Theres no software trickery at work here.
These are minor tweaks which will also be introduced to the GR III / IIIx down the line.
Otherwise, the GR IIIx HDF is identical to the existing version.
(Image credit: Future)
It also retains the same drawbacks, though, including average battery life and a fixed screen.
It costs marginally more, but its the one wed pick.
If youre in the market for one of thebest travel cameras, the GR IIIx offers better value objectively.
But for our money, its the more compelling proposition, even with the increase in cost.
Like the GR IIIx, the HDF version has a fixed 3-inch LCD touchscreen.
The touchscreen is responsive, and touch-focus support makes it as easy to shoot with as any smartphone.
Its point-and-shoot design also strikes a good balance between accessibility for beginners and creative control for more experienced users.
The net effect of this is dreamy stills with a blurry glow that mimics the look of film photography.
Based on our tests, its more than a gimmick.
The effects strength depends on what and where youre shooting, but it can be surprisingly potent.
On paper, its a niche feature.
Thats true of the effective sensor-shift shake reduction system, useful Snap Focus tool and decent macro mode.
Less impressive is the autofocus performance, which suffers from the same laggy tracking as before.
One thing that is new for the GR IIIx is zone-select AF.
This essentially allows you to zone the AF in on a specific region within the auto-area AF coverage.
Should I buy the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF?
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
