A16 Zoom First impressions

Today, I got a sample of the new GXR A16 Zoom module. It is a 'kit-lens' module for the GXR sporting a 24-85mm lens and a 16MP APS sensor without AA filter, unfortunately the lens is not very bright at f3.5-5.5 and the APS sensor only has a max. ISO of 3200.

Still, let's look at how it actually performs since specs alone are meaningless in actual real world use.

This is just a first hand impression and I have simply taken pictures with it so it will not be very analytical.

GXR Mount A12 Preview

Today, I got the chance to try the new GXR Mount A12 module. So let me start by first saying a big thanks to Ricoh for letting me use the unit.

While the weather was grey and rainy and I only had a few hours of shooting but it was great to be able to finally see it and use it to take pictures.
I brought two of my Voigtlander lenses with me, the Voigtländer Nokton f1.4 35mm, the Voigtländer Super-Wide Heliar f4.5 15mm and Ricoh gave me the Ricoh XR Rikenon f1.2 55mm for K mount with a m-mount adapter. This gave me from wide-angle over normal to portrait a good kit to use the module for a wide range of pictures.

Read below for my full first impressions and to see some sample pictures taken with the lenses, please note that the module was still a pre-production unit with unfinished firmware.

5 from the GXR

Ok, I have been a bit harsh on the GXR yesterday but I wanted it to do better and unfortunatelly it just does not look good compered with the GF1. On it's own though it is and excellent camera.
I have used it for the whole day today and the AF while slow is comparable with the GRD II and the GX200. The real issue and something which will always be a dealbreaker for me is the LCD freeze. I hope this can be fixed in firmware, even if the AF gets slower in the process.

The image quality is superb though and almost makes one forget the sluggish AF performance. The built in lens hood is genius as are some other small features in the camera.

After using the GXR more today I can say that it's a camera one wants to use and will enjoy using, at the same time I could not help but wish that it would be more like the GF1 in a few areas.

All pictures are straight JPGs from the GXR.