Ricoh GR II now with WiFi and NFC

Vitaliy_Kiselev

PR

Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation announced the newest camera in its GR series, the RICOH GR II, a premium compact camera with Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality. The GR II is the smallest premium compact with DSLR image quality, making it ideal for advanced photographers who want the quality of an SLR camera but the portability of a smart phone.

To manage the new built-in Wi-Fi and NFC functions, Ricoh Imaging also announced GR Remote, a web-based application which allows users to control camera settings virtually via any browser, as well as view and share images wirelessly. Image Sync, available on PENTAX DSLR models, is also supported on the new GR II. It enables GR users to easily 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.”

Features of the new GR II camera include:

High-quality, high-resolution: The GR 18.3mm F2.8 lens is a compact, high-performance GR lens with a focal length of 28mm (in the 35mm format). The GR II also boasts a large, APS-C-size CMOS image sensor with approximately 16.2 effective megapixels. Equal in imaging area to the type used for most PENTAX digital SLR models, the sensor combined with the GR lens assures exceptional image quality.

High-speed: The GR II’s high-speed AF system can focus in a mere 0.2 seconds, thanks to the optimization of its lens drive mechanism and AF algorithm, and it also has a one second start up and shut down time. Further, with the GR II users can go instantly from the play back mode to shooting by half pressing on the shutter release button.

Pocket-sized: Even though it incorporates a host of Wi-Fi functions, the GR II comes in the same size as the previous GR model. Its exterior housing is made of lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy, while its grip is shaped for easy, comfortable hold, and features a control button layout that enables simple one-hand operation.

Expanded creative functionality: The GR II provides a total of 17 effect modes with six new modes added including: Clarity, Brilliance, Bright, Portrait, Vibrant and HDR Tone. The new GR II also includes a full range of shooting functions including an in-camera RAW data development function, full HD movie recording for high-quality, extended videos; and, wireless control of PENTAX AF360FGZII & AF540FGZII external flashes.

Pricing and Availability

The Ricoh GR II will be available for purchase July 2015 in stores nationwide for a retail price of $799.95.

drb

Hopefully some firmware improvements also for the current GR.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Even unreleased price is already $699 :-)

I expect not very long time until next discounts.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

The Ricoh GR II's firmware has been updated to version 1.10 from version 1.0.5.

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/gr2_s.html

Some samples

http://www.photographyblog.com/previews/ricoh_gr_ii_photos/

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Quite positive review

The Ricoh GR II may seem like a subtle update to the previous camera, however, the camera offers built in Wi-Fi and NFC, bringing the camera more up to date. Improvements have been made in continuous shooting and the camera feels very rapid in use. The camera gives quick access to settings, and once you're familiar with the layout of controls and options, particularly the menu system, then you can rapidly change settings. The Ricoh GR 28mm f/2.8 lens performs extremely well producing images that are very sharp and detailed, and the compact size of the camera combined with a large APS-C CMOS sensor means that you get extremely high image quality (akin to a DSLR) for a compact camera.

https://www.ephotozine.com/article/ricoh-gr-ii-review-27907

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Some studio shots

https://www.ephotozine.com/article/ricoh-gr-ii-sample-photos-27906

Vitaliy_Kiselev

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/oldnew/20150908_720006.html

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Premium kit PR

RICOH IMAGING is pleased to announce the launch of the GR II Premium Kit, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the first digital version of the top-of-the-line GR compact camera. The special package features a selection of exclusive items including an aluminum trunk case, a camera case and a commemorative pin badge. It will be marketed in the limited quantity of 1,200 units worldwide.

GR II Premium Kit Contents

GR II camera body

O-AT146 Aluminum trunk case

GV-1 External viewfinder

GW-3 Wide-angle conversion lens

GH-3 Hood and adapter

Three ring caps (green, gold and gunmetal)

GC-6 Jacket (orange)

GS-3 Neck strap (orange)

GR DIGITAL 10th Anniversary pin badge

The package also includes the following standard camera accessories: rechargeable battery, USB power adapter, USB cable, hand strap, CD-ROM software.

Main Features

Designed to be the ideal size for easy carrying, the aluminum trunk case is treated with black anodized aluminum for the rigid, high-quality appearance of metallic materials, with a special coating applied to repel fingerprints. Its handle is made of genuine leather, meticulously hand-wrapped by a craftsman to provide a perfect fit for the user's hand. The lock mechanism provides a smooth action and a pleasant click when it is opened and closed. Its interior has been conveniently and attractively arranged so the user can store and remove the camera body and accessories easily, while meticulous attention has been paid to every detail down to the thickness and rigidity of the sponge cushions.

To accentuate the camera's appearance, three ring caps have been treated with a special anodizing and dyeing process to create three different colors -- green, gold and gunmetal.

The camera's jacket and strap are made of high-quality genuine cowskin dyed in orange -- the symbolic color of this limited-quantity package -- so that they stand out among the other black-toned accessories.

An exclusively designed pin badge commemorates the 10th anniversary of the development and marketing of the first-generation GR DIGITAL model (launched in October 2005).

Vitaliy_Kiselev

http://www.dpreview.com/sample-galleries/7409422084/ricoh-gr-ii-samples-gallery

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Silver version

Vitaliy_Kiselev

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/ricoh-gr-ii/ricoh-gr-ii-field-test.htm

Vitaliy_Kiselev

http://www.mirrorlessons.com/2016/04/01/ricoh-gr-ii-review/

Vitaliy_Kiselev

The lack of direct rivals for the Ricoh GR II is probably a good thing for the company, because this followup model is realistically a fairly modest update. That's not necessarily a bad thing: As noted, the original Ricoh GR earned itself a Dave's Pick award, and in many ways it really impressed us, especially with the image quality it derived from its superb triplet of lens, sensor and processor. The Ricoh GR II retains all three unchanged, and still impresses us with its image quality all this time later. Still, with stronger competition Ricoh would have needed to field a more significant update than it was able to do this time around.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/ricoh-gr-ii/ricoh-gr-iiA.HTM

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Used one at $479

https://www.adorama.com/us%20%20%20%20883350.html

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Ricoh GR II Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD, $479

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZY9JJEU

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