Ricoh GR III HDF Review: Diffusion Filters Are BACK, Baby!

[@cowslaw]

Pretty soon we'll be able to buy a brand new Ricoh GR IIIx HDF HD NPR CBS NBC III XL

[@trym2121]

This makes more sense Ricoh GR III Ultra Max Pro 4K UHD LUT Nikkor Fujinon SMC T*

[@OfficialSushiSystemAmbassador]

…only followed by the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF HD NPR CBS NBC III XL Dairy Edition 🐮

[@Beakphoto]

Well if they do that in a NPC version... I might consider it.

[@bngr_bngr]

They should just call it the GR III+.

[@frankseophotos9633]

😂😂😂

[@PawFromTheBroons]

At this point, I'd be willing to believe that George R.R. Martin is writing the tech specs of the belated GR IV

[@davidhunternyc1]

C'mon Ricoh! Get with the program. _Winter is coming._

[@jward3622]

GR IV Dragon Edition

[@johnc_]

March 2037: Ricoh announce the brand new GRIII super B+, with all new beige shutter button and brown lens ring!

[@AnonGoogleuser]

Isn’t that the diary edition? 😅

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

@@AnonGoogleuser Or was it the diarrhea edition? 😂

[@GungKrisna12]

imagine Supreme x Ricoh collab and they decided to release Ricoh GRIII Supreme Edition

[@NeonShores]

Can't believe how long Ricoh is milking the GRIII. I know a IV is on the way but its taking forever. Also it's crazy to me that they keep releasing different versions of this camera and still refuse to fix the dust issue.

[@trym2121]

They cannot count to IV.

[@overnightdelivery]

​@@trym2121Maybe they're still counting the cash 💸 😂

[@martingreenberg870]

@@trym2121 Fuji can. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@mengziyue4574]

The camera it self is really very complete and don't need much upgrades in my opinion. Neither is upgrading to a 40mp sensor like Fuji did makes much sense for the sake of this camera.

[@NeonShores]

@@mengziyue4574 better AF, better screen, faster processor, weather/dust resistant, optional real EVF, electronic ND plus HDF for best of both worlds. Also a 40mp sensor would allow you to have a mini Q3 and have different crop modes at the press of a button.

[@thephotochroma]

I had a GR II and sold it because I changed systems. Got the GR IIIx though and it quickly became my most used camera. I love it for street photography and as an everyday camera, it is always in my pocket. I own Nikon Z bodies and lenses, but as it turns out, travelling light (just a carry-on bag) and walking around a city all day forces you to rethink what gear you want to take with you. So I recently added the GR III HDF. Two cameras, each in one pocket with less total weight than one Nikon Z body. I also got a LightPix flash, great companion for this type of camera. A truly pocketable and versatile set. It is certainly not for everybody, but I have to admit, the more I use it, the more I appreciate the GR system.

[@SummersSnaps]

What you missed here is the fact the HDF is behind the glass, this leads to NO filter ghosting when in use. If you need the ND's I find them (of all filters) to typically cause the least amount of ghosting when placed over a lens. For this reason I think the HDF version is kinda the winner. I currently use a GRIIIx with an adapter and a Glimmer Glass 1, you'd be surprised at how often the ghosting thing can be an issue, so to have something built right into the camera (that gives no ghosting) and being able to toggle the effect on/off at the push of a button I think is really neat. Actually legit not gimmicky but useful. I would like to see this become a standard feature for the GR series, but I would also like to seem them get past the maximum of 1/2500 (@f2.8) or somehow manage to squeeze in ND filters as well as the HDF.. It might not seem like much innovation, but at this point in time I think a lot of camera companies are a bit stale on this front. There's a spec war, but not many are thinking outside the box to implement stuff like this. It's 2024.. I don't understand why only some video cameras get built in ND filters, I think its high time we all had such features included as standard in cameras along with the special effect ones. Hopefully the rest of the industry catch on. I mean nowadays so many cameras are hybrid and ND filters arguably even more useful from the video aspect...

