New Ricoh GR IIIx

I saw this pop up in a FB add the other day and I was surprised to see no-one seems to have noted it here, nor is it on DPR, but it is now on the Ricoh global website.

In summary the GR IIIx is the same (I imagine) as the standard GR but with a 26mm (roughly 40mm equivalent) f/2.8 lens instead of the 28mm equivalent on the standard model.

For small size I'm served very well with my Fujifilm X gear but it's nice to see a large-sensor compact camera with a lens at a focal length that would actually interest me. In fact I'd prefer a 40mm over the 35mm on the Fujifilm X100 series, though they have an extra stop going for them.

Link to the GR III/x page: http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/products/gr-3/

Thanks for the link. Interesting that a slightly longer FL is being offered. I bought a GRIII earlier this year as a carry around camera for walks, family events and holidays. I was bowled over with the quality of the images produced and after becoming familiar with the numerous options I am more than happy to use one handed operation, jpeg output allowing the use of the creative filters and the macro option gives very sharp close ups, particularly with flowers and foliage whilst visiting gardens. The touch screen is very effective for focussing. I thought I would be constrained by the fixed FL but there are few occasions when I need a longer FL and the wide angle is fine for interiors. It has become my default camera, relegating the KP and too many lens for solo specific photo days.

This longer FL might allow the use of a wide attachment right?

There is a wide angle attachment available for the original camera, takes it to 21mm equivalent I think. Haven't bothered with it myself as it adds bulk to a pocketable camera.

I can use 35mm and 50mm crop modes if needed.

Peter

This is why it seems bizarre that they're offering a 40mm equivalent. I feel like most users would prefer to start wide-ish at 28mm equivalent while cropping to get a 'digitally zoomed' image.

Choice is good though, surely?
Those folks can continue with the G111, while those who'd rather the 40mm use the G111x.

I can't see a problem...

I suspect this is a case of clever marketing by Ricoh - I assume that very little has been changed in the camera design (essentially just the lens and a few associated parts) so development costs have been very low and they can now offer a camera that a fair number of people will want either as an alternative or in addition to the GRIII. It's a bit like the way they use things they've developed across their DSLR's (645=>FF=>APS-C) - this is how they can make themselves more profitable

Review by Kai - he likes it!

https://youtu.be/6W_TFBDr1WM

This new model will probably do well as it offers an option to the Griii albeit I suspect forking out an additional £700 odd pounds may put current owners off!!
The Griii is an exceptional compact camera with an impressive lens and specs. One of the usual negatives mentioned is battery life. Personally I have not found this and, last week , used the camera at my daughters wedding and managed 350 exposures ,using snap focus, without changing the Ricoh battery ,which still has juice left in it.

I would certainly prefer a 40mm as 28mm is too wide for a general-use walk-around. 40mm is a far better focal length if you're only going to have one. Just as images can be cropped for a more telephoto field of view, several images can be stitched for a wider one, and resolution is gained rather than lost.

I've left my camera at home so many times in the past year or so, preferring to stick with my phone or a Q-S1+06 combo.

I'll be keeping an eye out for a nice GRIII after seeing these reviews, they look superb.

I also prefer 40mm. I was telling Haris earlier today that my Voigtlander 40/2 is stuck on my camera more than it’s not these days.