Ricoh GR Digital III Review

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Review posted 10/05/2009



Ricoh continues their GR line with the all new GR Digital III (aka GR3). This model replaces the GR Digital II we reviewed last year, carrying over man of the same popular features. Ricoh has upgraded this new successor with an improved 28mm fixed lens, which offers a maximum aperture of F1.9; compared to the F2.4 lens on the GR2.

While resolution remains the same at 10-megapixels, Ricoh claims the GR3 offers a upgraded high-sensitivity sensor, along with a new GR Engine III image processing unit. The GR3 also offers a larger 3.0-inch LCD screen, which boasts an impressive 920,000 pixels of resolution.


Like past models, the GR3 is designed for enthusiast photographers who are looking for a compact, yet professional digicam that offers powerful features, packed into an elegant frame.


GR Digital II Features

  • 10-megapixel high-sensitivity CCD imager for large prints
  • GR Engine III image processor
  • 6.0mm fixed lens (equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm camera)
  • F1.9 maximum aperture
  • Compact, lightweight and durable magnesium alloy body
  • Macro focus as close as 0.39 inches (1.0cm)
  • JPEG and RAW still image file formats
  • 3.0-inch TFT color LCD with live histogram display and 920K pixels of resolution
  • Auto, Program, Aperture priority, Shutter speed priority, Manual, Scene (Dynamic Range, Skew Correct Mode, Text, and Movie), and My modes 1/2/3
  • Movie mode w/sound, 640x480 or 320x240 at 30 or 15fps
  • Continuous mode and two "Multi-Shot" continuous modes
  • Metering options: Multi, Center-weighted or Spot
  • Exposure compensation: ±2EV in 1/3-step increments
  • White Balance: Auto, Multi-Point Auto, 4 presets, One-push Manual, and Detail
  • Shutter speeds of 180 seconds to 1/2000 second
  • Time-lapse interval recording
  • Selectable ISO settings from 64 to 1600
  • Built-in, manual pop-up flash unit
  • Hot shoe for external flash GF-1 and optional optical viewfinders
  • Powered by included 3.6V 1250mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery or 2 AAA type batteries
  • USB connectivity for PC and Mac
  • PictBridge USB direct-print compatible
  • 88MB internal memory plus SD/MMC card slot
  • Telephoto/Wide angle conversion lenses
  • Loads of neat accessories
The Ricoh GR Digital III camera kit has an MSRP of US$699, and ships with: GR Digital III camera body, AV cable, USB cable, Hand strap, Rechargeable battery (DB-65), Battery charger (BJ-6), Hot shoe cap, Software CD-ROM, and Instruction manuals.


Optional accessories include:

  • External Viewfinder GV-1
  • Mini External Viewfinder GV-2
  • Wide conversion Lens GW-2 0.75x wide conversion lens
  • Hood & Adapter GH-2
  • AC Adapter AC-4c
  • Neck strap GS-1
  • Neck strap ST-2
  • Soft Case (For GV-2) GC-4
  • Soft Case GC-3
  • GR Bag GB-1
  • Rechargeable Battery DB-65
  • Battery charger BJ-6
  • Cable switch CA-1
  • External flash GF-1

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.