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(FT4) UPDATED -> Ricoh camera to come with two lenses (one prime and one zoom)
As you already know Ricoh will probably be the first company to release a MicroFourThirds competitor.
Following rumor comes from a known trusted source with nickname “Batman” 
He says: “Ricohs camera system will start with two “lenses”, one prime, one zoom. The prime has 33mm real focal length, the zoom 5,1-15,3mm.”
As I don’t have his email address I have to ask him some questions directly from this post:
1) UPDATED: Will the Ricoh camera use the same GX200 sensor or new APS-C sensor? The focal lenght of the two lenses are in contraddiction. The 33mm prime lens do suggest the Ricoh could use the APS-C sensor, the zoom focal lenght suggest the new camera will use the same GX200 sensor.
2) What will be the differences between the Ricoh camera and the E-P1/E-P2/GF1 cameras ?
3) Why are they using a “slide-in” mechanism?
UPDATE: “Batman’s” answer is “To answer your questions, the focal length i gave to you are correct, and we are talking about just one camera. Thats also the answer for question two: This is the difference
Answer three, because it is the most comfortable for this kind of camera concept.”
UPDATE: business-i.jp says the new Ricoh camera will be unveiled on November 10.
Source: http://dslr-links.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-ricoh-camera-is-announced-on.html
5,1-15,3mm is the focal length Ricoh GX200 has.
5,1-15,3mm? The GX200 has a 5,1-15,3mm zoom… if it is true, the new Ricoh won’t have an APS-C sensor
“the zoom 5,1-15,3mm”… this are the exact focal lengths of gx200 lens… so this suggests that camera will have small 1.7 sensor…
gx200 prices have come way down. I almost ordered one today, but this news makes me want to wait and see what Ricoh is going to announce. Will it be a “GX300″ with interchangeable lenses? The GX series is ready for a new model…
I seriously doubt that Ricoh, or anyone else, is going to make a true pocket camera with APS-C sensor and interchangeable lenses. The combination is just too big to fit in a pocket.
A smaller format is actually good news because it gives people more choice. Olympus, Panasonic, etc. will make plenty of larger cameras. Ricoh will continue to offer quality pocket cameras that actually fit in a pocket. I want one.
The mount specification may be micro 4/3 but I bet the actual sensor size is APS-C.
If the new lens spec is correct why would you introduce a 33mm prime. Given micro 4/3 2X focal length multiplier factor this would result in a 66mm e focal length. Not a walk about lens, not really a portrait lens, not really a “standard” lens. On APS-C with a 1.5 factor this becomes a 49.5mm e focal length which is within the “standard” ball park.
but than the prime would be a 155mm @KB
…
why is this a trusted source?
33 mm = compact APS-C
5,1-15,3 mm = GX300
Best regards.
Why not a small-sensor interchangeable lens camera? Ricoh has no (D)SLR legacy and no allies among the big SLR manufacturers. If they really want a niche of their own, the may as well make a small-sensor camera, since none of the large camera manufacturers will as they are committed to full-frame, APS-C and 4/3-cameras and several legacy mounts. Sure, a small-sensor camera will suffer from low light sensitivity and large DOF, but on the other hand it will make a truly pocketable interchangeable lens camera.
Small sensor cam with interchangeable lenses don’t make any sense.. What would be the benefit?
Interchangeable sensors is my guess.
Small sensor+zoom
APS-C sensor+prime
Slide-in system makes sense with this approach, as lens will be fixed & sealed to sensor, whole package connects to body with electrical contacts only, dust problem is gone.
APS-C sensor should cost around 50$ now, so it would not add too much price to system. Small sensors are even cheaper
This could mean customized sensors for lenses
My take on it:
The camera WILL have an APS-C sensor but it will be everyone’s choice whether to utilize its whole area or only a crop of it. That choice will be given by the lens that you decide for: If you choose the zoom, you are going to use just a crop, if you attach the prime, you can use the whole sensor area. Simple, isn’t it
I agree with dorogabog. The most logical explanation for “Batman’s” answers is that the lens and sensor are a single package. Zoom+small sensor. Prime+APS-C sensor