Ricoh GXR A16 Zoom revealed - availability March 2012

[odklizec]

Tokyo, Japan, February 2, 2012—Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) today announced the development and release of RICOH LENS A16 24-85mm F3.5-5.5, the fifth camera unit in the GXR interchangeable unit camera system.

Introduced in December 2009, the GXR is a revolutionary interchangeable unit camera system in which lenses can be changed by mounting camera units that integrate lens, image sensor, and image processing engine into a single unit.

The new RICOH LENS A16 24-85mm F3.5-5.5 brings together a newly developed 24-85 mm wide-angle zoom lens, an APS-C size CMOS sensor, and the proven Smooth Imaging Engine IV to create a unit with high image quality, high power of expression, and high flexibility.

1. Newly developed 24-85 mm wide-angle zoom lens with an APS-C size CMOS sensor with approximately 16.20 million pixels

• ・This newly developed lens features a 9-group, 11-element configuration. The utilization of three double-sided aspherical lenses as well as high-refraction lenses effectively reduces various types of distortion across the entire zoom range. The result is high resolution and imaging power from edge to edge.
  ・The configuration of nine rounded aperture blades enables both highly precise aperture settings and beautiful bokeh.
  ・This camera unit features a 23.6 mm×15.7 mm (APS-C size) 16M CMOS sensor. In combination with the image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine IV, this image sensor makes it possible to shoot high-quality images with smooth tonal gradations as well as low noise and high-resolution.

2. Diverse shooting functions and high operability

• ・Dynamic range compensation reduces overexposure of highlights and underexposure of dark areas. For backlit and high-contrast scenes that cannot be handled with exposure compensation, doing the dynamic range compensation in specific portions of the image makes it possible to shoot the subject at a brightness level close to that seen by the naked eye.
  ・ISO sensitivity can be set in 1EV or 1/3EV steps.
  ・With the new ISO bracketing function, the photographer can shoot and record three images with different ISO sensitivities.
  ・When the new function for maintaining the same shooting settings is set on, by keeping the shutter release button pressed halfway after taking a picture, the photographer can continue to shoot with the same settings (focus, exposure, white balance, etc.).
  ・The function for recording a JPEG image simultaneously with the RAW image has been expanded so that it is now possible to record only the RAW image. This is suitable for a work flow based on the premise that image finishing is to be done on a PC after shooting. Since a JPEG file is not simultaneously recorded, this option is also useful when the photographer wants to increase the number of images which can be recorded on the memory card.
  ・It is now possible to turn ON/OFF the white saturation display that shows areas where bright portions will be rendered white and where color shade gradations will be lost.
  ・The tilt indicator function has been enhanced. In addition to the conventional horizontal indicator, this function can now also detect camera movement direction tilting.
  ・Copyright information such as the photographer’s name can be entered and written to the image Exif data. The recorded information can be checked on the playback screen detailed information display.

3. Highly precise focusing possible

• ・For the AF area size for spot AF, either normal or pinpoint can be selected.
  ・A focus-assist function has been included in an effort to raise the accuracy of manual focusing. The photographer can select from two modes and check the focus by strengthening outlines and contrast.
  ・The shooting screen can be magnified for convenience in focusing. The magnified area can be displayed in the center or across the entire screen. In addition, the image quality for 4x and 8x magnification has been further enhanced. The area to be magnified can be moved using the direction pad.

4. The power of expression that is a hallmark of the GXR series

• ・Picture settings for image quality and color can be customized with nine levels for easy creation of a diverse range of images.
  ・My Settings enables the settings for a wide range of shooting functions to be recorded in advance and specified in an instant when needed. For the setting storage, now six patterns can be stored in the body’s My Settings Box and six patterns can be stored in the SD card. This expands the world of photo expression by enabling GXR users to exchange their shooting settings.
  ・B (bulb) and T (time) can now be selected as the shutter speed in manual exposure mode. With “B,” the exposure continues while the shutter release button is pressed, and with “T,” the shutter release button is pressed to start and end the exposure. For both, the exposure is forcibly ended when 180 seconds have elapsed.
  ・New scene mode options have been added for the easy enjoyment of a wide range of photo expression. The five new options are soft focus, cross process, toy camera, miniaturize, and high contrast B&W. The photographer can create a unique image by just pressing the shutter release button.
  ・An image flag function has been added to enable the quick display of specific images from among those in the camera. Up to 20 images can be flagged.
  ・It is possible to shoot 1280 × 720 pixel HD movies.
  * Note: When shooting movies of 1280×720 size, the use of an SD/SDHC memory card with an SD speed class of Class 6 or higher is recommended.

