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The Ricoh GR Digital is an 8.13 megapixel (CCD) digital camera with a 28mm F2.4 fixed focal length lens and 2.5inch LCD. The Ricoh GR Digital is built in the style of the popular 35mm analogue GR series and is being touted as a high quality camera.
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Professional Grade High Resolution Compact Digital Camera
Ricoh announced today the launch of the GR Digital, a newly developed professional-grade high-resolution compact digital camera. In addition to a CCD with 8,130,000 effective pixels, the new digital camera boasts superb resolution through a newly developed high-performance lens, image-processing algorithms, and other innovations, as well as low noise and low chromatic aberration.
The new GR Digital inherits the superb image quality that made the award winning GR Series (first launched in 1996) of 35mm compact film cameras so popular, as well as the depictive performance to satisfy professional photographers, distilled into a compact 25-mm thin body.
With a high-quality feel and superb expandability, this is the perfect tool for both professional photographers and advanced amateurs.
When planning the GR Digital, Ricoh's engineers began by identifying the elements needed to provide the high picture quality demanded by discerning photographers. After extensive tests and research, Ricoh placed special emphasis on resolution, noise level, colour aberration correction, colour reproduction, tone, and distortion characteristics. In order to achieve extremely high levels in each of these areas, Ricoh gave the GR Digital a CCD with 8,130,000 effective pixels, and also developed two key components: (1) a F2.4 fixed focal length GR lens with f = 5.9 mm (28 mm converted to 35 mm format camera) having high resolution and depictive power; and (2) a new GR Engine image-processing system featuring natural composition and rich, fine gradations while further lowering noise in all images.
These key components in turn translate into a high Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) rating for the central area of the image as well as the edges. MTF is a measure of contrast and resolution, and one of the most widely used standards for evaluating image quality. The GR Digital has the descriptive power to show each hair on a person's head, with superb reproductive capability all the way into the corners of the picture. The GR Digital’s images also reduce noise, giving greater continuity in dark areas, reproduces natural tones and gradations, and reduces blurring and distortion.
MTF Curve of GR F 2.4 Lens with f = 5.9 mm
Notes:
- The closer the 50/mm and 150/mm curves are to 100%, the higher the contrast and resolution.
- 50 lines/mm and 150 lines/mm are equivalent to 10 lines/mm and 30 lines/mm, respectively, when converted to a 35-mm format camera. In general, if a 10 line/mm 35-mm format camera has an MTF of 80% or higher, it is considered to have excellent image quality, and at 60% or higher is considered to have satisfactory image quality.
- The alignment of the R and T characteristics is vital for blurring and other depictive characteristics.
Ricoh launched their first digital camera – the Ricoh DC- in 1995. The Ricoh DC-1 was the world's first digital camera to support video. Since then, Ricoh have remained at the forefront of digital camera technology. Ricoh’s leading edge technologies have seen many breakthroughs with such outstanding features as: 1cm macro, wide-angle high quality optical zoom lenses, ultra fast response times (start-up and shutter release lag) and unique linking of communications and GPS support functions.
Main Features of the GR Digital:
Newly Developed GR Lens Provides High Resolution and resolving power.
- A retro-focus lens using a concave lens toward the subject and a convex lens toward the CCD, widely used in wide-angle SLRs and the like, is used. In addition to this two glass-moulded aspheric lenses and one special low dispersion lens are used. These are optimally laid out in a configuration that fully corrects and reduces distortion, frame aberration, colour aberration, using fewer lens element. It also improves the light transmissivity of the lens, producing clear images.
- A retracting lens system is employed, allowing part of the lens groupings (rear group) to be stowed inside the camera body. This shortens the distance between the second and third lenses when stowed. This not only helps to improve the image quality it also helps to reduce the camera size.
- A dedicated system can adjust the optical axis of the outer lens group and CCD-side lens group at the micron level. This enables uniform image quality from edge to edge.
