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Ricoh says it will repair GR III cameras affected by a wobbly control dial, scroll wheel

02 Apr

Ricoh Korea and Japan have issued a statement regarding an issue with select Ricoh GR III cameras that caused the control dial of the camera jiggles more than it should, as seen in the above video shared by Photo Rumors. Following an investigation of the issue, Ricoh says it will fix affected devices free of charge and notes that the movement of the controls does not interfere with the functionality of the camera.

The translated statement says ‘The basic specification is to set a slight rotation allowance width, but as a result of investigation, it has been found that some products with the following target serial numbers have combinations with large display inclinations.’

In more clear terms (you made a valiant effort Google Translate), Ricoh anticipated a slight bit of movement, but the affected cameras show far more movement than should be happening and as a result the affected cameras will be fixed. Below are the serial number ranges Ricoh references:

0010046 – 0022290
2010043 – 2012044
3010045 – 3010544
4010041 – 4010230

The statement says Ricoh will start processing repairs for affected devices on April 8, 2019. DPReview was informed by a Ricoh spokesperson that Ricoh USA and UK will be issuing a statement tomorrow regarding the issue and the subsequent steps needed to repair affected cameras. We will update the article with that statement when we receive it.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Ricoh GR III sample gallery updated

12 Mar

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We spent a little more time with the Ricoh GR III out and about in Yokohama, updating our initial sample gallery to a total of over 50 images. Take a look at some additional out-of-camera JPEGs and converted Raw files from the GR line’s much-awaited successor.

See our Ricoh GR III sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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CP+ 2019: Ricoh GR III shown with firmware 1.0, Theta goes 1″

03 Mar

GR III dominates the Ricoh booth

Ricoh formally launched the GR III earlier this week, so it’s no surprise that its presence dominates the company’s stand at CP+. The units on display are running firmware 1.0 and we’re told we’ll be able to get our hands on one in the next few days to go shooting with.

Familiar controls

Many of the camera’s features will immediately be familiar to users of previous GR models. The ADJ lever controls exposure compensation or brings up a customizable menu of core camera functions. Several of the camera’s buttons can also be re-assigned, including a dedicated Fn button, the left and right presses of the four-way controller and the movie/Wi-Fi button on the side (which can control a second function in response to a long press). And, of course, there’s the ‘Full Press Snap’ focus option that leaves the camera pre-focused to your chosen distance, to maximize responsiveness. The improved speed of being able to position the AF point that the touchscreen brings may not wholly outweigh the loss of the rocker that’s featured on the back of GR cameras up until now for experienced users.

New lens, new autofocus

The GR III adds phase detection autofocus but, interestingly, still appears to use a unit focus design, where the entire lens is moved back and forth as the camera focuses. This helps maximize image quality, as the lenses maintain their relationships to one another, but slows down the process, since it means moving more mass. The addition of phase-detection autofocus helps with this, since it means the lens can be driven straight to the desired location, but the autofocus of these firmware v1.0 cameras wasn’t especially speedy.

Innovation and legacy

Ricoh was keen to show that, while the GR III is a relatively major update to the series, it understands that it needs to fit into a series that goes back over twenty years. It’s an important reminder that, even relatively recently, the GR series attracted a dedicated audience even when they were built around relatively modest 1/1.7″ sensors. Anyone who enjoyed one of the GR Digital models is likely to be impressed with what the GR III offers. And we’re looking forward to getting a closer look at the final JPEGs soon.

Ricoh Theta goes 1″

The Theta VR camera has been something of a success for Ricoh and it’s been progressively iterating on the design for a number of years. Back at Photokina 2016 they told us one of the big challenges they faced was trying to cope with the heat generated by 4K capture without having to change the popular form-factor of the device. The Theta Z1 shows how far things have come since then. The Theta Z1 is not only capable of 4K video capture but does so from a pair of 1″-type sensors.

Ricoh Theta Z1 with DNG Raw

The Theta Z1 is a little taller and a little thicker than previous models but they’re relatively minor changes, considering how much larger the sensors its using are. Bear in mind that the Theta’s 360° capability is formed by having two of these chips mounted back-to-back, it’s not surprising that the Z1 had to get a little (~6mm) thicker. Despite this slight extra separation, its lenses are able to give an overlapping view to form a 360° view. And, unlike previous versions, the Z1 can shoot DNG Raw stills.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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CP+ 2019: Ricoh shows PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW

02 Mar

Hands-on with PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW

Alongside the GR III, Ricoh is using the CP+ show in Yokohama Japan to give its customers a first look at a new high-performance wideangle lens for APS-C. The PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW was announced way back in the Fall of 2017 and was supposed to ship the following summer, but it was delayed. We’re at CP+, where we took a closer look.

