|
 Ricoh has announced the development and release of the GXR interchangeable unit camera system featuring the world's smallest and lightest* digital camera with the ability to change lenses.
The revolutionary GXR is an interchangeable unit camera system in which lenses are changed by using a slide-in mount system to attach camera units to the body. In a world-first design, the lens, image sensor and image processing engine are integrated into the camera units so the body itself does not contain an image sensor.
The GXR represents a further evolution of Ricoh’s award-winning GR Digital and GX compact digital cameras. Like its predecessors, the GXR offers an irresistible combination - the superior image quality and advanced manual control of a SLR, with the pocketability and handling of a compact. With the innovative slide-in mount structure, camera unit changes are as quick and easy as changing a memory card.
Designed to provide true shooting flexibility and outstanding image quality, the GXR provides photographers with the initial choice of two camera units – the first, an acclaimed GR prime lens coupled with a 12 megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and GR Engine III, ideal for portrait and macro photography; the second, a 3x wide-angle zoom RICOH lens matched with a high performance 10 megapixel CCD sensor and Smooth Imaging Engine IV, perfect for a diverse range of scenes including wide landscapes and snap shooting. A third camera unit featuring a high magnification zoom telephoto lens will be released in early 2010.
Like lenses, image sensors have their own strengths and a wide variety of creative characteristics that relate to their size and type. Therefore the main benefit of this design is greater power of expression with each lens finely tuned to its respective sensor and image processing engine. This unique structure also makes it inherently difficult for dirt and dust to enter the camera and impact sensor performance – a common problem encountered by DSLR camera users.
Concealing infinite possibilities and a host of advanced features in its small body, the GXR pioneers a new realm of photography.
Available from 5 December 2009, the GXR will be sold exclusively through the Ricoh Pro G Dealer Network. A select few stores will feature a ‘touch and try’ area, providing customers with the opportunity to complete a hands-on review and pre-order prior to the worldwide release. For store locations and other customer enquiries contact Ricoh’s Australian distributor, Tasco on or visit www.tasco.com.au
Price guide – indicative only (please see media note for further advice)
GXR camera body AU$616 + GST
GR Lens camera unit AU$1100 + GST
RICOH Lens camera unit AU$616 + GST
Ricoh GXR Main Features
1. Ideal form for an interchangeable lens camera: The interchangeable unit camera system
• By integrating lens, image sensor, and image processing engine into a single optimised unit, Ricoh was able to created a compact camera with interchangeable lenses.
• The adoption of this new system has made it possible to achieve both "pocket size for go-anywhere portability" and "the highest image quality for every photographic situation and subject."
• Since the image sensor is not exposed when lenses are changed, the camera's structure makes it inherently difficult for dirt and dust to get inside.
2. Features of the GR LENS A12 50 mm F2.5 MACRO camera unit
• This camera unit uses a 23.6mm x 15.7mm (APS-C size) CMOS sensor with approximately 12.30 megapixels. In combination with image processing engine GR ENGINE III, it achieves high quality photography with high definition, low noise, and smooth tonal gradations.
• A newly developed GR LENS with an 8-group, 9-element configuration (aspherical lens: 1 element, two surfaces) is featured. Representing a further advancement in the GR tradition of high image quality, the lens thoroughly corrects for various types of aberrations. Despite the compact size, it is also a full-fledged macro lens with a floating lens structure. At shooting distances from infinity down to the 1/2x maximum magnification macro range, it achieves strong imaging power all the way to the edge of the frame. In addition, the low level of vignetting means that the photographer can enjoy rich and genuine bokeh effects.
• The manual focus ring is perfect for use in macro photography as it makes highly precise focusing possible. It can also be used to make fine manual adjustments to the focus after auto focus is done.
3. Features of the RICOH LENS S10 24-72 mm F2.5-4.4 VC camera unit
• This camera unit uses a 10.00 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor boasting high-sensitivity capabilities enhanced through the adoption of a new process. In combination with advanced image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine IV, it achieves high quality photography with high definition and low noise.
• The lens is a 24mm to 72mm high performance 3x wide-angle zoom with superior usability. Utilising a 7-group, 11-element configuration (aspherical lens: 4 elements, 4 surfaces) that includes special low-dispersion lenses, this lens achieves high dimensions of both compactness and imaging power.
