Ricoh GXR
The Ricoh GXR was a modular camera system announced by Ricoh in 2009 and discontinued in 2013. Its defining feature was its interchangeable camera units, each containing a lens, sensor, and image processing engine in a single sealed module. This design allowed users to switch between different sensor sizes, lens types, and image qualities by swapping modules.
The core body of the GXR provided controls, a display, and a battery, functioning as the "brain" of the camera. Users could attach different lens/sensor units to the body, effectively creating a different camera each time.
Available modules included:
- GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5: A 12.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with a fixed 28mm (equivalent) lens.
- GR Lens A12 50mm F2.5 MACRO: A 12.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with a fixed 50mm (equivalent) macro lens.
- S10 24-72mm F2.5-4.4 VC: A 10 megapixel CCD sensor with a 24-72mm (equivalent) zoom lens and Vibration Correction (VC).
- P10 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 VC: A 10 megapixel CMOS sensor with a 28-300mm (equivalent) zoom lens and Vibration Correction (VC).
The GXR system was praised for its innovative modular design and the ability to optimize image quality for specific shooting situations. However, it also faced criticism for its relatively high cost compared to other cameras with similar features, and for the limited range of available modules. The concept, while ambitious, did not gain widespread popularity, leading to its eventual discontinuation. Despite this, the GXR remains a notable example of modular camera design and is still appreciated by some photographers for its unique capabilities.