Hands-on with PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW

The 11-18mm is a large, pretty heavy and quite costly lens, and if someone had told us it was actually designed for full-frame, we’d have no difficulty in believing them. According to Ricoh, the new lens offers significantly improved image quality compared to the older 12-24mm F4 ED AL.

Designed for outdoor use

Designed for use outdoors, the ‘AW’ in the lengthy model name stands for ‘All-Weather’ – a higher grade of weather-resistance than the more common ‘WR’ rating offered further down Ricoh’s Pentax lens lineup. Like all of the Pentax AW lenses, the 11-18mm F2.8 feels like it could be carried up a mountain in the rain, dropped off the top, dusted off and put back on the camera without sustaining any serious damage (but please don’t try it).

Designed for outdoor use

The distinctive orange ring is a rubber gasket, helping keep dust and moisture from getting into the camera from around the lens mount.

Focus clamp

We’re used to seeing lock/clamp switches on lenses, but it’s unusual to see a focus lock. Since the 11-18mm is intended for use by astrophotographers, for whom precise focusing positioning is essential, especially at wide apertures, Ricoh wanted to make sure that once accurate focus has been achieved, it stays locked.

Moving the clamp switch to ‘on’ disengages the focus clutch, ensuring that even if the focus ring is knocked, the focus position won’t change.

Optical construction

With a focal range equivalent to 16.5-27mm when mounted on an APS-C body, the 11-18mm’s optical construction is comprised of 16 elements, including two aspherical elements, two extra low-dispersion elements and one aspherical extra-low dispersion element. Ricoh claims that its ‘HD’ coating reduces reflections by more than 50% compared to regular coatings, too, which should help increase optical quality even further, by reducing flare and ghosting.

Price and availability

The PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW will be available soon, for $ 1399.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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The Ricoh Theta Z1 is a $1K 360 camera with Raw capture, improved optics and more

25 Feb

Ricoh Imaging has announced the launch of the Theta Z1, its latest flagship model of its 360-degree camera system. The Ricoh Theta Z1 can capture 23MP (6720 x 3360 pixels) still images and 4K/30p (3840×1920 pixels) 360-degree video on its two 1″-type backside-illuminated CMOS sensor with a maximum sensitivity of ISO 6400.

Behind the sensor is a new image processing algorithm and improved image capture support. Specifically, Ricoh has added a new HDR Rendering mode, Interval Composite mode for recording star trails, and a multi-bracket mode for capturing the same scene with different settings. In addition to JPEG still image support, the Theta Z1 now supports Adobe DNG Raw capture for more post-processing flexibility.

To compliment the 4K/30p video capture, Ricoh has added a 4-channel microphone that supports 360-degree spatial audio recording. The lens itself has also been updated to reduce ghosting, flaring and purple fringing. An improved aperture mechanism makes it possible to choose between F2.1, F3.5 and F5.6. The Theta Z1 also features 3-axis stabilization to keep stills and video smooth.

The Ricoh Theta Z1 (the black camera) compared to Ricoh’s other 360-degree cameras. Note the much larger lens size and OLED screen.

The camera itself features a familiar two-lens design with a single button on the front of the device and three additional buttons on the side: one for power, one for Wi-Fi pairing and one for selecting the camera mode. A 0.93-inch OLED screen is used to show various settings and navigate through the shooting modes.

Ricoh has also added additional plug-in support thanks to the AndroidTM-based system, including a new ‘Time-Shift Shooting’ plug-in that makes it possible to remove the person capturing the image from the frame. As with past Theta devices, the Theta Z1 can post media directly to various social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube and even Google Maps.

The Ricoh Theta Z1 is listed on Ricoh’s online shop for $ 999.95, but the ‘pre-order’ button only takes you to a sign-up page where Ricoh says you will be notified via email when the Theta Z1 becomes available for purchase.