• A camera shake correction function (image-sensor-shift type) is used to reduce hand- motion blur.
• The self-retaining lens cap has been a popular GX series option, and a GXR version is available as option LC-2.
4. Even greater power of expression
• The automatic exposure modes include program shift mode, shutter priority mode, and aperture priority mode.
• Picture settings can be customised with nine setting levels for easy creation of a diverse range of images.
• ISO 3200 facilitates shooting in low light conditions.
5. Enhanced rapid shooting capabilities help capture fleeting shutter chances
• The Pre-AF function accelerates focusing speed by adjusting the focus to match subject movement.
• The full press snap function shoots at a preset distance for a one-push full-press of the shutter-release button.
• When shooting subjects up close, the camera automatically switches to macro mode so macro photography can be enjoyed without having to worry about switching modes (Auto macro setting).
6. Wide range of functions
• Tilt indicator utilising an acceleration sensor.
• Three grid guides useful for framing images while shooting.
• Image flag function to enable the quick display of specific images from among those in the camera. Up to 20 images can be flagged.
• The new DIRECT screen enabling current settings to be displayed and changed.
7. High-definition 3.0-inch 920,000-dot VGA LCD picture display
• The high-resolution LCD picture display provides a wide viewing angle and high contrast. The screen has a fluorine coat to prevent soiling, a hard coat to prevent scratches, and an anti-reflection coat to give excellent visibility even outdoors in bright sunshine.
• With 100% sRGB coverage for colour reproduction, the picture display vividly reproduces image colours.
8. Elegant design
• For the exterior, Ricoh utilised die cast magnesium, which has a strong track record in the GR series, and covered the surface with a corrosion-resistant "pear-skin" coating. The end result is a body with superior levels of durability, light weight, and feel in hand.
• Building on the operation control designs of the GR series and GX series, the GXR has several types of customisable buttons as well as the new DIRECT button, which the photographer can use to see many current settings at a glance. Sophisticated shooting settings can now be made faster than ever before.
• The directional pad, the three My Settings, the ADJ.lever, and the function buttons all contribute to the even greater operability achieved by the GXR.
• The grip form allows the GXR to be firmly held despite its small size, and the suitably yielding rubber material on the grip surface enables the camera to feel like an integral part of the hand.
9. Functions expanded using firmware
• Function-enhancing firmware releases for the GR DIGITAL series have proved very popular, and this practice will be continued for the GXR. By updating their firmware, GXR owners will be able to use the latest functions.
10. New options enhance series expandability
• Two soft cases, one for each camera unit.
• The GXR can use the GR DIGITAL III external flash (GF-1), which can do TTL flash using auxiliary flash.
• Convenient for shooting in bright outdoor situations, the newly developed 920,000-dot- equivalent high-definition LCD viewfinder is removable and can be tilted up to 90 degrees. With a 100% field of view, it displays information in the same way as the picture display, thus enabling the photographer to shoot in a film camera style.
GXR Options
Product Model
Hood & Adapter*1*4 HA-3
Wide Conversion Lens*2*4 DW-6
Teleconversion Lens*2*4 TC-1
External TTL Flash*1 GF-1
LCD Viewfinder*1 VF-2
Cable Switch CA-1
Soft Case*1*4 SC-55S
Soft Case*1*3 SC-55L
Neck Strap*1 ST-3
Self-retaining Lens Cap*1*4 LC-2
AC Adaptor*1 AC-5
Rechargeable Battery*1 DB-90
Battery Charger*1 BJ-9
*1 Newly introduced options
*2 Hood & adapter required when using the conversion lenses
*3 For use with GR LENS A12 50 mm F2.5 MACRO
*4 For use with RICOH LENS S10 24-72 mm F2.5-4.4 VC
Ricoh GXR Digital Camera Body Specifications
Flash:
Mode: Auto (flash fires when lighting is poor or subject is backlit), red-eye, on, slow sync, manual, off
Range (built-in flash): Refer to lens/camera unit specifications
Flash compensation: ±2.0 EV in increments of 1/2EV or 1/3EV
Manual flash amount: FULL, 1/1.4, 1/2, 1/2.8, 1/4, 1/5.6, 1/8, 1/11, 1/16, 1/22, 1/32, 1/64
Picture display:
3.0˝ transparent LCD; approx. 920,000 pixels
Shooting mode:
Auto, program shift, aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, scene (movie, portrait, sports, landscape, nightscape, skew correction), “My Settings”
Picture quality:
Fine, Normal, RAW (DNG)
Storage:
SD/SDHC memory card, internal memory (approx. 86 MB)
File size:
Refer to lens/camera unit specifications.
