Ricoh GR III HDF: new compact APS-C cameras gain cinematic vibes at great cost for ND filter fans

The Ricoh GR III, along with the Ricoh GR IIIx (curr. $1,096.95 on Amazon), is one of very few modern, compact APS-C cameras with a fixed focal length, and the company has recently announced an update to the Ricoh GR III that shakes up the aesthetics of the images it produces.

The Ricoh GR III HDF and Ricoh GR IIIx HDF use the same form factor and general hardware as the regular GR III and GR IIIx and add in what the company calls a highlight diffusion filter to slightly soften image highlights and produce what it calls a “cinematic” look.

Diffusion filters, like the Moment CineBloom Diffusion filters for iPhone (from $25 on Amazon), are popular amongst those looking to impart a softer, less-punchy look on their images. Ricoh's implementation of the diffusion filters in the GR III and GR IIIx are specifically meant to soften highlights, producing “more expressive images with a sense of depth and emotion.”

While the Ricoh GR III maintains basically all of the other hardware shared by the regular GR III and GR IIIx, it does abandon the built-in neutral density filter in exchange for the HDF.

Ricoh claims that building the diffusion filter into the camera, placing it behind the lens, helps eliminate strange visuals, like lens flairs and other anomalies. Given that it is possible to disable the HDF with a dedicated button, and that neutral density filters are fairly inexpensive, it may be beneficial for photographers that think they will regularly use the HDF feature to buy the new GR III HDF version over the regular GR III.

Ricoh envisions photographers and everyday users using the highlight diffusion filters to capture day-to-day life with a bit more romance than you would likely see from a more conventional setup, like the one found on the vanilla GR III (curr. $969.95 on Amazon).

Go to Ricoh's store for more information on where to buy the new GR III versions in your region.

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