[@andythealien1]

I can't wait for the Ricoh GRIV to come out so that I can place my preorder and wait 3 years to get it, by which time the Ricoh GRV will be announced.

[@clonkex]

dw it'll be another 3 years after that before the GRV will actually appear

[@ScottJWaldron]

Small size is the one feature this camera has going for it. I wouldn't want to see an integrated EVF unless it were an optional one that works through the hotshoe. Same for a tilting screen. Hopefully the new version comes out soon with better autofocus and weather resistance. Maybe somehow get a larger capacity battery in there too, but size should be the main design consideration.

[@ZOB4]

I really like my GRIII, I carry it with me every day, even on professional work with my Sony gear, the Ricoh still comes with me.

[@r423fplip]

I use mine everyday, it’s fantastic.

[@atheistbear2500]

Totally into the Griiix, honestly just wish there were more prime lens compacts. Whenever the GRIV drops will pick that up to get the alternate POV but would love to see Canon and Nikon doing more in this segment. Lots of love for the RX100 line obviously.

[@gerikmd]

Might be Ricoh using up all GR3 bodies before releasing a new body for the GR4? I still prefer the ND filter than HDF.

[@Joelsfilmer]

I don't understand the criticism for the lack of an EVF. A tiny viewfinder with poor eye relief and limited sun-shading does not seem like a worthwhile addition to a camera like this. You can stick an OVF in the hotshoe, so I don't see the problem.

[@martingreenberg870]

The Ricoh VF is expensive for what it is. The OVF doesn’t provide shooting information nor preview the image. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@andrewsorrell2924]

will there ever be some competition in this space? or its gonna be ricoh gr3s for ever? even sony haven't done any compacts for a long time now

[@AndrewSmales]

I would also love to see competition, but I think the main thing that is needed is for another really small compact camera to actually have APS-C. I owned the GRiiix as well as a recent Sony RX100, and the Sony really does everything that the Ricoh does, and way way more, it is basically the exact same weight and size, but it just cannot match that sensor unfortunately. (I actually sold the Ricoh though because I was not using it enough and kept the Sony)

[@martingreenberg870]

@@AndrewSmales It is amazing that Ricoh has jammed anAPSC sensor in that tiny body. Good on them. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@-grey]

Usually we get a big tech jump in huge bodies for sports and wildlife then average size bodies get it, and finally it trickles down to compacts. There hasn't been much of big leap this time. Most of the top end is just stacking sensors and taking away mechanical shutters at best

[@mrglass1024]

Mouse @3:25

[@datdudeinred]

More like 3:24.

[@pedro77167]

Haha cute

[@pouchboy1]

I was skeptical until I bought one. It’s fun and takes great pics.

[@-grey]

Same. The Zone Focus priority mode is genius and I don't know if I can go back to life without it. 😂

[@r423fplip]

I love using it. You can customise the hell out of it.

[@JennyDarukat]

A GR IVx (HDF) with better AF, hopefully a more power efficient processor, articulating screen and weather sealing would be a dream camera. Loved the IIIx when I had it on loan for a while, but I just can't motivate the spend for such old tech - if we were in a normal used market and the subject detection AF were passable, it'd be a serious contender.

[@theblanklogo]

Don't know how feasible it would be, but I'd like to see a GR4 with a dual focal length - able to shift the lens between 28 and 40 with a press of a button.

[@Nikitas111]

Grii or griii? What do you think?

[@paulfallat1664]

As someone who needs reading glasses, I would love to see one with a small EVF with a diopter. I would grab one in a NY minute.

[@jlwilliams]

I'm impressed that Chris could think up 10:15 worth of stuff to say about the Camera That Time Forgot, and manage to get enthused by its not-really-visible-on-KZbin diffusion feature that could be duplicated by breathing on the lens. That's what I call professional dedication!

[@108u9]

1:48 Hi Jordan was this overexposed? Curious why the highlights looked clipped. Thank you!

[@RobSquare]

Hopefully they fixed those issues with the dials- isn't worth it if they haven't.

