PhotographyBlog tested the new Ricoh GXR.
The GXR compared to the E-P1/GF1:
– “one of the GXR’s key selling points is its diminutive size, being much smaller than a traditional DSLR and even tinier than the Panasonic GF1 and Olympus E-P1/E-P2 Micro Four Thirds cameras.…The GXR is bigger and heavier than the GR Digital III, but not by as much as you’d first imagine, and it’s a little smaller and lighter than the Panasonic GF1, the previous holder of the “World’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera” title.”
– “Compared to the direct competition, (the new VF-2) is better than the Panasonic GF1’s viewfinder, but not quite as good as the Olympus E-P2’s.”
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Amazon US: Ricoh GXR system
One Response
As it happens I played with a GXR today. For anyone in London, the shop with all the Ricohs in the window on Tottenham Court Road has one on demo, and claims they’ll be getting stock next week.
It’s nicely built, but to me felt like a high-end compact with a large lens attached (I mostly used the A12 module). Years ago I tried a Ricoh GR1 film compact, and this very clearly shares its lineage. To me the controls felt a little plasticky and cramped, although loads of people love GR handling so I’m sure it’s very personal.
The main problem was the focusing. It seemed to hunt quite a bit, and strangely often seemed to insist on going through the full range before settling again (instantly) in the middle. In macro mode it had even more trouble, and rarely found a lock. It’s certainly no competition for the GF1’s focusing. The non-macro is probably fairly similar to the E-P1 from my memory of playing with that, although possibly a little slower.
I also tried it in my coat pocket (with the A12), and it was *just* on the wrong side of fitting comfortably, whereas the GF1 just does so, even with a UV filter fitted.
Full disclosure: I have a GF1 / 20mm 😉