Images here are all out of camera Jpegs at the standard color and native settings unless otherwise noted. They help to support my conclusions of the image quality section on the previous page and final conclusion. Hovering over each image will provide a pop up that gives you basic information about the image you are viewing. They are all available at full size resolution in 4:3 native format. *Unless otherwise stated, noise reduction or post processing was not performed on any of the images in this review. Noise reduction was set to to off during the entire review process, except for examination of some images to conclude the amount of noise reduction being applied to Jpegs.

Each thumbnail will bring up a full resolution, untouched original Jpeg out of camera that you can use for personal use. We ask that you please do not use images for any commercial application and respect any applicable copyright laws. All images were shot with noise reduction off and were not processed (unless other wise noted).

GRD III New Features, Scene Modes, and Head to Head DSLR Comparison

The GRD III has a few new features and it also has some interesting scene modes that are carried over from the GRD II. I've provided some shots of the new HDR Double Shot mode and the scene modes. For a rough comparison, I've included a fine Jpeg comparison between the GRD III and the Sony Alpha A900 (down sized to the GRD III's resolution in 3:2 format). I only left out a sample video in the Scene Mode category.

Double Shot HDR Mode

This mode is a scene mode that is best used on a tripod. Basically the camera combines two images shot at different extremes of exposure (based on strength setting you adjust) in camera to a final output. The GRD III can be set to take a before/after image (two in total), one with the DR applied, and one regular. I do not recommend taking the images hand held as any movement at all will show misalignment in the final output. Otherwise the feature does seem work well. There are limitations to the amount of adjustments you can make while in this mode in the quick view menu, but many settings can still be manipulated. Here are two examples shot in HDR Double Shot mode. The setting is dark on purpose, I wanted to see what effect in stops of light a difference could be seen.

Scene Modes

Here are a couple of samples from two scene modes the GRD III has, Skew Correction mode and Text mode. Skew correction mode allows you to take pictures of square objects and auto corrects that object to near square, for most odd angles. This is handy when you need to take pictures of brochures or what not and do not have time to line everything up right. Text mode is basically an ultra high contrast black and white mode, that seems to do a good job highlighting text for easier reading.

Color Filters (for Black and White Photography)

One of my favorite menu items, color filters. I am a huge fan of monochrome photography and one of the reasons I like Ricohs for this application is the incorporation of 5 different color filters for black and whites. Each are listed below with the color information showing as you hover over the image. Most monochrome photographers use some sort of physical or digital filter to enhance the rather dull initial monochrome output in either film or digital.

It's subtle but it helps enhance the richness of the scene. Most viewers have no idea that the monochrome image they are looking at has some sort of filter applied to it. With 5 colors to choose from, its the equivalent of not having to carry 5 glass filters around with you only you can adjust the intensity in 5 steps, whereas regular filters you could not. All were shot at the middle vividness setting. Access to the filters is in the B/W TE setting in camera, go to - Toning. Here is an example of one scene in 5 colors, which is your favorite?

Optional Wide Angle Lens

With the newly designed wide angle lens came the news that the same wide angle lens that was used for the GRD II could not be used for the GRD III. This is a sacrifice that had to be made because of the new design. The newly designed 21mm GW-2 Lens is used for the GRD III. It is rather small overall in dimension, and adds a considerable amount of field of view to your scene. Below we have a before and after shot with and without the GW-2. It appears to add no additional distortions of any consequence, and is a great addition to the GRD III for indoor or architecture.

Image Comparison to Sony Alpha A900 (full frame DSLR)

Out of sheer curiosity, I wanted to see how the GRD III would compare to a $3,000.00 Full Frame DSLR, the Sony Alpha A900. Obviously this is a completely unfair evaluation if one were trying to discern the best overall image quality between the two. That isn't what this evaluation is for however. It is a bare bones test of fine jpeg quality out of both cameras just get a feel for how much sacrifice or gain is made when using either camera in terms of out of camera Jpeg output. The A900 image was shot at full 24.6mp resolution in 3:2 format and downsized to 9mp to match the GRD III's 3:2 format output exactly. There are two images each, the GRD III was shot at ISO 64 (lowest setting) and ISO 800, the A900 was shot at ISO 100 (lowest setting) and at ISO 800 also.

As you can see there is an advantage when using the A900, even in low ISO it is evident but the gap is much less than the images shot at ISO 800. Here, the small sensor of the GRD III starts to really show its limitations despite the fact that it does rather well for a compact. The GRD III will get primary photographic duty when the A900 stays at home, or may be brought along on hikes for lightweight duty when I don't have my A900 yet hanging from my neck, as a quickly accessible pocket camera. Again just hover over the images for basic info. Incoming stormy weather changed my sky very fast inbetween shots as you may notice.

Printed results for the low ISO shots were very similar at 11x14, and very close to 13x19. High ISO shots were very similar to 8x10, but at 11x14 and above the A900 sped away with more detail and tonality etc. If the printed results were from raw, the GRD III would do even better here, yet still, this is a great showing for a compact camera and it gives me a good indication and starting point on what I can expect from the GRD III throughout the ISO range.

Accessories Notes

I have with me the GV-2 and GV-1 Optical viewfinder, the GW-2 wide angle lens/adapter/hood, the GC-4 and GC-3 Leather Cases. The accessories for the GRD III are a great match for the camera. The exhibit the same amount of attention to detail and high quality as the camera itself, and although a big pricey they are indeed top notch.

I like the GV-2 optical viewfinder, not only for its smaller price tag but its smaller dimension. It has the exact same build and finish as the GRD III, and mounts on top of the camera on the hot shoe. The view is excellent and the framing is mated perfectly to a 28mm field of view of the GRD III. For anything but close up shots, this viewfinder is excellent. Close up and your framing will be quite off due to the inherent design characteristic. However, you simply cannot get a better optical viewfinder for a compact camera this small. For optical view freaks like me, this is a must have addition.

The GV-1 is a bit larger, more expensive, but has framing for both 28mm and 21mm field of view. That way when you use the GW-2 wide angle lens, both framing areas are covered. Using the optical viewfinder is excellent in low light as is the GV-2. The view is gigantic and clear, unlike anything you've tried on a compact before, trust me.

The GC-4 case is made of elegant and soft leather. It is a two piece snap on system that has a screw in base that mates to the tripod mount of the GRD III, yet is designed with its own tripod mount on the bottom of that screw in base so that you can mount the camera with case on, to your tripod. The front of the case unbuttons and flips over and back revealing the front and entire rear portion of the camera so that you can operate it normally. Only the battery compartment and A/V out port aren't accessible. There is a cutout on the side for access to the flash release switch.

The case itself can be mounted with a camera strap because it included two lug mounting straps. Or you can just keep your wrist strap on the camera and let it dangle out of the side (I recommend mounting the strap on the left hand side of the camera). The case is extremely classy, well built, and adds to the appeal both logistically and practically to the GRD III. I only wish it had a small pouch for extra memory or a DB-65 battery.

All optional accessories for the GRD III are listed on Ricohs Website