[@albedo0point39]

Yeah, but it needs an ND to get wider apertures in bright light because its leaf shutter is so limited.

[@r423fplip]

Rubbish.

[@albedo0point39]

@@r423fplip yeah, maybe read the manual to understand how the shutter works at higher speeds.

[@SatanSupimpa]

I wouldn't mind a little extra milking of the GR III if Ricoh gave us an on/off infrared filter switch.

[@arian12300]

For me, the bokeh of the white flowers looked stunning. Much better than the *mushed* bokeh that we get on the modern high end lenses.

[@-grey]

Nice product diversity. I think the only way I'll upgrade my Ricoh GRIII is if it dies or the next one has like Sony tier AF. I don't think we need a new body yet. Maybe a nice hotshoe flash unit, or hot shoe EVF unit, but we don't need a whole new body for that. I'd love a flip up screen, but I figure it would just break easier. 😂

[@Chris-rb5hx]

What was that behind at 3:20 ?

[@ptxnoel370]

Was the dust problem fixed with this new issued model?

[@joelpratley9248]

Don't want an EVF or a flip screen! I would rather have it even smaller if possible with an updated sensor, maybe weather sealing, maybe FF. But anything to make this even 10% bigger will kill it's nich, it has no competitor at that size the only decent and truly pocket camera out there for pros/amateurs alike.

[@DustinBKerensky97]

1:48 WOW. What was that scene filmed on so I can avoid it?

[@Paul_Rohde]

They say their odd iPhone footage isn't noticeable.

[@xenon2Merchant]

"Cloud based plugin" - wow... im too old for this.

[@markbernhardt6281]

The 2GB memory is an amazing feature, all brands should take note. One cool reason is you can pull it out of the box and start shooting without a card. Just great.

[@SneakyCaleb]

It makes sense if you use film presets like mine. If you do not use film presets the bloom/softness from the HDF makes digital look terrible. You need some film grain.

[@marcelslagman3648]

Is it overall a better camera than the Sony RX100 VII?

[@LUITESLIFE]

I've got a diffusion filter on my X100vi basically at all times. Love the built in ND filter for long exposure during the day. Would prefer the 28mm of the GR though.

[@winc06]

Seems to me that diffusion is just an optional little fillip while the ND filter will make the difference in whether you get the shot. And yes, it needs an evf because not everyone lives in a dim climate and LCDs are pretty much useless in bright parts of the world.

[@martingreenberg870]

I too want an EVF. That doesn’t seem to be in the Ricoh DNA. Then again, who expected the X model? Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@Kids11111]

I just spent a week in sunny UAE and had no issues with the LCD screen outside.

[@thecaveofthedead]

I didn't actually realise this camera was so limited. I get why it's incredibly popular nonetheless. But it does feel like they could integrate some circa 2020 tech into it without busting the bank.

[@reek75]

like everyone i am also frustrated on ricoh for not releasing griv and lack of innovation but honestly what about other manufactures like sony, panasonic, canon with all the money not able bring back their compact lineup despite being in demand for the last 4 years which is more frustrating and the lack of competition in the market for ricoh there is no real pressure. they can take thier sweet time.

[@mengziyue4574]

What are you expecting from next generation of GR? For me there really isn't much I can think of.

[@-grey]

​@@mengziyue4574 💯 I fully agree. I'm starting to think all these short product lifecycle people haven't actually used a GRIII. Mine is great. They could make a little hot shoe flash and EVF unit for the few that complain about that, but really we don't need a GRIV.

[@DoKaTS]

@@mengziyue4574 at least a strong, fast and smart autofocus

[@Rumplestiltskin7]

The diffusion filter is not an upgrade, it's a variation

[@TheLinesEnd]

I almost always use a mist filter. When I don’t the footage just looks too clinical and sharp. Freakin a7iv 4K is just insanely sharp

[@joshuaspop8865]

People wanting a IV. Ricoh can’t make enough of the current camera. It’s virtually never in stock.

