There is certainly some promise in the ability to vary sensor size and specification according to the lens focal length range, but adding a sensor to each lens has got to significantly increase cost. I'm not sure what to make of this just yet!

Others seem similarly unsure how to react to the leak. Amongst my favorite responses to the Engadget post:

Barry @ Nov 9th 2009 4:55PM
"So Ricoh basically lost their frickin' minds. Interesting."

Macgic @ Nov 9th 2009 5:19PM
"Brilliant idea. You can have a small sensor for your zoom. And a larger sensor for your faster prime. This makes the gxr the smallest interchangable lens digital on the market!"

Bad Beaver @ Nov 9th 2009 5:22PM
"I'm looking forward to seeing reviews. Depending on what they actually put in there, it's either a stroke of genius or just batshit crazy."

lou @ Nov 9th 2009 5:42PM
"Not so suave, Ricoh"

Full coverage at 1001 Noisy Cameras.