Ricoh/Pentax has updated its popular GR compact camera with a new model, the GR II, which uses the same 16-megapixel APS-C sensor and 28mm equivalent f/2.8 lens.
Front view of the new Ricoh GR II. (Source: Ricoh/Pentax.)
The new model also retains the magnesium-alloy body of its predecessor but adds integrated Wi-Fi plus NFC connection to Android devices. The GR II provides two types of applications: GR Remote for easy setting of camera commands using a mobile device’s screen, largely replicating the controls on the camera’s LCD panel; and Image Sync for easy transfer and browsing of recorded images on a mobile device. Remote control of movie recording is also supported.
Back and top views of the Ricoh GR II. (Source: Ricoh/Pentax.)
Internally, the GR II provides a total of 17 effect modes, among them six new additions: Clarity, Brilliance, Vibrant, Bright and Portrait plus a new ‘Colour Temperature Extension’ mode for white-balance control that emphasises the dominant colour cast in the image. This mode can be used to make sunsets redder or intensify the green in landscape shots of grassy fields. The PENTAX-originated Shutter speed/Aperture Priority (TAv) exposure mode has been ported across from the company’s DSLR cameras.
Autofocusing has been tweaked with improvements to the lens drive mechanism and AF algorithm and the GR II offers faster readout of image data from the image sensor. The GR II’s AF Continuous Shooting function supports a maximum speed of approximately four frames/second but the buffer memory has been expanded to handle up to 10 raw frames in a burst. The maximum shutter speed at f/2.8 has been increased to 1/2500 of a second. Other additions include a Crop mode, which can capture an image at a 35mm or 47mm angle of view (35mm equivalent) by cropping the frame. Ricoh’s Chromatic Moirø© Correction function Pixel Mapping function appears for the first time in a GR-Series model. An optional GW-3 Wide Conversion Lens expands the angle of view to 21mm (35mm equivalent).
Like its predecessor, the GR II can record Full HD movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels, 16:9 ratio, 30 fps) using the H-264 compression format. During movie recording, the user can also adjust exposure compensation and use the AF button to activate the AF operation, whose speed is faster than before. Three new effect modes (Bright, Portrait and Vibrant) can also be used in movie shooting.
The GR II is scheduled for release in the USA in July at an MSRP of around US$800 (approximately AU$1040). Local release dates will be added when we have them. For more information, visit http://www.ricohcameras.com.au/ricoh/.