Press release:

RICOH THETA Z1 — a camera that can shoot 360-degree spherical images in a single shot

Achieving 360-degree still image photo shooting in high-quality 23MP resolution

TOKYO, February 25, 2019 ?RICOH Imaging Americas Corporation announced today the launch of the RICOH THETA Z1, the latest model from the family of cutting-edge 360-degree cameras. The RICOH THETA Z1 supports approximately 23-megapixels resolution (6720 x 3360 pixels) 360-degree still image photo shooting as a high-end model of the RICOH THETA camera series, which can shoot spherical images in a single shot, giving consumers the opportunity to adventure, discover and capture life in 360.

Since RICOH launched the world’s first 360-degree consumer camera*1 in 2013, the company has stayed at the forefront of this emerging technology as it continues to evolve, and become an integral tool for the burgeoning industries of virtual reality (VR), social media, business, real estate + more. Exceptional imaging and sleek design come together to deliver unique, expected visuals; a seamless integration into any element of everyday life – business or pleasure.

The RICOH THETA Z1 is the flagship model of this series, with RICOH deploying exceptional optical and image processing technologies, cultivated through years of high-performance camera development, to pursue its highest resolution and quality to date. The compact main body is equipped with a 1.0-inch back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, enabling approx. 23MP resolution 360-degree still images. It supports a diverse range of shooting modes, such as aperture priority, allowing users to take high-quality images regardless of the setting: outdoors, nighttime, indoors, tropical beaches or snowy mountain views – nothing is off limits. Moreover, it is possible to shoot considerably smooth and immersive 360-degree videos in 4K (3840×1920 pixels) and 30 frames per second (fps) thanks to powerful 3-axis rotational stabilization to compensate for rotational shake.

The main body of the camera, with a 0.93-inch organic EL monitor and a Function (Fn) button, grants users access to a multitude of information at a glance, including number of possible shots, exposure settings, and more, thus greatly improving the operability of the camera itself. In addition to JPEG, RICOH THETA Z1 now supports Adobe® DNG format (RAW) so that users can enjoy professional image editing as with a general digital SLR camera. Basic performance improvements are most evident in the AndroidTM-based system, which now offers flexibility in number of expansions one can add to the Z1 through the installation of additional plug-ins. The overall functionality of the latest model from RICOH not only meets the high demands of serious photographers, offers an optimal performance for professionals and amateurs alike.

Opportunities to use 360 images in innovative ways are increasing at a rapid pace. RICOH THETA is heavily utilized in business use cases around the world. Advanced services leveraging RICOH THETA V in real estate and construction are offered by Ricoh Tours, Zillow 3D Home, Matterport Capture, and HoloBuilder JobWalk, and future integrations with these partners services and the new RICOH THETA Z1 are planned.

RICOH’S THETA Z1 will be available to preview up ahead of its official release at the RICOH Imaging booth during CP+ 2019, the world’s premier show for Camera and Photo Imaging held at PACIFICO Yokohama this February 28, 2019.

*1 As a mass-produced consumer product capable of capturing the scene around, above and below the device in a fully spherical image (as of October, 2013, based on RICOH research).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Ricoh announces rugged WG-6 and industrial-strength G900 cameras

23 Feb

The WG-6 is Ricoh’s latest ‘top-of-the-line’ waterproof camera, offering a 20MP, 1/2.3″ BSI-CMOS sensor, 28-140mm F3.5-5.5 lens and a built-in macro ring light. The WG-6 is waterproof to 20m/65ft, shockproof from 2.1m/6.5ft and functional down to -10°C/+14°F.

The WG-6 has a built-in GPS and electronic compass, a 3″ (non-touch) LCD, remote control receivers on the front and back and a USB-C socket. It’s also capable of capturing 4K/30 video. The WG-6 does not have optical image stabilization, and wireless connectivity is only available by using optional FlashAir SD cards.

The camera will be on the market shortly for $ 399. Available colors include orange and black.

The G900 is a more rugged version of the WG-6 and is designed for industrial applications. In addition to being water, dust, and drop-resistant, it’s also crushproof to 100kgf/220lbf and chemical-resistant (to which ones, we do not know).

It also adds text and voice memos, password protection and barcode scanning. The G900 has a whopping 6.5GB of internal memory, as well.

The G900 will be priced at $ 799.

Press Release

Ricoh Imaging introduces top-of-the-line model in its WG series of ultra-rugged digital compact cameras

Waterproof, shockproof RICOH WG-6 camera packs 20 megapixels and 4K-resolution video functionality in a small and durable package

WEST CALDWELL, NJ, February 21, 2019-Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the RICOH WG-6, a compact, waterproof and shockproof digital camera that produces super high-resolution photos and 4K video. Equipped with a 5x optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle coverage and a large, wide-frame LCD monitor, the new, top-of-the- line model in the rugged WG series makes it easy to capture a range of images – from eye- catching close-ups to sweeping landscapes – in the most extreme conditions.

