Parsippany, NJ—Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation introduced the Ricoh GR III HDF and GR IIIx HDF premium compact cameras. Moreover, these new versions of the Ricoh GR III and Ricoh GR IIIx point-and-shoot cameras feature a newly developed Highlight Diffusion Filter (HDF). It diffuses highlights for softer light to create more expressive images with a sense of depth and emotion.
“The Ricoh GR III HDF and Ricoh GR IIIx HDF inherit the fundamental merits of our GR series—exceptional image quality, flawless point-and-shoot operation and outstanding portability,” said Ken Curry, president, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. “The new GR HDF models give users a new creative option that expands the visual boundaries of snapshot photography.”
Ricoh GR III HDF and GR IIIx HDF Key Features
Furthermore, photographers can turn on and off the HDF in a single action. As a result, they are able to add a totally different kind of visual expression to captured images. Developed using Ricoh’s inkjet technology cultivated over the years, this special-effect filter diffuses highlight areas and creates a blurred effect along the image’s edges. Thus, it is possible to produce images resembling those captured in film photography or vintage movies.
What’s more, since they can switch the HDF on and off, photographers can alternate between two completely different visual expressions. First, clear, sharply focused images; second, softer light, more expressive images captured by the HDF.
In addition, the color of the shutter-release button was changed to dark silver to subtly differentiate the HDF models from other GR cameras. Ricoh also intends it to symbolize the “effortless shift of visual expression.” The default setting of the Fn (function) button was also changed to the on/off switching of the HDF, allowing users to quickly engage the HDF with a press of a button. 
Plus, you can now preprogram three white-balance settings as the base white balance. It is also possible to couple the base white balance with the white-balance fine adjustment function. Additionally, the new models feature zone select AF. This function automatically sets the focus at the most appropriate point within the image area after the 3×3 focus area is shifted to the desired zone.
Shared Features
Shared features with the series models include basic specs. For example, the GR III HDF has an integrated 28mm-equivalent f/2.8–16 lens. The GR IIIx HDF employs a 40mm-equivalent f/2.8–16 lens. Both also boast a 24.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor with a AA filter simulator and an ISO 100–102,400 range. In addition to high-res still images, they also record Full HD video at 60p/30p/24p with stereo sound. Further, they have hybrid AF systems along with 3-axis sensor-shift shake reduction. Another shared featured is a 3-inch, 1.04M-dot touchscreen LCD monitor with air-gapless tempered glass. 
The Ricoh GR III HDF and Ricoh GR IIIx HDF will launch in April. Ricoh has set a suggested retail price of $1,069.95 for the GR III HDF and $1,149.95 for the GR IIIx HDF.
