Ricoh GR DIGITAL III 10 MP CCD Digital Camera with 28mm f/1.9 GR Fixed Lens and 3-Inch LCD

by Ricoh

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B002W6Z80C
• Item model number: GR DIGITAL
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,461 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The subject may not realize the photo has already been taken. With the GR DIGITAL, that is the kind of quick shooting you will find paired with superb image quality. The new 28mm/F1.9 lens features outstanding brightness. A convergence of sophisticated image processing capabilities and comprehensive shooting functions: GR DIGITAL III. Sparking an explosion of photographer creativity, a new legend is born.


Ricoh GR III Digital Highlights

The photographer's ideal lens: 28 mm/F1.9 GR Lens
As photography lovers themselves, the developers focused all their passion and creative vision on the creation of a new lens of unprecedented power: the 28 mm/F1.9 GR Lens. If image quality is the priority, set a lower-than-ever ISO sensitivity. If capturing a shutter chance is the priority, set a higher-than-ever shutter speed. F1.9 expands the freedom and scope of your photographic expression.

Pride of the GR series: Superb optical performance
So how was this lens able to control the various types of aberrations that increase as the aperture increases? While maintaining a basic configuration optimized for thin storage, frame aberration was reduced by adding two elements in one group to the rear. In addition, three special low-dispersion lenses were used to achieve high resolution and contrast while minimizing color aberration. The use of two high-precision aspherical lenses made distortion almost unnoticeable. In order to create this ultra-high-precision and high-performance lens, highly precise manufacturing processes and an exclusive control system were newly developed. It was dedication and tenacity that gave birth to this jewel of a lens.

MTF chart

Superior backlight performance
Ghosting is one of the causes of image quality deterioration. To eliminate the problem, all of the individual lenses that are part of the GR lens have been covered with the multi-coating optimum for each. To minimize the small residual reflection striking the CCD, we also ran original simulations repeatedly to determine optimum conditions for lens curvature, etc. As a result, we successfully suppressed ghosting, particularly that caused by off-screen light sources such as the sun.

GR ENGINE III for low-noise, high-resolution images
Newly developed image processing engine GR ENGINE III enables precise noise reduction by processing the signal close to its CCD-output state. Various types of noise are effectively reduced while maintaining resolution and color saturation. Color reproduction and tonal gradation performance has also been significantly improved.

10-megapixel high-sensitivity CCD and AFE
With the new CCD, rather than increasing the number of pixels, we have about doubled sensitivity compared to the previous model (GR DIGITAL II). Even at ISO 200, imaging performance is at or above the old ISO 100 level. This higher ISO sensitivity makes a clear difference in image quality.

Suppressing whiteout to create "high-reality" images: Pixel output interpolation algorithm
Control whiteout with the pixel output interpolation algorithm, Ricoh's original image processing technique. Comparing the output of each pixel, the algorithm interpolates image data in whiteout areas. This expands dynamic range by up to +1 EV equivalent. Using this extensive data to generate the JPEG, even for 8-bit (256-tone) images, it is possible to create a more "real" look with less whiteout than in the past.

Effective solution for mixed light sources: Multi-pattern auto white balance
In scenes mixing multiple light sources--such as sunlight and shadow, ambient light and flash--the optimum white balance of each is determined by segmenting the image. For both subject and background, you get well-balanced coloration closer to what you saw while shooting.

Fast AF is strong in low-light situations
Smooth, quick AF is possible even in low-light scenes where contrast detection is necessary and focusing is generally slow. The excellent focusing response enhances shooting.

Full Press Snap to grab that shutter chance
With this 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/8). This distance setting can be easily changed. Since the AF does not operate for a one-push full press, you will not miss the moment.

Don't let that shutter chance get away: Pre-AF function
Even if the shutter release button is not pressed half way, focusing follows the subject’s movement. The pre-AF action accelerates focusing time.

RAW evolution: Continuous shooting and high write speed
With the expansion of buffer memory, continuous shooting of up to five images is possible even for RAW. This facilitates bracketing as well as the shooting of quickly moving subjects. The RAW card write speed has also been accelerated (under 3 seconds per image). These specs will help reduce your "shooting stress."

