Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera

Tailored to travel, street, and snapshot photography, the Ricoh GR IIIx centres around a versatile 26.1mm f2.8 lens (equiv. 40mm in 35mm format) and expansive APS-C-format CMOS image sensor. As a powerful pocket-sized companion, the GR IIIx is capable of full HD video recording (1920 x 1080 pixels, 60fps), backed up by an intuitive HD 3.0-inch LCD monitor and super-fast 0.8-second startup speed.

Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera Key Features:

• Equipped with a 26.1mm f2.8 lens (equiv. 40mm in 35mm format)
• Purely natural shooting perspective suits street, travel, and urban photography
• Enhanced lens construction affords edge-to-edge image clarity
• Full HD video recording (1920 x 1080 pixels, 60fps)
• Expansive APS-C-format CMOS image sensor
• Custom GR ENGINE 6 imaging engine
• Hybrid focusing system sustains lightning-fast, precision AF operation
• 3-axis, 4-step shake reduction mechanism
• In-camera AA (anti-aliasing) Filter Simulator
• Interval Composite Mode captures stunning landscape imagery
• HD 3.0-inch LCD monitor with 1,037,000 dot resolution
• In-body RAW-data development allows for key user-edits
• Wireless LAN functions afford pairing/sharing to mobile devices
• Remains compact and agile, 0.8-second startup speed
• Optional GT-2 Tele Conversion Lens (75mm telephoto in 35mm format)

Expanded Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera Key Features:

Newly Designed Optics

A new addition to the GR IIIx is a newly designed 26.1mm f2.8 GR lens. This lens sees an advanced optical pathway that comprises of 7 premium glass elements arranged into 5 separate groups. Within these groups, Ricoh has used 2 aspherical lens elements that are used to help reduce the appearance of distortions and chromatic aberration, whilst minimising the flare and ghosting when shooting in backlight conditions. Unlike past GR III models where the 28mm range translates to a 35mm focal range in full-frame format; the GR IIIx features a 26.1mm focal range that provides a full-frame equivalent of a 40mm lens. This results in a more natural field of view and perspective, something that will help portray street photography in a more truthful, true-to-life way.

This new lens also offers a macro mode that is achieved with a super-close 12cm minimum focusing distance. This additional shooting option, combined with the wide and bright f2.8 maximum aperture allows you to create stunning close-up images set against a smooth defocused background. Finally, this lens is equipped with an ND (Neutral Density) filter that enables the capture of high-contrast, high-resolution images by closing the aperture down by two stops.

High-Resolution Images

The Ricoh GR IIIx is equipped with the same 24.24 megapixel APS-C-format CMOS image sensor (with an anti-aliasing (AA) filter-less) that is seen in previous GR III models. However, a new addition here is a newly designed GR ENGINE 6 imaging engine that has been optimised to increase the cameras resolving power and therefore, increase the overall image quality produced. The camera is also compatible with multi-tone 14-bit RAW image recording, and is equipped with Ricoh’s powerful accelerator unit that is designed to optimise the data that is received by the sensor. This results in a super-high maximum ISO range of ISO 102400.

Hybrid AF

The GR IIIx maintains Ricoh’s exceptional autofocus standards with its powerful hybrid AF system that combines a contrast-type AF mechanism with an image plane phase-detection-type AF mechanism that ensures high-speed and highly accurate focusing operation. Within this system is a versatile face/eye AF detection that can be used with Auto Area AF, Select AF, and Pinpoint AF modes. When a face or eye is detected, the camera will automatically focus in on that area and this in-focus position will be highlighted on the LCD display. When photographing multiple faces, the camera can automatically distinguish the main subject from secondary ones, which again, is indicated on the display. Furthermore, you can make use of the touch-screen operation to manually change which is your main subject.

Ricoh SR Mechanism

Another feature of the GR IIIx is Ricoh’s original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism. This invaluable asset effectively compensates for camera shakes as soon as the shutter is released. This advanced mechanism is made up of three-axis and physically shifts the image sensor to the ideal position horizontally and vertically which in turn minimises the effects of pitch, yaw and roll movements up to as much as 4 shutter steps. Combining this and the camera’s Auto Horizon Correction function, Ricoh has made capturing shake-free, level images as easy as possible which is perfect for a camera that is intended for ever-moving, ever-changing street photography.

An Intelligent Design

Keeping in line with the compact and highly portable nature of the GR-series, the GR IIIx is almost physically identical to its counterparts. It is lightweight and easily pocketable which lends itself to street photography where your scene is ever-changing and perfect moments are fleeting. Equally lending itself to this type of reactive photography is the incredibly useful and ultra-fast 0.8 second start up time. The GR IIIx also features a 3.0 inch, high-definition LCD touch display with intuitive touch-screen operation.

This touch operation, combined with the user-friendly and thoughtfully placed button layout makes for impressively quick and instinctive control of your camera which again, is ideal for those moments where you need to quickly change settings to acquire the perfect shot. In addition, this monitor features a reinforced protective glass cover that will not only protect your screen but also reduces reflections for improved visibility. Furthermore, there’s an Outdoor View Setting that allows you to instantly adjust the monitor's brightness to best suit your shooting environment.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Ricoh GR IIIx
• 1 x Rechargeable Battery DB-110
• 1 x Power Adapter
• 1 x Power Plug
• 1 x USB Cable I-USB166
• 1 x Hand Strap
• 1 x Ring Cap GN-2 (Black)
• 1 x Hotshoe Cover

FAQs:

How does the new 26.1mm f2.8 lens compare to the previous GR III model?

The newly developed 26.1mm f2.8 lens (equiv. 40mm in 35mm format) differs from the previous 18.3mm f2.8 lens (equiv. 28mm in 35mm format) found on the GR III by affording a more natural image perspective and field of view. This translates to a near true-to-life final image that is incredibly well-suited to urban explorations and street photography.

How fast is the initial startup time of the GR IIIx?

The GR IIIx has a super-fast startup time of just 0.8 seconds; perfect for quick-action street photography.

What other improvements have been made to the GR IIIx?

As well as having a different lens setup to the previous GR III, the updated GR IIIx has the capacity to perform depth of field priority, key eye/face detection AF, enhanced shooting formats (4:3, 16:9), auto file size reduction for WiFi transmissions, and more.

How are you able to update the firmware on the Ricoh GR IIIx?

Firmware updates can be performed directly from the Ricoh website.

Can you connect the GR IIIx to a smartphone or tablet?

By installing the Image Sync app, you can transfer images directly from your GR IIIx to a mobile device, display an expansive Live-View image on your device’s monitor, customise select settings, release the shutter from distance, and even upload images straight to your social media channels.