Ricoh GR II Review | 108 Data compared

Ricoh GR II Review Summary However, the camera has several physical and performance drawbacks. The rear 3-inch LCD screen is fixed and lacks touch sensitivity, which makes low-angle and high-angle shooting difficult. Manual focusing is also cumbersome, as it requires pressing a macro button and turning a control wheel rather than using a traditional lens ring. Additionally, continuous autofocus and subject tracking are highly ineffective for moving targets. Video capabilities are treated as an afterthought, limited to low-quality Full HD at 30fps with significant visual artifacts. Finally, the GR II offers minimal upgrades over its predecessor, adding only a physical hump on top to house new WiFi and NFC capabilities.

The Ricoh GR II is a pocketable compact camera designed for high-quality still photography, featuring a 16.2-megapixel APS-C sensor paired with a fixed 28mm f2.8 equivalent lens. Its primary performance strengths include a rapid 1.2-second startup time and excellent 0.2-second autofocus speed under bright lighting conditions. Photographers benefit from an lightweight design with a comfortable rubberised grip, deep customization options for ISO noise reduction, and advanced shooting modes like Pentax's unique TAv (shutter/aperture auto shift) exposure mode. It also incorporates helpful features such as built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, a built-in neutral density filter, and a full-press snap focus mode for quick, inconspicuous street and travel photography. However, the camera suffers from notable hardware and performance constraints, particularly in its dated video functionality, which is limited to soft 1080/30p clips with visible color jitter, zero manual exposure adjustments, and no image stabilization. Autofocus drops significantly in low light to a slow 0.7 seconds, and shot-to-shot times slow to 2.1 seconds when using the flash. Straight-from-camera JPEGs often look washed out with muddy shadow details, meaning users must process the DNG raw...

The ePHOTOzine review describes the Ricoh GR II as a highly capable, pocket-friendly camera ideal for street photography, featuring an exceptional 18.3mm f/2.8 lens and a 16-megapixel APS-C sensor that delivers outstanding image sharpness and DSLR-like quality. Performance is marked by quick shutter response, reliable autofocus, and added convenience through built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. Key drawbacks include the lack of image stabilization and limited 1080p video capabilities without external mic support. Additionally, the fixed screen and absence of a viewfinder can make shooting difficult in direct sunlight.

The Ricoh GR II is a highly portable, enthusiast-targeted compact camera featuring a 16.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a fixed 28mm equivalent f/2.8 lens built into an ergonomic magnesium shell. In DxOMARK’s testing, the camera achieved an overall sensor score of 80, delivering excellent baseline performance with a high color sensitivity of 23.6 bits, a wide 13.7 EVs of dynamic range, and a respectable low-light ISO score of 1078. The review notes that the GR II's core sensor performance remains highly competitive against similar niche rivals like the Nikon Coolpix A and Leica X Vario, particularly regarding its wide dynamic range at lower ISOs. However, the camera drew disappointment from the photographic community for being a very underwhelming, modest update over its predecessor. On the positive side, its pros include subtle sensor tuning.45 EV dynamic range advantage at ISO 800.5 EV gain at ISO 6400 and above, alongside physical upgrades like built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, a larger 10-frame RAW buffer, and a 10% longer battery life. On the negative side, its cons include virtually identical base ISO color depth to...

The Ricoh GR II is a legendary, pocket-sized street photography camera featuring a 16.2 MP APS-C sensor paired with a fixed 18.3mm (28mm full-frame equivalent) lens. Despite its aging sensor and mediocre autofocus performance, the camera shines in real-world usability, producing a distinct visual identity with exceptional color contrast and natural tones. A standout feature is its "snap focus" capability, which lets photographers bypass autofocus entirely by locking the lens to a pre-set hyperfocal distance for instantaneous shooting. Additionally, shooting strictly via the 3-inch LCD screen offers a liberating, stealthy experience that helps the photographer blend seamlessly into environments like crowded festivals. Key Pros & Cons Pros: Excellent handling: Stealthy, lightweight, matte black build that disappears into your hand. Superb lens: Exceptional sharpness and high image contrast. Snap focus mode: Perfectly caters to hyperfocal and zone-focus shooting styles. Cons: Sensor dust issues: The extending/retracting lens mechanism is prone to drawing dust onto the fixed sensor, requiring professional repair to clean. Flimsy components: The battery door and mode dial feel somewhat cheap. In-camera charging: Lacks an external charger, forcing users to...

The Ricoh GR II is highlighted as an ideal, pocketable travel camera featuring a sharp 28mm f/2.8 lens and a large APS-C sensor that delivers DSLR-quality image results. Its unassuming, compact design allows for discreet, high-quality street photography, making it a favorite for traveling light. However, the review points out that the camera lacks weather-sealing for harsh environments and suffers from limited battery life, requiring users to carry spares. Furthermore, the absence of a built-in viewfinder necessitates exclusive use of the rear LCD screen.