Ricoh GR II Review

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The Ricoh GR II is a street-photographers' favorite that is rarely reviewed or even mentioned. After hearing raves about the GR and new GR II from fellow street photographers, Doug decided it was time to check it out for himself. In this episode, we turn the tables and Gordon interviews Doug about his experience.

The GR II is in a unique class of cameras: those with APS-C (fairly large) sensors with non-interchangeable 28mm (full-frame equivalent) lenses in a pocketable form factor. In fact, only the Fujifilm X70 (recently reviewed on All About the Gear) comes close.

Doug specifically compares the GR II to the X70, the smaller-sensor Sony RX100 IV, and the ubiquitous smartphone.

The good: a superbly sharp lens, good high-ISO performance, highly configurable controls, good autofocus and pocketable. But then there's the lack of an EVF, touch or tiltable LCD and awkward manual focus. Still, it's good enough that Doug decided to buy one and now uses the Ricoh GR II as a second camera alongside his Leica Q.

[Note: The online price of the Ricoh GR II was US$619.95 at the time this episode was recorded but has since increased.]

To support All About the Gear, buy the Ricoh GR II at

* Amazon.com

* B&H;