I've just received a Ricoh GXR camera base unit and three lens modules.

[IMG]http://dpnow.com/imagelib/html/6532/product_views/gxr_04.jpg[/IMG]

In answer to this blog entry's title, I haven't yet made up my mind. But even after only a few minutes of handling the GXR I do ind my mind very provoked!

For a start, when I tried to install the 28-300mm (in reality 4.9-52.5mm) lens module - actually Ricoh call them camera modules, which is closer to the truth as the module combines sensor and lens - I was ordered by the camera to update the firmware. I said 'no' (after all, I was given that option) and the camera promptly powered down.

I think this is the first time I have ever been bossed by a camera that then proceeded to go into a sulk when I wouldn't cooperate!

If truth be said, I quite like the concept of modularity. I wish laptop PCs were as modular as desktop PCs so they can be upgraded and updated over the years without having to throw the whole thing away and replace it entirely when it becomes out-dated.

I fear that the Ricoh idea of modularity misses the point in this respect as lenses tend to have a much longer shelf life than sensors and the GXR design ties the two together, unlike a DSLR, which of course is a modular system in its own right.

But Ricoh's system does mean you can exploit the benefits of different sensor sizes with one basic camera. The smaller the sensor the smaller the lens, and the 28-300 small-sensor module is dwarfed by the 33mm (49.5mm) macro module that has a much larger APS-C sensor.

There are rumours that Olympus, who are infamous for some pretty daring and not always successful) industrial design might be opting for a modular system to marry the new Micro Four Thirds mirror-less hybrid platform with the older Four Thirds DSLR platform. I've even seen a fake Photoshop job that depicts a Micro Four Thirds module for the Ricoh GXR system. It may be fake, but what a good idea!?

But back to reality; one thing that is slightly disappointing about the Ricoh GXR is its optional VF-2 electronic viewfinder. Back to back with the identically named VF-2 finder sported by the Olympus Pen E-P2 Micro Four Thirds hybrid camera, the Pen's EVF is markedly superior, being sharper, smoother, and less prone to image shearing when panning.

I think I'm going to have fun using the Ricoh GXR. But would I want to own one? I'll let you know.