[@TomPark1986]

I don't like that I have to send it in if I have to clean the sensor... They should have made modular removable lens design.

[@scottnelle]

I mostly shoot at night and in small venues these days, and this seems like a really fun option! Bummer that the low light autofocus still struggles, but snap focus probably helps with that. Maybe I'll pick one up and work on my quick conversion from freedom units to metric so I can make the best use of it. 😁

[@thebitterfig9903]

Folks keep complaining about the GRiii HDF and the Pentax 17, but Ricoh/Pentax keep selling well. Between these and the K3iii Mono, they seem to be on a hot streak (for Pentax). Good for them.

[@-grey]

The whiners never owned one and were going to buy one anyway. It's the same complaints you see on any camera that's not the top of the line pro flagship - WhY NoT fOr PrOs?! They'll only be happy when it's the Sony A9. 😂

[@katesavage2001]

Was this filmed o nthe GRIII? The image at 1:49 looks so harsh.

[@r423fplip]

Exactly, you have no clue.

[@davidneto6368]

I'm 100% sure that Jordan is going crazy over the sound of that jacket rustling.

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

If it had a decent viewfinder and weather sealed it would make a good everyday carry.

[@AdamKinMI]

For sure! I would probably have to get one if it was weather sealed. I wonder if they could offer the camera with a hot-shoe style detachable viewfinder; that way they could keep the cost down for folks that are not interested in the viewfinder, but have the option for those that desire one.

[@albedo0point39]

@@nickyfoulkes8476 if it had a viewfinder it would be the Fuji x100 size

[@-grey]

Currently it's a great everyday camera. I use it all the time, rain or shine. Somehow I get excellent images without either of those features. 🤷‍♂️

[@r423fplip]

I use mine when it’s pissing down. Never had a problem.

[@GungKrisna12]

the Ricoh GRIIIX HDF would become a pocketable portrait camera

[@DoKaTS]

I bought it for this

[@jesbek]

With fixed focal lengths, why not stick at least a simple OVF in these cams like the old Canon G series had?

[@MetalDEmpire]

we know its a popular street cam, social media "influencers" buy them up like hotcakes and leave no inventory for the rest of the crowd. then the prices jump because of said "influencers."

[@martingreenberg870]

Like the X100V/VI. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@andrewselbyphotography]

Oh noooooo, the fake photographers are buying up all the cameras

[@-grey]

​@@andrewselbyphotography one of my more stylish friends bought an X100VI as an accessory, he doesn't even bring the battery out. Just don't tell these guys, they'd lose it 😂

[@r423fplip]

It sell because it fantastic. The image quality is right up there.

[@Maddin1313]

HDF is nice and all, but monochrome GR when??

[@r423fplip]

How many do you think they will sell ? It will probably have to cost £1500, if not more.

[@hernesc]

0:39 "...and as a young photographer I love the design of the gr cameras". I am happy from now that I can consider my self as a young too :-)

[@alexc6784]

Noticed that. I think he said 'loved'. He was talking about back in the day

[@niccollsvideo]

I lusted after a Ricoh GR film camera when I was young and shooting film. I owned an RS1 as well, I think it was called which was a close as I got.

[@davidhunternyc1]

At 8:52, I mean, seriously, Chris is the most handsomest, with the HDF filter on or off! It doesn't matter. I say, pass on this Ricoh and wait for the GR IV.

[@hater_647]

is it good for video 4.4.4 [14 bit]?

[@justwhenithought]

Instead of giving us the long-overdue GR IV, Ricoh gave us a GR III with a bloom filter. Lol.

[@HarryLewinASR]

Any comment about the new recepies?

[@Manoloelgomo]

Wait, you guys were in Phoenix?? As someone that was born and raised there, I'm so so sorry you guys had to go there.

[@DixonLu]

Unlike Sony, which keeps every model, e.g. a6000, for sale, Ricoh's camera division is small. They'd need to squeeze every drop of profit from the current model before they can move to the next. Given they just released the Pentax17, GR IV would be 2025 at the earliest.

