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.
Press Release:
RICOH GRIII, a high-end digital compact camera to be exhibited for preview at Photokina 2018
LONDON 25 SEPTEMBER 2018 - RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING EUROPE, S. A. S. are pleased to announce a preview showing of the RICOH GRIII camera at Photokina 2018 — the world’s largest, full-scale trade fair of photographic and imaging products, to be held from September 26 to 29 in Cologne, Germany. The new camera has been in the process of development as the latest model of the RICOH GR series, which features a line-up of high-end digital compact cameras combining exceptional image quality with a compact, lightweight body ideal for snapshot photography.
Over a history of more than 20 years, the RICOH GR series has always kept its basic concept of optimising the essential values of a camera — high image quality, snapshot capability and portability — while at the same time making the changes and refinements needed to meet emerging needs. Because of this, GR-series models have been preferred by a great many photographers, particularly professionals and highly experienced amateurs.
Currently under development, the RICOH GRIII inherits the basic GR-series concept, but it incorporates totally new devices in its main components, including a newly designed lens, a new image sensor, and a new imaging engine. These are designed to further upgrade image quality, strengthen many of the functions and improve the user interface.
Designed to be the ultimate snapshot camera, the RICOH GR II is a totally new breed of GR camera, one that will give the user new and different creative possibilities. We hope Photokina 2018 visitors will enjoy their first look at this new-generation GR-series model.
Overview of the product under development
Model name: RICOH GRIII
Launch date: Scheduled to be launched in early 2019
The design and specifications are identical to those first announced publicly about the camera’s development, and are subject to change without notice.
Ricoh GR III specifications (preliminary)
Body typeBody typeLarge sensor compactBody materialMagnesium alloySensorMax resolution6000 x 4000Image ratio w:h1:1, 3:2Effective pixels24 megapixelsSensor sizeAPS-C (23. 5 x 15. 6 mm)Sensor typeCMOSColor spacesRGB, Adobe RGBColor filter arrayPrimary color filterImageWhite balance presets8Custom white balanceYesImage stabilizationSensor-shiftUncompressed formatRAWFile format
JPEG (Exif v2. 3)Raw (14-bit DNG)
Optics & FocusFocal length (equiv. )28 mmMaximum apertureF2. 8-16Autofocus
Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View
Autofocus assist lampYesManual focusYesNormal focus range10 cm (3. 94″)Macro focus range6 cm (2. 36″)Screen / viewfinderArticulated LCDFixedScreen size3″Screen dots1,037,000Touch screenYesScreen typeTFT LCDLive viewYesViewfinder typeOptical (optional)Photography featuresMinimum shutter speed30 secMaximum shutter speed1/4000 secExposure modes
ProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManual
Built-in flashNoExternal flashYes (via hot shoe)Flash modesAuto, Flash On, Flash On+Red-eye, Slow-speed Sync, Slow Sync+Red-eyeSelf-timerYesMetering modes
MultiCenter-weightedHighlight-weightedSpot
Exposure compensation±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)Videography featuresFormatMPEG-4, H. 264Modes
1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H. 264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H. 264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MOV, H. 264, Linear PCM
MicrophoneStereoSpeakerMonoStorageStorage typesInternal, SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported)Storage included2GBConnectivityUSB
USB 3. 1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)USB chargingYesHDMINoMicrophone portNoHeadphone portNoWirelessBuilt-InWireless notes802. 11b/g/nRemote controlYes (via smartphone)PhysicalBatteryBattery PackWeight (inc. batteries)257 g (0. 57 lb / 9. 07 oz)Dimensions109 x 62 x 33 mm (4. 29 x 2. 44 x 1. 3″)Other featuresOrientation sensorYesGPSNone. dpreview.com
2018-9-25 09:00
