What is it? This is the digital camera that might reinvent modern photography. At present, digital cameras are at the mercy of rampaging technological advances — no sooner have you bought one than a better one is available. The new Ricoh takes all the bits that make a camera work — notably the charge coupled device (CCD) that captures the light — and puts it all in the lens. So, in future you can upgrade your lens without changing the camera body.
Reasons to buy This is a solid, well built and designed bit of kit aimed firmly at the high end of the market. The body will one day be able to connect to attachments other than lenses, such as mass storage or even micro-printers. Because the lens contains the CCD unit, each is tailored to match the other perfectly.
Reasons not to It is far from cheap, and the all-in lens system is exclusive to Ricoh, meaning that only its lenses can be used.
Verdict This is a superb piece of equipment, capable of superb photographs.Auto mode works brilliantly for amateurs, while a seemingly infinite number of minor adjustments is on offer for serious photographers. Unlike most digital cameras, megapixels mean nothing here, since the raw numbers vary with the lens used. The camera body really feels as rugged as the 35mm cameras of old.
Price Body about £420, lenses from £330-£600, available from December 9. Nigel Kendall
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