[@qskakaley]

I’d like to see Ricoh work with Nikon to make the GRIII compatible with the Plena. It’d only be a $2 increase in MSRP anyway…

[@CrookedNose2131]

Are these filters actual physical filters or is this just a software add on?

[@PetaPixel]

Physical filter.

[@evtimstefanov8377]

1/2500 max shutter speed??

[@4honor]

I am an X100 series fanboy here, but since I can't get any of the new ones, if they released a GR4 with EVF and flash, keeping same size, I am in!

[@martingreenberg870]

I’m with you. Where as I’m adamant about the EVF, for me, it could be an add on in order to keep the size small. Also, many GR fanboys/girls may not want the EVF. Seal the body from dust! My GR has dust. Taped over the microphone openings. Also have filter over lens. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@-grey]

Stick with Fujifilm. We don't want those features, thanks. That's not what the GR is about. 👋 At most they could release hot shoe mount versions for the GRIII, but that doesn't require a GRIV.

[@r423fplip]

The prints are fantastic from the Ricoh.

[@JKL666]

Even in summer it's winter, that jacket makes it look like antarctica.

[@Abc1987]

Having used a camera with a leaf shutter (x100 series) for years…. Hard to overrate the importance of the ND filter

[@80-80.]

I hope Ricoh isn't listening Chris 🙏🏻 This camera shouldn't have an evf. It beats the x100 series precisely because it is pocketable, unlike the Fuji. (In addition to having a proper sensor).

[@-grey]

A hotshoe mounted one would work for everyone. I don't want an EVF. I use the LCD like frame lines and the real world as my OVF. 😎

[@manekinder]

I bet Chris was itching to go fly fishing while shooting this vid.

[@trndx2570]

Am I the only one who saw the rat crossing the street at 3:24?? 😂

[@MusabTahaTarik]

the last dust bender

[@alhOOO2O]

Chris, hair is looking 🔥 my friend

[@daveoum8586]

I loved the OG GRIII but unfortunately the autofocus killed it for me. Sony has spoiled me I guess. Snap focus is nice especially for street photography but indoor wide open the the AF is kind of disappointing.

[@davidf2281]

Am I the only one who can barely see any difference between the HDF on / off shots?

[@martingreenberg870]

I’m seeing it too. I just can’t believe what I’m seeing. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

I don't see a difference that is worth to be mentioned.

[@r423fplip]

Exactly, no wonder photographers are getting worse. You cannot see a difference !

[@cyrfung]

It should be quite significant if you know what to look for. Are you viewing on a small screen like a phone?

[@tjschmal]

Nope. 🙃

[@bespokecustomstudio1565]

Traditionally, 4 is unlucky according to Japanese superstitions. Perhaps the 13 adding to 4. Some elevators don’t have number 4 too. But is Ricoh influenced by Japanese superstition. Perhaps we need a GRV

[@baschmatschkin]

rat crossing at 3:21

[@jrchannel7405]

So that HDF filter gives you the same results as mistakenly touching your lens with your greasy fingers?

[@-grey]

Always has, babe. Mist and haze filters look terrible.

[@hsbutoy]

holy sh*t a new coloured shutter button wonder how many all nighters ricoh's R&D team pulled for this

[@VariTimo]

With an 18.3mm at f2.8 just use the single center point AF and recompose.

[@-grey]

I just tap the back screen to focus so I don't have to recompose. Works great for me. 😎

[@VariTimo]

@@-grey Might as well use your phone then.

[@r423fplip]

@@VariTimo you obviously don’t print your photos. Otherwise you would not come out with a dumb statement.

[@VariTimo]

@@r423fplip I do print my photos, taken on my rangefinder with a center focusing patch. Sooo….

[@robinsonsadventures2174]

I was hoping HDF stood for high dust filter!

[@r423fplip]

Bs.

[@retouch4me]

Great content, thank you! 🤩🤩🤩

[@michaelbell75]

It fascinates me people buy these fixed lens point and shoot cameras when every shot Ive ever seen looks like it could have been taken with a smartphone.