The RICOH WG-6 adds a host of newly designed features including a multi-application ring light ideal for macro-photography and the most dependable waterproof body in WG-series history, capable of shooting to a depth of 65 feet, for up to two continuous hours. The WG-6 body is shockproof against a fall from heights of 6.5 feet and operational in temperatures as low as -10°C.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with approximately 20 effective megapixels and a high-performance imaging engine, the RICOH WG-6 delivers super-high-resolution still images and 4K-resolution video clips. In addition to the conventional Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode, it features a new Movie SR+ mode to assure high-quality shooting with more active, fast-action outdoor activities.

A six-LED ring light unit positioned around the lens allows use of a faster shutter speed to minimize camera shake and subject shake in macro and close-up photography. This feature also allows the photographer to choose specific LEDs to illuminate a subject more three- dimensionally and emphasize its delicate contours.

Additional outdoor-friendly features include a GPS module to record position data and travel log data onto captured images; an electronic compass; and the innovative Handheld Night Snap mode, which automatically captures several images of the same nighttime scene and produces a single blur-free composite image of them.

| Pricing and Availability |

The RICOH WG-6 will be available for pre-sale at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 399.95.

Ricoh Imaging announces heavy-duty industrial digital camera ideal for construction, civil engineering and disaster relief

Resistant to water, dust, shock and chemicals, the new RICOH G900 produces high- resolution images in the most challenging conditions

WEST CALDWELL, NJ, February 21, 2019-Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the RICOH G900, a heavy-duty, compact digital camera designed for capturing high- quality images and 4K video in demanding industrial environments. Waterproof, dustproof, shock- and chemical-resistant, the G900 is optimized for use in challenging conditions subject to water, rain, dust and dirt, and in industries such as construction, civil engineering, disaster relief and healthcare.

The successor to the RICOH G800, the RICOH G900 offers a new, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with approximately 20 effective megapixels that captures high-resolution images even in low-light conditions. It features a 5X optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm in 35mm format), and a six-LED ring light unit positioned around the lens that allows use of a faster shutter speed to minimize camera shake and subject shake in macro and close-up photography.

Approximately 26 percent more compact than its predecessor, the rugged RICOH G900 is waterproof to a depth of 65 feet for up to two hours of continuous operation, and its enhanced shock-resistant body is capable of withstanding a fall from 6.5 feet.

The camera offers an array of features designed to facilitate shooting in industrial environments, including an advanced GPS system and an electronic compass that records accurate position and direction data; easily accessible controls; a comfortable, contoured grip; and the wide neck strap of its predecessor, which enables two-point, cross-shoulder suspension to make the RICOH G900 easy to carry and handle at worksites.

The RICOH G900’s unique, enhanced camera memo function mode greatly reduces the workload needed for post-shooting data management. Previously created text or audio can be easily attached to a captured image, and reference images such as plans or blueprints can be browsed on the camera’s 3-inch LCD monitor. A transparency guide allows the user to recall a previously captured image on the monitor to compare images side-by-side and measure progress of work that has been completed. Additional features include a barcode scanning function, password- protected camera lock, 6.5GB of built-in memory and an electronic level.

| Pricing and Availability |

The RICOH G900 will be available for pre-sale at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 799.95.

