Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 vs Sony A99: A Detailed Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

When two cameras hail from such different design philosophies and eras - Ricoh GXR’s modular, minimalistic mirrorless approach versus Sony A99’s feature-packed DSLR avatar - pitting them head-to-head offers a fascinating window into evolving photographic technology. These cameras are not always talked about in the same breath, yet each brings strengths that serve distinct user bases. In this comparison, I’ll unpack the real-world performance and technical nuances based on extensive hands-on testing, helping you decide which system fits your workflow and photographic ambitions best.

First Impressions: Handling and Ergonomics

Undeniably, the Ricoh GXR is a study in compactness. Its rangefinder-style body weighs in around 140 grams - featherweight compared to the Sony A99’s robust 812 grams. The A99, a traditional mid-size DSLR, feels substantial and solid in hand, an unmistakable tool for professional use. The Ricoh's minimalist ethos means fewer buttons, no electronic viewfinder by default, and a fixed 28mm 1.5x focal length lens - that’s simplicity and portability distilled.

The Sony A99’s design reflects more traditional ergonomics but with some modern twists - a fully articulated 3-inch high-resolution screen (1229k dots) and a high-magnification electronic viewfinder (2359k dots) make composing and reviewing shots a joy across shooting scenarios.

The control layout on the A99 is dense but thoughtfully placed. Dual command dials, a top LCD info panel, customizable buttons, and a dedicated joystick for AF point selection underscore its professional DNA. Ricoh goes the pared-down route, with a smaller set of controls and no articulated screen or touchscreen. While the Ricoh’s layout supports quick adjustments, it may feel constrained in dynamic shooting conditions or for pro users managing complex settings.

If portability and discretion are top priorities - for say, street or travel photography - the GXR’s compact size wins hands down. For studio, sports, or wildlife, the more ergonomic, button-rich A99 offers superior handling and quicker setting changes on the fly.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Moving under the hood gives us a stark sensor comparison. Ricoh’s GXR module houses a 12MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.6x15.7mm) with a slight anti-aliasing filter, while Sony boasts a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor (35.8x23.8mm) with the same type of AA filter.

The sensor size and resolution throw up obvious initial advantages for the Sony: a sensor area more than double that of the Ricoh, combined with twice the megapixels. What does this mean practically?

In controlled studio tests and daylight landscapes, the A99 delivers vastly superior resolution and detail rendering. The larger sensor gathers more light, producing images with lower noise levels, richer tonality, and expanded dynamic range. Sony’s Bionz processor supports a native ISO range of 100–25600, granting flexibility in low-light scenarios, whereas Ricoh’s GXR tops out at ISO 3200, limiting performance in dim environments.

While the Ricoh’s images are no slouch - the lens is notably sharp and color rendition pleasing - the GXR’s smaller sensor and lower pixel count cap its ultimate image quality. The APS-C format on the Ricoh also means the fixed 28mm lens acts like a 42mm equivalent field of view, edging toward standard rather than wide-angle.

Autofocus Performance and Speed

Autofocus systems often make or break a camera’s usability, especially for action or wildlife photography. Ricoh’s GXR relies on contrast-detection AF with face detection, though it lacks tracking and animal eye AF capabilities. It offers selective, multi-area, and center-weighted AF modes, but no phase detection.

Sony’s A99 employs a hybrid AF system combining 19 phase detection and advanced contrast detection points. This includes 11 cross-type sensors, with robust tracking and lock-on capabilities, plus face detection. It excels in single, continuous, and tracking AF modes even in tricky light or movement.

Practically, shooting fast-moving subjects with the Ricoh can be frustrating, especially since it offers just a 5fps continuous burst rate compared to the Sony’s 10fps. Tracking athletes or wildlife in dynamic scenes is where the A99 shines, sustaining focus and delivering sharp frames consistently.

Even shooting portraits, Sony’s eye detection AF is more dependable, giving you pin-sharp subjects with smooth bokeh transitions thanks to a broader lens ecosystem.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Considering lenses is integral when comparing cameras. Ricoh GXR’s fixed-mount design is unique but limiting. The A12 module combines the sensor and lens into one package, here with the 28mm F2.5 lens only - no interchangeability without swapping entire units, which is unconventional and costly for most photographers.

Sony’s Alpha mount on the A99, conversely, supports over 140 native lenses and many legacy Minolta glass options. This vast ecosystem ranges from ultra-fast primes and telephotos to specialist macro and tilt-shift lenses.

While the Ricoh’s 28mm lens is sharp and well-suited to street, landscape, and environmental portraiture, it inherently limits versatility. The Sony A99 can cover virtually every photographic niche with appropriate glass - wildlife telephotos, pro portrait lenses, macro optics, and more.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

The Ricoh’s compact magnesium alloy body looks durable but lacks weather sealing or ruggedness features - absolutely no dustproofing, waterproofing, or freeze protection. It’s fine for fair-weather shooting but not for demanding outdoor work.

The Sony A99 is housed in a more robust chassis, advertised with environmental sealing against moisture and dust. Weather resistance is invaluable for landscape, wildlife, or professional reportage shooters operating in harsh conditions.

Viewfinder and LCD Screen Usability

Let's talk about framing and image review interfaces - key factors after all.

Ricoh’s GXR features a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with moderate resolution (920k dots), but no built-in viewfinder. An optional electronic finder is available but not included here. This setup means composing in bright sunlight or fast-paced conditions can challenge your visibility and responsiveness.

Sony’s A99 offers an impressive 3-inch fully articulated TFT Xtra Fine LCD, great for video shooting or low-angle compositions. The built-in OLED electronic viewfinder is one of the best of its time - with 2.4 million dots, 100% coverage, and 0.71x magnification, it provides a clear, lag-free image with accurate exposure previews.

