With the GR IIIx, a wish of many photographers has now been realized.
The chassis and the "user interface" of the GR III have been retained unchanged, and instead of the previous 28 mm focal length (KB-equiv.), the new Lens offers a focal length of 26.1 mm, which corresponds to 40 mm in 35 mm format, and thus almost to a "normal lens". This focal length is legendary, not only in the PENTAX system, and is considered the perfect compromise for classic reportage photography. It corresponds to a natural viewing perspective, and allows a greater distance to the subject than before, enabling the subject to be cropped with great depth effect.
Image quality without compromise
The RICOH GR IIIx is equipped with the newly developed 26.1 mm GR Lens, which corresponds to a 40 mm angle of view in 35 mm format, and comes very close to the effective field of view of the human eye. The Lens, with this versatile angle of view can be used very universally. It lies between the wide-angle and normal ranges, and thus offers a wide range of image effects. With the RICOH IIIx, a number of new and improved features.
The RICOH GR IIIx has been designed while maintaining the core values for the GR series: Optimizing Image Quality, Snapshot Capabilities, and Mobility.
The new GR Lens for perfect sharpness performance, at high resolution and high contrast
The GR Lens has been equipped with RICOH IMAGING's unique optical technology, ensuring high image quality at all times. While a compact optical system consisting of 6 elements and 4 groups with a focal length of 18.3 mm (approx. 28 mm KB equivalent) and an aperture of F2.8 is used in the GR III, a new optical system consisting of 7 elements and 5 groups with a new focal length of 26.1 mm (approx. 40 mm KB equivalent) has been developed for the GR IIIx. Both Lenses feature high-precision molded glass lenses with high refractive index and low dispersion. In addition, aspherical glass lenses have been optimally integrated into the respective optical systems to suppress optical distortion and chromatic aberration to the absolute limit and achieve a high level of sharpness. The result is sharp and clear images across the entire image range, even at open aperture settings.
Large 24.2 MP APS-C format image sensor, for perfect image capture
The GR III and GR IIIx are equipped with a high-resolution approx. 24.24 MP APS-C format CMOS image sensor. In addition to a wide dynamic range, it is also suitable for large-format prints.
The filterless anti-aliasing design (AA), supports the lens performance and ensures the best possible image quality in the interaction of image sensor and lens.
Advanced image processing options and high responsiveness: discover the possibilities with the image processor, the GR ENGINE 6.
The image processor - the GR ENGINE 6, in the GR III and GR IIIx is an important factor in the image creation. It enhances the GR's basic high image quality and provides more detail. Fast processing enables a combination of high-resolution sensor and 14-bit color depth (RAW).
This engine also contributes to improved responsiveness and functionality in autofocus and movie shooting.
Shooting at ISO 102400 is made possible by our proprietary signal processing technology
In addition to the image processor, the GR III and GR IIIx feature an Accelerator Unit. The signal output from the image sensor is prepared for processing in the image processor, reducing noise and providing excellent resolution and color reproduction over the entire sensitivity range - even when shooting at ISO 102400.
Body-integrated Shake Reduction (IBIS) on three axes provides exposure reliability of up to four exposure stops
Despite the smallest body dimensions, the engineers have succeeded in integrating Shake Reduction into the body of the GR III and GR IIIx. This reduces blur during snapshots, even at longer exposure times, to produce sharp images.
The IBIS system minimizes camera shake on three axes, delivering exposure reliability up to 4 stops*.
* Measured in accordance with CIPA standards.
AA filter simulator through the Shake Reduction mechanism - to reduce false color and moiré
The effects of the optical anti-aliasing (AA) filter are simulated by the Shake Reduction (SR) moving sensor. By moving the image sensor slightly during exposure, false colors and moiré are suppressed.
Depending on the subject, you can choose whether the resolution or the reduction of false colors and moiré should be in the foreground. Select [High] or [Low] for the effect settings.
This function is only available at shutter speeds of less than 1/1000 second.
Capture the moment
A compact body and functional design with high performance
When developing the GR III and also the GR IIIx, the aim was to realize a high level of functionality with the most compact body dimensions. For example, the body size is comparable to the DIGITAL IV, although that was equipped with only a 1/1.7-inch image sensor.
A minimalist design was aimed for to create a camera that emphasizes compactness and creative possibilities. In this regard, the arrangement of buttons and dials is such that they can be operated comfortably with one hand.
Hybrid AF with a combination of phase correction AF on the image plane and contrast detection AF
The AF system is a combination of phase correction metering on the image plane for fast metering and contrast detection for high focusing precision.
The usual contrast-detection AF problem during focusing has thus been reduced to achieve the fast shooting performance required for street photography.
Short power-on delay of just about 0.8 seconds
The lens barrel is driven by a powerful motor, so it moves quickly from rest to shooting position. In addition, the power-up program sequence has been optimized to shorten the power-up time. The built-in lens cover also eliminates the need to remove a lens cap.
So you'll never miss an opportunity to shoot.
Various focus modes for versatile subjects and shooting styles
Eight focus modes are available, including continuous autofocus for many occasions. The focus point can be controlled on the touch-sensitive LCD monitor, and touch and slide movements on the display can also directly control the AF frame.
And with Touch AF, simultaneous focusing and release is possible. Simply tap the subject on the display and the camera focuses and releases - so no spontaneous snapshot is missed
Face and eye detection, for even faster response when shooting portraits
This function is enabled in [Auto Area AF], [Select AF] and [Pinpoint AF]. When the face or eye is detected and focused, the focus point is highlighted. Easy switching of the focus point is possible in [Auto Area AF]. This allows you to conveniently switch between detected faces and other subjects without turning off Face/Eye Detection.