Ricoh WG-6 / G900 specifications

	Ricoh WG-6	Ricoh G900
Price
MSRP	$ 399	$ 799
Body type
Body type	Compact
Body material	Composite
Sensor
Max resolution	5184 x 3888
Image ratio w:h	1:1, 4:3, 3:2
Effective pixels	20 megapixels
Sensor size	1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type	BSI-CMOS
Color space	sRGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
White balance presets	8
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	Digital only
Uncompressed format	No
File format	JPEG
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)	28–140 mm
Optical zoom	5×
Maximum aperture	F3.5–5.5
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Center Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Digital zoom	Yes (8.1X)
Manual focus	Yes
Normal focus range	50 cm (19.69″)
Macro focus range	1 cm (0.39″)
Number of focus points	9
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	1,040,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	None
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	4 sec	1/4 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Exposure modes	Program
Scene modes	Auto Picture Program HDR Handheld Night Snap Movie High Speed Movie Digital Microscope Landscape Flower Portrait Underwater Underwater Movie Interval Shot Interval Movie Surf & Snow Kids Pet Sport Night Scene Fireworks Digital SR Report Green Depth of field composition	Auto Picture Program HDR Movie High Speed Movie Digital Microscope Interval Shot Interval Movie Surf & Snow Digital SR Report watermark Firefighting Skew Correct Text Zoom Macro Haze removal Depth of field composition
Built-in flash	Yes
Flash range	5.50 m (with Auto ISO)
External flash	No
Flash modes	Flash on, flash off
Drive modes	One-shot Self-timer Continuous Burst M continuous S continuous Remote control Auto bracketing
Self-timer	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot
Exposure compensation	±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	No
Videography features
Format	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	Internal + SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Storage included	27MB	6.5GB
Connectivity
USB	USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
USB charging	Yes
HDMI	Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port	No
Headphone port	No
Wireless notes	Supports FlashAir SD cards
Remote control	Yes (Receivers on front and back)	Yes
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes
Durability	Waterproof, Shockproof
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	DB-110 lithium-ion battery & USB charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	340
Weight (inc. batteries)	246 g (0.54 lb / 8.68 oz)	247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz)
Dimensions	118 x 66 x 33 mm (4.65 x 2.6 x 1.3″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	Built-in
GPS notes	Includes e-Compass

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Ricoh GR III sample gallery

23 Feb

The Ricoh GR III made its official debut today, and DPR contributor Damien Demolder got his hands on the camera for a quick photo walk through London. Take a look at the JPEG output from the GR III as well as a few converted DNGs.

See our Ricoh GR III sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Hands-on with the Ricoh GR III

23 Feb

The wait is over

Fans of the Ricoh GR, which was announced way back in 2013 (and preceded by both smaller-sensored and film GRs,) have been waiting a long time for an updated model. Sure, there was the GR II in 2015, but the biggest new feature on that model was Wi-Fi.

Four years later, the true replacement of the GR is here, in the Ricoh GR III. It has a higher-res sensor, a redesigned lens, in-body image stabilization and a hybrid AF system, to name just a few things. And Ricoh did all that without increasing the size of the camera, a favorite of street photographers.

New 24MP sensor and in-body stabilization

The GR III now has a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor, up from 16MP on its predecessors. It offers an ISO range of 100 – 102,400 and uses 14-bit DNG as its Raw format.

Probably the most significant addition to the GR III is in-body image stabilization. By shifting its sensor, the GR III is able to provide up to four stops of shake reduction, according to Ricoh.

While the new 24MP sensor has no anti-aliasing filter, the GR III can take advantage of its shake reduction system to simulate one. If this sounds familiar, it’s because Pentax DSLRs have had this feature for many years.

Ricoh has also made an effort to keep dust off of the sensor, which was an issue for some owners of previous GR models. Like modern DSLR and mirrorless cameras, it uses ultrasonic vibrations to literally shake the dust away.

Redesigned lens and on-sensor phase detection

While it maintains the same 28mm equivalent focal length and F2.8 maximum aperture of the previous GR models, the GR III’s lens has been totally redesigned. It has six elements in four groups, with two of the elements being aspherical.

The lens has a built-in two-stop neutral density filter, which can now be set to engage automatically, meaning you can keep using the maximum aperture in bright light. The maximum shutter speed on the GR III, which continues to use a leaf shutter, is 1/4000 sec.

However, because it’s a leaf shutter, it can’t maintain this maximum speed when shooting at F2.8. Instead the maximum shutter speed tops out at 1/2500 sec at F2.8 (1/3EV improved, compared with the GR II). This, combined with the 2-stop ND and near-silent operation should mean you’ll rarely find yourself limited by the absence of a full-electronic shutter mode.

As you can see from the above photo, the lens ring can be removed so the optional GW-4 wide-angle lens can be attached. This brings the focal length of the lens down to 21mm equiv. and it’s a new optic designed to match the GR III’s new lens – so sorry, if you own the wide adapter for the GR or GR II, it won’t work on the new camera.

Another big feature on the GR III is on-sensor phase detection autofocus. We don’t know much about the system at this point, such as the number of points or frame coverage, but we hope that the combination of the updated AF system and new lens will give the GR III’s focus speeds a boost.

Touchscreen and rear controls

The back of GR III has been significantly redesigned. It includes a 3″ touchscreen LCD for the first time in the series’ history. This make selecting an AF point quicker and easier than on GRs past. Touch operation is responsive, but menu navigation can be a little awkward as the GUI isn’t designed for fingers.

