Ricoh GR IIIx Ricoh - Review 🏆

The Ricoh GR IIIx is the latest addition to Ricoh's renowned GR series of compact cameras, known for their fixed focal length lenses and high image quality in a pocketable form factor. This new model features a 24.2MP APS-C size image sensor, a fixed 40mm equivalent f/2.8 lens, and Ricoh's latest imaging technologies packed into a compact and lightweight body weighing just 262 grams.

Some of the key features and specs of the Ricoh GR IIIx include:

• 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• GR Engine 6 Image Processor
• 40mm f/2.8 lens (28mm equiv. in 35mm format)
• 3-axis shake reduction system (up to 4 stops)
• Hybrid AF with contrast and phase detection
• Touchscreen 3.0” LCD with 1.04M dots
• ISO 100-102400
• 1080p Full HD video at 60fps
• WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
• USB-C charging and file transfer

This camera aims to deliver professional image quality in a highly portable package ideal for street, documentary, and everyday photography. Its large sensor in a slim, pocketable body makes the GR IIIx an intriguing option for enthusiasts and professionals looking for top-notch image quality on the go.

Build Quality and Design

The Ricoh GR IIIx has an all-metal body made of magnesium alloy that feels solid yet lightweight. It weighs just 262 grams including the battery and memory card. The compact size measures 109.4 x 61.9 x 33.2 mm, making it very pocketable.

Despite the small size, the camera has a nice deep grip that allows you to hold it securely. The grip is coated in a textured rubber material for extra hold. All the physical controls are clustered on the right side within easy reach of your thumb and index finger. These include the power button, shutter button, control dial, AE-L button, and Fn1 button.

The build quality feels durable enough to withstand daily use. The magnesium alloy body provides protection against minor bumps and scuffs. The buttons have a crisp, responsive feel when pressed. Overall, the GR IIIx is a well-designed camera in terms of size, weight, grip, control layout, and construction quality. It achieves a good balance of portability and usability.

For those interested in 360-degree photography and virtual tours, the Ricoh Theta SC2 for business is an excellent option. Designed to deliver high-quality spherical images, it caters to both photography enthusiasts and professional content creators. The Theta SC2 for business includes advanced features like face detection, dual lens exposure compensation, and a time-shift shooting mode that allows users to eliminate their presence from images for a cleaner view of the space. Its user-friendly interface and enhanced connectivity options make it an indispensable tool for real estate, hospitality, and other business applications.

Image Sensor

The Ricoh GR IIIx features an APS-C sized CMOS image sensor with 24.2 megapixels resolution. This is a fairly large sensor size for a compact camera, providing increased image quality compared to smaller sensors typically found in point-and-shoot cameras.

The 24MP resolution gives you plenty of room to crop images while retaining print quality. It's suitable for creating large prints beyond letter size.

Image quality is excellent with crisp detail and vivid colors in a wide range of lighting conditions. The larger sensor means each pixel receives more light, resulting in lower noise levels and better low light performance compared to smaller sensor cameras.

The sensor's native ISO ranges from 100-102400, enabling the GR IIIx to capture usable images in very dim lighting. Noise is controlled well through ISO 6400, allowing you to shoot in dark restaurants or at night with minimal noise and grain. Overall, the image sensor provides professional-level quality in a compact form factor.

Additionally, the Ricoh GR IIIx Urban Edition offers new features and design enhancements tailored for street photography. Sporting a sleek metallic gray finish and an orange-yellow lens ring, it stands out in both appearance and functionality. This edition includes new in-camera filters and advanced exposure settings, making it easier to capture the essence of urban environments. Perfect for photographers seeking a stylish yet powerful tool for their street photography needs.

Autofocus System

The Ricoh GR IIIx has a hybrid autofocus system that combines both contrast-detection and phase-detection for fast and accurate focusing. It offers several autofocus modes including Multi AF, Spot AF, Pinpoint AF, Subject Tracking AF, and Full Press Snap.

In terms of speed, the autofocus is very fast and responsive. Ricoh claims an autofocus speed of 0.8 seconds, which is quite impressive for a compact camera. The phase-detection pixels provide faster locking onto the subject compared to contrast-detection alone.

Autofocus accuracy is excellent as well. The hybrid AF rarely misses focus thanks to the on-sensor phase-detection points. It can accurately track moving subjects in continuous autofocus mode. Focus peaking and magnification are available in manual focus mode for precise manual focusing when needed.

Overall, the autofocus system on the Ricoh GR IIIx is fast, accurate, and reliable. It's suitable for street photography and capturing candid moments thanks to the speedy focus acquisition. The implementation of phase-detection pixels makes a big difference compared to past GR models.

Features and Controls

The Ricoh GR IIIx comes equipped with a range of shooting modes including full manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, program auto, and a variety of scene modes. This allows photographers to choose the level of control they desire.

The ISO range spans 100-102400, enabling low light shooting. The shutter speed is capable of shooting as fast as 1/4000s, great for freezing action. Exposure compensation of +/-5 EV helps dial in the perfect exposure.

