Capture Soft, Dreamy Images with Ricoh GR III and IIIx HDF Snap

The HDF versions of Ricoh's high-end compact cameras incorporate a soft-focus diffusion filter into the lineup, sacrificing ND support in the process.

Ricoh GR III and IIIx

Released way back in 2019, and the GR IIIx follow-up came out two years later. With the exception of the GR III's wider 28mm-equivalent field of view and the IIIx's somewhat tighter 40mm, both cameras have the same svelte body design and stabilized 24MP picture sensors. A particular group of people, particularly photographers who specialize in slice-of-life documentary photography, like these cameras due to their discrete, tiny design, sharp prime lenses, and snap focus feature.

With modifications on both editions, the GR III HDF and IIIx HDF, the line is expanding today. In terms of fundamental functionality, they are similar to current cameras except for one minor adjustment that has a significant impact on the appearance of the images: a Highlight Diffusion Filter. The filter, which is integrated into the lens, successfully gives bright spots of light in your image a soft focus glowing effect. Ricoh claims that in order to create the filter, it made use of its experience in producing inkjet printers.

The HDF filter adds a soft glow to highlights (Credit: Ricoh)

The result is striking—although I haven't gotten a chance to use either camera yet, sample images have a sharply softened appearance reminiscent of early 20th-century camera lenses. Photos with the filter activated have a little glow all around, but it's especially noticeable in the brightest areas. In contrast to the normal GR III, this edition might be more appealing to you if you're interested in taking nighttime street photos in an urban setting because of the HDF filter. All it takes is one button click to turn off the filter if you don't like the way it looks.

There is a trade-off with the standard-line GR III and IIIx; in their optical path, the 2-stop neutral density filter is replaced with the HDF filter. This implies that long exposure shots won't be as easy for daylight photographers to capture. However, those who enjoy taking photos after dusk are unlikely to miss ND.

It's a release that comes at a good moment, since small cameras are becoming more and more popular among Gen Z artists who want something different from smartphones. One of the few still in production with a sensor the size of an interchangeable lens camera and a compact design is the GR III series. It has been on the market for a while, but it has proven to be so popular that many merchants have it on backorder. Undoubtedly, some people are purchasing GR IIIs in order to avoid having to wait an extended period of time to obtain the much sought-after Fujifilm X100VI, which was just unveiled. Although it doesn't have Fuji's stylish vintage chassis like the X100, the GR series is nonetheless enjoyable to use for photography.

FAQs about Ricoh GR III and IIIx HDF Editions

When have been the Ricoh GR III and IIIx launched?

• The Ricoh GR III become to begin with launched in 2019, followed through the GR IIIx two years later.

What are the primary variations between the GR III and IIIx?

• The GR III gives a much wider 28mm-equivalent discipline of view, while the IIIx has a relatively tighter 40mm angle. Both cameras percentage the same svelte frame design and stabilized 24MP picture sensors.

Who are the primary users of those cameras?

• These cameras are specially desired by way of photographers focusing on slice-of-existence documentary images because of their discrete, compact design, sharp top lenses, and snap awareness feature.

What adjustments are delivered in the GR III HDF and IIIx HDF variations?

• Both variants function a Highlight Diffusion Filter included into the lens, extensively impacting the appearance of photos by using giving bright spots a smooth cognizance sparkling effect.

How does the Highlight Diffusion Filter have an effect on picture great?

• Sample pictures showcase a sharply softened look paying homage to early 20th-century digicam lenses, with a diffused glow around shiny regions. This effect is specifically noticeable in middle of the night road photography, making it attractive for urban settings.

What is the alternate-off with the usual-line GR III and IIIx fashions?

• The 2-prevent neutral density filter out in their optical course is changed with the HDF filter, affecting the convenience of shooting lengthy publicity pictures for daylight hours photographers. However, the ones inquisitive about dusk photography might also find the HDF clear out extra useful.

Why is the discharge of those cameras widespread?

• The release coincides with the developing popularity of compact cameras amongst Gen Z artists looking for alternatives to smartphones. Despite being on the market for a while, the GR III series stays in excessive call for, with many traders experiencing backorders.

What distinguishes the GR III series from different compact cameras?

• The GR III collection sticks out for its sensor size similar to interchangeable lens cameras and compact layout, making it a popular choice among photography enthusiasts in search of a flexible and enjoyable shooting enjoy.