File format:
Photographs: JPEG (Exif Ver. 2.21) , RAW (DNG)
Movies: AVI (Open DML Motion JPEG compliant)
Compression: JPEG baseline compliant (photographs and movies)
Other shooting options
Continuous shooting (continuous, M-Cont Plus); self-timer (shutter release delay of approx. 10s or 2s, or custom setting); interval timer (intervals of 5s to 1 hour in increments of 5s) ; colour bracketing; B&W (TE); colour space selection; noise reduction; histogram display; framing grid; depth-of-field indicator; tilt indicator; hot shoe
Other playback options:
Auto image rotation (when camera unit attached); multi-frame playback; playback zoom (up to 16x); resize
Interface:
USB 2.0 (High-Speed) Mini-B connector; Mass Storage ; AV output (NTSC), HDMI connector (Mini HDMI Type C)
Video signal format:
NTSC, PAL
Power source:
DB-90 rechargeable battery (3.6V), AC adapter (AC-5 option; 3.8V)
Battery life:
Refer to lens/camera unit specifications.
Dimensions (W x H x D):
113.9mm x 70.2mm x 28.9mm (excluding projections)
Weight:
Camera body (excluding battery, memory card, neck strap, and connector cap): 160g
Battery, neck strap, and connector cap: 66g
Tripod screw hole:
1/4-20UNC
Operating temperature:
0°C to 40°C
Date storage time:
Approx. 1 week
Operating humidity:
85% or less
Storage temperature:
–20°C to 60°C
Ricoh GXR Digital Camera Unit Specifications
1. GR lens A12 50mm F2.5 MACRO
Effective pixels:
Approximately 12.3 million
Image sensor:
23.6mm x 15.7mm CMOS (total pixels: approx. 12.9 million)
Lens:
Focal length: 33mm (35mm format equivalent: 50mm)
Aperture (f-number): f/2.5 – f/22
(ND filter used for apertures of f/22 in auto shooting mode)
Focus range (from lens): Normal shooting: Approx. 30cm –infinity, Macro shooting: Approx. 7cm - infinity (maximum magnification 1/2x)
Construction:
9 elements in 8 groups (1 aspherical lens element with 2 surfaces)
Zoom:
4.0x digital zoom (3.6x for movies), 5.9x auto resize zoom (VGA)
Focus mode:
Contrast AF-based multi and spot AF; MF; Snap; infinity (focus lock and AF-assist)
Shutter speed:
Photographs: 180 - 1/3200s (upper and lower limits vary according to shooting and flash mode) Movies: 1/30 - 1/2000s
Exposure control:
Metering: TTL-CCD metering in multi (256-segment), centre-weighted, and spot modes with auto exposure lock
Mode: Program AE, aperture priority AE, manual exposure, shutter priority AE, move target function
Exposure Compensation: Manual (+4.0 to -4.0 EV in increments 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV), auto bracketing (-2 EV to +2 EV in increments 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV)
ISO sensitivity (Standard Output Sensitivity):
AUTO, AUTO-HI, ISO200 / ISO400／ISO800／ISO1600 / ISO3200
White balance:
Auto / Multi-P AUTO / Outdoors / Cloudy / Incandescent Lamp / Fluorescent Lamp / Manual Settings / Detail; White Balance Bracketing
Flash:
Range (built-in flash): Approx. 20cm – 3.0m (ISO auto)
Shooting mode:
Auto / program shift / aperture priority / shutter priority / manual /scene (movie, portrait, sports, landscape, nightscape, skew correction) / “My Settings”
Continuous mode:
Number of pictures shot in Continuous (Picture Size: RAW):
Noise Reduction off or on (Weak): 4 pictures, Noise Reduction on (Strong): 3 pictures
