Ricoh GR II Detailed Review

See all images of the Ricoh GR II

Main

In additional GR II was introduced by Ricoh in July 2015. It belongs to the enthusiast Compacts category.

Ricoh is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Ricoh.

Brand Ricoh
Category Compact
Date 07/2015
Sensor Properties

Also GR II has a APS-C CMOS sensor with size of 24 x 16 mm² (0.93″ x 0.62″).

Picture of GR II’s sensor compared to popular format.

Infographic: GR II comparing sensor sizes

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The GR II’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 16 megapixel. That’s roughly average and will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 or A2 size.

The Ricoh supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Ricoh’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

Format APS-C
Sensor area 23.70 x 15.70mm²
(0.93″ x 0.62″)
Type CMOS
Resolution (physical) 16.90 megapixel
Resolution (effective) 16.20 megapixel
Pixel size 23.10 µm²
Sensor cleaning
RAW support
Continuous 4 frames/second
Lens
Interchangeable
Focal length 28mm
Aperture 2.8
Viewfinder Properties

The GR II does not come with a built-in viewfinder. The camera’s display is used to compose the photo. That can be cumbersome in broad daylight.

Shutter

The GR II’s shutter speed varies from 1/4000s to 300s.

Max. shutter speed 1/4000s
Min. shutter speed 300s
Sensitivity Properties

The GR II’s sensitivity goes from 100 ISO und 25600 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

Automatic
Min. sensitivity 100 ISO
Max. sensitivity 25600 ISO
Exposure Modes

The GR II supports all general exposure modes.

The Ricoh allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

Multi
Center weight
Partial
Spot
Auto Focus Properties

The GR II’s auto focus processor uses 9 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. with low contrast subjects).

Manual focus is also possible with the Ricoh, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

Type Contrast Detection
AF points 9
Manual focusing
Flash Specs

The GR II features a built-in flash with a range of up to 3m (10 ft.). That’s on the low end and will only work for very close subjects.

A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Ricoh’s hotshoe. Very useful for indirect flashes or for trigggering remote flashes.

Built-in
Range 3.00m
(10 ft.)
Hot shoe
Display Specs

The GR II features a monitor with a diagonal of 76.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.23 megapixel. That’s about average.

Unfortunately, the GR II’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The GR II does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

Type LCD
Size 76.00mm (diagonal)
(3.0 in.)
Resolution 1.23 megapixel
Articulated
Touch screen
Video Specs

GR II video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Ricoh GR II Video parameters:

Max. resolution 1920 x 1080 pixel
…with frame rates 30 frames/second
External microphone
Connectivity & Wireless Specs

The GR II has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords.

Connect the Ricoh to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Ricoh supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

WiFi
Bluetooth
NFC
Remote (wired)
Remote (infrared)
Apps
HDMI (standard)
HDMI (mini)
HDMI (micro)
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB Micro
USB Mini
USB-C
Custom
Memory

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

Slots 1
Memory cards SD
SDHC
SDXC
Battery

The Ricoh GR II works with a DB-65 LiIon battery. The battery lifetime is an average 290 shots. That’s on the lower side of things for a full day, consider a spare battery for the GR II.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The GR II’s battery battery parameters:

Type DB-65 LiIon
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life 290 photos
Size

The Ricoh GR II’s dimensions are 117 x 63 x 34.7mm³. (4.6″ x 2.5″ x 1.4″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is only 251 grams (8.1 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the GR II:

Dimensions Comparison

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The GR II is not much bigger:

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