Conclusion
Ricoh GRD3 is a unique compact camera. It is has the best interface and ergonomic compared to its rivals. Image quality is very good considering GRD2 has small CCD sensor. The new 28mm f/1.9 is great. Low light performance and image quality are very good. AF operation are excellent and very innovative. For so long, compact cameras always have problem with slow focusing. With this system, you can bypass the AF with Snap or pre-AF mode.
Of course, Ricoh GRD3 is not for everybody, because it only has 28mm fixed lens, not zoom lens, and it lacks consumer friendly features such as face detection, scene modes and photo retouch. However, this camera is ideal for people who understand about basic photography. The focusing features, size and image quality make this camera ideal for street photography.
Overall, Ricoh GRD3 is a remarkable camera in such a small package. It sports everything the serious photographer will love, not only fancy features as marketing gimmicks. Highly Recommended!
Update: Ricoh scene modes and samples
Subjective Rating – Relative to advanced compact camera
Image Quality : 4/5
Features : 4/5
Performance : 5/5
Body and Handling : 5/5
Value for Money : 4/5
Sample Images – Images are not processed with digital enhancement of any sort
Street scene, Philadelphia Hard Rock Cafe
Even shooting at aperture wide open of f/1.9, we can't completely blur the background
Exposed to direct sun, the lens shows no glare and ghosting. Excellent!
vivid mode for extra punchy color
Street scene like this is not difficult to capture
More sample images at Ricoh GRD III photo gallery
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“Spot focus limited to center of the frame only. It is not moveable like other advanced compacts. ”
Very nice review but I have to point out that you can indeed move the AF point freely and even set the exposure point freely on the acreen using the AE/AF option when pressing the Adj. button it’s the last option.
thanks for visiting and your input Cristian, I need to try it