Freedom of expression with framing and light: AE/AF target shift
Focus and exposure settings can be done at designated points on the screen. These AE and AF targets can be shifted either alone or together in order to do Spot AE and Spot AF. This increases framing and light-expression freedom in situations such as tripod shooting where the camera cannot be moved for AE or AF lock and macro shooting where precise focusing is demanded due to shallow subject depth of field.

Shutter speed priority AE newly added: Extensive exposure modes
Shutter speed priority has been added to the existing modes (program shift, aperture priority, etc.). It is useful when you want to manipulate motion, such as when stopping subject movement or creating a feeling of energy in a panning shot.

New macro mode system controls field curvature
Minimum shooting distance is approx. 1 cm. A new system was adopted in which one part of a lens group which does not move during normal focusing is shifted into a special position for close-up photography. This corrects the field curvature that tends to be a problem in close-up shooting with retro-focus wide-angle lenses. The result is superb imaging power across the entire photo.

Images with a naked-eye impression: Dynamic range double shot
This function prevents overexposure and underexposure in high-contrast scenes. For reproduction of both light and dark areas, two images with different exposures are shot in succession, and the properly exposed portions of each are automatically combined. This expands dynamic range to a maximum equivalent to 12EV, creating an image with a close to naked-eye impression.

Aspect ratio 1:1 square format mode
Shooting aspect ratio 1:1 photographs, the square format will expand your creative enjoyment with the fresh feel of the framing and the strong subject presence produced by limiting the image field. This format is also convenient for blog use.

Image quality parameters
Individual color settings have been added to the image settings. For each color (orange, green, sky blue, red, and magenta), hue and saturation can be set at five levels so you get the coloration you want. In addition, with the "vivid" setting, you can easily shoot intense high-saturation images.

Flash synchro setting
The expressiveness of a photograph can change greatly depending on flash timing. If you want to be sure to catch a fleeting portrait expression, select "1st Curtain," and if you want to create a natural light trail in a dark scene, select "2nd Curtain." Even in bright scenes, this can help you record natural-feeling movement for moving subjects.

Manual flash amount setting
Flash amount can be set at 12 levels from full flash to 1/64, enabling you to balance flash intensity for both subject and background brightness. The subject's expression and presence can be emphasized while the background is obscured. Fine tune the settings to fit the ambient light conditions and your creative intentions

Level compensation
Image brightness and contrast can be corrected in the camera itself after shooting. With AUTO, you leave the subtle adjustments up to the camera. With MANUAL, you can freely and intuitively adjust brightness and contrast using the histogram. The corrected image is saved as a new file so the original is still available, and the two can be compared.

Three types of bracketing
Three automatic bracketing functions are provided. With auto bracketing, you can select exposure intervals from 0.3EV to 0.5EV. White balance bracketing is convenient when precise coloration is important and when shooting with a distinctive light source. Color bracketing enables you to obtain color and black-and-white images for two very different impressions of the same scene. In all cases, the multiple images are generated from a single shot so you can get the feeling you are after without missing any shutter chances.

3.0-inch VGA LCD for beautiful display
LCD panel visibility was further improved with VGA high resolution and an expansive 3.0-inch size. The sRGB comparison for color reproduction range is 100%. This has significantly improved the visual reality of the image during framing, the ability to search images and check shooting data, and the ease of making function settings.

Electronic level
When shooting landscapes and night scenes, visual clues for finding the level position can be missing or hard to see. The electronic level is very effective at such times. You can quickly find the precise level position, which will give a feeling of stability to the image. When the external viewfinder is attached, the level sound can be used to determine if the camera is tilted.

My Settings
By just turning the mode dial, you can use My Settings to instantaneously switch to many different shooting functions. The number of sets which can be assigned has been increased to three so you can handle a wider range of shooting situations and creative intentions.

My Settings Box
Up to six My Settings sets can be stored in the My Settings Box. Then you can just choose the set you need and quickly assign it to MY1, MY2, or MY3. You can also name each set yourself to make it easy to choose the correct one.

