Ricoh call the GR their “flagship professional compact digital camera”, which gives a clue to its intended user. The black diecast body with the serious retro appearance also suggests special use. It could be the camera that a professional on a landscape or architecture assignment would slip in the pocket.

The GR as tested came with the optional optical viewfinder that fits into the external flash shoe. This is an impressive unit and anyone buying the camera should add the viewfinder to the shopping list. It is large, brilliant and has 100 per cent coverage of the subject.

The LCD screen is large and reasonably bright but no match for the optical viewfinder in bright sunlight. Controls are similar to a digital SLR with either automatic or full manual operation and adjustment wheels front and back. The exposure compensation is particularly well placed for ease of use.

Like this: The Ricoh GR has an outstanding lens that produces wide angle images without distortion. In fact the straight lines near the edge of frame are as perfect as any we have seen from a lens of this focal length. Exposure and colour are good and as we have come to expect from Ricoh there is no shutter lag.

Dislike that: Images straight from the camera are just a little soft but they respond well to a touch of unsharp mask in Photoshop. However picture noise is noticeable at higher ISO settings and this is emphasised by sharpening.

Parting shot: The Ricoh GR is obviously not for everyone. It is a relatively expensive single purpose camera. The one thing that it does it does well. For anyone with an interest in landscape photography or planning to spend a week or two in Venice this would be an ideal camera. It is small and light but feels rugged as though designed for professional abuse. The overall impression of the Ricoh is that it is fun to use. Recommended.

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