Denver, CO—Pentax Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation’s new Ricoh GR is a point-and-shoot compact that leverages the advantages of an APS-C-size CMOS image sensor to deliver shallow depth of field, enhanced low-light performance and a wide dynamic range.
“The introduction of the Ricoh GR marks a new standard of confidence in the compact camera segment,” said Jim Malcolm, executive vice president, Pentax Ricoh Imaging America. “The Ricoh GR camera’s unparalleled set of robust features and hardware completely redefines what can be expected from a compact camera.”
Remaining true to the heritage of the Ricoh GR Digital series, the pocketable new camera combines compact size with performance that begins with a 16 megapixel, APS-C-size CMOS sensor, no low-pass filter and a completely redesigned optical path. Its newly developed 18.3mm (28mm equivalent) f/2.8 lens is engineered to compactly provide high-res, wide-angle images with edge-to-edge sharpness while minimizing chromatic aberration and distortion. The camera’s nine-blade aperture diaphragm produces a rounded bokeh effect across a range of apertures.
The sensor and lens are supported by a new GR Engine V imaging processor, which is said to optimize high-sensitivity shooting to ISO 25,600 while minimizing noise and producing color-rich images. Also new are a lens driving mechanism and optimized AF algorithm for faster data readout speeds from the sensor to provide high-speed autofocus specs state can focus on a subject in 0.2 second.
A fraction of the size of a DSLR, the GR offers helpful features common to DSLRs, such as in-body RAW-data development and a dedicated depth-of-field preview button to aid in accurate framing and quick inspection of focus prior to capture. And, coupled with the image magnification and target shift functions, a focus-assist function comes in handy during manual focus. The GR also provides Full HD 1080p H.264 video recording at 30 frames per sec with continual autofocus and the ability to add image effects.
An AF function lever was also added to the camera’s back panel. When the lever is set to continuous AF (C-AF) mode, users can capture a series of images of a moving subject—all in sharp focus by pushing the shutter release button while depressing the AF button. The user can also choose an optional setting, in which the continuous shooting mode is automatically activated while the C-AF button is pressed.
The GR offers the Pentax-original shutter-speed/aperture-priority (TAv) exposure mode, featured in Pentax digital SLRs to automatically sets the optimum ISO sensitivity based on the shutter speed and aperture selected by the photographer. Additionally, aperture and shutter speed indicators were added to the monitor. The layout of on-screen indicators was also optimized to the 3:2 aspect ratio, with redesigned grid guide and electronic level.
Other features include an auto macro function as well as automatic face detection AF & AE, plus an interval composite mode that captures a series of images of the night sky at a fixed interval, then selects and combines only the high-luminance pixel data from each to produce a composite image.
To share photos and video, the GR is compatible with Eye-Fi wireless SD cards, and built-in menus allow users to enable automatic transmission of images and video to a smartphone.
Ricoh offers an optional wide-angle conversion lens to extend the GR’s coverage to 21mm. The GR is also compatible with the full range of accessories already offered for the GR Digital line of cameras, including viewfinders, flashes, lens hoods and adapters. $799.95. pentaximaging.com
