Ricoh Introduces GXR Unit Featuring 3.5x, 24-85mm f/3.5-5.5 Lens and APS-C-size CMOS...

Ricoh Introduces GXR Unit Featuring 3.5x, 24-85mm f/3.5-5.5 Lens and APS-C-size CMOS Sensor

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Tokyo, Japan—Ricoh unveiled the A16 24-85mm f/3.5-5.5—the fifth camera unit in the GXR interchangeable-unit camera system. First introduced in December 2009, the GXR is an interchangeable-unit camera system in which lenses can be changed by mounting camera units that integrate a lens, image sensor and image-processing engine into a single unit.

The new A16 24-85mm f/3.5-5.5 brings together a newly developed 24-85mm wide-angle zoom lens, a 16 megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Ricoh’s Smooth Imaging Engine IV.

The new lens features a 9-group, 11-element configuration. The utilization of three double-sided aspherical lenses as well as high-refraction lenses work to reduce various types of distortion across the entire zoom range, while nine rounded aperture blades help enable precise aperture settings and pleasing bokeh.

Shooting functions include the ability to record 1,280×720-pixel HD movies, a new dynamic range compensation to reduce overexposure of highlights and underexposure of dark areas, and a new ISO bracketing function that permits photographers to shoot and record three images with different ISO sensitivities. ISO sensitivity can be set in 1EV or 1/3EV steps. Additionally, the function for recording a JPEG image simultaneously with the RAW image has been expanded so it’s now possible to record only the RAW image. And, it is now also 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 also has been enhanced. In addition to the conventional horizontal indicator, this function can now detect camera movement direction tilting. Also added is the ability to enter and write copyright information, such as the photographer’s name, to the image Exif data. The recorded information can be checked on the playback screen detailed information display.

Additional features include: picture settings for image quality and color can be customized with nine levels; my settings enables a range of shooting functions to be recorded in advance and specified in an instant when needed; B (bulb) and T (time) can now be selected as the shutter speed in manual exposure mode; new scene mode options have been added (soft focus, cross process, toy camera, miniaturize, high contrast B&W); and an image flag function enables the quick display of specific images from among those in the camera.

Ricoh's new A16 lens/sensor unit for the GXR will retail for $599. ricoh.com

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