Best GR IIIx Urban Edition Digital Camera with GC-11 Soft Case Point & Shoot

FEATURES:

Imaging performance without compromise – The RICOH GR IIIx is equipped with the newly designed 26.1mm GR lens, provides a 40mm angle of view in the 35mm format, close to the photographer’s own effective field of view. Depending on the way the lens is used, this versatile angle of view can create different image renditions: you can capture an image similar to those taken at a 30mm semi-wide angle, or create a completely different visual expression as if taken at a 50mm standard angle. The camera also provides a range of new and upgraded post-shooting functions to edit captured images to the photographer’s preference.

The GR lens achieves sharp imaging with high resolution and high contrast – The GR lens has been imbued with our unique optical technology that aims to always provide high image quality. The GR III uses a slim optical system consisting of 6 elements 4 groups with a focal length of 18.3 mm (approx. 28 mm in 35 mm equivalent focal length) and aperture of F2.8. The GR IIIx uses a newly developed optical system consisting of 7 elements 5 groups with a new focal length of 26.1 mm (approx. 40 mm in 35 mm equivalent focal length). High-refractive index low-dispersion glass lenses and aspherical high-precision molded glass lenses are optimally placed in the lens construction according to each model’s optical system to suppress optical distortion and chromatic aberration to the absolute limit, delivering a high level of sharpness. This results in images that are sharp and clear across the entire frame even from the full aperture setting.

The detailed descriptive power of the 24.2 M large APS-C format image sensor – GR III/GR IIIx is equipped with a high-resolution, wide dynamic range APS-C format CMOS image sensor (approx. 24.24 effective megapixels). High resolution sensor which can handle a large size print and an anti-aliasing (AA) filterless construction that utilizes the characteristics of the high-resolution lens for high-definition detail reproduction. Both the image sensor and lens are also optimized for the best possible image quality.

Advanced image processing and responsiveness. Meet the latest GR ENGINE 6 – The imaging processor on GR III/GR IIIx is the latest GR ENGINE 6. It elevates the essential high image quality performance of the GR for a greater level of detail. Faster processing makes the combination of high resolution sensor and multi-tone 14-bit RAW possible. This also contributes to improved responsiveness and functionality for autofocus and movie.

Shooting at ISO 102400 is possible with our original signal processing technology – A high-performance processor “Accelerator Unit” is adopted on GR III/GR IIIx as a powerful way to support high image quality. The signal output by the image sensor is sent to the image processor after being optimally handled. This reduces noise, delivering superb resolution and color reproduction across the entire sensitivity range. It also makes it possible to shoot at ISO 102400.

3-axis, 4-step Shake Reduction for high image quality across a wide shooting range – Camera shake is reduced for crisp images even when taking split-second snapshots. Shake Reduction(SR) is installed while making the body size of GR III/GR IIIx compact. It minimizes the shake on three axes, including yaw, pitch and roll. Compensation effects deliver as many as 4 steps of shutter speed.

AA filter simulator for reducing false colors and moiré thanks to Shake Reduction mechanism – The effects of the optical anti-aliasing (AA) filter are obtained with Shake Reduction(SR). Moving the image sensor slightly during the exposure suppresses false colors and moiré. You can choose whether to prioritize resolution or reducing false colors and moiré depending on your subject. Choose [High] or [Low] for effect settings.

A compact body and functional design packed with high performance – The GR III/GR IIIx was developed focusing on keeping the body size compact while including a high level of functionality. The model is one-size smaller than that of the GR II and about the same size of GR DIGITAL IV with a 1/1.7 inch image sensor. A minimalist design was pursued to achieve a tool with portability and expression in mind. The button and dial layout is fully considered to allow for comfortable, single-handed operation.

Hybrid AF with the combination of image plane phase-matching and contrast-detection AF – The AF system is a hybrid of image plane phase-matching and contrast detection. The advantages of high-speed focusing in image plane phase-matching AF and focusing precision in contrast-detection AF are combined. The common contrast-detection AF issue of searching for focus peaks has been reduced to achieve quick shooting performance required on street photography.

High-speed approx. 0.8 second start-up from when the power is turned on – A high output motor is used to drive the lens barrel so that it quickly moves from a retracted position to the shooting position. Also, the program process of start-up is optimized to reduce the start-up time. The built-in lens barrier also makes it unnecessary to remove the lens cap, so you will not miss a sudden photo opportunity.

Focus modes that fit versatile subjects and shooting styles – Eight focus modes are available including Continuous AF for versatile shooting styles. LCD monitor that supports touch operations is also adopted for direct control over the AF frame using touch and slide gestures. You can also focus (Touch AF) and shoot while moving the AF frame for quick shooting in any type of composition.

Face/eye detect autofocus to assist portrait shooting – The camera detects faces or eyes and focuses. This feature is enabled in [Auto Area AF], [Select AF], and [Pinpoint AF]. When the face or eye is detected and in-focused, the focusing point is framed. It is also possible to enable this feature only in [Auto Area AF]. By using this setting, when you want to focus on a subject instead of faces, simply switch the focus mode without turning face/eye detect off.

With Full Press Snap, you’ll never miss a shot – When the shutter button is pressed fully, the camera releases the shutter at the preset distance. This high-speed shooting functionality is unique to the GR, eliminating the focusing time lag when pressing the shutter button halfway so that you can instantly capture split-second moments. Full Press Snap also takes place by touching the LCD monitor. *The latest firmware is required to use the full feature with GR III. Click here for more details.

Image Control function for pure image creation enjoyment – Featuring a creative Image Control function, which integrates effect modes into conventional image setting operations. Using 11 basic Image Control modes, the user can easily adjust various parameters to create photos the way you like. The parameter includes the saturation, hue, high/low key adjustment, contrast, contrast (highlight and shadow), sharpness, shading, clarity, toning, filter effect, grain effect*, HDR tone level and color tone

“DOF Priority (Deep)” Program Line that is perfect for shooting with pan focus – Program Line includes [DOF Priority (Deep)]. This is a Program Line that maintains priority for a closed aperture (GR III: F8.0, GR IIIx: F11) when shooting in the program mode. It deepens the depth of field and, when combined with the [Snap] setting of the focus mode, enables you to easily take pan-focus shots.

Macro mode, enabling close-up shots with the camera alone – Simply press the macro button to take close-up shots using autofocus. The focus range is 6 to 12 cm (GR III) and 12 to 24 cm (GR IIIx) from the front of the lens. You can enjoy impressive close-up photos with rich bokeh effects.

Capture star trails with the surrounding scenery even in the city with interval composite shooting – The setting items is specialized for star trail shooting. You can select this feature from drive modes for instant shooting. No need to set shooting interval of continuous shooting. Star trails can be set in 10 minute intervals (up to 24 hours), or you can choose from an unlimited shooting time. In addition, you can select many other settings such as saving interim images, set the trigger starting time and more.

Instantly manipulate the view and expand your range of expression with the crop mode – Using the crop mode enables you to shoot compositions equivalent to having 3 lenses in a single camera. Images are recorded at an angle of view equivalent to a focal length of 35 mm or 50 mm with GR III and equivalent to a focal length of 50 mm or 71 mm with GR IIIx. Using the GR III and GR IIIx together covers from wide angle focal lengths to medium telephoto focal lengths. This expands the range of expression from wide angle shots with a sense of realism that capture a great deal of background information to medium telephoto shots suitable for such things as portraits and natural standard shots that resemble the actual subject.