieved with a fluorine coat to prevent soiling, a hard coat to prevent scratches, and an anti-reflection coat
Up to 81 Images - The Micro-Thumbnail Display Can Also Display By Date
Utilizing the high-resolution picture display, a micro-thumbnail display of up to 81 images is possible. This makes it easy to find a particular image from among the many taken. Pushing the thumbnail display button again causes the micro-thumbnail images to be displayed by date. This expands playback enjoyment by enabling you to review the events of a specific day or search for images based on schedule dates