Sections
- Page 1 Ricoh GR Review
- Page 2 Design and Performance Review
- Page 3 Image Quality and Verdict Review
Ricoh GR – Image Quality
One of the cornerstones of the Ricoh GR Digital series to date has been an impressive level of image quality, and with the Ricoh GR the manufacturer has produced a camera that continues this trend.
One of the only down points image quality is the metering system, which can prove somewhat sensitive. As a result it can swing between under and over exposure relatively quickly, although the exposure compensation dial is easily adjusted while shooting and as such this issue can be readily managed.
Click the photo for our full gallery of high-res test shots
Owing to the substantial APS-C sensor housed within the Ricoh GR, the camera generally handles noise at higher ISO settings well. It does suffer somewhat from over-aggressive noise reduction on JPEG files, however, so Raw capture is preferable.
Video quality disappoints, however. It’s well below the level of some of the GR’s competition. While the footage is smooth enough, it’s lacking in the fine detail you’d expect from such a model.
The camera’s white balance system is also far from bulletproof – it displays the tendency to deliver results on the warm side of the scale and can result in colours becoming bolder than they naturally appear. This can be dealt with through the model’s white balance controls, however.
Should I buy the Ricoh GR?
The market for high-end enthusiast compacts continues to grow, and as a result the Ricoh GR faces some stiff competition. The most obvious rival to it is the Nikon Coolpix A, which also uses an APS-C sensor.
The main difference is the price, with the Ricoh GR costing around £400 less than its Nikon rival. When you consider that the GR is the equal of the Coolpix A – if not better than it – in most areas, it seems like a great option.
The only real area of complaint is video quality, with almost every other area of the camera’s performance impressing. The Ricoh GR could well herald the future of enthusiast compact performance at a lower price tag.
Verdict
If you’re looking for an advanced compact with a premium on image quality, there are few better on the market than the Ricoh GR.
Trusted Score
Score in detail
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Value 8
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Design 9
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Features 9
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Image Quality 8
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Performance 9
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Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
