A singular however sluggish compact digicam

Instagram is filled with photographers sharing methods for acquiring softer, extra cinematic photographs, like utilizing nylons, bubble wrap, or plastic baggies over the lens. However what if digital cameras may go from sharp to mushy on the press of a button? Ricoh requested that query, then answered with the Ricoh GR III HDF.

The HDF within the identify stands for spotlight diffusion filter. The compact digicam has a built-in filter that creates softer photographs and spreads out the highlights for a extra cinematic, timeless look. Whereas the filter is in-built, a button turns the impact on and off, successfully permitting photographers to go from sharp to mushy and again once more with none equipment.

Whereas the HDF characteristic is exclusive, the digicam is in any other case largely unchanged from the unique 2019 GR III. That implies that the important thing tech inside, just like the sensor, processor and lens, is now round 5 years outdated. Longtime followers of Ricoh’s compact GR sequence could also be left upset.

Ricoh GR III HDF

Superior compact digicam

A singular transportable digicam for journey and avenue images

The Ricoh GR III HDF is a compact digicam able to taking cinematic photographs, because of the APS-C sensor and a built-in diffusion filter. Whereas the spotlight diffusion filter provides a novel, artsy look, the remainder of the {hardware} is equivalent to the unique GR III. Whereas the digicam is a stable device for journey and avenue images, it lacks motion capabilities with a slower burst velocity and autofocus system.

Professionals

• Giant, 24 megapixel APS-C sensor
• Distinctive built-in spotlight diffusion filter
• Compact design
• Vivid f2.8 lens

Cons

• Sluggish 4 fps burst and autofocus
• No viewfinder and just one USB-C port
• 1080p video solely

Worth, specs and availability

Ricoh introduced the GR III HDF in March 2024 alongside the GR IIIx HDF. Availability adopted in April, with the digicam listed for $1,069.95.

Design, dimension, weight, and supplies

The Ricoh GR III HDF is a real compact

Plenty of cameras declare to be pocketable, however with the Ricoh GR III HDF, that’s not advertising hype. The digicam is shorter and narrower than my iPhone 15 Professional, although greater than twice as thick. Measuring 4.3 inches on the longest aspect and about 1.3 inches thick, it weighs about 9 ounces.

That pocketable dimension would not go away as a lot room for controls, however all of the necessities are there. With two management dials and an ISO shortcut on the again, photographers have fast entry to all three factors of the publicity triangle. The Fn button is reserved for the HDF or spotlight diffusion filter, however like the opposite buttons, this may be personalized to manage one thing else.

The touchscreen is massive for the dimensions of the digicam, although sadly, there’s no tilt characteristic. The compact design additionally omits the viewfinder. However, if the latter is a dealbreaker, Ricoh sells an add-on.

The Ricoh GR III HDF additionally is not wealthy in ports both. The one port is a micro USB.

The brand new HDF characteristic will be added to just about any digicam utilizing a screw-in filter. However, as a compact digicam, the GR III lacks the lens screws to accommodate such equipment. You may get an adapter to make use of with the digicam, however it then turns into a lot much less transportable. Sadly, the Ricoh GR III HDF lacks weather-sealing, so it isn’t the digicam to soak up the rain or to the seaside. (The pattern photographs taken within the rain have been as a substitute taken from inside a automobile).

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Picture and video efficiency

The Ricoh GR III HDF is not constructed for motion

The Ricoh GR III HDF is designed to be a compact, unobtrusive digicam for avenue images and journey — and that exhibits within the digicam’s efficiency. The GR III HDF is not the digicam that you’re going to decide up if you wish to shoot somewhat little bit of every little thing.

The compact dimension, picture high quality and options like Snap Focus work effectively for avenue and panorama. However, flip the GR III HDF on youngsters or pets, and you’ll doubtless find yourself annoyed, upset, or each. The burst velocity maxes out at 4 fps, significantly decrease than different cameras and even smartphones. The autofocus equally had hassle maintaining with my canine.

Whereas the digicam is not meant for motion, it isn’t fairly a one-trick pony. The lens can focus as shut as about 2.3 inches away. That glorious macro mode provides some much-needed versatility. Equally, it isn’t a digicam that you simply’d decide up solely for video, because it lacks 4K and recording time is restricted to 25 minutes. The dearth of ports can also be a draw back for video, with no mic port. However, that HDF impact does work properly on video.

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Picture High quality

The Ricoh GR III HDF proves sharper is not at all times higher

Cameras and lenses have been trending in direction of the scientifically sharp, however the Ricoh GR III HDF proves that sharper is not at all times higher. The HDF within the identify stands for spotlight diffusion filter, an inside filter that may be turned on and off on the press of a button. The HDF softens highlights and lightweight sources. Direct it in direction of automobile headlights, for instance, and the lights will seem to have a bigger unfold than with the filter off.

Whereas the impact is most noticeable directed in direction of gentle sources, HDF photographs have a usually softer really feel with much less sharpness than the unfiltered photographs. Tremendous sharp particulars aren’t at all times factor. With the Ricoh GR III HDF, photographers have entry to each sharp and mushy photographs.

Spotlight diffusion is not one thing that is solely on this digicam — you should buy a mist filter or mushy filter so as to add to just about any mirrorless digicam. What units the Ricoh mannequin aside is that you could get this impact in a tiny digicam, with out including a cumbersome adapter or remembering to pack any filters.

Whereas the Ricoh GR III HDF exchanges the prior mannequin’s ND filter for spotlight diffusion, not one of the different {hardware} modifications, so photographs with out the HDF utilized will look equivalent to that of the unique GR III. The compact digicam homes a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor. The decision delivers mixture of particulars and grain. At ISO 3200, noise is noticeable, however not overpowering.

The APS-C sensor blended with the f2.8 lens is able to delivering glorious bokeh and background blur, contemplating the digicam’s small dimension. The 35mm equal focal size of the lens is a wonderful device for extensive photographs in avenue and panorama images, plus it has an impressively shut macro mode. Directed on the gentle, the digicam may also produce some neat flare.

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Verdict: Do you have to purchase the Ricoh GR III HDF?

Provided that you do not want a digicam that may shoot motion

Photographers who love the Ricoh GR III HDF perceive what the compact digicam is for — and what it is not for. The digicam is a wonderful device for journey and avenue images, because of its small dimension, glorious photographs, and built-in spotlight diffusion filter. It is an ideal selection for these on the lookout for a easy, compact digicam that gives a cinematic really feel to its photographs.

The Ricoh GR III HDF, nevertheless, needs to be prevented by anybody wanting a digicam that may seize a panorama one minute and an motion shot the following. The burst velocity and autofocus are slower than comparable cameras. The digicam additionally is not a lot of an improve for photographers who personal the unique GR III — it merely swaps out the built-in ND for the HDF.

Different key rivals to think about embrace the Sony RX100 VII, which has a smaller one-inch sensor however a 20 fps burst. The Fujifilm X100 VI has the bigger APS-C sensor, however with 40 megapixels, 6.2K video and a 20 fps burst. Fujifilm’s compact, nevertheless, is each bigger and costlier than the GR III HDF.

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