Long time fans of the GR might miss the auto exposure/focus lock and vertical rocker switch from previous models. But we can assure you the camera has a familiar form factor, size and weight. The familiar rocker control is still directly under your thumb for applying exposure compensation.

Top plate controls and missing pop-up flash

The top of the GR III is nearly unchanged from recent models. It retains the iconic pill-shaped shutter release. Top plate controls, including the vertical dial, on/off switch and mode dial, are also unchanged.

We’d come to know and love the small tilt-up flash found on previous GR models, sadly it did not find its way into the GR III. Good thing the hot shoe did.

Another small change: TAv mode has been removed as an option from the mode dial. Fortunately, the basic premise of TAv should be achievable using Auto ISO in Manual exposure mode. Anyone familiar with the Pre-APS-C GR Digital models probably won’t notice this absence.

Video and connectivity

The GR III offers modest video specs, with the ability to capture 1080/60p footage. Recording is capped at 25 mins or 4GB of footage. The camera includes a built-in stereo mic, but not microphone or headphone sockets.

While the GR II had Wi-Fi, Ricoh has given the GR III Bluetooth, as well. This should make pairing a bit quicker while allowing for a constant connection between camera and smartphone.

Battery and charging

The GR III’s battery life has taken a serious nosedive, dropping 38% over the GR II. It offers a CIPA-rated 200 shots per charge which isn’t great. Our first attempt shooting with this new model gave us less than an hour-and-a-half of shooting time, so that’s something we’ll keep a close eye on when we get our hands on a camera running final firmware.

Since the new DB-110 battery is more powerful than the one on the GR II, it’s likely that the IBIS system is the main culprit for the drop.

On a more positive note, the GR I/II’s proprietary charging port has been replaced by USB-C. I supports USB-PD which allows it to be powered by external power banks.

Limited edition GR III and accessories

The GR III will be shipping in mid-March for $ 899 / £799 ($ 100/£200 more than the previous version). In some regions, that snazzy blue lens ring pictured above will be included.

Accessories include the WG-4 wide-angle conversion lens, the GV-1 and GV-2 optical viewfinders and the usual assortment of cases and straps.

First impressions

There was some concern when Ricoh first unveiled mockups of the GR III, with long-time fans of the series concerned about the impact of the control changes that have been introduced.

Our first impressions are that the main command dial and rear jog control are just where you expect them, so the shooting experience isn’t too significantly changed. The loss of dedicated buttons will take some getting used to, but we found we still had access to the things we change most.

The touchscreen makes it much easier to quickly position the AF point than on previous GRs. At least for now there’s a considerable lag if you use the rear screen for touch shutter. Even with the new focus system, there’s still a noticeable pause even if you’ve placed the AF point and use the shutter button to fire. We’ll see whether responsiveness picks up with final firmware.

Of course the alternative is to use Snap Focus to keep the lens focused at a predetermined point. Which, if you’ve used an GR before, may already be your preferred way of working.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Ricoh GR III, with updated lens, 24MP APS-C sensor and in-body IS to ship in March

22 Feb

Five months after its development announcement, the Ricoh GR III will be shipping this March for $ 899. Unlike the GR II, which was a very minor upgrade to the original, the major components on the GR III are all-new.

The controls have received a major shake-up as the GR III becomes the first in the series to use a touchscreen. The screen is a 3.0″, 1.04M-dot LCD, with all of the usual features like AF point selection, menu navigation and image review onboard.

It also gains image stabilization, with a 3-axis sensor-shift system offering shake reduction rated at up to four stops. This ‘SR’ system can also be used to simulate an AA filter for when moiré reduction is desired. And there’s now an ultrasonic dust reduction system for the sensor, which is perhaps a nod to the dust problems that some encountered on the GR I and II.

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The GR III’s autofocus system has been overhauled, with the addition of on-sensor phase detection. This, along with a redesigned lens, gives us hope that the GR II’s autofocus will be quicker than its predecessors. Ricoh is yet to provide any technical details but says it will be ‘faster and more responsive.’

The GR III’s 28mm equiv. F2.8 lens has six elements in four groups, with two elements being aspherical. The lens can now focus as close as 6cm (2.4″), compared to 10cm (3.9″) on the previous models. The GR III continues to offer a built-in 2-stop ND filter.

