RICOH GR IIIx Premium Digital Compact Camera Review

Introducing the RICOH GR IIIx: The Ultimate Snapshot Camera

The RICOH GR IIIx Premium Digital Compact Camera represents a significant evolution in the GR lineage. Designed as the ultimate snapshot camera, this iteration refines the formula by introducing a standard 40mm focal length in the 35mm format, merging a newly developed optical system with advanced digital processing for a completely different type of street photography experience.

The Newly Designed GR Lens

At the heart of the GR IIIx is the newly developed 26.1mm F2.8 GR lens, translating to a 40mm standard angle of view in the 35mm format. Unlike past GR-series models featuring a 28mm wide angle for exaggerated perspective, this lens provides a more natural perspective and a truthful sense of depth. The newly designed optics incorporate two aspherical optical elements to reduce distortion and chromatic aberration to a minimum. Furthermore, the lens effectively minimizes flare and ghost images when shooting against backlight. For close-up photography, the camera allows the subject to be as close as 12 centimeters from the lens front end. Coupled with the standard focal length, it captures close-up images with a natural perspective against a defocused background. An ND (Neutral Density) filter closes the aperture by two stops to capture high-contrast, high-resolution images under varying shooting conditions. A nine-blade diaphragm creates a natural bokeh effect and a truthful sense of depth at larger apertures while capturing beautiful light beams at closed-down apertures.

High-Quality, High-Resolution Images

The GR IIIx incorporates a large APS-C-format CMOS image sensor with an anti-aliasing (AA) filter-less design and a newly developed GR ENGINE 6 imaging engine. With approximately 24.24 effective megapixels, this sensor assures super-high-resolution images rich in gradation. Compatible with multi-tone 14-bit RAW image recording, the camera features the RICOH-original accelerator unit to optimize image data and provides a top sensitivity of ISO 102400 for super-high-sensitivity photography.

Hybrid AF System for High-Speed, High-Precision Autofocus Operation

The GR IIIx features a hybrid AF system combining a contrast-type AF mechanism superior in focusing precision with a phase-detection-type AF mechanism assuring high-speed focusing operation. During autofocus shooting, this system detects the subject’s face or eye with precision, focuses on it, and indicates the in-focus position on the LCD display using the AF frame. When the camera detects multiple faces, it automatically distinguishes the main subject from secondary ones and indicates this on the focus frame. Photographers can also change the main subject with simple touch-screen operation. A firmware upgrade for the RICOH GR III will be provided soon. GR III users are advised to update the camera’s firmware to use this function.

RICOH-Original SR Mechanism and AA Filter Simulator

The RICOH-original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism compensates for camera shake at the time of shutter release. The three-axis mechanism minimizes the adverse effects of camera shake caused by pitch, yaw, and roll by as much as four shutter steps. Since the SR mechanism shifts the image sensor to the ideal position horizontally and vertically, the camera lets the user take advantage of the Auto Horizon Correction function to effortlessly optimize image composition. By applying microscopic vibrations with sub-pixel precision to the image sensor unit during exposure, the camera’s AA (anti-aliasing) Filter Simulator provides the same level of moiré reduction as an optical AA filter. This innovative system allows the user to switch the AA filter effect on and off and adjust the effect to the level best suited for a given subject. This function is available at shutter speeds slower than 1/1000 second.

Compact, Lightweight Design

Despite incorporating the large APS-C-format image sensor and the newly developed optics with a longer focal length, the GR IIIx is designed to be extremely compact, functional, and portable, keeping with the GR-series concept of the camera as a pocketable imaging tool. The exterior frame is made of highly rigid magnesium alloy to improve dependability and durability. The camera provides a short start-up time of approximately 0.8 seconds, control dials conveniently positioned next to the four-way controller, and effortless touch-screen operation, allowing the user to swiftly react to once-in-a-lifetime shutter opportunities.

High-Definition LCD Monitor with Intuitive Touch-Screen Operation

The GR IIIx features a 3.0-inch high-definition LCD monitor with approximately 1,037,000 dots. Its touch-screen operation provides swift, intuitive control of various camera functions, such as AF frame shift, menu selection, and image advance and magnification during playback. The monitor features an air gapless construction, in which special resin is inserted between the LCD touchscreen monitor and a protective cover made of reinforced glass, effectively reducing reflection and dispersion for improved visibility. The Outdoor View Setting allows the user to instantly adjust the monitor’s brightness to the desired level for greater visibility in difficult lighting conditions.

Image Control and Advanced Image Editing

The GR IIIx features a creative Image Control function integrating effect modes into conventional image settings. Using 11 basic Image Control modes, the user can adjust parameters—such as saturation, hue, key, contrast, and graininess—to the desired level. Adjusted parameters can be saved as custom settings. The camera provides in-body RAW-data development, allowing the user to edit captured images by adjusting recording size, aspect ratio, white balance, Image Control settings, and exposure compensation factor without a PC. It reduces preview time after adjusting RAW-format parameters, enhancing the speed of development. Users can retain adjusted parameters after initial RAW-data development for efficient minute re-adjustments. For JPEG images, a newly added monochrome mode allows minute adjustment of parameters—such as filter effect, toning, contrast, and sharpness—to create monochrome images. Tools are also provided for aspect ratio selection (16:9 or 4:3) and image rotation in 0.1-degree steps. A firmware upgrade for the RICOH GR III will be provided soon. GR III users are advised to update the firmware to use these tools.

Bluetooth and Wireless LAN Communication

The GR IIIx provides Bluetooth and wireless LAN dual communication for easy pairing with mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. By installing the dedicated Image Sync application, the user can transfer captured images, display a Live-View image on a mobile device’s monitor, change various settings remotely, release the shutter from a distance, and upload captured images to various social media with ease. Even when the camera’s power is turned off, the user can browse and download images stored on the camera. The user can also send a mobile device’s location data to the camera, and record the data on captured images. The Auto Resize function automatically reduces the image size before transmitting an image to a mobile device, helping improve the camera’s operability. A firmware upgrade for the RICOH GR III will be provided soon. GR III users are advised to update the camera’s firmware to use this function.

Additional Versatile Features

The GR IIIx supports Full HD movie recording at 1920 x 1080 pixels with a 60 frame rate in the H-264 recording format. A new DOF Priority (Deep) has been added to the program line to prioritize the closed aperture setting. Additional features include a Color Moiré Correction function, an Interval Composite mode effective in capturing landscapes with traces of the moon and stars, and an Electronic Level to check the camera’s inclination. The camera is compatible with the GT-2 Tele Conversion Lens (optional), extending the focal length to approximately 75mm telephoto in the 35mm format, usable in combination with the camera’s auto detection and crop functions. The camera also provides compatibility with accessory flash units designed for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras, including the AF540FGZ II, AF360FGZ II, AF540FGZ, AF360FGZ, AF201FG, and AF200FG. The GA-2 Lens Adapter — an optional accessory designed exclusively for the GR IIIx — is required to install this lens on the GR IIIx.

Conclusion

The RICOH GR IIIx stands as a testament to continuous innovation within the compact camera segment. By integrating a 40mm standard angle of view, advanced hybrid autofocus, in-body stabilization, and robust connectivity into a portable magnesium alloy body, it solidifies its status as a versatile and functional imaging tool, fulfilling the demanding needs of the photographer seeking excellence in a pocketable format.