Denver, CO—Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation debuted the newest camera in its GR series, the Ricoh GR II. The premium compact camera adds Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality.
To manage the new connectivity functions, Ricoh announced GR Remote, a web-based application that allows users to control camera settings via browsers, as well as view and share images wirelessly. Image Sync, available on Pentax DSLR cameras, is also supported on the GR II, enabling users to browse and transfer images to accompanying mobile devices.
“With the introduction of the GR II, we are taking the premium compact camera to a new level, offering the key features desired by photo enthusiasts: high resolution, a wide-angle lens, quick shoot time and portability,” said Jim Malcolm, president of Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. “With its new Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, photographers can now easily share their exceptional street and travel shots more easily, benefiting from the best of both worlds.”
Eliminating the optical low-pass filter, the pocketable GR II uses a GR 18.3mm f/2.8 compact lens (28mm equivalent), a large, APS-C-size CMOS image sensor with 16.2 effective megapixels, and a GR V processor. Specs say its autofocus (AF) system can focus in 0.2 second, thanks to the optimization of its lens drive mechanism and AF algorithm. The camera also has a one-second start up and shut down time as well as 4-frames-per-second continuous shooting.
Other features include: a 3-inch, 1,230K-dot LCD screen; ISO settings as high as 25,600; the capability of users switching instantly from playback mode to shooting by half pressing the shutter release button; 17 creative effect modes with six new modes (clarity, brilliance, bright, portrait, vibrant, HDR tone); a range of shooting functions, such as in-camera RAW processing; Full HD movie recording using H.264 compression; and wireless control of Pentax AF360FGZII and AF540FGZII external flashes.
With an exterior housing made of lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy, the GR II has a grip shaped for a comfortable hold and a control button layout that enables one-handed operation.
The Ricoh GR II will be available in July for a suggested retail price of $799.95. ricohimaging.com
