High resolution and high contrast. Introducing the sharp imaging of the newly developed GR lens
The GR lens with a new lens construction was developed for even better image quality. This lens uses a slim optical system with six elements in four groups while maintaining the 18.3 mm (35 mm format equivalent: 28 mm) focal length and brightness of F2.8. High-refractive index, low dispersion glass and aspherical high-precision molded glass lenses are optimally placed in the lens construction to suppress distortion and chromatic aberration to the absolute limit, delivering a high level of sharpness. This results in images that are sharp and clear across the entire frame even from the widest aperture setting.
NEW The detailed descriptive power of the 24.2 M large APS-C size image sensor
This model is equipped with a high-resolution, wide dynamic range APS-C size CMOS image sensor (approx. 24.24 effective megapixels). It has approximately 1.5 times the pixels of the GR II and an anti-aliasing filterless construction that utilizes the characteristics of the high-resolution lens for high-definition detail reproduction. Both the image sensor and lens are also optimized for the best possible image quality.
NEW Advanced image processing and responsiveness. Meet the new GR ENGINE 6
The imaging processor on this model is the new GR ENGINE 6. It elevates the essential high image quality performance of the GR for an even greater level of detail. Faster processing makes a high pixel count image sensor and multi-level gradation in 14-bit RAW possible. This also contributes to improved responsiveness and functionality for autofocus and movie.
NEW Shooting at ISO 102400 is possible with our original signal processing technology
A high-performance processor “Accelerator Unit” has been adopted on this model as a powerful way to support high image quality. The signal output by the image sensor is sent to the image processor after being optimally handled. This reduces noise, delivering superb resolution and color reproduction across the entire sensitivity range. It also makes it possible to shoot at ISO 102400.
1/125 sec., F2.8, ISO2000, EV -2, WB: Multi Auto White Balance
NEW 3-axis, 4-step Shake Reduction for high image quality across a wide shooting range
Camera shake is reduced for crisp images even when taking split-second snapshots. Shake Reduction is installed while making the body size of the GR III more compact than its predecessor model. It minimizes the shake on three axes, including yaw, pitch and roll. Compensation effects deliver as many as 4 steps of shutter speed*.
*CIPA standard.
NEW AA filter simulator for reducing false colors and moiré thanks to Shake Reduction mechanism
The effects of the optical anti-aliasing (AA) filter are obtained with Shake Reduction. Moving the image sensor slightly during the exposure suppresses false colors and moiré. You can choose whether to prioritize resolution or reducing false colors and moiré depending on your subject. Choose [High] or [Low] for effect settings.
● Sufficient functionality may be achieved when the shutter speed is slower than 1/1000 second.
AA Filter Selector
Thanks to the built-in SR system, by using the microscopic vibration of the image sensor unit during image exposure, generates the same level of moiré-reduction effect as optical AA (anti-aliasing) filter. Unlike fixed optical AA filters which always creates the identical result, this innovative simulator allows the user to adjust the level of the moiré-reduction effect from OFF, Type1 and Type2. Bracketing of all those settings is also possible. Depending on your subject, you can chose high resolution shooting or AA filtered shooting.
thegirlwholeftthefridgeopen, Washington D.C. DC –
I never heard of Ricoh until I moved abroad for several years. I had a heavy DSLR that I wasn’t enjoying and broke my compact nikon. When I was searching for a new camera, I came upon the Ricoh GR. Since I never heard of GR in my life, I thought it was a fake advertisement because Ricoh was selling a compact camera for the price of a good mirrorless. But the simplicity of it, nothing making it stand out from the crowd from the other competition. I didn’t but it immediately but the little black camera still stayed in my mind for a long time.
Just by coincidence, I discovered Daido Moriyama and his history with GR and at that time the new GR III came out too and some many camera youtubers were were going crazy. To make a long story short, I got convinced to get this camera. So a week later I took the $900 risk for a compact camera. Probably the craziest but well worth purchase of my life.
I have used this camera from the month it came out until now. It has never disappointed me in anyway (maybe sprinkle some of PENTAX’s weather sealing in the GR IV”. It made me start over my relationship with photography. I thought you had to start off with a DSLR to start photography. But the problem with that was not only is a DSLR body quite overwhelming but had no style or direction in my photography so I had a hard time going out with my D7100 because I didn’t know how to expose correctly and didn’t know what scenes to look for.
With the Ricoh GR III, everything is one-handed operation and it was so easy to use that I could start with the basis principles of photography and simply document wherever I went. Over time I went from P mode to shutter and aperture priority and then completely manual because I scaffolded my learning of how to use the camera. Because of GR I was able to have some personal style and becoming more confident in street photography.
It such a fun camera to use. Easy for beginners, advanced features for professionals on the go. It weighs less to nothing so there is no excuse to leave it at home. Because of it’s minimalist appearance, it doesn’t stand out when you photograph the streets. I was working with 50mm on my previous nikon but the focal length was working against me. With GR’s 28mm, I felt like I got the correct prescription glasses to see the world clearly.
To have a camera this small with the highest quality, you are able to take pictures everyday and anywhere. And it was through taking pictures everyday with the GR that I developed my photographic eye. And now being comfortable with the camera, I feel that I can work with any kind of camera because I now at least have developed a personal style.
The GR III is back up fully by the GR philosophy and values. Take a look at the GR blog and the GRists to hear what they have to say about this little camera. Having used it for 2+ years and having it in my pocket everyday, it was money well spent and memories well captured.
The reason I didn’t give it a five star was because the lack of weather sealing, the wheel dial is very flimsy and gets loose, and the adhesive glue holding the imitation leather grip starts to peel off considerably ( I assume the warmth of the hands accelerate weakening the adhesive. Everything else, I can’t complain!
To see some of my samples of the GR III in use, you can check out my instagram @thegirlwholeftthefridgeopen