Direct operation enhanced with two Fn buttons
There are now two Fn (function) buttons for one-push access to necessary functions. Assign frequently used functions to each to increase direct operability.

Operation function customization
To give the individual photographer the most natural operation feel, functions can be assigned to the up-down dial and the ADJ. lever. Increase shooting/playback flexibility by creating intuitive operations that minimize finger movement.

One-push playback enlarged view
In playback mode, you can display images at a previously defined magnification by just pushing the ADJ. lever once. This eliminates the inconvenience of having to change magnification level by level. Setting a magnification suitable to recorded image size and intended print size will speed up your image checking.

Three grid guides
In addition to the 3 x 3 grid, a 4 x 4 grid with diagonal lines and 2 x 2 grid with central visual field have been added. Choose the best grid for your subject: diagonal lines will clearly show the image center for building/product photography and a 2 x 2 grid can be helpful for capturing a moving subject.

GR Design: Excellent portability and grip feel
The GR DIGITAL III inherits a traditional design born to carry out the camera's true mission of always being ready for the next shutter chance and reliably recording the result. Keeping the same pocketable form and hand-clinging grip, careful attention was given to enhancing operability and quality.

Magnesium body for superior reliability
A light and highly rigid magnesium alloy is used for a body that has strong shock resistance and durability. It also has excellent heat radiation and magnetic shielding characteristics, important features for a digital camera. This is a camera that can stand up to a photographer's "hard use," providing both reliability and high operation precision.

Product Description

The new GR DIGITAL III takes the GR line's traditional high image quality to an even higher level with a new image processing engine, a new CCD, and the newly developed 28 mm/F1.9 GR Lens. Performance has also been enhanced in areas such as quick shooting, operability, and power of expression. The GR DIGITAL III 1. Newly developed large-aperture lens. The adoption of the new F1.9, f-6.0 mm (equivalent to 28 mm for 35 mm film cameras) lens for the GR DIGITAL III takes compact-body cameras into a new realm of images. This lens makes it possible to shoot with a faster shutter speed than could be used on previous models, or to shoot with the same shutter speed but at a lower setting for ISO sensitivity. Despite the large F1.9 aperture, the new lens achieves a resolution level equivalent to that of the F2.4 GR Lens.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the best fixed lens advanced camera, October 20, 2009

By 

Enche Tjin (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Ricoh GRD3 is an advanced fixed lens compact camera and also the best Ricoh compact camera up to date. Ricoh GRD belong to the famous Ricoh GR line, which features fixed wide angle lens equivalent to 28mm with big aperture.

This product philosophy is pretty straightforward, it is designed and engineered for serious photographers. Every buttons, features, and menu interface are designed to be easily accessible for photographers. Aufo focus performance is excellent. This combination ensures photographers to be able to capture the decisive moment when it occurs.

BODY & HANDLING

Ricoh GRD3 is made by magnesium alloy body, very lightweight but very sturdy. It has a big leather-like texture in the hand grip and a bit on the back of the camera. The ergonomic is excellent. It is very comfortable even for a long period of time. The grip make it easier for photographer to keep the camera steady to prevent camera shake/blurred image.

Ricoh GRD3's body interface are the best interface for compact camera. Here is why:

First, it has many dedicated buttons, two dials, and up-down button in a very thoughtful design. All the buttons are very accessible.

Second, most of the buttons are customizable. There are two customizable function buttons. In addition, the up-down button and the two dials can be customized in certain way to fit your prefered shooting style. There is also a ADJ. button, which is also function as a customizable button.

Mode dial is positioned far top right of the camera with a dial lock. The lock prevented the mode dial to be changed accidentally. GRD3 also has three custom mode dials that can be customized. For example, MY1 for general outdoor shooting, MY2 for low light shooting, MY3 for macro shooting, etc.

This kind of body interface usually only available on high-end digital SLR cameras. But even that, I doubt there are any high-end dSLR cameras that offers wide range of customization option that GRD3 offers.

