Ricoh GR Digital III Promises Twice The Performance Over Predecessor

Ricoh have updated their GR Digital II camera with a third-generation model, the unsurprisingly titled GR Digital III.  Packing a new wide-angle 28mm F1.9 GR lens, the GR Digital III has a 10-megapixel CCD and Ricoh's GR Engine III image processor.  Together they promise the lowest ever ISO sensitivity of a GR-series digital camera, plus minimal color aberration thanks to three special low-dispersion lenses.

In fact, while the megapixel count may be the same as with the last-gen version, Ricoh are claiming that sensitivity is doubled on the III; at ISO 200, for instance, they claim performance of the new camera is the same as ISO 100 on the old.  Throw in pre-autofocus, which tracks subject movement even if the shutter release button isn't being depressed, and a quick-shoot mode which – if you slam the button all the way without waiting for the focus to lock – shoots a speedy frame with a preset focal length, and you've got a camera with plenty of promise. 

Other specs include 640 x 480 30fps video recording, a 3-inch VGA preview display and an SDHC card slot.  Images can be saved in JPEG or RAW format.  The Ricoh GR Digital III will go on sale in the UK come mid-August, priced at £530 ($873).