Ricoh today has officially announced three new compact cameras: Ricoh GR III, Ricoh WG-6, Ricoh G900:
The GRIII (B&H Photo Video/Adorama) US price is $899, adds an updated lens, sensor, and touchscreen operation to the GR line of compact cameras. Now including a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, the GR III provides improved tonality and image rendering compared to the GR II. Redesigned optics consisting of 6 elements in 4 groups (2 aspherical elements) yield a more compact design while maintaining its 18.3mm (35mm-equivalent of 28mm) f/2.8 format. Shake Reduction and Dust Removal features keep image capture sharp and free of pesky dust. The new GR Engine 6 and updated image algorithms produce greater contrast and detail in imagery. To increase usability, control key layout has been redesigned from scratch and its 3″ Touch LCD Screen offers flexibility and simplicity to users. Photographers wanting more shooting options can attach the GW-4 Wide Conversion Lens via the GA-1 Lens Adapter to modify the lens by 0.75x.
The WG-6 (B&H Photo Video/Adorama) US price is $399, serves as a rugged compact camera designed to survive harsh working conditions. Extending the range of its predecessor, the WG-6 has a 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) optical zoom while sporting a larger, 20MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor for high-resolution image capture. It is capable of shooting 4K video at 30 fps, is optimized for capturing underwater colors, and features an Electronic Gimbal for smooth recording. Ring lighting is possible via six variable brightness LEDs surrounding the lens, benefitting macro and close portrait images. Waterproof to 20m, shockproof to 2.1m, freeze-proof to -10°C, and crushproof to 100 kgf, it is designed to perform well nearly anywhere. Operability is streamlined and enhanced for users wearing gloves via the addition of a customizable ADJ button and raised contours on the four-way controller. The WG-6 was designed with industrial uses in mind, since its chemical resistance allows ethanol disinfection, sodium hypochlorite disinfection, and chloride dioxide. Photographers needing GPS information with image capture will note that the WG-6 corresponds to the satellite navigation augmentation system and an allocated GPS button the four-way controller. A separately available silicon jacket and soft carrying case offer additional protection if needed.
Finally, the G900 (B&H Photo Video/Adorama) US price is $799, updates the G800 compact point-and-shoot, built to endure work-site use. Its back-illuminated 20MP CMOS sensor and 28–140mm (35mm equivalent) can capture high-resolution stills and 4K video at 30 fps. A 6-LED variable brightness ring light aids in close capture. With industrial applications in mind, it is waterproof to 20m, drop-proof from 2.1m, crush-proof to 100kgf, and chemical resistant. Worksite use is further benefited via password protection, barcode scanning, note-taking, and advanced GPS.
Press Release:
Ricoh launches RICOH GR III high-end, compact digital camera
Newest model in the popular RICOH GR series delivers exceptional image quality in a smaller, lightweight body, making it ideal for street photography
WEST CALDWELL, NJ, February 21, 2019 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the launch of the highly anticipated RICOH GR III camera. The new camera is the latest model in the RICOH GR series, a lineup of high-end digital cameras providing exceptional image quality in a compact, lightweight body ideal for street photography, travel and capturing candid images.
The RICOH GR III features a newly designed lens, image sensor and imaging engine that further upgrade image quality, enhance functionality and improve usability. The 18.3mm F2.8 lens delivers exceptional imaging performance with a slim design, consisting of six optical elements in four groups, while retaining the 28mm angle of view. It produces the clearest, sharpest images in GR-series history while reducing distortion and chromatic aberration. It also comes equipped with a macro shooting capability with a minimum focusing distance of six centimeters.
In keeping with the GR-series concept of packaging high image quality in a compact design, the RICOH GR III camera body is smaller than its predecessor, and is equipped with a large APS-C-size CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.24 effective megapixels to produce high-resolution images. Its short start-up time of approximately 0.8 seconds allows for quick, responsive shooting. The camera’s high-definition LCD monitor features touchscreen operation, offering intuitive control of various camera functions right on the screen.
The camera also features a high-speed hybrid autofocus system, built-in shake reduction, in- camera image finishing options, USB Type-CTM, Bluetooth and wireless LAN connectivity options. An accessory wide-angle conversion lens designed exclusively for use with the RICOH GR III is also available. The GW-4 Wide Conversion Lens expands the angle of view to 21mm ultra-wide angle.
“The Ricoh GR III is the ultimate street camera,” said William Hereford, a Brooklyn-based pro photographer, who has been shooting with GR series cameras for years. “The image quality and ease of use are equally amazing. I literally don’t leave my house without this camera. The GR III fits perfectly both in my hand and my pocket, so it is always available to capture a moment.”
Hereford says that the image quality is so great, that photos taken with his GR cameras have the potential to be used in national ad campaigns and magazine articles.
Designed to be the ultimate street photography camera, the RICOH GR III is a totally new breed of GR camera that will give the user new and different creative possibilities.
| Pricing and Availability |
The RICOH GR III will be shipping in March 2019 and will be available at www.us.ricoh- imaging.com and retail outlets nationwide. Price is $899.95 for the camera, $249.95 for the GW-4 Wide Conversion Lens.