When using a camera, most of photographers are forced to adapt to the camera interface, but in GRD3, you can tailor fit it into your style. With practical experience, you will find which kind of setting is the best for you.

OPERATION & AUTO FOCUS

Ricoh GRD3 starts-up time is 2 seconds and off-time is around 3 seconds which are not very fast, but not the slowest. The operation is generally smooth. Regarding Auto focus system. This camera has the usual multi-focus and spot focus (focus on the center). Focusing speed are moderately fast at around half a second. AF noise is very quiet. You can only hear the faint swirling noise clearly when you are very close to the camera in a quiet room.

Ricoh has several rather unique AF features. Here is some unique AF features:

Pre-AF = When this feature is activated, the camera will performs auto focus automatically when you start pointing on a scene. This will make auto focus operation a lot faster.

Snap-AF = This is basically bypassing auto focus. You set the focus distance (GRD3 offers 1m, 2.5m, 5m and infinity). When this setting activated, you just click away without having to wait. Because shutter lag is almost 0 sec. You will able to capture the frame instantaneously.

GRD3 also provides depth of field guideline for each aperture in the LCD screen, so you can make sure that your subject will be in focus. The Snap AF works well in digital compact camera with small sensor because the depth of field are large. So the possibility of getting sharp picture is a lot larger than in digital SLR cameras.

There is also a focus confirmation lamp positioned right to the hot shoe. This is very effective when you use external viewfinder as a compositional tool. The AF lamp will provide focus confirmation. The lamp also serves as camera processing indicator.

Missing from GRD3 auto focus is the ability to move the move the spot focus to other part of the frame. There is manual focus that allow you to enlarge / zoom the center portion of the scene, which is helpful when you deal with macro photography, but it is not adequate for normal range of photography because the magnification is only around 2-3 times. and it is only in center of the screen.

IMAGE QUALITY AND NOISE IN HIGH ISO

Image quality is excellent in advanced compact camera class. Shooting in low ISO (200 or lower), it is hard to find the difference the result between this camera with digital SLR camera which has much bigger sensor unless you zoom in to 100%. Dynamic range (the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of an image) is generally good, but around 1 stop lower than digital SLR camera. The camera has adjustable dynamic range expansion (weak, medium, strong) which will help to optimized your image with special algorithm.

To deal with dynamic range problem, Ricoh GRD3 has a feature called Double Snap, this feature will take two images consecutively and combine them together to expand the dynamic range. This features are great to bring up shadow details, but you will need tripod for good result because just a bit shake in the process, then the end image will be blurry.

Image in high ISO are also excellent for compact camera. It is very usable up to ISO 800 and 1600 is acceptable for small print or web. Colors and saturation are retained even in highest ISO. [Check the ISO / noise comparison in my website]

VIDEO MODE

Do not expect miracle from GRD3 video mode. This camera is intended for still photography so video mode is very basic, but will be useful for quick snap and web sharing.

SOME PERCEIVED WEAKNESSES

* It is easy to accidentally press the the up and down button (usually use for zoom)
* Spot focus limited to center of the frame only. It is not moveable like other advanced compacts.
* Manual zoom magnification should be greater and also movable to other part of the frame (not only center).
* A bit slow processing when shooting in RAW files (approx. 2 sec each), although you can shoot 5 frames continuously at 2 fps.
* Double Snap feature does not give you control over exposure or other setting.
* Need tripod to get Double Snap feature to work well.
* No image stabilization. This is understandable because the size of the camera could be larger. Also, the high ISO performance and bright lens will suffice in low light condition.
* No scene modes or face detection. This camera is not aimed for casual / family compacts market.
* Tele converter lens is not available.
* Small image sensor, while closest competitors already move to DSLR quality sensor

COMPETITORS

People that looking for Ricoh GRD3 might also consider:

Sigma DP1 14MP Digital Camera $550
DP1 uses 14.6 megapixel FOVEON sensor (effective 4.6 mp), and 28 mm f/4 lens.

