Ricoh GR IIIx is an evolution of the GR III model. Before talking about the evolution we present the type of camera, not always known. These are cameras equipped with a mirrorless APS-C sensor with fixed, non-interchangeable lens. We definitely talk about a market niche that only a few manufacturers have had the courage to explore. Ricoh, with this model, improves the characteristics and changes the focal length supplied. Let’s take a closer look at what it is.
Ricoh GR IIIx has an equivalent focal length of 40mm
The focal length goes from 28mm of the previous model to 40mm. It is an unusual focal length, which can be defined as a rather wide normal lens. What can be done with such a length? The Ricoh GR IIIx camera is suitable for street photography and this focal length is extremely similar to the human field of view. The lBrightness is F2.8, a value that is certainly more advantageous than standard zooms; given the fixed focal length, it could have been more open without too much difficulty. The choice of an open but not exaggerated aperture supports however a very compact camera shape, as the lenses remain small in size. This leads to a camera that is low in weight and size that maintains very promising shooting performance.
Ricoh GR IIIx: a well-equipped sensor
The performance of the small Ricoh GR IIIx is very interesting. Sensitivity is very high, ISO 102400, with acquisition of 14-bit raw files; then considering the brightness of the optics we are faced with a camera really suitable for both day and night.
Ricoh GR IIIx with optional teleconverter. Effective length of 75mm
The sensor is 24.24 megapixels, paired with GR ENGINE 6 for image processing and performance management. The sensor has a particular construction: it does not have a low-pass filter (anti-aliasing or AA); it is a choice that improves the general definition of the images but which can suffer from the appearance of some artifacts on subjects with a regular and dense texture. Everything is solved with a very interesting trick: you can simulate the low-pass filter (which essentially blurs the image imperceptibly) with a micro vibration of the sensor through the stabilization system. The simulation is adjustable on three levels: off, medium, high.
The sensor incorporates a mixed focus system, with both phase contrast and phase detection sensors, obtaining the best of both systems.
Optional additional optical viewfinder
Complete equipment
GR ENGINE 6 allows an interesting function: the internal development of raw files, with interventions on:
- crop
- color balance
- exposure compensation
- image controls
The camera has the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, for easier sharing of images. Video performance is nothing special as it is limited to FullHD at 60 frames per second. The system for making is very interesting night time lapse with streaks of the stars and moon. Among the accessories we find very interesting the focal length converter to reach 75mm and the optical viewfinder to be mounted on the flash shoe. The battery life, according to the stringent CIPA standard, is 200 shots; normal use usually involves more shots available.
Ricoh GR IIIx does not yet have a sale date but it is possible to pre-order it at a price of 999.00 euros.