Eye Detection is new to the GR IIIx and is also available for the GR III with a firmware update.
With Full Press Snap, you'll never miss a shot
Full Press Snap mode saves you important fractions of a second. In this function, the camera sets to a preset distance value, saving time and capturing the moment in a fraction of a second.
Full Press Snap can be triggered by shutter release or by touching the LCD monitor.
Touch panel and command dial for intuitive camera control
Customizable buttons and functions to suit your style
The LCD monitor features a touch panel. By simply touching and moving it, you can move the AF frame or access the menu. Also, during playback, you can pinch to change the magnification, swipe to view the previous and next frames, or double-tap the monitor to return to the center of the image. In addition to this, there is the four-way button with the dial around it. This "user interface" allows the camera to be operated quickly with just one hand while holding the camera securely.
The camera controls can be customized in a variety of ways. For example, the ADJ and Fn buttons can be assigned to user-defined functions. Or you can save entire sets of settings to the U1/U2/U3 functions on the mode dial. In this way, they can quickly and easily adapt the camera to different requirements.
Expanding the range of expression
Advanced Image Control for more creativity in image composition
The GR III and GR IIIx are equipped with the "Image Control" function. This is reminiscent of analog photography, in which different image styles are controlled by film selection. With eleven different presets, different image styles can be simulated and, if necessary, further refined and adapted to one's own needs.
The variable parameters, depend on the selected image style, but include the following options: Saturation, Hue, High/Low Correction, Contrast, Contrast (highlights and shadows), Sharpness, Shading, Clarity, Toning, Filter Effect, Grain Effect, HDR Tone Value, and Hue.
The new "DOF (Depth of field) Priority" program automation, perfect for pan-focus shooting
The simplest, and often most reliable exposure control in snapshot photography, is via program automation. Here, the photographer has a total of three options for program control with the GR III and GR IIIx.
In addition to the "normal program", the camera also has a program line that gives priority to the open aperture. With the GR IIIx (and via firmware update also for the GR III), there is now also an option with priority given to the smallest aperture setting (GR III*: F8.0, GR IIIx: F11).
In program mode in conjunction with the [Fixed Focus] setting, this achieves maximum depth of field for snapshots.
Macro mode, for a wide range of close-up shots
Pressing the macro button takes you into a completely different world of photography. The focus range is then between 6 and 12 cm (GR III) or 12 and 24 cm (GR IIIx) from the front of the lens, allowing impressive close-up shots with beautiful background blur.
Even if the focus mode is set to [Fixed Focus] or [∞], autofocus is activated as soon as macro mode is activated.
"Star Trail" shots in nature or in the city with the Interval Composite function.
This function is especially good for shooting the night sky with shooting stars and other celestial bodies. It can be started directly with the key for the recording function. Settings for start, recording duration or saving intermediate images are made here. After the start, images are captured in 10-minute intervals to get impressive shots of the night sky at the end.
Use a tripod. Note that slow shutter speed noise reduction and SR are turned off.
Focus, exposure, and white balance are fixed to the value of the first shot.
Crop mode allows you to crop the image and expand your composition options
Crop mode allows you to electronically adjust the shooting angle.
This provides shooting angles corresponding to focal lengths of 35 mm and 50 mm (KB equivalent) for the GR III, and 50 mm and 70 mm (KB equivalent) for the GR III x. This allows you to use the appropriate angle of view for your image idea directly when shooting.
In this way, you expand the creative scope with the GR III from realistic wide-angle shots that capture a lot of background information to standard focal length, while with the GR IIIx you can extend the range from standard view to medium telephoto shots that are suitable, for example, for portraits and natural scenes. For example, portraits and natural standard shots.
Create special works with multiple exposure
Built-in ND filter - to get a wide variety of photographic expressions
No function applies the term "image composition" more than multiple exposure, where you combine several shots in one image. Here, the camera shows the previous shots on the display, making it easy to align and decide on possible changes to exposure parameters* to shoot another frame or stop shooting, and easily create exactly the kind of photography you have in mind.
* Exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity, aperture and shutter speed can be adjusted based on the exposure mode set for the first image.
White balance cannot be changed.
The GR III zand GR IIIx are equipped with an ND filter that can be turned on and off as desired, reducing exposure by two stops. This gives the possibility to work with an open aperture for bright outdoor shots in order to be able to speculate with the background sharpness, or to obtain a slower shutter speed in order to work with a motion blur.
Extensive options for exposure metering
Image post-processing by in-camera RAW processing
As methods for exposure metering, [Multi-field], [Center-weighted], [Spot] and [Highlight-weighted] are available. Metering highlights, for high-contrast subjects or disproportionately exposed portions of the image, helps keep the exposure even and suppresses light spikes in appropriate areas.
Put the finishing touches on your images right after you take them. To do this, images in RAW format can be processed directly in the camera and saved as JPEG files. Adjust parameters such as resolution, aspect ratio, white balance, sensitivity, and image control options, and save the result as a JPEG file. The RAW file remains in its original form and you can continue to make changes or reset them.
P-TTL flash with automatic or manual synchronization over the entire time range
The PENTAX P-TTL automatic flash* is fully supported for high-precision automatic synchronization, even with pre-flash. This allows the use of indirect flash and daylight sync for a wider range of photographic expression. Especially much creative possibilities, offers the short-time synchronization. Due to the central shutter technology, flash can be used over the entire shutter speed range.
*Supported flash units: AF540FGZ II, AF360FGZ II, AF540FGZ, AF360FGZ, AF201FG, AF200FG.
