Ricoh GR Digital III

Seeking 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.
* Focal lengths are converted to 35 mm camera equivalents.

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.

Freedom from ghosts. 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.

For low-noise, high-resolution images.
GR ENGINE III

1/34sec, F4, ISO400,Full size photo; no trimming
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.

The source of superb image quality.
10 megapixel high-sensitivity CCD and AFE

1/39sec, F5.6, ISO100,EV+0.3,Full size photo; no trimming
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.
*ON/OFF can be selected. This setting is only possible when focus is set to Multi AF or Spot AF.
*Focal distance can be changed by turning the up-down dial while pushing the button.

Don't let that shutter chance get away. Pre-AF

Even if the shutter release button is not pressed half way, focusing follows the subject’s movement. The pre-AF action accelerates focusing time.
*ON/OFF can be selected. This setting is only possible when focus is set to Multi AF or Spot AF.
*ON setting consumes battery power faster than OFF.

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."
*When noise reduction is OFF. When it is Weak or Strong, the maximum is four images.

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.