joe bosak
Well-known
Just been reading the blurb on the Ricoh GR models... I hadn't been aware of this so thought I'd share.
Ricoh seems to be selling different versions of the same camera with different features (and different coatings, trim and splash screens) - where the functionality is provided through firmware it seems to be available to other models through firmware updates:
HDF version:
has "a new, built-in HDF (Highlight Diffusion Filter) to create mellow, diffused expressions in highlighted areas".
HDF (Highlight Diffusion Filter) is a filter printed using Ricoh's long-standing inkjet Printing technology. Highlights are diffused and surrounding areas are blurred. ND filter is not installed and is replaced by HDF.
The Urban:
A new exposure mode, “Snap Distance Priority Mode” has been installed. By setting the snapshot distance and depth of field (DOF) in advance, you can instantly recall the setting. DOF3, in particular, sets the f-stop so that the depth of field is close to pan-focus, allowing you to enjoy faster shooting.
“Auto-area AF (Center)” has been added to the the Focus. Auto-area AF works around the center of the frame (9 areas) instead of the entire frame. This prevents the camera from focusing on unintended areas such as the ground in front of you, allowing you more control of your street snaps.
“Enable AF” has been added to the Shutter Button Setting. It is now possible, when the shutter button is pressed halfway, only the AF is locked without locking the AE.
“3.5m” has been added to the Snap Focus Distance.
Long tapping on the playback screen can now recall the Playback Settings.
The Diary:
“Negative-Film" has been added as a new Image Control mode. By adjusting the color tones based on various negative films, the perfect balance between the faded look of photo printed from negative film and well-defined colors has been achieve.
In addition to the number of shots taken on the day, the total number of shots and firmware version can now be displayed (conventional display of only the number of shots taken on the day is also available).
Power-off function from ImageSync is now available. You can check and transfer images while the camera is in your bag, etc., and turn off the power.
The Street:
The Full Press Snap feature allows you to focus on a specified distance and shoot, all through touch screen controls. With this fast-shooting function, you can set up your shot precisely, then capture the photo at the perfect moment.
(These (Urban, Diary and Street version) features can be added to the standard GR III/IIIx model by installing the latest firmware.)
Ricoh seems to be selling different versions of the same camera with different features (and different coatings, trim and splash screens) - where the functionality is provided through firmware it seems to be available to other models through firmware updates:
HDF version:
has "a new, built-in HDF (Highlight Diffusion Filter) to create mellow, diffused expressions in highlighted areas".
HDF (Highlight Diffusion Filter) is a filter printed using Ricoh's long-standing inkjet Printing technology. Highlights are diffused and surrounding areas are blurred. ND filter is not installed and is replaced by HDF.
The Urban:
A new exposure mode, “Snap Distance Priority Mode” has been installed. By setting the snapshot distance and depth of field (DOF) in advance, you can instantly recall the setting. DOF3, in particular, sets the f-stop so that the depth of field is close to pan-focus, allowing you to enjoy faster shooting.
“Auto-area AF (Center)” has been added to the the Focus. Auto-area AF works around the center of the frame (9 areas) instead of the entire frame. This prevents the camera from focusing on unintended areas such as the ground in front of you, allowing you more control of your street snaps.
“Enable AF” has been added to the Shutter Button Setting. It is now possible, when the shutter button is pressed halfway, only the AF is locked without locking the AE.
“3.5m” has been added to the Snap Focus Distance.
Long tapping on the playback screen can now recall the Playback Settings.
The Diary:
“Negative-Film" has been added as a new Image Control mode. By adjusting the color tones based on various negative films, the perfect balance between the faded look of photo printed from negative film and well-defined colors has been achieve.
In addition to the number of shots taken on the day, the total number of shots and firmware version can now be displayed (conventional display of only the number of shots taken on the day is also available).
Power-off function from ImageSync is now available. You can check and transfer images while the camera is in your bag, etc., and turn off the power.
The Street:
The Full Press Snap feature allows you to focus on a specified distance and shoot, all through touch screen controls. With this fast-shooting function, you can set up your shot precisely, then capture the photo at the perfect moment.
(These (Urban, Diary and Street version) features can be added to the standard GR III/IIIx model by installing the latest firmware.)
Last edited:
Disappointed_Horse
Well-known
I believe the HDF models have a built-in hardware/optical highlight diffusion filter to achieve that effect (at the expense of the built-in ND filter in the other models).
I believe the other features of the Urban, Street, and Diary models that you referenced have all been made available as firmware updates for all models.
That Diary Edition sure is pretty.
I believe the other features of the Urban, Street, and Diary models that you referenced have all been made available as firmware updates for all models.
That Diary Edition sure is pretty.
joe bosak
Well-known
Yep, thanks for the TLDR summary 
agentlossing
Well-known
Yes, I think it is actually a tad misleading to list the software features of the different models as if they are specific to them. I don't say this to criticize the OP, so much as the original marketing. Despite the fact that Ricoh always affirmed that software updates get pushed out to every camera in the GRIII/x series, I've run into a lot of people who don't understand that. Aside from the HDF, or the 40mm lens on the IIIx, every other choice is purely cosmetic.
And I do appreciate Ricoh's long tail of firmware support for this camera. It's been at least as good as Fuji used to be at it.
And I do appreciate Ricoh's long tail of firmware support for this camera. It's been at least as good as Fuji used to be at it.
Disappointed_Horse
Well-known
Yep, thanks for the TLDR summary
I see you edited your post. I don't recall exactly what your original post said, but if my response came across as condescending, I apologize. I must not have read your original post carefully and thought you were asking a question. Sorry!
joe bosak
Well-known
I just emboldened a few sentences is all. Not offended, I know I went on rather. Mainly I was surprised at how Ricoh was differentiating what seemed to be different models when the footnotes on their website indicated that (other than the HDF which is a hardware difference from those with ND) all could be updated to have all the firmware features.
Exactly!