Verdict

The modular camera concept isn’t new. All forms of cameras have optioned different lenses, film backs and so forth for many years, so Ricoh’s GXR system is perhaps not as unusual as it may initially seem. Although having a sensor optimised for the lens is useful, having a great lens means it isn’t a huge real-world problem in the first place. People just want to take decent-quality pictures – but the getting there is just as important as the end result. Fundamentally the performance (not quality) of the two individual lenses here undermines the foundations of the concept. Not forgetting the significant financial implication and, realistically, risk of investing. New, varied and ultra-high-quality lens units need to arrive sooner rather than later to tempt prospective buyers. To really win, Ricoh needs to put in a lot of time to improve overall performance, and then this could be a winner. But for now, it’s not.