[@zroeder]

Totally right for some shots, but if you compare the dof falloff to a smartphone you’ll see a difference. Also, some people aren’t into computational photography and prefer to see some noise instead. But the AF is just so bad (I have kids) that I prefer an iPhone Pro.

[@redpandacoding]

The year is 2035. All major camera manufacturers have moved on the new sensor-less ambient picture paradigm that injects the picture right into your VR optical implants. Ricoh announces a new GRIII with an orange shutter button.

[@maheshg212]

It is like having a Leica steel rim lens 🙂

[@ErikN1]

It’s great that they offer a 40 mm version for those of us who can’t stand 28 mm. If only it was 35 though… 😉

[@welshskies]

A GRiv Monochrome please, come on Ricoh/Pentax I know you can do it!

[@nongroupthought5076]

I have watched so many videos about these Ricoh cameras and I am still not 100 percent convinced. Just give us a camera with flash, view finder

[@martinschnabel1961]

needs an evf and tilt screen? 2gb internal memory not great? comon chris..

[@r423fplip]

Don’t buy one.

[@martinschnabel1961]

@@r423fplip ? I have one, and a GRII

[@TheMrKonov]

Portrait is not a headshot only Chris, every time you shoot Jordan it’s basically a “floating head” 😂

[@DDenDeeen]

I just have one comment, I love my Pentax 17.

[@nwmi23]

If Ricoh released a digital version of the newly released Pentax 17 (using the same body but with an apsc sensor and f2.8lens instead of f3.5) it would be an immediate hit and there would be no sensor dust issues.

[@r423fplip]

What sensor dust.

[@b0bcat210]

$1,070 for a point and shoot is an utter scam- I bought a Lumix S5 and 3 lenses, adapter, a VND filter and a polariser for less than that, yes its bigger but the small form factor cannot justify all those drawbacks...

[@garyanfimau7203]

you obviously bought these used? You can easily find a used ricoh as well.

[@b0bcat210]

@@garyanfimau7203 yes I did, but even then I think that's a bit pricy for a point and shoot, especially now with the release of the S9 which would be miles better though a bit more expensive. much better value options out there at the moment

[@yawningmarmot]

It's always surprising to me how companies can keep releasing outdated tech and expect people to pay full price for it. That autofocus is worse than what Nikon 1 offered 12 years ago, gosh

[@josephio7311]

3:22 There is a mouse! 🐁

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@DavidDatura]

I don’t know, Ricoh/Pentax have no R&D budget! After so many years this is all they can come up with? (It can’t be selling as well as they’re saying, sorry) And with Pentax it’s even worse! How is Ricoh’s camera division (who also owns Pentax) still in business!?

[@OrwinSantaCruz]

Would be cool if we could actually buy it instead of being on permanent back order.

[@Vinterloft]

3:23 it's Jerry!

[@cyrfung]

Holdup is that a sponsored segment? I can bear with that if it keeps you guys running, but I expect a clearer boundary between the ad and the main content.

[@aarongrech5884]

Wouldn't an S9 with a pancake lens offer the same size advantage while being far more useful?

[@DoKaTS]

S9 still bigger and not fit in the pocket, and way more pricier.

[@xmeda]

Next will be Ricoh GRIII Black&White. Then Ricoh GRIII infrared. Then GRIII pink edition.. But still no K70/KF replacement. No K3III replacement. Still the same old lenses. Still the same obsolete LV AF and video. Still less and less Pentaxians.

[@-grey]

Low key ready for the GRIIIM though. The monochrome profiles are incredible, and I'd love to get the low light advantages of a monochrome sensor in this format. I could literally shoot at 1/320 f6.3 auto ISO all day and night and never worry. Ricoh should listen to you. GRIIIM, let's go! 🎉

[@ulimuller7892]

The GR III is the GTA V of cameras

[@Casmael01]

Oh cool it has a nice filter that makes your pictures look worse fantastic