RICOH GRIIIx – Part 1
Review by Editor AL Lee
Image: Ricoh GRIIIx (front) & Ricoh GR (background)
22nd May 2022, Singapore/Malaysia – The RICOH GRIIIx had redefined what a professional compact camera should be. In addition, it is now an even better reincarnation of its predecessors with the new specs pointing it to becoming a super street camera. The GRIIIx comes with a 24MP APS-C sensor and a focal length of 26.1mm (40mm equivalent) & a bright aperture F2.8 lens. It has in-body image stabilization, a new hybrid autofocus system, built-in neutral density filter, and a fixed touchscreen display (optical and electronic viewfinders are optional). It’s capable of capturing Full HD video at 60 fps.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are also built-in. What caught my attention here is the 40mm lens. (For the record, all the previous models like the GR, GRII, GRIII all comes with 18.3mm f/2.8 with an Equiv. of 28mm). Guess Ricoh really upped their game this time for the ultimate “Street Compact” with the GRIIIx.
Image: Ricoh GRIIIx (front) & Ricoh GR (background)
The body design and layout is very similar to all previous GR models, likely done this way so that all previous Ricoh users will find the familiarity a plus point while the layout is already very simple and easy to use, this will also appeal to all newly inducted Ricoh users.
Image: Ricoh GRIIIx (left) & Ricoh GR (right)
Image: Ricoh GRIIIx (left) & Ricoh GR (right)
On the camera operations, the focusing feels slightly faster than GRIII. The contrast detecting APS-C sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm) probably helps with the focusing speed in my view I am not too sure. With 24 megapixel, there is a lot of potential for cropping and it helps with macro shots. By the way the minimum focusing distance for Macro mode is 12cm which is great, but on normal shooting mode the focusing is effective from 20cm. Does not bothers me much since this camera with its 40mm focal length is destined to be a street photography camera which the shooting distance usually range several metres.
On the specs, sensor resolution increased from 16 MP to 24 MP, the lens is redesigned into 6 elements, in 4 groups), the 3-axis sensor-shift image stabilization allows shooting in slower speed & in dark environment. The ISO is impressive as the ISO range from 100 to 102,400 (2 stops higher than the GR II’s max of 25,600). It also comes with a Dust reduction system “using ultrasonic vibrations” (DR II).
The Autofocus system is now a hybrid, with phase detection used in combination with contrast detection which I had mentioned earlier, it feels faster then GRII. Lastly, the GRIIIx can be charged just using an USB-C Type cable. Absolute portability assured.
As the review title suggest, I will be doing the review in 2 parts for the Ricoh GRIIIx. In this review, I decided to try out the Macro function and general shooting and probably do the street photography/ travel photography in July 2022 when I visit my hometown in Penang.
So it is back to my favorite review location at Gardens by the Bay. And at the point of the review, GBTB is having the “Roses Romantic” exhibition, so I took the opportunity to review the GRIIIx there. Before we get to the images, here’s a short video of my setup. I mounted a coldshoe rig with an LED light – perfect cos the light angle is just perfect and the illumination is just directly above the subject at the closest focusing distance.
Onto the images!
I like the bokeh a lot. While you may think that the bokeh are common with DSLR & wide aperture lenses, do not forget the Ricoh GRIIIx is a compact camera. The size, weight easily beat any camera system hands-down and very easy to carry around too. Throughout my walk at GBTB, it was super effortless while the shooting capability is excellent.
The colors rendered are super vibrant & rich! And the amount of details captured are way above my expectations. Just look at the petals of the roses from above, how much sharper can that be?
I try my hands on some scenes at GBTB too, I am impressed. At 40mm, it is probably the most unimaginable GR that I will buy but after this Part 1, I am sold. Check out the images below too. (more images over at my FB)
Summary
For those thinking to invest in a professional level compact camera, do get the Ricoh GRIIIx. It is way more capable than most of the “usual offerings” by the other brands. I had so much fun with this camera and I had written to the local distributor (APD) to extend my review till end July so that I may bring this camera to Penang for a part 2 review.
Buying this Camera
From the colours to the details, from the operational aspects to the overall package, it is a super compact that is second to none. Best for travel, street photography, day-to-day photography & macro – You should get this.
Buy from our accredited merchants for a peace of mind!
Renting this Camera/Lens – (Please check for availability first)
For those of you who wish to try out this camera before purchase, we are pleased to share that this camera & lens is probably available for rental at our appointed rental merchant:
Camera Rental Centre is Conveniently Located at:
50 South Bridge Road, CMO Building, (very near to Clarke Quay MRT)
#02-18. Singapore 058682
Website: https://camerarental.biz/
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Reviewe: Chief Editor AL Lee
Chief Editor & Founder of Ourshutterjourney.com Worldwide and Principal Trainer at Ourshutterjourney Photography Academy. AL is a commercial photographer as well as an educator who believes in the art of digital memories. An ambassador of several photography brands, AL is well versed in many camera systems. Someone once told us AL’s man cave looks more like a camera store than a bedroom.
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