Despite Ricoh’s successful plan to diversify its product range with the K-1 DSLR and Theta 360-degree cameras, the company is adamant that the beloved GR compact will see an updated release soon. Kazunobu Saiki, Senior Management and Group Leader, Marketing Section spoke with DPReview about the iconic street shooter.

First and foremost Saiki stated, “Ricoh GR is one of our most important premium cameras. We want to reassure our GR lovers that the series will continue. ”

When pressed about the chances of seeing the GR concept adapted for focal lengths other than the popular 28mm format, Saiki said it depended, “We have so many GR lovers, it’s a very emotional attachment. That’s why we need to listen to customers about where we should go. ”

The GR series is most definitely overdue for an update, the GR II was released in 2015 but only touted minor WiFi updates to the GR which was released in 2013. Still, the GR system is regarded as one of the best street photography cameras for its ergonomic point-and-shoot portability.

Photokina has come and gone so we wouldn’t expect the Ricoh GR III to hit until 2017 at the earliest, but it’s good to know that the company is still focused on the GR line despite new trends in the camera industry.

2016-10-7 03:00