Sigma DP2 14MP FOVEON CMOS Sensor Digital Camera with 2.5 Inch TFT LCD $650
DP1 uses 14.6 megapixel FOVEON sensor (effective 4.6 mp), and 40 mm f/2.8 lens. DP2 is slightly improved from DP1 in term of processing and operation speed and interface.

Leica 18420 X1 12.2MP APS-C CMOS Digital Camera $1995
Leica offers 12 megapixel APS-C sensor and f/2.8 lens equivalent to 35mm.

People might also consider advanced compact zoom lenses such as:

Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch articulating LCD $500
G11 offers 28-140mm f/2.8-4.5 zoom stabilized lens, professional quality body interface and swivel LCD screen.

Canon PowerShot S90IS 10MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3-inch LCD $430
S90 offers 28-105mm f/2-4.9 stabilized zoom lens

Panasonic DMC-LX3K 10.1MP Digital Camera with 2.5x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black) $500
LX3 offers 24mm-60mm f/2-2.8 stabilized zoom lens

All the camera above offers 10 megapixel image resolution, which is believed to be sweet spot for image resolution and noise trade off.

CONCLUSION

Ricoh GRD3 is a unique compact camera. It is has the best interface and ergonomic compared to its rivals. Image quality is very good considering GRD2 has small CCD sensor. The new 28mm f/1.9 is great. Low light performance and image quality are very good. AF operation are excellent and very innovative. For so long, compact cameras always have problem with slow focusing. With this system, you can bypass the AF with Snap or pre-AF mode.

Of course, Ricoh GRD3 is not for everybody, because it only has 28mm fixed lens, not zoom lens, and it lacks consumer friendly features such as face detection, scene modes and photo retouch. However, this camera is ideal for people who understand about basic photography. The focusing features, size and image quality make this camera ideal for street photography.

Overall, Ricoh GRD3 is a remarkable camera in such a small package. It sports everything the serious photographer will love, not only fancy features as marketing gimmicks. Highly Recommended!

Subjective Rating - Relative to advanced compact camera in 2009

Image Quality : 4/5
Features : 4/5
Performance : 5/5
Body and Handling : 5/5
Value for Money : 4/5

30 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Ricoh vs. Canon high noon, September 27, 2010

By 

Strohmian (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Ricoh GR DIGITAL III 10 MP CCD Digital Camera with 28mm f/1.9 GR Fixed Lens and 3-Inch LCD (Electronics)

(What's this?)

This camera belongs to what I've seen called "enthusiast compacts". It appeals to people who are ready to spend a little more and are not easily blinded by number of pixels, 10x zooms, or software trinkets. The ticket of entry is a sensor that measures at least 1/1.8" (as opposed to the standard 1/2.5" which is HALF the size, area- wise, once you do the math!), resolves no more than 10 megapixels, and provides a RAW mode. This Ricoh camera passes muster, and one-ups the competition by having a prime (i.e. zoomless) lens - a ballsy but very promising choice.

To a quality- minded photographer, the specs already are very much in favor of this camera. And if you compare it to your three year- old $129 Target special, you're going to be thrilled in every respect. But the real question is: How does it stand up against the competition in its own class? To determine that, I'm going to pit the Ricoh against what has been termed "king of the compacts" not so long ago, the Canon S90. At a lower price and with a (quality-wise) inferior zoom lens, the Canon should bite the dust in every respect. Does it? Read on for the shootout or skip to 'Unique features' and 'Conclusion' for the skinny.

ERGONOMICS
The Ricoh is about 25% larger than the S90 (by volume), but it's still a rather small camera. I find it considerably easier to hold, thanks to finger- friendly bulges and the textured shell. At first glance, the Canon looks like a worthier camera with its sleek metal finish, but the Ricoh's textured body will most likely withstand a little abuse and it doesn't collect any fingerprints. Both camera bodies are solid - no creaking or crackling here. Also, both have a very nice 3" screen and the difference is slight, but the Ricoh's seems to have better contrast, less reflections, and better colors outdoors. Probably not something I'd have noticed if I didn't have both cameras out at the same time. But in my mind, the Ricoh has better ergonomics than the Canon.

