Ricoh GR review – Autofocus
Unlike the Nikon Coolpix A and Fujifilm X100S, the Ricoh GR relies solely on contrast-detection AF to focus the lens. This means that the camera focuses steadily overall, but lacks the snap that a phase-detection AF system provides. That is not to say that it is slow; given the subjects that are likely to be photographed with the Ricoh GR, it focuses at an acceptable speed.
That said, there are a number of different autofocus modes that can increase the focusing speed depending on the subject. The multi-AF mode is a basic autofocus mode that selects the point of focus with no user input. Spot AF uses a focusing point that is by default in the centre of the frame, and is the mode I would expect most photographers to use. Photographers requiring a little more accuracy can switch to pinpoint AF mode, which is similar to spot AF, but with a smaller focus area for more precise results. For subjects moving at a moderate pace, or photographers who like to focus and recompose, subject-tracking AF is also available. Although this mode is not as responsive as I have seen on other cameras, it is fast enough considering the subjects most likely to be photographed with this camera.
For photographers who do require the Ricoh GR to be ready to shoot at a moment’s notice, there is a snap-focus mode. When set to this, the lens is automatically focused to a set distance of between 1m and 5m. When using snap focus, or the alternative infinity-focus mode, the lens remains at a fixed focus distance and the image is taken almost immediately after the shutter button is fired. By carefully selecting the aperture, and therefore the depth of field, this mode should allow documentary and street photographers to preset their camera and quickly get the shots they want.
Manual focusing is also available, but as with most other compact cameras this mode is best used when photographing still subjects in a set environment. It simply isn’t fast enough to use out in the field.