Number of pictures shot in M-Cont Plus (1 set):
HI (1280 × 854): 30 pictures (24 Frames/Sec), LO (4228 × 2848): 15 pictures (3 Frames/Sec)
Picture quality 1*:
FINE, NORMAL, RAW (DNG)*2
Image size (pixels):
Photographs:
16:9: 4288 x 2416, 3456 x 194 (16:9)
4:3: 3776 x 2832, 3072 x 2304, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480
3:2: 4288 x 2848, 3456 x 2304
1:1: 2848 x 2848, 2304 x 2304
Movies (24 frames/sec): 1280 x 720, 640 x 480, 320 x 240
File size (approx):
RAW:
16:9 NORMAL: 17,800 KB/frame, FINE: 19,515 KB/frame, VGA: 15,587 KB/frame
4:3 NORMAL: 18,387 KB/frame, FINE: 20,157 KB/frame, VGA: 16,124 KB/frame
3:2 NORMAL: 20,946 KB/frame, FINE: 22,967 KB/frame, VGA: 18,337 KB/frame
1:1 NORMAL: 13,991 KB/frame, FINE: 15,333 KB/frame, VGA: 12,273 KB/frame
L:
16:9 NORMAL: 2222 KB/frame, FINE: 3816 KB/frame
4:3 NORMAL: 2315 KB/frame, FINE: 3960 KB/frame
3:2 NORMAL: 2615 KB/frame, FINE: 4493 KB/frame
1:1 NORMAL: 1761 KB/frame, FINE: 3009 KB/frame
M:
16:9 NORMAL: 1475 KB/frame, FINE: 2509 KB/frame
4:3 NORMAL: 1574 KB/frame, FINE: 2662 KB/frame
3:2 NORMAL: 1744 KB/frame, FINE: 2968 KB/frame
1:1 NORMAL: 1186 KB/frame, FINE: 2003 KB/frame
5M:
4:3 FINE: 2287 KB/frame
3M:
4:3 FINE: 1474 KB/frame
1M:
4:3 FINE: 812 KB/frame
VGA:
4:3 FINE: 197 KB/frame
Battery life:
Based on CIPA standard, DB-90: approx. 320 shots *3
Dimensions (W × H × D):
Camera unit only:
68.7mm x 57.9mm x 71.3mm (including the lens barrel; excluding the connector)
When mounted on the camera body
113.9mm x 70.2mm x 77.1mm (including the lens barrel)
Weight (approx.):
Camera unit only: 263g (not including the lens cap or connector cap)
When mounted on the camera body: 423g (not including the battery, memory card, neck strap, connector cap, or lens cap)
Operating temperature:
0°C to 40°C
Operating humidity:
85% or less
Storage temperature:
–20°C to 60°C
Ricoh lens S10 24-72mm F2.5-4.4 VC
Effective pixels:
Approximately 10.0 million
Image sensor:
1/1.7" CCD (total pixels: approx. 10.4 million)
Lens:
Focal length: 5.1mm ~ 15.3mm (35 mm format equivalent: 24-72mm)
Aperture (F-number): f/2.5 – f/4.4 (T) (wide-open f value)
Focus range (from the front of the lens): Normal shooting: Approx. 30 cm to infinity:
Macro shooting: Approx. 1 cm to infinity (wide angle);
Approx. 4cm to infinity (telephoto); approx. 1cm to infinity (zoom macro)
Construction:
11 elements in 7 groups (4 aspherical lens elements with 4 surfaces)
Zoom:
3.0x optical zoom; 4.0x digital zoom; approx. 5.7x auto resize zoom (VGA)
Focus mode:
CCD-based multi and spot AF; MF; Snap; infinity (focus lock and AF-assist)
Camera shake correction function:
Image sensor shift method image stabiliser
Shutter speed:
Photographs: 180 - 1/2000s (upper and lower limits vary according to shooting and flash mode)
Movies:
1/30 – 1/2000s
Exposure control:
Metering: TTL-CCD metering in multi (256-segment), centre-weighted, and spot modes with auto exposure lock
Mode: Program AE, aperture priority AE, manual exposure, shutter priority AE, move target function
Exposure compensation: Manual (+4.0 to -4.0 EV in increments 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV), auto bracketing (-2 EV to +2 EV in increments 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV)
