Ricoh GR3 vs Sony RX100VII: How do they Compare?

If you’ve decided you want a compact point and shoot for street photography and need help deciding. I’m here to show you two great choices: the Ricoh GRIII and Sony RX100 VII. I’ll go over the differences between these two cameras, and why they are the best options as point and shoot cameras. Let’s dive into the key differences between the Ricoh GR III and Sony RX100 VII now!

 Quick Overview of the Ricoh GRIII:

Pros:

• Sharper Display: The GR III has 1037k dots versus the RX100 VII’s 921k dots
• Larger Sensor Size: It has a larger sensor
• Compact and Lightweight: The GR III is lighter and more compact and has a “stealthy” design.
• Snap Focus: The ability to prefocus your lens to a certain distance and instantly “snap” a photo is game changing.

Cons:

• Autofocus: The autofocus is slower and less reliable..
• Fixed Display: The GR III has a fixed display, limiting the ability to shoot from various angles.
• No Zoom Lens: There’s no capability to zoom in

Deciding between Ricoh GR III and Ricoh GR IIIx? Discover key differences and make an informed choice. Click for our detailed guide!

With the Ricoh GRIII you get a camera that right out of the box can instantly capture what’s around you with the snap focus feature. It forces you to get close and use the camera in an unconventional way that most cameras aren’t used. It brings out the creativity in you as you can sneak in shots in different ways that you couldn’t with a larger camera. You also can get a lot more unique angles. It’s one of the best options for someone who wants a quick, lightweight camera that can take high quality street photography photos.

Quick Overview of the Sony RX 100VII

Pros:

• Autofocus: Hybrid AF system which is quick and accurate enough for street photography
• Viewfinder: Having a Viewfinder is beneficial for obtaining a well-composed photo.
• Tilting and Selfie Screen: The RX100 VII has a tilting display which can open up more creative options including taking your own selfie.
• Zoom Lens: you get more creative options and can shoot different ways.

Cons:

• Heavier: It is heavier than the GR III.
• Lower Resolution: The RX100 VII has a 20MP sensor, whereas the GR III has a 24MP sensor.
• Smaller Sensor: The smaller sensor size results in inferior low-light performance.

The Sony RX100 VII is great if you want the point and shoot with the fastest autofocus. If you want to rely on that instead of snap focus, then this is the better option. You do however need to use both hands with this camera, since it can sometimes be a bit slippery in the hands. Although you can get much more creative shots from a distance and don’t have to come up close if you’re not a fan of that. If you want to take your time with your shots and be less spontaneous this camera is more for someone with a methodical approach to shooting.

Ricoh GR3 vs Sony RX100VII: Portability and Design Comparison

I’d say the most comfortable one is the Ricoh GR III; its grip is more ergonomic and fits in your hand as if it were an extension of it. With the Sony RX100 VII, people tend to buy an additional grip to improve the hand-held shooting experience.

Overall, the Ricoh GR III feels good in the hands and has a quick startup time, so you won’t have to wait too long to power up the camera and start shooting.

Ricoh GR3 vs Sony RX100VII: Display and Viewfinder Comparison

The GR III features a fixed 3″ display, which provides a clear and vibrant view for composing images, but you can’t move its position at all. The RX100 VII comes with a tilting 3″ display, allowing for easy viewing from various angles, which can be useful to get creative angles other cameras can’t.

the Sony RX100 VII has an electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF provides an alternative way to compose images, particularly helpful in bright outdoor conditions where the screen may be difficult to see. The Ricoh GRIII has to rely on the LCD screen, which can be limiting in the long run.

Focal Length

The GR III has a fixed 28mm lens, which is best for wide angle street photography. On the other hand, the RX100 VII features a 24-200mm zoom lens, which means you can get more diverse shots since you don’t have to commit to one focal length.

Ricoh GR3: Snap Focus Feature

A unique feature that the Ricoh GR III has is snap focus. The ability to pre-focus your camera to a certain distance and ‘snap’ a photo is a unique feature that no other camera has.

I find this feature to be something that makes the Ricoh stand out for the better amongst all options. It works so well that the need for autofocus isn’t as pressing, since this feature is so reliable for nailing the shot. If you’d like to read more and explore the full capabilities of the Ricoh GR III in our detailed review, click here to see why it might just be the perfect camera for you.