The resolution of the GR III’s APS-C sensor has been bumped from 16MP to 24MP, with a fully expanded ISO range of 100 – 102,400. The GR III can now record 1080/60p video, but no 4K. Ricoh has added a Type-C USB 3.0 port on the camera (which can be used to charge the battery,) and connectivity options now include Bluetooth in addition to Wi-Fi.

Two things that the GR III lost are its built-in flash and a fair amount of its battery life. The latter has plunged from 320 shots to 200 shots per charge – a 38% drop – despite using a higher capacity battery. More than likely, the addition of in-body IS puts the biggest hit on battery life.

As mentioned above, the GR III will be yours to purchase in March for $ 899. A new 0.75x wide-angle adapter (GW-4) will also be available for $ 249.

Press Release

Ricoh launches RICOH GR III high-end, compact digital camera

Newest model in the popular RICOH GR series delivers exceptional image quality in a smaller, lightweight body, making it ideal for street photography

WEST CALDWELL, NJ, February 21, 2019 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the launch of the highly anticipated RICOH GR III camera. The new camera is the latest model in the RICOH GR series, a lineup of high-end digital cameras providing exceptional image quality in a compact, lightweight body ideal for street photography, travel and capturing candid images.

The RICOH GR III features a newly designed lens, image sensor and imaging engine that further upgrade image quality, enhance functionality and improve usability. The 18.3mm F2.8 lens delivers exceptional imaging performance with a slim design, consisting of six optical elements in four groups, while retaining the 28mm angle of view. It produces the clearest, sharpest images in GR-series history while reducing distortion and chromatic aberration. It also comes equipped with a macro shooting capability with a minimum focusing distance of six centimeters.

In keeping with the GR-series concept of packaging high image quality in a compact design, the RICOH GR III camera body is smaller than its predecessor, and is equipped with a large APS-C-size CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.24 effective megapixels to produce high-resolution images. Its short start-up time of approximately 0.8 seconds allows for quick, responsive shooting. The camera’s high-definition LCD monitor features touchscreen operation, offering intuitive control of various camera functions right on the screen.

The camera also features a high-speed hybrid autofocus system, built-in shake reduction, in- camera image finishing options, USB Type-CTM, Bluetooth and wireless LAN connectivity options. An accessory wide-angle conversion lens designed exclusively for use with the RICOH GR III is also available. The GW-4 Wide Conversion Lens expands the angle of view to 21mm ultra-wide angle.

“The Ricoh GR III is the ultimate street camera,” said William Hereford, a Brooklyn-based pro photographer, who has been shooting with GR series cameras for years. “The image quality and ease of use are equally amazing. I literally don’t leave my house without this camera. The GR III fits perfectly both in my hand and my pocket, so it is always available to capture a moment.”

Hereford says that the image quality is so great, that photos taken with his GR cameras have the potential to be used in national ad campaigns and magazine articles.

Designed to be the ultimate street photography camera, the RICOH GR III is a totally new breed of GR camera that will give the user new and different creative possibilities.

| Pricing and Availability |

The RICOH GR III will be shipping in March 2019 and will be available at www.us.ricoh- imaging.com and retail outlets nationwide. Price is $ 899.95 for the camera, $ 249.95 for the GW-4 Wide Conversion Lens.

Ricoh GR III specifications

Price
MSRP	$ 899 / £799
Body type
Body type	Large sensor compact
Body material	Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution	6000 x 4000
Image ratio w:h	1:1, 3:2
Effective pixels	24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	25 megapixels
Sensor size	APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Color space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
White balance presets	8
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	Sensor-shift
CIPA image stabilization rating	4 stop(s)
Uncompressed format	RAW
File format	JPEG (Exif v2.3) Raw (14-bit DNG)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)	28 mm
Maximum aperture	F2.8–16
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi-area Center Selective single-point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Manual focus	Yes
Normal focus range	10 cm (3.94″)
Macro focus range	6 cm (2.36″)
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	1,037,000
Touch screen	Yes
Screen type	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Optical (optional)
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Exposure modes	Program Aperture priority Shutter priority Manual
Built-in flash	No
External flash	Yes (via hot shoe)
Flash modes	Auto, Flash On, Flash On+Red-eye, Slow-speed Sync, Slow Sync+Red-eye
Flash X sync speed	1/4000 sec
Drive modes	Single Frame Continuous Shooting Bracketing Multi-exposure Interval Shooting Interval Composite
Continuous drive	4.0 fps
Self-timer	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Highlight-weighted Spot
Exposure compensation	±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Format	MPEG-4, H.264
Modes	1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	Internal, SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported)
Storage included	2GB
Connectivity
USB	USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
USB charging	Yes
HDMI	No
Microphone port	No
Headphone port	No
Wireless	Built-In
Wireless notes	802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth
Remote control	Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	DB-110 lithium-ion battery & USB charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	200
Weight (inc. batteries)	257 g (0.57 lb / 9.07 oz)
Dimensions	109 x 62 x 33 mm (4.29 x 2.44 x 1.3″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Ricoh announces Pentax 35mm F2 and 11-18mm F2.8 K-mount lenses