- Equipped with a generous seven- blade aperture and neutral density (ND) filter
- These features enable high resolution, high image quality from edge to edge, low noise in dark areas, natural tone and gradations, and good background blurring upon aperture release. The ND filter uniformly absorbs each base colour: R, G, and B, allowing larger apertures to be utilized.
Boasting 8,130,000 effective pixels, the camera delivers the high image quality that professionals demand.
Image Processing via GR Engine Maximizes Lens Performance.
- Supplemental processing on adjacent pixels creates smooth, natural curves.
- Noise is reduced even further by including top-of-the-line components with superb characteristics in the analog circuit. During long-term exposures, heat and light sources – which can cause noise – are kept down to a minimum, enabling long 3-minute exposure times for great pictures of the night sky and similar subjects.
- Through image-pattern analysis, variations in auto exposure (AE) and auto white balance (AWB) are suppressed. As a result, Whites look White and Blacks look Black.
- Improved AF precision in macro mode.
- Images are simultaneously stored in uncompressed RAW and JPEG formats.
Slim, Compact Design.
The thin, compact design – 107.0 x 25.0 x 58.0 mm (WxDxH) achieves both portability and ease of use as a photographic tool. Now you can enjoy the high-quality photography of the GR Digital any time, anywhere.
Functionally Aesthetic Design Delivers High Quality and Ease Of use.
- The lens is placed near the centre of the camera, in a design that provides the photographer maximum balance for greater stability.
- The camera uses a magnesium-alloy case combining a stylish design with durability for maximum strength.
- Offers the first twin dial in a compact digital camera. You adjust the aperture in the front, and the shutter in the back. This allows a high degree of operability and flexibility when shooting in manual mode.
- The built-in strobe uses a pop-up system, preventing vignetting (gradual fading of the image at the edges)
The Camera Itself is Simple, And Highly Expandable to Meet a Wide Range of Needs.
- Ricoh intentionally did not make an optical viewfinder standard, offering a high-performance externally attached optional viewfinder instead. It fits on a hot shoe almost directly above the lens to help achieve more accurate framing.
- The wide converter optional lens features an ultra wide-angle 21 mm (when converted to 35 mm format camera).
- An optional external strobe, cable release, hood and filters are also available.
Short Photo Interval of 1.7 Seconds
Even with 8,130,000 effective pixels, the shooting interval is just 1.7 seconds. When shooting continuously, you can shoot at this interval until the memory is full.
Built-in Large, High Resolution LCD with 100% View
The camera is equipped with a bright, high-definition, large 2.5-inch/210,000 pixel LCD. The field of view is 100%, enabling accurate framing.
Images can be captured in various combinations of resolution and compression. RAW compression and RAW with JPEG can be selected for ultimate quality
An aspect ratio of 3:2 can be selected, the same aspect ratio as 35mm and most digital SLR’s that allows images to be printed in standard sizes without cropping.
Manual, Program, Program shift AE and Aperture Priority modes allow for greater flexibility and freedom of expression.
Three metering modes are available: 256 multipoint, spot metering and centre weighted average metering giving the photographer the freedom to compose shots as they please under various lighting conditions.
A sophisticated 9-point AF system assures fast and accurate focus from just 30cm and 1.5cm in Macro.
Price and Availability:
The Caplio GR Digital will be available from October. RRP £399.99 inc VAT.
Lets Go Digital has a preview/review of the Ricoh GR Digital in which they write - 'The Ricoh GR Digital is convenient to use. I just have to repeat myself telling you that handling a digital camera like the GR Digital with its wide 28mm fixed lens and the optional 21mm conversion lens gives it something extra. Today's cameras are almost all equipped with optical zoom, from 2.4x to 12x optical zoom ranges. I have noticed this before; using a camera with optical zoom will not encourage you to become part of the action. It does not invite you to come out of your chair and be part of the composition. Using the Ricoh GR Digital around Amsterdam in combination with the conversion lens (21mm, equiv. 35mm format camera) resulted in some great shots around the Van Gogh museum and the Amsterdam Concert Building... Although pre-production status I am impressed with the sharpness, the contrast and the lack of vignetting/distortion of the GR lens!'
