Ricoh’s APS-C fixed lens GR series cameras are stalwart stars in the premium compact scene, and special editions of their latest models are now available for preorder. The GR III HDF and GR IIIx HDF, available later this month, offer new creative opportunities with a built-in Highlight Diffusion Filter. Read on for further details, and pre-order yours at a Mike’s Camera near you!
Users of these cameras are a unique section of the photography community: here you find folks who are relaxed, adaptable roamers, but who are also discerning enough to resist compromise in quality. Plus, even the most hardcore photographer must admit that it’s not practical to carry a whole kit everywhere, no matter how palpable the fear of missing a brilliant shot may be. That’s where cameras like these come in handy.
The GR III HDF, like the GR III, sports a 24.24 MP APS-C CMOS sensor behind its 18.3mm f/2.8 lens (28mm full frame equivalent field of view), driven by a GR Engine 6 processor and capable of shifting to provide up to three stops of built-in shake reduction. The magnesium alloy frame houses a body around 9 ounces in weight and pocketable in size (4.29″ x 2.44″ x 1.3″). 1080p video can be recorded up to 60 fps, up to 25 minutes in length. The hybrid AF system will focus as closely as four inches, or 2.36″ in Macro Mode. Nice!
The GR IIIx HDF is identical, with the exception of its 26.1mm f/2.8 (40mm equivalent FOV) lens, which can focus as closely as eight inches or 4.72″ in Macro Mode. Thus, the GR III HDF is a great option for landscapes, street photography, and so on, while the GR IIIx HDF would be a better fit if you’d like to focus more on portraiture or still life photography.
So, what’s new?
The huge difference between the GR III/x and the HDF-designated versions is that the built-in ND filter on the standard models has been replaced with a Highlight Diffusion Filter, evidently inspired by Ricoh’s experience with inkjet printing technology. The Fn button, while still customizable, will now turn the HDF on or off instantly. The special-effect filter will diffuse the lighting in highlighted areas, creating a sort of nostalgic, dreamy look that would be difficult to replicate another way. The shutter button has also been colored a dark silver rather than black on these models.
The GR III/x HDF models also introduce two features that will be available on the non-HDF models in a future firmware update: pre-programming of base white balance settings, and Zone Select AF.
Some days, it’s just nice to streamline your efforts. Want to be able to reach into your pocket or handbag and instantly be able to create, whenever or wherever the inspiration strikes? You should know that the Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx have been hot items since their release—be sure to order your HDF camera soon to avoid any availability delays!
More sample images