5. New options added

• ・A newly designed lens hood (LH-2) especially for this camera unit.
  
  
  
  ・A lens cap (LC-3) that opens and closes simultaneously with the movement of the lens. It does not need to be removed when shooting.
  
  
  
  

For more details about the unit follow this link:
http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/gxr/unit6.html

Full resolution sample photos can be seen here:
http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/gxr/sampleima ... #sample_27

 

[thelps]

Thanks Pavel, this announcement now puts to rest the discussion over the aperture/s that this lens would have.
What do you think the AA filter will be like? Can we expect similar resolving like the A28?

 

[odklizec]

Hi Tim,

I checked the announcement and all available sources and there is no word about the AA filter. So I guess it will be the same or very similar to the one used in previous A12 models.

The samples images look good to me, definitely better than output from many DSLR "kit" lenses with similar specs. And because Ricoh is known for their conservative lens design, it's most probably achieved purely by optics, not by SW magic. On the other hand, the conservative lens design approach is most probably a reason why the A16 apertures are relative slow, yet the lens is not particularly small. True, it's the APSC based module, but still, with such low apertures, one would expect even smaller design? Not to mention there is no IS and if I'm not mistaken, neither zoom or focus ring! But what I don't really understand is the ISO limited to just 3200? Latest 16MP sensors from Sony are known as very good ISO/DR performers with native ISO up to 6400 and even with quite usable results from boosted ISO12800/25600. I seriously hope Ricoh will enable higher ISO range via the FW update. Relative slow lens design simply asks for higher available ISO.

 

[thelps]

the conservative lens design approach is most probably a reason why the A16 apertures are relative slow, yet the lens is not particularly small.

I agree totally, this lens construction is a good sign for IQ IMO too. There is no free lunch with EV and the optics, everything is a trade off and so a large(ish) lens with ok apertures is going to perform well I would expect. These barrel distortion tricks while an interesting design idea are at tradeoff for lower IQ.

 

[sergiozh]

who really think is interested to buy it ?

it is so big......

 

[odklizec]

Well, I think it's not so big compared to other 24-85 lenses for APSC sensors. It looks big because the GXR body is small But it looks much smaller and definitely better (both physically and optically) than similar NEX lenses. See the sample photos.

I'm sure it will find its buyers amongst the GXR photographers, who want optically great zoom and better than P10/S10 ISO performance in a relative small form factor. True, it's not pocketable. But if there was someone hoping for a pocketbale APSC zoom, well, such guy must be some sort of a daydreamer It's simply impossible to make such combo (wide zoom + ASPC) pocketbale, unless you have really BIG pockets.

 

[Remko]

Any indications on pricing?

I hope that they will introduce the RAW only option also for the other modules.

I'm sure the Image Quality will be good. More interested to learn what the AF speed is.

It is a bit bigger than I hoped for, 2cm deeper than the A12 50. Sure a smaller package than your typical entry level DSLR, certainly with this zoom range.

Anyway let's wait for some reviews.

 

[marathoni]

Any indications on pricing?...

Yes: 470,00 EUR

 

[Remko]

Any indications on pricing?...

Yes: 470,00 EUR

That seems reasonable to me.

 

[Duane Pandorf]

I may have an opportunity to see this module next week. On my next rotation at work I know I'm going to Tokyo and have a day off while there. I contacted the representative that I was in email contact with per the 2011 Ricoh Photo Contest and asked if there was a chance I could meet them next week.

I have an appointment with them next Tuesday in their Shinyokohama Ricoh Office. Should be interesting if I can make it and my company trip does not change.

Plus CP+ is on the 9th so I'm sure they're busy getting some of their new stuff ready to show.

