Ricoh GR II in test

The Ricoh GR II has two main advantages compared to competitors such as the Sony RX100 IV or the Canon Powershot G3 X: compared to the 1-inch format about three times as large APS-C sensor and instead of a (mega) zoom A wide-angle fixed focal length, which facilitates lens construction and correction of imaging errors. Light intensity (aperture 2.8) and focal length (18.3 mm, 27 mm equivalent) of the optics are unchanged compared to the predecessor, as is the nominal resolution of the sensor with 16.2 MP and the elimination of the low-pass filter. New are the WLAN / NFC function and the revised algorithms for better white balance and less noise.


Comfortable


The Ricoh GR II looks like a compact camera despite the APS-C sensor, measures only 3.5 cm in depth and weighs 247 g including lens, SD card and flash-out flash in its stable but unsealed aluminum-magnesium housing (LZ4). The built-in 3-inch monitor provides a clear, high-resolution image and appears to be well-deflected. There is no integrated viewfinder and image stabilizer. In addition, a power supply is included instead of the battery charger.


Lesetipp


In terms of the 15-point contrast autofocus, the Ricoh GR II impresses with a delay time of 0.27 to 0.29 seconds. In the serial mode, it works slower than the competition and comes up to 3.9 JPEG or 5.1 RAW images / s.


Image quality


Despite the large range of functions and some features, the Ricoh GR II can be used well. It reacts quickly to inputs and has a practical, pressure-sensitive thumbwheel for opening and scrolling through the slim, fast-paced menu.


Conclusion


With a larger sensor and fixed focal range, the GR II surpasses the competition with 1-inch sensors in all ISO stages, especially thanks to visibly better fine-tuning and weaker noise. In the APS-C comparison, it must give the role of the flyer and be content with a rather average result.


Also in the lens test the Ricoh GR II cuts quite properly. With an aperture of 2.8, the sharpness from the center to the corners decreases, dimmed by two apertures to 5.6, the resolution and contrast are quite stable over the entire image field. Also positive is the chromatic aberration of only 0.5 pixels. On the other hand, the distortion fell by 1.3 per cent. The equivalent KB focal length is 27 mm.


The Ricoh GR II combines the advantages of an APS-C sensor with those of a compact: a good second camera on the road. Compared to its predecessor, it is distinguished by its WLAN module.