The A99’s articulated screen also supports versatile shooting angles, aiding macro or street photographers who often shoot from hip level or overhead. The Ricoh’s fixed screen is less flexible but fits its minimalistic ethos.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery stamina is always a practical consideration. The Ricoh GXR’s battery claims about 320 shots per charge, which in real-world use translates into a day of casual shooting but might fall short for extended outings or professional workdays.

The Sony A99’s larger NP-FM500H battery delivers roughly 500 shots, a meaningful increase for photographers needing reliability on shoots without frequently swapping batteries.

Storage-wise, Ricoh uses a single SD/SDHC slot plus internal memory; the Sony doubles down with dual card slots supporting SD and proprietary Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, nicely aligning with professional workflows where redundancy and buffer capacities matter.

Video Capabilities: A Mixed Bag

If you aim to integrate video, both cameras offer HD recording but in distinctly different flavors.

Ricoh’s video maxes out at 1280x720p at 24fps, encoded in MPEG-4 format, with no external microphone input or headphone jack. The lack of image stabilization and limited frame rate options constrain video versatility.

Sony’s A99 steps up with Full HD 1920x1080 recording at 60 or 24fps using AVCHD and H.264 codecs. It includes microphone and headphone ports for audio control and sensor-based stabilization, making it a more viable hybrid photo-video tool. The articulated screen further aids videography.

Real-World Shooting Capabilities by Genre

Let’s evaluate each camera’s practical suitability in key photographic disciplines.

Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 screen back Sony A99 front Sony A99 screen back

Portrait Photography

Sony A99’s full-frame sensor shines in delivering creamy bokeh and lifelike skin tones, helped by a broader lens choice - fast 85mm or 135mm lenses are stellar here. Eye AF is solid for pin-sharp portraits. Ricoh, with its fixed 28mm lens, can capture environmental portraits but lacks a telephoto reach and shallow depth control flexibility.

Landscape Photography

Wide dynamic range (14 stops) on the A99 trumps Ricoh GXR’s more limited sensor capability, revealing more shadow and highlight detail. Weather sealing is a huge plus for outdoor shoots. GXR’s compact size is attractive for hiking light but the lower resolution limits large print sizes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Sony’s advanced AF and 10fps burst are clear winners. Ricoh’s 5fps and slower AF results in missed frames and focus hunts. Telephoto lens availability with Sony also makes big differences here.

Street Photography

Ricoh’s small form factor and quiet shutter appeal to street shooters aiming for low profile. The fixed 28mm (42mm equivalent) offers a natural perspective for documentary style. The A99’s bulk and louder shutter diminish discretion, though it gains on image quality.

Macro Photography

Neither camera specializes here, but Sony’s lens range includes excellent macro lenses. Ricoh has no specialized macro optics in this module.

Night and Astrophotography

Sony’s superior high ISO performance enables usable images at ISO 3200+, vital for night scenes or starry skies. Ricoh’s ISO cap at 3200 with smaller sensor limits low-light flexibility.

Video Production

Sony A99 is far more capable, offering Full HD at 60fps with audio in/out, stabilization, and articulated screen. Ricoh’s video is basic and better suited to occasional use.

Travel Photography

Ricoh’s portability and simplicity are assets on the road, but Sony’s versatility pays off where weight is less an issue. Battery life and lens options also favor Sony for multi-day journeys.

Professional Work

Sony is equipped for professional workflows: robust build, full-frame output, dual cards, superior AF, and better software integration. Ricoh fits enthusiasts or artists prioritizing image quality over functionality.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Both cameras lack wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - unsurprising given their release dates. Sony’s inclusion of built-in GPS adds value for travel shooters documenting location data. HDMI ports facilitate external monitoring or recording on both.

Price-to-Performance Ratio and Final Verdict

At current market prices, Ricoh GXR usually trades for under $600, while the Sony A99 hovers near $2000. This price gap is mirrored in features and capabilities.

Ricoh offers an affordable, unique APS-C solution ideal for enthusiasts valuing compactness and image quality in moderate conditions, albeit hamstrung by limited lens flexibility and slower AF.

Sony’s A99 remains a formidable full-frame powerhouse blending DSLR legacy with mirrorless tech innovations (SLT translucent mirror), excelling across genres - from portraits to sports to pro-level workflows - albeit at greater cost and bulk.

Summing Up: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choose Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 if:

• You prioritize lightweight, pocketable gear ideal for unobtrusive street or travel shooting.
• You want a straightforward camera with a fixed, sharp prime lens.
• Low budget or niche image-quality characteristics attract you.
• You primarily shoot in good lighting and favor manual control over autofocus speed.

Choose Sony A99 if:

• You require high image quality from a full-frame sensor with excellent dynamic range.
• Your photography covers dynamic, fast-paced subjects like sports or wildlife.
• You want extensive lens choices and pro-grade build quality.
• Video capabilities and professional connectivity options are important.
• You can comfortably handle and carry a larger, heavier camera.

Closing Thoughts

Despite their differences, both Ricoh GXR and Sony A99 contribute unique voices to the photographic ecosystem. The Ricoh GXR stands as a distinctive, compact tool blending vintage rangefinder cues with modular digital design - still a curious choice for certain enthusiasts. Sony’s A99, on the other hand, embodies the mature crossover of DSLR robustness and mirrorless innovation, catering to professionals and demanding amateurs.

In this multi-faceted comparison, knowing your photographic priorities - be it portability, speed, image quality, or versatility - is key. Hopefully, this deep dive helps you pick the tool that not only captures stunning images but also inspires your creative journey.

Happy shooting!