In case you missed it, Ricoh dropped a new Ricoh GR III (and GR IIIx) not so long ago, dubbed the GR III HDF. The $1,067 iteration is every bit like the 2019 original, save for the update indicated in its name. What exactly is it, and is it worth any consideration if you’ve set your sights on the popular pocket-sized point and shoot camera?
In the quick video above by The Verge, Becca Farsace tells us what the “HDF” part of this Ricoh GR III version is all about. It stands for “Highlight Diffusion Filter” — which replaces the built-in ND filter of previous Ricoh GR cameras. While the ND filter essentially serves as a sunglasses of some sort for your camera, the highlight diffusion filter instead imbues photos with a soft, “dreamy” look.
Next, she shows some sample snaps as she describes what the highlight diffusion filter does. She also cites the conditions where this filter shines and does its job well. Ultimately, however, only you can decide if this effect is something you’ll find useful — or tasteful — for your photos or creative vision. For Farsace, however, it’s more useful than the ND filter as she rarely finds a need to stop down the shutter speed.
She also touches on the problems that this seventh GR III camera brings. First, she brings attention to Ricoh as a company and its history of “Ricopies,” then describes how the low resolution back screen could affect some users of the camera.
Do you agree with the points Becca Farsace raised in this video? What do you think of Ricoh making “Ricopies” of its popular GR series? Share your thoughts in the comments below, let’s start a discussion!
