Ricoh launches ultra small and light interchangeable lens camera system
Tasco Sales Australia has announced the development and release of the GXR interchangeable unit camera system featuring the ultra small and light digital camera with the ability to change lenses. An interchangeable unit camera system in which lenses are changed by using a slide-in mount system to attach camera units to the body, the GXR's lens, image sensor and image processing engine are integrated into the camera units so the body itself does not contain an image sensor.
 Like predecessors the GR Digital and GX compact digital cameras, the GXR offers impressive 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.
It provides photographers with the initial choice of two camera units – the first, a 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.
The GXR is available now, sold exclusively through the Ricoh Pro G Dealer Network. RRP is as follows:
GXR camera body AU$600 + GST
GR Lens camera unit AU$1100 + GST
RICOH Lens camera unit AU$600 + GST
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 02 9938 3244 or visit www.tasco.com.au