Popular Photography Magazine has a first impression review of the yet to be released Ricoh GR Digital where they write - 'First, there's the solid-feeling magnesium-alloy body that measures about 4 inches wide by just over 2 inches high and a mere .75 inches thick. Then there's the 2.5-inch/210,000-pixel LCD.
But the coolest part is the lens. Not just the 28mm (equivalent) lens with its f/2.4 maximum aperture, but also the snap-on wide-angle lens that serves up the equivalent of a 21mm view.'
DPexpert reviews the Ricoh GR digital wide angle and writes - 'The Ricoh GR is obviously not for everyone. It is a relatively expensive single purpose camera. The one thing that it does it does well. For anyone with an interest in landscape photography or planning to spend a week or two in Venice this would be an ideal camera. It is small and light but feels rugged as though designed for professional abuse. The overall impression of the Ricoh is that it is fun to use. Recommended.'
DigiCam Review has posted a review of the Ricoh GR Digital and give it a rating of 'above average'. They write - 'The Ricoh GR Digital is a unique digital camera, offering excellent image quality for people who want a wide angle, or ultra-wide-angle lens with a compact body. The easy to use camera offers speedy performance, good battery life, and a good camera body with very good controls. The high ISO settings may come in handy on occasion, at the cost of image quality. This camera is difficult to recommend due to poor value for money and it's lack of optical zoom. However, if image quality is a priority and you've been looking for a rugged wide-angle compact digital camera, with the option of a very high quality optical viewfinder, and optional ultra-wide angle convertor, then this could be the camera for you! Ricoh are once again to be commended for daring to offer a unique digital camera in a crowded market.'
Digital Lifestyles reviews the Ricoh GR digital camera and writes - 'The Ricoh GR Digital is a truly unique digital camera that stands out from the crowd by concentrating on the basics, offering a speedy performance, full creative control, a good battery life and a fast, crisp wide-angle lens that made it perfect for landscapes and cameos. We fell in love with the camera's lo-fi look, with its nondescript appearance barely attracting attention on the street, letting us get on with taking pictures unhindered.'
Pocket-lint reviews the Ricoh GR Digital digital camera which they give a rating of 9 out of 10. They writes - 'While the Ricoh GR Digital is not without flaws and notwithstanding its �400 price tag, which may make some swallow hard before parting with any cash for it, it is also a very accomplished little camera. The new GR would be ideal as a professional�s back up, or perhaps the main weapon of choice for photo enthusiasts. In either case they�d be safe in the knowledge the camera boasts a superb spec, lacking practically nothing; a built-in optical viewfinder would be a benefit though. Moreover, the image quality and versatility will not let them down. In short, it is worth every penny. '
Trusted Reviews post their review of the Ricoh GR Digital where they write - 'Ricoh has produced something unique, a compact camera that will satisfy even the most demanding enthusiast. Its combination of compact portability, robust build quality, superb handling, creative control and fantastic picture quality should make it a firm favourite among keen photographers, especially the travel photographers who loved the original GR film camera. An expensive camera, especially for the whole kit, but well worth the money.'
DP Review has posted their review of the Ricoh GR Digital where they write - 'A niche product, and one that Ricoh should be applauded for designing in a market stuffed with 'me too' cameras, but one that its hard to wholeheartedly recommend. If it had breathtaking image quality the price would be irrelevant, but as it stands you're paying nearly as much as a Nikon D50 outfit for the camera (and a lot more if you include the optical viewfinder), and a lot more than you would for one of the several excellent compacts on the market with a zoom starting at 28mm. If you consider the slimness and superb manual control worth the money, you'll love it. For everyone else it's a lot harder to justify. We ummed and ahhed over the rating on this one for a while, as it is very nearly deserving of a Recommended, but in the end it just doesn't quite add up.'
Posted by Darren in our Miscellaneous category on September 13, 2005