Leaked Ricoh GXR proposes interchangeable lens-sensor modules

This might well be one of the stranger interchangeable camera concepts that I’ve seen lately but it’s not without its benefits. Instead of interchangeable lenses the system comes as a body component which accepts a range of lens-sensor modules. This could provide ideal performance for each lens-sensor pair as well as huge zoom reach if paired with a smaller sensor in the module, but it can also be taken other directions.

As far as prices are concerned the main unit (body/grip) is expected to be GBP 420 while the macro lens+sensor module is GBP 600 and GBP 300 gets you the zoom lens module. The thought of having to buy a new sensor for each lens could make it a rather pricey system to work with, but there could be some advantages to this design as well. A lens-sensor module could be more effectively sealed against environmental factors and in theory you can get the latest and greatest sensor when you buy a newer lens. Separating the sensor from its marriage to the body is something many people have been wanting to see in a lower priced consumer system, but fusing it with the lens isn’t the direction I had expected or hoped it would go.

It will be interesting how this does on the market. From a system standpoint I like RED’s vaporware ideas but such a system does pose a level of complication that might be more than many people are willing to deal with. Ricoh’s system is simpler and ultimately you won’t have to deal with as many separate components.

Sadly the dealbreaker for this system could once again be the question of whether the rear screen or EVF are any good.

Expect an announcement tomorrow, until then you can enjoy this video preview.

(Image & info supposedly from an accidentally released photographyblog.com RSS feed update)