I think its great that this module has finally been officially released and we now know what the specs are. I don't think this will go in my bag as I've just received the M Mount and purchased a nice copy of a Leica 40mm f/2.0 lens. Will take it out today for the first time. We'll see how I get along with the manual focus thing and if it goes well I will probably look at adding 75mm or 90mm fast prime on the long end. I can see myself selling my A12 28mm module and replacing it with a Voight 15mm to start with or the 21mm and add the other later.

I see the A16 weighs 350g for f/3.5-5.5. With the 15mm, 40mm & 90mm I'm at 678g including the M Module. At the long end I hope to find a Leica 90mm f/2.8 which weighs 270g + 170g for the M mount puts me a little heavier than the A16 but a couple stops faster.

 

[bertalan]

Popflash has it listed for $599.
Too bad about the size though. I mean for another 8mm you could have the equivalent of the Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 macro. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what the pics are like. I agree with Pavel about the limiting ISO, but I guess thats what computers are for.

 

[chrisa]

I'm wondering about the sensor in the new module. I don't think it's the K5/Nex5n sensor. It's a different size from the one in the Nex 5n according to dpreview for a start, and the K-01 isn't that Sony sensor either (see the camera store video preview, they state it clearly), but the K-01 sensor is the same size as the one in the Ricoh. I guess it is unlikely that Sony would give a new sensor to a relatively low volume product, so it may be from elsewhere. Aptina do a 16mp sensor, so it could be theirs... I'm wondering how that will affect autofocus speed (on the current GXR body).

 

[odklizec]

I'm pretty sure it uses the 16MP sensor from Sony. Ricoh is a traditional Sony customer so I seriously doubt the sensor is from elsewhere. However, judging from the crippled ISO performance, it may not be the most recent 16MP sensor with native ISO range ending at ISO12800. I rather think it uses the older one with native ISO range ending at 6400. Unfortunately (and this is my pure speculation), Ricoh probably decided the ISO6400 is not clean enough and so they decided to limit the range to just 3200. A very sad decision in my humble opinion.

BTW, there is one little thing that was not mentioned in the press release and at the official product page, which will make many folks really happy. It seems the A16 zoom Interval mode now allows 2 secs interval! Something people (hello Martin!) asked for a very long time.
http://translate.google.com/translate?s ... d%3D659%2F

 

[setvak]

BTW, there is one little thing that was not mentioned in the press release and at the official product page, which will make many folks really happy. It seems the A16 zoom Interval mode now allows 2 secs interval! Something people (hello Martin!) asked for a very long time.
http://translate.google.com/translate?s ... d%3D659%2F

Wow!!!!!!!!! Well, that's "THE" reason for me! Can't wait to see some better samples than those from the Ricoh Global website.

Thanks, Pavel, for mentioning this ... As I'm considering a Namibia trip for this summer (winter at the south hemisphere), I was seriously thinking about getting a camera with APS-C sensor for the trip ... well, not only for this trip, but plenty of other reasons, and this might push me in favor of GXR plus this module.

BTW, I wonder how much they might have been influenced by my 2s timelapse movies from the last year ... some of them are spectacular.

Ahoj, Martin

 

[setvak]

GXR A16 zoom - sensor?

Hi Pavel (and all),

I'm pretty sure it uses the 16MP sensor from Sony. Ricoh is a traditional Sony customer so I seriously doubt the sensor is from elsewhere. However, judging from the crippled ISO performance, it may not be the most recent 16MP sensor with native ISO range ending at ISO12800. I rather think it uses the older one with native ISO range ending at 6400.

Is there any update about this - the origin and type of the A16 sensor? Most of the A16-related contributions here (in the other threads) and elsewhere address namely the lens issues, but none discusses the sensor quality - high ISO performance (at longer exposures - above 2 seconds), exposure dynamics, etc. But perhaps it is too early for this, there simply might be not enough test images available so far to make any preliminary conclusions or inferences on this...

Martin

 

[amarverma]

HI Pavel

As the lens does not have a low pass filter, does this mean that one could use IR filters (e.g. 720nm/ 800nm etc) on the 55mm thread of this unit giving you hand held capability for shooting Infrared photos?

VBW

Amar