UNIQUE FEATURES
The one big thing that Canon has and the Ricoh is lacking is image stabilization (IS). That is particularly useful for taking flash- free pictures of inanimate objects, such as in a museum, or bring out the background in reasonably calm subjects. The Canon IS gives you a 3- stop advantage which makes a huge difference in low light situations. Speaking of low light, the S90 takes up to 30s exposures in Tv mode (Ricoh: 5s). It has face detection, the only software gadget I'd rate useful since it can save the day when you give the camera to a stranger to snap a pic of you. And finally, if you happen to be a Scuba diver, you know that Canon owns the underwater world: there are 3 different enclosures available for the S90 and none for the Ricoh.

On the Ricoh positive side, we have a flash hot shoe, the iris goes down to f/9 (canon: f/8), and a built- in tilt sensor. Also the lens connector is threaded, so with an optional adapter you can mount standard filters. There is an interval setting, and in macro mode you can get so close you have to watch out not to poke your subject! I've also noticed that the battery lasts a long time on standby: after 2 months of not taking pictures the Canon is dead, but the Ricoh shows full.

All in all, it's impossible to weigh one feature over the other as it depends so much on what the camera is being used for.. so I call it a tie (but for the record, I'm totally pouting over the missing IS).

OPERATION
Both cameras have mode dials with the usual suspects (A/Tv/M/P) plus custom modes. The controls are very different: On the Ricoh, there is a wheel, and two levers to control various settings, whereas the canon uses two rings, one of which on the lens. I may be a little biased here because I've been using the Canon far longer, but the ring around the lens is absolutely genious and always seems to do the right thing (for example, sets ISO in P mode but shutter speed in Tv mode). In addition, one click on 'function' brings up a tidy menu with shooting- relevant items, such as ISO, whitebalance, etc., all with pretty and intuitive icons. On the Ricoh, the "Adj." lever seems to have no effect most of the time, the "up" button is unmapped, and the shooting menu isn't particularly clean as it contains all the options (eg. "noise reduction", "date imprint") in textual form, so it might take you a while to find the proper setting while your subject is waiting. On the other hand, the Ricoh is more customizable, with 3 custom notches on the mode dial and two "Fn" buttons. Perhaps with practice, the Ricoh will feel more comfortable, but for now, I'm giving Canon the medal for thought- out operation.

SOFTWARE
This is a somewhat unfair comparison, as Canon bundles its DPP software with the S90, the same product as with their $5000 SLRs. And they've had at least 8 years to perfect it. Can you tell that I'm trying to ease you into the fact that I like DPP, whereas Ricoh's bundled software, "Irodio", leaves me wanting? Don't get me wrong, Irodio is not awful. It shows the pictures like on a slide desk, you can set the white point, crop and flip, and it doesn't crash THAT much more often than DPP.. and yet: no tagging, fine rotate, tone curve control, batch export, and weirdest of all, no zoom (that I could figure out)! Irodio's saving grace is that it has limited video clip support, something that DPP completely ignores. And luckily, the Ricoh uses the open DNG format which Adobe's Lightroom digests, but that's some serious extra money. The bundled software award goes to Canon, loud and clear.

PICTURE QUALITY
Ricoh specifically highlights the optical characteristics of the prime lens, and let's be clear, it's why people would buy this camera. Of course I don't have a lab at my disposal, so a real- world test would have to do: I took a picture in good lighting conditions and compared a crop in the center as well as on the edge. In addition, I took a picture in low light and ISO 800. I invite you to peruse the pictures here on Amazon, don't take my word for any of this :) But, here's my critique:
On the center shot, I think things are pretty even. If I was pressed, I'd vote for the Ricoh as I like the colors better and I believe I could count more grass leaves. On the edge shot, Ricoh also has the advantage and less chromatic aberration (blue fringes). However, to be honest I did expect a little more. As it is, the difference is not all that great: you'd have to print above 12" x 9" to see any difference in detail, and the fringing in particular can easily be fixed in Software. Finally, at ISO 800 the Ricoh has no noise advantage over the S90 - neither compact should be used at that sensitivity.