A built-in flash provides fill light when needed, with a guide number of 5.9m at ISO 100. Continuous shooting goes up to 4fps, or 2.5fps with continuous autofocus. While not the fastest, it should suffice for most applications besides sports and action.

The well-designed controls include a mode dial, rear command dial, and various buttons for quick access to functions like ISO, flash, macro mode, and more. Overall, the Ricoh GR IIIx provides a good degree of manual control in a compact body.

Video Capabilities

The Ricoh GR IIIx is capable of recording Full HD video up to 1080p at 60fps. It supports the H.264 video codec and can record in either MOV or MP4 formats.

For audio, the GR IIIx has a built-in stereo microphone as well as a microphone input jack for connecting an external mic. Audio levels can be monitored and adjusted while recording.

Autofocus during video recording uses the GR IIIx's fast hybrid AF system, which combines both phase detection and contrast detection AF. This allows for smooth and fast continuous autofocus while filming video. Focus can also be controlled manually by using the lens focus ring.

Overall, while the GR IIIx is designed primarily as a stills camera, it provides very capable video functionality. The 1080p60 video resolution will be sufficient for most users' needs. External microphone support is a nice addition for improving audio quality in videos. The hybrid AF system also works well for maintaining sharp focus while filming.

Connectivity and Storage

The Ricoh GR IIIx has a good selection of connectivity options and supports standard SD memory cards.

Ports

For wired connections, the GR IIIx has a USB Type-C port that can be used for charging, data transfer, and tethered shooting. The USB port supports USB 3.1 speeds.

There is also a Micro HDMI (Type D) port which allows you to output video and images to an external monitor or TV. This is useful for reviewing shots or doing presentations.

Wireless Connectivity

For wireless connections, the GR IIIx has Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n. This allows you to pair with smartphones or tablets and transfer images over. You can also remotely control the camera this way.

The camera is compatible with Ricoh's Image Sync app for iOS and Android devices. This gives you remote shooting capabilities and additional settings control from your phone.

Memory Cards

The GR IIIx has a single SD card slot that supports the UHS-I standard. This means you can use any standard SD, SDHC, or SDXC card. The fastest cards such as UHS-II are not supported, but UHS-I cards provide plenty of speed for this camera.

The camera is compatible with card capacities up to 256GB. This gives you ample storage space for photos and videos.

Battery Life

The Ricoh GR IIIx uses a rechargeable DB-110 lithium-ion battery that provides a CIPA rating of 200 shots per charge. This is a relatively low battery life compared to other cameras in its class. The GR IIIx does have some battery saving features like the ability to turn off image review and put the camera in sleep mode quickly. However, you'll likely need to carry a spare battery or two if you plan on shooting all day.

The 200 shot rating is based on 50% flash usage, so you can stretch the battery further by minimizing use of the flash. Turning off wireless connectivity features can also help squeeze out more shots per charge. Overall though, battery life is one area where the GR IIIx falls a bit short. Having a couple extra batteries on hand is recommended for photographers who want to use this camera for extended outings or travel.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent image quality from 24MP APS-C sensor
• Compact, lightweight, and portable design
• Fast autofocus and overall performance
• Useful built-in ND filter
• Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
• Intuitive controls and menu system
• Snap focus and full auto modes for easy operation
• Good high ISO noise performance
• Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

• Fixed 28mm equivalent focal length may be limiting
• No built-in viewfinder
• Below average battery life
• No built-in image stabilization
• Video capabilities are just adequate
• Single SD card slot
• Price is relatively high

The Ricoh GR IIIx delivers outstanding image quality in a highly portable package. The 24MP APS-C sensor captures crisp, detailed photos with excellent dynamic range. The fast hybrid autofocus system locks focus quickly for spontaneous shooting. Intuitive physical controls and modes like snap focus make the GR IIIx easy to use on the fly. However, the fixed 28mm lens may be too wide for some users' preferences. Battery life is also below average. But overall, the GR IIIx is a powerful point-and-shoot camera for those seeking top-notch image quality in a compact, take-anywhere design.

Conclusion

The Ricoh GR IIIx is an excellent choice for street, travel, and everyday photography. Its compact size and discreet appearance allow you to shoot candidly. The 24MP APS-C sensor delivers outstanding image quality and low noise performance. The 40mm fixed focal length lens produces sharp images with smooth bokeh.

Autofocus is fast and accurate thanks to the hybrid AF system. The snap focus and full press snap features make it easy to react quickly to photo opportunities. Image stabilization helps reduce blur from camera shake.

Overall, the GR IIIx packs a ton of power into a pocketable camera. It's ideal for photographers who want DSLR-like image quality in a highly portable package. The simple, intuitive controls allow you to focus on getting great shots.

For street, documentary, and travel photography, the Ricoh GR IIIx is easy to recommend. It provides an enjoyable shooting experience with impressive image quality. Just be aware of the fixed 40mm lens, which may not suit all shooting styles. But for those who like the moderately wide perspective, the GR IIIx is hard to beat as a compact companion.