Ricoh GRDIII Just Released: First Thoughts

As expected, Ricoh releases the successor to the GRDII. And as expected, its codename is GRDIII. The Internet is certainly awash with the news now. The new features mainly include:

1.28 mm/F1.9 GR Lens (great!)

2.high-performance lens (as assumed)

3.low ghosting (hopefully addresses the issue in GRDII)

4.GR ENGINE III (lower noise? to be justified by samples)

5.lower pixel density (this sounds tempting really)

6.dynamic range expanded by up to +1 EV (disernable in reality)

7.multi-pattern auto white balance (interestingly, migrated from the lower-grade CX1)

8.quicker focusing response in low light (to be observed in reality)

9.quick-shooting function (AF operates when the shutter release button is pressed half way, but for a one-push full-press, the photo is taken at a set focal distance [1m/2.5m/5m/∞]. Thoughtful on paper. Really handy if its works as what Ricoh states.)

10.focusing follows the subject’s movement (sound like the simultaneous focusing as in G10)

11.Continuous shooting and high RAW write speed (does justice to the successor)

12.Shutter speed priority (one glaring omission added)

13.New macro mode system controls field curvature (Marco fans attention!)

14.Dynamic range double shot (again, migrated from CX1)

15.3 inch VGA screen (comparable to CX1's?)

16.six settings boxes for quick changes to MY settings(brilliant idea)

17.two Fn (function) buttons (proven on the GX200)

Despite the new exciting features, if I am not mistaken, there is no the like of APS-C size imaging processor. And the bracketing seems to go as far as at intervals of 0.5EV. For details of the new camera, click here.

Comments

New Low Prices

The window shopping some hours ago has almost provoked my AgIDS illness. Just in case you’re in Hong Kong or are coming here, and have the money to burn (All in HK$/ body only): GX200 = $3,280 GRD2 = $3,380 LX3 = $3,180 G10 = $3,280 Prices are available form a gear shop on the 1st floor of the Mongkok Computer Centre. Besides these new low prices, I found that Wing Shing Photo (55-57Sai Yeung Choi St., MK Tel: 2396 6886/ 91-95 Fa Yuen St., MK Tel: 2396 6885) is offering a Sony A700 + Carl Zeiss Lens package for HK$9,980 (hopefully, a bargain will make it some hundreds cheaper).

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GX GARNERINGS

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