CONCLUSION
This is a solid point-and-shoot that appeals to people who want the little (little!) extra in picture quality, or a feature not commonly seen in this class (see 'unique features' above).. The advantage over the (zooming) mainstream competition is slim though, and the two major issues that may irk the aspiring photographer are the missing image stabilizer and the mediocre software.

OPTIONS
I'd like to stress the fact that this is still a "point-and-shoot" class camera, with all the shortcomings: in terms of picture quality, handling, speed, or versatility it can't hold a candle to even my 6- year old DSLR! Make no mistake: for someone looking to capture an event or children growing up around the house, any inexpensive DSLR from Nikon or Canon will be around the same price, yet many times superior in all aspects - except size.

If it has to be small (a valid requirement, as the saying goes "the best camera is the one you have on you"), direct competitors include Canon who recently announced the S95. One big step up is the Micro Four- Thirds system such as Olympus' or Panasonic's current offerings. Also, it's worth noting that Sony's NEX5 has made quite a splash recently as well, as its picture quality comes close to DSLR's.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ricoh GR DIGITAL III Digital Point and Shoot Camera, October 13, 2010

By 

Loves Books (Maryland USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Ricoh GR DIGITAL III 10 MP CCD Digital Camera with 28mm f/1.9 GR Fixed Lens and 3-Inch LCD (Electronics)

(What's this?)

Ricoh digital point and shoot cameras aren't your traditional point and shoot cameras. Take the GR III, it's not the smallest or doesit have the longest zoom lens or is it the cheapest. Actually, it's pretty pricey. And it's not for everyone. And if I hadn't gotten it for free, I wouldn't have bought it. But now that I have had some time to use it, I really like it.

As I said above, this isn't the smallest camera. It's considerably bigger than the newer Canon SD series. However, it will comfortably fit in a shirt pocket. It is also quite a bit heavier. The body appears to be of metal with a rubber covered grip. The grip is nice sized and very comfortable. There is a nice 3" LCD on the back for composing and viewing images. As has become the norm on P&S cameras, there isn't an optical viewfinder. On the top, there is the typical power button, shutter release, and mode dial. A nice little feature is that the mode dial locks so that it can't change settings accidently. Also on top is a hot shoe for using an external flash. You almost never see this on a camera this small. The camera also has a small built in flash.

On the subject of a zoom lens, there isn't one. The GRIII comes with a fixed 28mm (35 equivalent), fast f1.9 lens. Why no zoom lens? My guess is that Ricoh went for quality here (and they achieved it). This wide angle lens is great for landscapes, shooting around the house, street photography, and macro shots. And with the fast f1.9 aperture, you can easily control the depth of field to blur the background if desired.

The camera has many shooting features. Some, like Snap Focus, the leveling aid, and High contrast B&W mode are not found on any other P&S cameras. I recommend you download the manual (available on Ricoh's website) and read up on these if you're thinking of getting this camera.

For me, the most important aspect of a P&S is image quality. Due to the small sensor size, you get more noise and less detail than digital SLRs. In P&S cameras, there are two basic sizes. The smallest (the one in most P&S cameras) and a slightly larger one that is found in the bigger sized point and shoot cameras. The larger one is found in the bigger Canon G11, G12, and Nikon s7000 cameras. As I write this, there are only 3 really pocketable cameras that use the bigger sensor... the Canon S90, its replacement the S95, and this camera. In this case size does matter. The larger sensor gives you a lot less noise and better detail. Couple this with the Ricoh's lens and very good image processing engine, and you end up with images that are better than most. I've been happy with 13 x 19 inch prints and probably could go bigger. Is it as good as a digital SLR? No, but it close and nowhere near as big and heavy.

In conclusion, this camera is not for everyone. The casual shooter taking holiday pictures would be better served by a smaller, cheaper point and shoot. But if you normally use a wide angle lens, want a lot of shooting features, and the highest image quality you can get in a pocketable camera, give this a look.