Compact Camera News

Ricoh just announced two new models in their popular GR lineup of streetwise cameras. The new GR III HDF and GR IIIx HDF compacts feature a Highlight Diffusion Filter shooting mode that diffuses highlights, adding a softened halo effect to point sources of light and an overall soft blur to the edges of other highlight areas.

Other Enhancements Include
1. Users can pre-program up to three White Balance settings as the base WB. (This function can be added to original GR III and GR IIIx camera via a firmware update that will be released simultaneous with the availability of the new models.)  It's also possible to couple the base White Balance with the White-Balance Fine Adjustment function.

2. The new models feature Zone Select AF which automatically sets the focus at the most appropriate point within the image area after the user shifts the 3X3 focus area to the desired zone.

3. The color of the shutter-release button has been changed to dark silver to differentiate the HDF models from other GR series models. The default setting of the Fn (Function) button has also been changed to control HDF activation.

All Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx models, including the new HDF versions, have similar specifications except for their lenses. The Ricoh GR III has a 28mm f/2.8 lens (full-frame equivalent) while the GR IIIx features a 40mm f/2.8. Both have 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensors and a pocketsize form factor.

Ricoh stated that the HDF feature was born of their "… advanced inkjet technology cultivated over the years…" and that the HDF effect makes "…it possible to produce images resembling those captured in film photography or vintage movies."

The HDF effect can be turn on and off by a single press of the Fn (Function) button. However, the ND (Neutral Density) filter is no longer available on the RICOH GR III HDF or GR IIIx HDF.

Pricing & Availability
The Ricoh GR III HDF and Ricoh GR IIIx HDF will be available in April at the MSRPs of $1,069.95 and $1,149.95 respectively. The new models can be ordered directly from Ricoh or purchased from  Ricoh Imaging Authorized Retailers. Click here to find a Ricoh Dealer in your area.

To review and buy other Ricoh products, including printers, portable monitors, scanners and projectors, visit the Ricoh Store on Amazon.

∞ Shutterbug Staff

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