Ricoh GR release date, specs, and price become official

Pentax Ricoh has finally introduced the Ricoh GR compact camera, which features a 16.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor.

The Ricoh GR has had its photos leaked before its official announcement, along with the mirrorless camera’s specifications. The company has decided that enough is enough, therefore the shooter has become official, confirming most of the information previously disclosed.

Ricoh GR compact camera comes packed with a 16.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor.

Ricoh GR APS-C compact camera takes on Nikon’s Coolpix A

Nikon Coolpix A has reasons to worry as it has gained a powerful competitor. The Ricoh GR features a 16.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, just like the Coolpix A.

The compact shooter features an 18.3mm f/2.8 lens, providing a 35mm equivalent of 28mm. It can capture shallower depth of field, thus creating special effects, as the image will be focused on the subject, while ignoring nearby objects.

Ricoh says that the new 18.3mm wide-angle lens produces sharper images and reduces optical flaws, such as distortion.  The GR camera employs an aperture diaphragm made out of nine blades, which should produce beautiful bokeh effects.

Ricoh GR sports a 3-inch LCD screen on its rear, along with an autofocus lever.

Novel GR Engine V image processor is here to reproduce accurate colors

A brand new GR Engine V processor is powering the Ricoh GR, which is capable of capturing photos with minimal noise even at ISO 25,600, says the press release. Additionally, the advanced autofocus mechanism allows the camera to focus in only 0.2 seconds.

The new shooter can take RAW photos, but it does not pack an image stabilization technology. It features a 3-inch 1.23-million-dot LCD screen with live view support, though it will be able to attach an external optical viewfinder.

The Ricoh GR specs list continues with a shutter speed range between 1/4000 and 30 seconds and multiple exposure modes, including Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Shutter/Aperture Priority, and Bulb mode among others.

A wide-angle conversion lens can be attached to the Ricoh GR, in order to provide a coverage of 21mm, while an optical viewfinder can be mounted on the hot shoe.

Continuous autofocus mode captures several photos of a moving subject

A built-in flash is also available, though its range extends to only 5.4 meters. Moreover, the continuous drive mode can capture up to four frames per second and the mirrorless camera can record videos at 1920 x 1080 resolution at 30fps.

Ricoh GR is compatible with SD / SDHC / SDXC and Eye-Fi storage cards. It boasts USB 2.0 connection and HDMI-out port. Creative photographers can also benefit of an wide-angle conversion lens, which provides a coverage of 21mm.

It is made out of a magnesium-alloy body, which houses an autofocus lever. This option will allow the continuous autofocus mode to take multiple photos, a feature useful when the subjects are moving.

The camera measures 4.61 x 2.4 x 1.38-inches and weighs only 8.64 ounces. It draws its power from a rechargeable Li-ion DB65 battery.

Ricoh GR camera controls and buttons provide enough functionality for a professional photographer. Also, the shooter supports a continuous mode of 4fps.

Ricoh GR price and release date information

The Ricoh GR release date has been slated for May 2013. The APS-C compact camera has become available for pre-order at select retailers for a suggested price of $799.

It will compete against the Nikon Coolpix A. The Ricoh GR has a huge advantage over its counterpart, as it will be $300 cheaper. The Nikon Coolpix A is currently available at Amazon for $1,096.95.

However, it remains to be seen whether consumers will wait for this APS-C camera or go for Nikon’s shooter instead.