Digital SLR: Compare features & prices Ricoh GXR GR-A12 review Back to Results

With the GXR GR-A12 camera, Ricoh hopes to revolutionise the traditional approach to interchangeable lens camera systems, though it doesn't come cheap. The GXR combines a newly developed 28 mm wide-angle fixed focal length GR lens, an APS-C size CMOS sensor and the GR Engine III to offer a highly flexible camera.
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Specification criteria Specification
Specification
Test Date 28 April 2010
System type The type of camera system this model belongs to - different systems have different ranges of compatible lenses. Ricoh GXR
Resolution Mp The measured effective resolution, in megapixels. This sometimes differs very slightly from the manufacturer's claimed figure. 10.7
Sensor size (inches) Most condumer DSLRs have relatively similar sensor sizes. APS-C sized sensors are 1/0.9 inches, though four-thirds and micro four-thirds sensors are smaller, at 1/1.17 inches. Generally, larger sensors give better results in low light. 1/0,9
Tested Lens (mm) 50mm
Optical zoom range (mm) When the lens is fitted to this camera, the optical zoom changes. 50
Size (wxhxd) (cm) 11.5x10x10.5
Weight (g) with lens With kit lens, lens cap, strap, battery and memory card. 520
Supplied battery Custom-size rechargeable
Image stabilisation Image stabilisation sharpens images that might otherwise be blurry (due to hand shake). Refers to built-in image stabilisation. Lenses sometimes have image stabilisation built-in. When the kit lens has image stabilisation, it is noted. No
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Date launched 2009 Jul-Dec
Test programme date We change and improve our testing and scoring procedure on an annual basis, so cameras tested in different years aren't directly comparable 2010 - 2011 Test programme
Recently tested No
LCD screen
LCD width (mm) 60
LCD height (mm) 45
Live View Live View lets you compose a shot on the LCD screen, previewing picture settings. Yes
Connections
Direct Link to TV Yes
Compatible memory cards SDHC
HDMI output An HDMI output allows you to connect the camera to an HD TV to watch videos in high definition - you will also need an HDMI cable, which may not be included with the camera. Yes
Picture settings
Scene Modes Test 6
Face detection Face detection lets the camera intelligently focus on and expose faces detected within a shot - it only works in automatic mode, usually. No
Manual focus Useful when the autofocus doesn't work or focusses on the wrong thing. Manual focussing is done using the ring on the lens. Yes
Shutter speed priority Yes
Aperture priority Yes
Max manually selectable ISO Setting a high ISO setting helps you to achieve good dim light pictures, without flash. Noise increases though. 3200
Flash strength adjustable Yes
Video and sound
Movie mode 720p, 1080i and 1080p are all high definition recording resolutions, though 1080p, or 'full-HD' is more detailed and tends to be the smoothest. 720p HD
Stabilisation in Movie Mode Some DSLRs allow you to use the image stabiliser during movie recording, if there is a mechanical stabiliser in the lens or body of the camera. No
External Mic input Some DSLRs allow you to connect an external microphone to improve sound quality during movie recording No
Speed
Shutter delay close The time it takes for the camera to take the picture, after you have pressed the button from a completely unpressed position (as opposed to a half-pressed position which cuts shutter delay considerably). Subject is close. 0.18
Shutter delay far The time it takes for the camera to take the picture, after you have pressed the button from a completely unpressed position (as opposed to a half-pressed position which cuts shutter delay considerably). Subject is farther away and lens is zoomed in. 0.368
Start-up time (s) When you switch the camera on, there is usually a delay before the camera is ready to take a picture 2.68
Shot-to-shot time (single shot mode) After taking a shot in single shot mode, there is usually a delay before the camera is ready to take the next shot. The time shown is the delay measured when no flash is used (this delay is normally longer). 2.89
Shot-to-shot time (burst mode) Many cameras can take several shots a second in burst mode. Our test data is for the average time between sequential shots using a total burst of ten shots in a row. 0.32

Ricoh GXR GR-A12

  • Launch date: Nov 2009
  • Which? score: Subscribe
Typical price
£470.00
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