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Ricoh GR III Comparison Review

The Ricoh GR III is a fixed lens compact camera that was officially introduced in February 2019 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 24 megapixel.

camera

Is the Ricoh GR III a good camera? The GR III has a Camera Elo of 2461. This rating puts the GR III among the top 40 percent of all prime lens compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the GR III ranks among the top 30 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 4-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Ricoh GR III
Fixed lens compact camera
28mm f/2.8
24 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/60p Video
ISO 100 - 102 400
Viewfinder optional
3.0 LCD, 1037k dots
Fixed touchscreen
4 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization
200 shots per battery charge
109 x 62 x 33 mm, 257 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Ricoh GR III vis-à-vis a credit card. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Ricoh GR III vs credit card front
GR III versus credit card top view
GR III and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Ricoh GR III alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
    Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Ricoh GR III 109 mm 62 mm 33 mm 257 g 200 n Feb 2019 EUR 899 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III 105 mm 61 mm 41 mm 304 g 235 n Jul 2019 EUR 779 amazon.com
3.
 
Leica C-LUX 113 mm 67 mm 46 mm 340 g 370 n Jun 2018 EUR 970ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic GX9 124 mm 72 mm 47 mm 407 g 260 n Feb 2018 EUR 799ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic LX15 106 mm 60 mm 42 mm 310 g 260 n Sep 2016 EUR 699 amazon.com
6.
 
Panasonic TZ100 111 mm 65 mm 44 mm 312 g 300 n Jan 2016 EUR 699ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic TZ200 111 mm 65 mm 45 mm 340 g 370 n Feb 2018 EUR 799 amazon.com
8.
 
Ricoh GR II 117 mm 63 mm 35 mm 251 g 320 n Jun 2015 EUR 799ebay.com
9.
 
Ricoh GR IIIx 109 mm 62 mm 35 mm 262 g 200 n Sep 2021 EUR 999 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony RX100 VI 102 mm 58 mm 43 mm 301 g 240 n Jun 2018 EUR 1 299ebay.com
11.
 
Sony ZV-1 105 mm 60 mm 44 mm 294 g 260 n May 2020 EUR 799ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Ricoh GR III was launched in the US market at a price of $899. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Check GR III price at
amazon.com

Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Ricoh GR III features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Ricoh GR III among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Ricoh GR III sensor measures

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Ricoh GR III APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.113.5189783
2.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.212.458365
3.
 
Leica C-LUX 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.348164
4.
 
Panasonic GX9 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.112.8116374
5.
 
Panasonic LX15 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p21.912.031562
6.
 
Panasonic TZ100 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.555970
7.
 
Panasonic TZ200 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.012.244964
8.
 
Ricoh GR II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.7107880
9.
 
Ricoh GR IIIx APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.213.8214685
10.
 
Sony RX100 VI 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.347864
11.
 
Sony ZV-1 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.212.666966
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The GR III indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the GR III can use is 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Ricoh GR III in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
    Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Ricoh GR IIIoptional n3.0 / 1037 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.0/s n Y
2.
 
Canon G7 X Mark IIInone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 30/s Y Y
3.
 
Leica C-LUX2330 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Panasonic GX92760 n3.0 / 1240 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Panasonic LX15none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Panasonic TZ1001166 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Panasonic TZ2002330 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Ricoh GR IIoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
9.
 
Ricoh GR IIIxoptional n3.0 / 1037 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.0/s n Y
10.
 
Sony RX100 VI2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting Y 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Sony ZV-1none n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/2000s 24.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

It is worthwhile pointing out that the GR III has a touchscreen. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, when trying to adjust the focus point.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Ricoh GR III and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
    Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Ricoh GR IIIYstereo / mono---3.0Y-Y
2.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III-stereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y
3.
 
Leica C-LUX-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
4.
 
Panasonic GX9Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Panasonic LX15-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Panasonic TZ100-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Panasonic TZ200-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
8.
 
Ricoh GR IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Ricoh GR IIIxYstereo / mono---3.0Y-Y
10.
 
Sony RX100 VI-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
11.
 
Sony ZV-1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y

It is notable that the GR III offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

The GR III has a prime lens built in (18.3mm f/2.8), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length of 28mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic of similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the GR III can be found in the free online Ricoh GR III Manual or on the Ricoh support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the GR III in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
     Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Ricoh GR III4/5..3.5/581/1004/5.. Feb 2019 EUR 899 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III..+ +4/581/1004/5.. Jul 2019 EUR 779 amazon.com
3.
 
Leica C-LUX....3.5/5..4.5/54/5 Jun 2018 EUR 970ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic GX94/5+4/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 EUR 799ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic LX15..+ +4/581/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2016 EUR 699 amazon.com
6.
 
Panasonic TZ1004.5/5+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 EUR 699ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic TZ200..+ +4.5/581/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 EUR 799 amazon.com
8.
 
Ricoh GR II........4.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 EUR 799ebay.com
9.
 
Ricoh GR IIIx....4.5/5...... Sep 2021 EUR 999 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony RX100 VI4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2018 EUR 1 299ebay.com
11.
 
Sony ZV-14/5+4/585/1004/54.5/5 May 2020 EUR 799ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Check GR III price at
amazon.com

Ricoh GR III FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the GR III.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Ricoh GR III?

The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Ricoh GR III to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Ricoh equipped the GR III with the GR Engine VI image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Ricoh GR III?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 102400.

Can the Ricoh GR III be equipped with an optional viewfinder?

Yes, Ricoh provides the GV-1 as an accessory (here on amazon) that can be mounted on the hotshoe.

How do I find the shutter count on my Ricoh GR III?

Ricoh embeds the number of shutter actuations in image metadata. You can check the number of shots that your GR III has taken up to now by uploading a recent image to the free online shutter count finder app.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Ricoh GR III?

No, the Ricoh GR III has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Does the Ricoh GR III feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Ricoh GR III for flash photography?

The GR III's flash sync speed is 1/4000 sec.

Does the Ricoh GR III support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?

Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).

Which battery does the Ricoh GR III use?

The camera gets its power from the Ricoh DB-110 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Where can I find the best deals for the Ricoh GR III?

Grey imports from Asia, as found on ebay, are often very attractively priced. However, these cameras come without a warranty from Ricoh.

Camera to camera comparisons

If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Ricoh GR III
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 28mm f/2.8
    Launch Date February 2019
    Launch Price USD 899
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 367 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6 000 x 4 000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.91 μm
    Pixel Density 6.55 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 102 400 ISO
    Image Processor GR Engine VI
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 4 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 3.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Ricoh DB-110 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)200 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 109 x 62 x 33 mm
    (4.3 x 2.4 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 257 g (9.1 oz)

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