Ricoh GRIII Review: What You Need to Know
This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission from purchases made through links. I will only recommend products I know personally used, and can attest to their high quality. Learn more on my private policy page
Welcome to my Ricoh GR III review! If you want a compact camera that blends portability with excellent image quality and the capability to instantly capture a photo, then this camera is for you.
The Ricoh GR III is an ideal companion for your adventures, offering a perfect balance between performance and convenience. However, If you want to read about whether the Ricoh GRIII or Ricoh GRIIIx is better and want to see if it’s worth it read more. And if you’re lucky and find a Ricoh GRIII street edition camera check this out as well.
Key Specifications of the Ricoh GR III
- 24MP APS-C Sensor
- 18.3mm F2.8 Lens
- On-Sensor Phase Detection Autofocus
- 3″ Touch-Sensitive LCD Screen
- Snap Focus
Pros of Ricoh GR III:
- Portability and Discretion: The GR III, weighing only 257g, is comfortable to carry for several hours.
- Image Quality: It has an APS-C sensor that delivers high-quality images
- Snap Focus: The camera allows you to pre-focus to certain distances, such as 1m or 2m, which ensures that you can concentrate on composition.
Cons of Ricoh GR III:
- No Viewfinder: very difficult to get good composition.
- Ergonomics: Grip isn’t the best, but probably the best point and shoot camera for one handed shooting.
Check the current Price.
Design and Controls of the Ricoh GR III
The design of the Ricoh GR III is sleek and compact, its ideal for everyday carry and the controls are all customizeable which makes it easier to switch modes, and shoot. The touch-sensitive screen makes it easy to navigate menus and choose a focus point.
The Ricoh GR III is designed with simplicity in mind. I’ve always found this camera to be for those who are looking for a no fuss design that gets to the point.
The main drawback with this camera is that you’re lacking a viewfinder, but this is compensated by the snap focus feature which allows you to instantly take shots of anything without having to worry about Autofocus. I find the autofocus to be a little bit unreliable and it has the tendency to miss the shot and thus isn’t good for those split-second moments.
Ergonomic and Portable
The Ricoh GR III is one of the few cameras that prioritize stealth, portability, and ease of use without compromising on image quality. This camera has consistently proven reliable.
Its quick start-up time and snap-away capability appeal to everyone, including professionals. Sometimes, you don’t want the hassle of constant manual settings adjustments; you just want to concentrate on the shooting itself.
My Shooting Experience with the Ricoh GR III
The Ricoh GR III used to be my little companion every time I’d head to NYC. I’d wrap the strap around my wrist and set off. The mission was always straightforward – to capture the raw side of NYC. I aimed to document what people were feeling, the stresses and anxieties they were experiencing, along with my own internal battles.
With its compact size, the Ricoh GR III allowed me to remain largely unnoticed, a silent observer observing early commuters in their morning rituals. The sharpness of the early light helped me to reveal the grim aspects of NYC and the entire rat race in all its intensity.
Descending into the subway, the snap focus feature of the Ricoh GR III came to life. I was able to freeze moments of candid humanity with a preset focus distance. In the underground segments of the city, the camera captured precisely what I was searching for—the quiet solitude amidst the crowd—which was only possible due to the Ricoh GR’s speed and discretion.
Ricoh GR III Accessories and Add-ons
1. External Viewfinder (GV-1): For those who prefer a more traditional shooting style, having this is a great asset. It’s the main reason why the Fujifilm x100v is arguably a better option. Sometimes, you just need a viewfinder. It allows you to compose the same way as the mirroless boys do.
Camera Wrist Strap: A strap provides a secure and comfortable grip on the camera, which is particularly useful for one-handed shooting in dynamic environments.
8. External Flash (GF-1): For enhanced lighting control, the GF-1 flash unit can be a valuable accessory for nighttime photography. Or its great add-on if you want to channel your inner Bruce Gilden and start blinding people on the street.
Battery Life and Convenience of the Ricoh GR III
The Ricoh GR III offers decent battery life. It uses a DB-65 rechargeable battery, which can take around 200 shots per charge.
In my experience, using at least two batteries is essential. If you use a single battery for a day of shooting the battery drains fairly quickly. If you “work a scene” you might find that a single battery gets used up before you’re done.
Comparison with Other Cameras
One alternative to the Ricoh GR III is the Fujifilm X100V. This camera offers a larger APS-C sensor and a versatile 23mm F2 lens, providing excellent image quality with a wider field of view. However, the X100V is bulkier and less pocketable compared to the GR III, making it less suitable for spontaneous photography on the go.
Another option to consider is the Sony RX100 series. These cameras are known for their exceptional image quality and advanced autofocus capabilities. However, they are also significantly more expensive than the Ricoh GR III and lack the pocketability that sets the GR III apart. if you’d like to read a comparison between these two cameras check out this article.
FAQ
What are the key specifications of the Ricoh GR III?
The Ricoh GR III has a 24MP APS-C sensor, an 18.3mm F2.8 lens, 3-axis in-body SR stabilization, on-sensor phase detection autofocus, and a 3″ touch-sensitive LCD screen. It also supports USB 3.0 for in-camera charging.
Does the Ricoh GR III have a built-in viewfinder?
the Ricoh GR III does not have a built-in viewfinder
What is the focal length of the Ricoh GR III lens?
The lens of the Ricoh GR III has a focal length of 28mm equivalent.
What is the image quality like on the Ricoh GR III?
The Ricoh GR III’s 24MP APS-C sensor provides excellent image quality and the ability to crop images without significant loss of detail
How does the Ricoh GR III perform in terms of autofocus speed?
The Ricoh GR III offers a leisurely autofocus speed, which may not be suitable for fast-paced shooting or capturing moving subjects. However, its snap focus feature is highly effective for street photography and quick snapshots.
What is the battery life like on the Ricoh GR III?
The battery life of the Ricoh GR III is relatively poor as you usually have a maximum of 200 shots.
How does the Ricoh GR III compare to other cameras?
The Ricoh GR III is has been part of the street photography niche for a while, as it has a large APS-C sensor with a compact and lightweight design. It also has the snap focus feature which is a unique part of this camera.
This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission from purchases made through links. I will only recommend products I know personally used, and can attest to their high quality. Learn more on my private policy page
