Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera: Pre-Order Started

Ricoh-USA has finally started the pre-order for the newly launched Ricoh GR IIIx digital camera, which is equipped with a 40mm f2.8 lens, which corresponds to the image effect of a 40 mm focal length in 35 mm format. In addition to the technical modification through the new focal length, several new camera functions will also be made available to Ricoh GR III photographers as a firmware update at a later date.

The GRIIIx is a further development of the GR series, which began 25 years ago and celebrated a successful highlight among the premium compact cameras in 2019 with the GR III. The chassis and the user interface of the GR III were taken over unchanged, and instead of the previous 18.3 mm focal length (28 mm KB equivalent), the new lens offers a focal length of 26.1 mm, which is 40 mm in 35mm format and thus approximately corresponds to a normal lens. A 1.5x tele adapter is available to match the Ricoh GR IIIx, which, together with a crop function, enables a focal length of up to 107 mm (KB equivalent, at 7.5 MP).

The Ricoh GR IIIx has a newly developed lens. In contrast to earlier models of the GR series, which are equipped with a 28 mm wide angle (KB equiv.), The new lens offers a viewing angle that corresponds to a 40 mm focal length in a 35 mm format. The newly developed optics contain two aspherical elements to reduce distortion and chromatic aberration to a minimum and at the same time to minimize the formation of stray light and ghosting when taking pictures against the light. In macro photography, the camera enables the shortest recording distance of 12 cm and an image scale of 1: 4. The aperture consisting of nine lamellas ensures a natural bokeh effect (blurring) and image depth when the aperture is open.

The Ricoh digital camera offers two crop modes with which an angle of view of 50 mm (KB equiv.) With a resolution of 15 MP or that of a 70 mm (KB equiv.) A lens with a resolution of 7.5 MP is possible. Further focal length options result from the optionally available 1.5x telephoto adapter. It achieves a focal length of 60 mm at full resolution and in combination with the two crop functions, 70 mm (KB equiv.) At 15 MP and 107 mm (KB equiv.) At 7.5 MP.

The heart of the Ricoh GR IIIx is the 23.5 x 15.6 mm CMOS sensor in APS-C format, which is designed to increase the resolution without a low-pass filter. At the same time, it is responsible for a high tonal range and delivers RAW recordings in the universal DNG format with a color depth of 14 bits. The new processor is the “GR Engine 6” with the accelerator unit developed by Ricoh, which offers fast image processing and a maximum sensitivity of ISO 102,400.

In addition to the high sensitivity, photography in low light is supported by the original Pentax 3-axis Shake Reduction. As already proven in Pentax SLR cameras, a movable sensor is integrated into the ultra-compact camera housing and provides exposure reliability of up to four exposure levels. At the same time, the image stabilization has a low-pass filter simulation. With special motifs, the two-stage “AA filter simulator” uses micro-vibrations to create the necessary blurring to avoid images with the unpleasant moiré effect. In addition, the sensor cleaning function also uses these micro-vibrations to remove dust deposits from the sensor.

Despite the large sensor in APS-C format, an integrated Sensor-Shift Shake Reduction (IBIS), a 3-inch touchscreen, and a clear user interface, the GR III is made of magnesium/aluminum thanks to its camera housing. Alloy is extremely compact and very light at a weight of 262 grams. With its small dimensions of 109.4 × 61.9 × 35.5 mm (WxHxD), the GR IIIx fits in your pocket and is ready for use anywhere.

For focusing, the GR IIIx works with a hybrid AF, a combination of contrast and phase detection autofocus. Eye recognition is new with the GR IIIx and, after the firmware has been updated, is also available for the GR III. Up to 12 faces are recognized, which are marked accordingly on the display. The very short shutter release delay of just 0.8 seconds ensures that even subjects that do not stay still for long are captured perfectly. And a frame rate of 4 frames / second offers enough power to capture the picture even better with the crucial additional shot.

The 3-inch HD LCD monitor with approx. 1,037,000 pixels take on the important task of controlling and monitoring the camera and the recordings. The touchscreen operation enables fast, intuitive control of various camera functions, such as the selection of the focus area (also in combination with direct triggering), menu control, or image reproduction and processing. With the “Air Gap-less” construction, reflections and light scattering are minimized through the use of a special resin, so that the monitor image can be recognized even in direct sunlight. If that’s not enough, the brightness of the monitor can be adjusted individually. The monitor surface consists of specially hardened glass and thus prevents damage, such as from scratches.

The ergonomics of the switches and buttons, tried and tested by Ricoh and opinion leaders, supports the handling and gives a very “analog” impression. The most important functions are within easy reach of the index finger and thumb and enable direct and quick operation with one hand. Buttons can also be programmed individually so that preferred functions are immediately available. In addition to the usual exposure programs, up to three presets with user specifications can be called upon the setting wheel.

Another basic principle of the Ricoh GR IIIx is that the image can be created in the camera and can be done without a computer. The “Image Control” function offers a simulation of the different film looks. Here the photographer can choose between different colors and black and white defaults, the optimal presetting for the image design. Further fine adjustments, such as saturation, hue, graininess, or contrast can be specified individually.

An important feature is RAW development, which has been further optimized with the GR IIIx. In the first step, the processing speed was improved so that the image control during RAW development can now be seen more quickly. At the same time, it is now possible to change the parameters for RAW development later, which was previously not possible. The function for individual adjustment for JPEG images has also been improved: A newly added monochrome mode enables fine adjustment of parameters such as B. filter effect, toning, contrast, and sharpness to create black and white pictures with the desired finishing touches. As a further option, in addition to the aspect ratios 3: 2 and 1: 1, now also 16: 9 and 4: 3 are available.

The GR IIIx offers numerous options for recording control. In addition to single images, series images can also be recorded at up to 4 images/second. In addition, the GR IIIx offers an option for multiple exposures, interval shots, or bracketing and thus further options for creative image design. The option to record videos in Full HD in MPEG 4 format extends the equipment.

The GR IIIx offers a WLAN function for easy coupling with mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. By installing the free “Image-Sync” app, the user can display a live view image on the device’s monitor, change various settings remotely, operate the shutter button remotely, and easily download images. The image size can be automatically reduced to simplify the publication of the images in social networks (which will also be available for the GR III after the planned firmware update).

Ricoh GR IIIx price and availability

The Ricoh GR IIIx is finally available to pre-order via Bhphotovideo.com, and Adorama.com websites in black color, and the recommended retail price is $996.95.