ISO sensitivity (Standard Output Sensitivity):
Auto, Auto-Hi, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200
White balance:
Auto / Multi-P AUTO / Outdoors / Cloudy / Incandescent Lamp / Fluorescent Lamp / Manual Settings / Detail; White Balance Bracketing
Flash:
Range (built-in flash): Approx. 20cm – 4.5m (wide-angle), Approx. 15cm – 2.7m (telephoto)
Shooting mode:
Auto / program shift / aperture priority / shutter priority / manual /scene (movie, portrait, sports, landscape, nightscape, skew correction, zoom macro) / “My Settings”
Continuous mode:
Number of pictures shot in Continuous (Picture Size: RAW):
Noise Reduction off - 5 pictures (under ISO800), 4 pictures (ISO800 and higher)
Noise Reduction on - (Weak or Strong): 4 pictures
Number of pictures shot in M-Cont Plus (1 set):
HI (640 × 480) - 30 pictures (30 Frames/Sec)
LO (3648 × 2736) - 15 pictures (1.6 Frames/Sec)
Picture quality*1:
FINE, NORMAL, RAW (DNG) *2
Image size (pixels):
Photographs:
16:9 3648 x 2048, 3264 x 1840
4:3 3648 x 2736, 3264 x 2448, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480
3:2 3648 x 2432, 3648 x 2176
1:1 2736 x 2736, 2448 x 2448
Movies (30 Frames/Sec) 640 x x 240
File size (approx.):
RAW:
16:9 NORMAL: 12,923 KB/frame, FINE: 14,160 KB/frame, VGA: 11,347 KB/frame
4:3 NORMAL: 17,202 KB/frame, FINE: 18,854 KB/frame, VGA: 15,096 KB/frame
3:2 NORMAL: 15,311 KB/frame, FINE: 16,779 KB/frame, VGA: 13,439 KB/frame
1:1 NORMAL: 12,956 KB/frame, FINE: 14,195 KB/frame, VGA: 11,377 KB/frame
L:
16:9 NORMAL: 1630 KB/frame, FINE: 2779 KB/frame
4:3 NORMAL: 2169 KB/frame, FINE: 3704 KB/frame
3:2 NORMAL: 1930 KB/frame, FINE: 3295 KB/frame
1:1 NORMAL: 1633 KB/frame, FINE: 2784 KB/frame
M:
16:9 NORMAL: 1329 KB/frame, FINE: 2253 KB/frame
4:3 NORMAL: 1761 KB/frame, FINE: 2990 KB/frame
3:2 NORMAL: 1567 KB/frame, FINE: 2660 KB/frame
1:1 NORMAL: 1327 KB/frame, FINE: 2248 KB/frame
5M:
4:3 FINE: 2287 KB/frame
3M
4:3 FINE: 1474 KB/frame
1M:
4:3 FINE: 812 KB/frame
VGA:
4:3 FINE: 197 KB/frame
Battery life:
Based on CIPA standard DB-90: approx. 410 shots *3
Dimensions (W × H × D):
Camera unit only:
68.7mm x 57.9mm x 38.6mm (excluding projections)
When mounted on the camera body:
113.9mm x 70.2mm x 44.4mm (excluding projections)
Weight (approx.):
Camera unit only: 161g (not including the lens cap or connector cap)
When mounted on the camera body: 325g (not including the battery, memory card, neck strap, connector cap, or lens cap)
Operating temperature:
0 °C to 40 °C
Operating humidity:
85% or less
Storage temperature:
–20 °C to 60 °C
*1The picture quality modes which can be set vary depending on the image size.
*2 A JPEG file is also recorded (the JPEG file may be a FINE- or NORMAL-quality file with the same dimensions as the RAW file or a VGA file 640 × 480 pixels in size). RAW files use the standard DNG format promoted by Adobe Systems Incorporated.
*3 For reference only; actual number of shots varies greatly according to how camera is used. We recommend that you carry spare batteries when in use for extended periods.
(Shooting capacity was measured using CIPA-standard parameters. These are only estimates; performance may vary depending on usage conditions.)
|
