Ricoh Launches GXR Interchangeable Camera Unit

Very true. I got my GR Digital (second hand, I can't afford those prices lol) because I wanted a manual control camera that was always in my pocket and it meets those expectations well. From that, I've bought a second Pentax DSLR (£225 bargin!) which I use for work and when I go somewhere I know I will be taking photos. I love the picture quality and speed of the DSLR, but for me personally, the camera thats always with me is my favorite.

Just like you said, horses for courses ;)

One thing that may be of benefit to you though, is that it may kick start the other companies into starting/or speeding up new/improved systems, one of which may be a fully modular camera system?

This is a compact camera system and not, in my opinion, in any way to be compared to conventional replacement lense camera systems ie. DSLRs as some of the posters have done here.

It is a system that allows you to decide, by choosing the appropriate module, which compact camera you wish to carry. I now only use compact cameras so the GXR is definitely on my shopping list.

Finally, DSLR manufacturers make such a big issue of dust trapping devices in their cameras because there is an inherent design flaw when it comes to interchangeable lenses on digital cameras. Looks like Ricoh have got it beaten by design.

Maybe I've missed something but neither in the pdf brochure I've downloaded or on the Ricoh web site have I seen any reference to the GXR being a replacement for DSLRs. On the contrary the literature refers to it as compact system for candid photography.

My point was that it can't be compared to DSLRs. To me it's a development from high end fixed lense compacts and clearly targeted at users who might want the flexibility that it offers. I can see why DSLR users who don't mind humping about bags full of equipment about will find it pointless, but as someone who got fed up of carrying camera stuff around a long time ago it makes sense to me.