[JPT]

Ricoh has announced a new scheme to collaborate with smartphone makers on "GR Certified" camera modules.

http://m.dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20140930_669073.html

It's another interesting aspect of their strategy.

[i83N]

Intersting

[Asahiflex]

I don't understand one iota of the translation. Isn't this pure marketing without real meaning for us Pentaxians?

[JPT]

They are working with Sharp on this. I've had a Sharp smartphone for the past year and it's really good, especially the battery life. The only disappointment is the camera. It has a 13mp Sony sensor, I think, but it's nowhere near as good as an iPhone camera.

Another point of interest is that Sharp announced production of a 1-inch 12mp sensor about a month ago. Given that Ricoh is working with Sharp, I wonder if they are a possible client for that sensor.

[rawr]

Sounds a bit silly for Ricoh to get into providing a certification and testing service for mobile phone image quality. Like having the phone 'Pentax certified', or 'EOS certified'.

Testing of mobile IQ is already done very thoroughly and competently by DxOMark.
DxOMark Mobile - DxOMark

[JPT]

Sounds a bit silly for Ricoh to get into providing a certification and testing service for mobile phone image quality. Like having the phone 'Pentax certified', or 'EOS certified'.

Testing of mobile IQ is already done very thoroughly and competently by DxOMark.
DxOMark Mobile - DxOMark

I think that ultimately it's a licensing and consulting service. the phone maker gets to stick a GR badge on the phone. I think the article is implying that Ricoh will have some input in the design of the camera unit and software.

---------- Post added 09-30-14 at 04:21 PM ----------

Although having said this, the images of the Sharp phone in question don't show a GR logo on the phone.

[Caat]

Sounds a bit silly for Ricoh to get into providing a certification and testing service for mobile phone image quality. Like having the phone 'Pentax certified', or 'EOS certified'.

Testing of mobile IQ is already done very thoroughly and competently by DxOMark.
DxOMark Mobile - DxOMark

Well I did read somewhere that Canon was thinking of doing something similar - so EOS certified phones may well be coming!

[Mistral75]

Ricoh are playing the same game as Leica or Zeiss: labelling other people's lenses when they meet some specifications said to be set up by the labeller and, not less important, in exchange of a fee.

[6BQ5]

I wonder if GR Certification specifically means the camera system will be running a JPG engine similar to or exactly like what the GR camera does.

[jimr-pdx]

I'm with Asahiflex on this one. What will the badge mean to me when I shop for phones, much less to a typical phone shopper? Other than perhaps it comes in 120 colors?

[Mistral75]

This announcement could be seen as Ricoh aiming at becoming the Japanese Leica, Schneider Kreuznach or Carl Zeiss.

Gentlemen, open your wallets!

[monochrome]

. . . Gentlemen, open your wallets!

I have heard similar regarding future premium lens prices.

[Kunzite]

Hopefully it will come with premium quality. Then, if I'll still be able to afford them, I won't complain

[thibs]

Hopefully it will come with premium quality. Then, if I'll still be able to afford them, I won't complain

I still expect a bunch of "Those lenses are alright but a second hand Canon is less expensive" or any other lame excuse.

[johnmflores]

Seems like a smart move to get involved in the only parts of the camera industry that appear to be growing - smartphones and action cams. FF is next!