31 Jan

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Ricoh has announced a pair of Pentax K-mount lenses: the HD PENTAX-FA 35mm F2 and HD PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW.

The full-frame 35mm F2 is based on the smc PENTAX-FA 35mm F2 AL from the film era and features HD and SP coatings, with the former reducing reflections and the latter repelling water from the front element. The lens has six elements in five groups and a six-blade aperture. It’s remarkably compact, despite having both an aperture ring and distance scale, and weighs in at just 193 grams. The lens will be available in February for £399.

The PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW was introduced way back in the Fall of 2017 and was supposed to ship the following summer. After a bit of a delay, this APS-C lens is finally read to ship next month. The weather-resistant 11-18mm F2.8, equivalent to 16.5-27mm when mounted on an APS-C body, has 16 elements, a nine-blade aperture and an HD coating. There’s also a clamp to lock focus at a desired point and the ‘ability to accommodate the addition of a dew heating strip to prevent condensation without affecting focus-ring operation.’ The lens will be priced at £1399.

Pentax-FA 35mm F2 official sample photos

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Pentax-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 official sample photos

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Press Releases:

HD PENTAX-FA 35mm F2

A single-focus, wide-angle lens for use with K-mount digital SLR cameras, featuring latest lens coatings to further upgrade image quality

London, 30 January 2019 ?RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING EUROPE S.A.S. are pleased to announce the launch of the HD PENTAX-FA 35mmF2. Despite its compact dimensions, this high-performance wide-angle lens covers the full-frame image circle of PENTAX K-mount digital SLR cameras.

This new lens is based on the smc PENTAX-FA 35mmF2 AL — a very popular multi-purpose, wide-angle lens used on film-format SLR cameras and is introduced following a thorough review of lens coatings. The high-grade, multi-layer HD Coating applied to the optical elements produces high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness, free of flare and ghost images. Whilst, the highly stain-repellent SP Coating applied to the front surface improves the lens’ usability outdoors. The redesigned exterior matches the design of latest PENTAX K-mount digital SLR models, while its compact, portable body makes it perfect for everyday use.

Price & Availability

HD PENTAX-FA35mmF2 ? RRP: £399.99
Available: February 2019

HD PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW

An ultra-wide-angle, Star-series zoom lens for use with K-mount digital SLR cameras, with a large F2.8 aperture over the entire zoom range providing exceptional optical performance

LONDON, 30 January, 2019 ?RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING EUROPE S.A.S. are pleased to announce the launch of the HD PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW. This high-performance, ultra-wide-angle, Star-series lens features a large F2.8 maximum aperture over the entire zoom range to deliver exceptional optical performance.

The HD PENTAX-DA*11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW ultra-wide-angle zoom lens is the latest model in the new-generation Star (*) series — a lens that provides exceptional image quality to be able to accommodate the super-high-performance digital cameras of the future. It delivers high-resolution, high-contrast images without blurring at the edges, and guarantees excellent imaging performance in high-grade digital photography. With the introduction of this lens, the high quality, high-performance Star series now provides a wide angle-of-view coverage —from ultra-wide angle to telephoto compact models featuring a large F2.8 maximum aperture, exclusively designed for use with PENTAX APS-C-format digital SLR cameras.

In addition to an outstanding dustproof, weather-resistant construction, the lens provides a Focus Clamp Mechanism to lock focus at the desired focal point. It also provides useful features to improve performance and dependability in challenging outdoor conditions. These include a space specifically designed for holding a heating device to prevent condensation, and a metallic frame structure, which more effectively transmits the heat of the device to the lens. These greatly improve the lens’ operability when shooting in outdoor situations including star-lit skies.

Price & Availability

HD PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW Lens

RRP: £1,399.99
Available: February 2019

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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