Ricoh GR III camera hands-on reports
Ricoh GR III camera coverage from around the web:
Street photographers have always loved the GR series. So, how do you evolve a camera in a meaningful way without taking away what makes it great? Ricoh knows how, apparently, because the GR III manages to offer improvements practically across the board, and keeps the same form factor for which it has been loved. The biggest upgrade comes in the optics. The camera has been around for a while, so with a new 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor comes a tweaked 28mm equivalent f/2.8 lens. This works in tandem with the GR Engine 6 processor to create high-res 14-bit DNG or JPEG images with outstanding tonality, natural colors, and fine detail. You can also enjoy crop modes that will give you 35mm and 50mm equivalent perspectives at 15MP and 7MP, respectively. (B&H)
The Ricoh GR III features an APS-C sensor with a built-in 24.23 Megapixels and 14bit RAW DNG that all allow photographers to capture more powerful tonality and allow for far greater options when it comes to RAW image editing. The new sensor — and the high-performance GR Engine 6 — boosts contrast and colors with a redesigned optical lens. The high-powered processor, image algorithms, as well as the lens construction, contribute to the higher-contrast images. The .8-second startup time (compared to the previous 1 second) means a quicker response, so candid moments won’t be missed. Slow shutter speeds up to 1/4 second help to create crisp images with zero blur, and noise is further reduced when using the Shake Reduction System. (Adorama)
The new GR III offers three main new benefits when compared to its predecessor – higher image quality, more features and a smaller body. It’s actually the same size as the GR Digital IV, which had a much smaller 1/1.7-inch sensor. (PhotographyBlog)
There was some concern when Ricoh first unveiled mockups of the GR III, with long-time fans of the series concerned about the impact of the control changes that have been introduced. Our first impressions are that the main command dial and rear jog control are just where you expect them, so the shooting experience isn’t too significantly changed. The loss of dedicated buttons will take some getting used to, but we found we still had access to the things we change most. (Dpreview)
In some regions, that snazzy blue lens ring pictured above will be included. (Dpreview)
The compact size, and the rapid focus when using the camera gives confidence when shooting street photography. The camera is small and unlikely to intimidate anyone, and due to the small size it’s quite likely to go unnoticed by those around you. The camera also benefits from an almost completely silent shutter, which again makes the camera a discreet camera to shoot with. (Ephotozine)
Other features of note include the ability to focus within 6cm of a subject using macro mode, the option to shoot movies in Full HD resolution at up to 60p in the H.264 recording format and connectivity to mobile devices via Wi-fi and Bluetooth. A USB Type C interface is located at the corner of the body, which can be used to top up the battery on the go and it also has 2GB of built-in storage should you accidentally leave home without an SD card and not want to get caught out. (Amateurphotographer)
It has an all-new on-sensor phase-detect autofocus system that should be quicker than ever and improved low-light capability thanks to an expanded ISO range of 100-102,400. Other features include a Type-C USB-C port that can be used to charge the battery, along with Bluetooth and WiFi. Unfortunately, it still doesn’t have 4K video, but you do get 1080/60p. It no longer has a built-in flash and battery life has dropped significantly, from 320 to 200 shots. (Engadget)
It’s not a revolutionary upgrade, but the GR series is about austerity and minimalism, and the GRIII’s tweaks should help it stay relevant in a world where everyone already carries 28mm-ish-equivalent prime lenses in their pockets. (The Verge)
ISO performance was solid as well. A shot taken in a dark room and facing a much brighter one had a lot of grain, but it wasn’t unattractive, and the darkest shot I pulled off, a selfie at ISO 4,000, is clear and grain free where it needs to be. (Gizmodo)
Rioch GR III pre-orders: Adorama | B&H | WEX | Park Camera Like the new Ricoh GR III Facebook page