Ricoh GR III

[betty boop]

Wow this looks like quite a serious update to the Ricoh GR series. Had the mk2 couple of years ago, regretted selling it. but this new release for photokina looks very tasty !

 

https://www.dpreview.com/news/7912788156/ricoh-announces-development-of-long-awaited-gr-iii

 

"Ricoh has announced the development of its new GR III, a significant update to the GR and GR II. The camera gains sensor-shift image stabilization and on-sensor phase detection as part of an updated 24MP sensor. The camera's 28mm equivalent F2.8 lens has also been redesigned and a touchscreen added for the first time.

The GR III's sensor can now shift in three axes to compensate for camera shake and, in common with Ricoh's Pentax DSLRs, this shake can simulate the effect of having an anti-aliasing filter.

Since the stabilization is done at the sensor level, we suspect the lens has been redesigned to boost focus speed. On-sensor phase detection underpins a hybrid phase- and contrast-detection system which, combined with a new processor and the new lens will, we hope, make the autofocus performance more competitive.

The redesigned 28mm equiv. F2.8 lens will have six elements in four groups, including two aspherical elements. The minimum focus distance has improved to 6cm (2.4") from 10cm (3.9"). The built-in 2-stop ND filter from the GR/GR II remains. The GR III can record 1080/60p video, up from 1080/30p on its predecessors.

From the front at least, the design is unchanged, though preliminary specs say that the III isn't quite as wide as the I and II. We've yet to see the back of the camera but we do know that the 3" LCD is now touch-enabled. The GR III has a USB-C socket, which the company says can be used for video output. Wireless functionality continues to be offered through Wi-Fi only: no Bluetooth here.

The GR III will be available in early 2019 at price to be determined later."

[betty boop]

well rather amazing... but this little camera... and I have had this since release ... has punted a few good cameras in fuji x100F and pana lx100 mk2 to become my no 1 pocketable walk around camera...

 

Ricoh hasn't held back the updates with this either.... while might look like the camera before ... its smaller more compact somehow (think loosing the pop up flash has helped) but the updates are significant with new sensor, new processing, new AF system. new touch screen on back and new optics ! 

 

below are its key specs,

Key specifications:

• 24MP APS-C sensor
• 18.3mm (28mm equivalent) F2.8 lens
• 3-axis in-body SR stabilization system
• On-sensor phase detection autofocus
• Ultrasonic sensor cleaning
• 3" 1.04M-dot touch-sensitive LCD screen
• Anti-aliasing filter simulation
• Optional 21mm equivalent GW-4 wide adapter lens
• 1080/60p video
• USB 3.0 (Type C) enables in-camera charging

 

here's some pics...

 

its quite a subtle looking thing... nothing flashy or bling gong on here.... nothing to grab peoples attention

 

 

very much a form dedicated to function... there isnt even a full auto mode.... closest being "P" mode so very much the enthusiasts camera

 

 

though beautifully engineered....solid chunky

 

 

and quite compact as can see next to iPhone XS

 

love the protective built in lens cap. that opens up on power on and very quickly so ready for action ! 

 

and a random shot to make sure all works ! 

 

overall in use ... loving it... so pocketable and means have a REALLY good quality camera in the pocket. its a true enthusiasts camera combining large aperture prime and a good sensor and controls need. 

 

and something doing pretty well in the reviews as well - as per dpreview,

 

"Are you searching for the best image quality in the smallest package? Well, the GR III has a modern 24MP APS-C sensor paired with an incredibly sharp lens and fits into a shirt pocket. But it's not without its caveats, so read our full review to get the low-down on Ricoh's powerful new compact."

 

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/ricoh-gr-iii