Ricoh Imaging has launched two new cameras, the Ricoh GR III HDF and GR IIIx HDF, which use a newly designed highlight diffusion filter (HDF) to produce softer, dreamier photographs.

The special-effect filter diffuses highlight areas and creates a blurring effect around the image’s edges, allowing Ricoh to produce images similar to those obtained in film photography or classic movies.

“The Ricoh GR III HDF and Ricoh GR IIIx HDF inherit the fundamental merits of our GR series—exceptional image quality, flawless point-and-shoot operation, and outstanding portability,” says Ken Curry, president of Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. “The new GR HDF models give users a new creative option that expands the visual boundaries of snapshot photography.”

When the HDF is turned off, the GR III HDF and GR IIIx HDF are identical to the previous versions, delivering clear, detailed 24.2-megapixel photographs shot with 28mm f/2.8 and 40mm f/2.8 equivalent lenses, respectively.

Given that there is no difference between the HDF and standard GR III cameras, Ricoh has altered the shutter release button on the HDF variants to a dark silver. The Fn (function) button’s default setting has also been modified, with it now managing the on/off setting for the HDF on the new cameras.

Ricoh has also included the option to pre-program three white-balance settings for the new models. This will be offered to normal GR III and GR IIIx owners as a free firmware update as soon as the HDF versions are released. There is also a new Zone Select AF option.

The neutral density (ND) filter mode is no longer available in the new models because they integrate the new highlight diffusion filter.