Ricoh GR III vs Ricoh GR IIIx – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Camera

Ricoh GR IIIx & Ricoh GR III share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Ricoh GR IIIx rather than the Ricoh GR III. 

Why Do I Recommend The Ricoh GR IIIx

  • The Ricoh GR IIIx features a 40mm equivalent lens for a natural field of view for portraits, street photography, and tighter compositions, compared to the Ricoh GR III’s 28mm wide-angle lens.
  • Ricoh GR IIIx includes a 7-element lens design for improved optical performance with sharper image quality and enhanced clarity, compared to the GR III’s simpler 6-element structure.
  • It has a 50mm and 71mm digital teleconverter for additional focal length options for versatile shooting without losing image quality, while the GR III only provides 35mm and 50mm options.
  • The Ricoh GR IIIx’s narrower angle of view (57°) offers improved subject isolation and better depth for capturing detailed portraits, compared to the GR III’s wider 75° angle.
  • Ricoh GR IIIx’s lens construction improves corner-to-corner sharpness, reducing distortion and enhancing image consistency across the frame for focused, detailed shots compared to the GR III.
  • Its thicker design (35.2mm depth) improves grip and handling for prolonged shooting sessions, compared to the slimmer GR III (33.2mm depth).
  • The Ricoh GR IIIx’s slightly heavier build (262g) adds better weight distribution and stability when shooting handheld, enhancing overall balance compared to the lighter GR III.

Maybe the Ricoh GR III price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Ricoh GR IIIx. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature Ricoh GR IIIx Ricoh GR III
Lens 26.1mm f/2.8 (40mm equivalent) 18.3mm f/2.8 (28mm equivalent)
Field of View Narrower Wider
Lens Construction 7 elements in 5 groups 6 elements in 4 groups
Macro Focus Range 12 cm – ∞ 6 cm – ∞
Magnification 0.17x 0.35x
Angle of View Approx. 57° Approx. 75°
Digital Teleconverter 50mm and 71mm crop modes 35mm and 50mm crop modes
Weight (Body Only) Approx. 262g Approx. 257g
Dimensions 109.4 x 61.9 x 35.2 mm 109.4 x 61.9 x 33.2 mm
Price Check GR IIIx Price Check GR III Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor: Both cameras are equipped with a 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, delivering exceptional image quality with sharp details, vibrant colors, and impressive dynamic range.
  • GR Engine 6 Processor: Both models utilize the GR Engine 6 image processor, ensuring fast performance, improved noise reduction, and enhanced color reproduction for superior image output.
  • 3-axis Shake Reduction (SR) System: Each camera is equipped with a 3-axis Shake Reduction system that stabilizes the sensor, minimizing motion blur and allowing for sharp handheld shots in low-light conditions.
  • ISO Range (100 – 102400): Both cameras share an expansive ISO range of 100 – 102400, ensuring outstanding flexibility for shooting in a variety of lighting conditions.
  • 3.0-inch 1.037M-dot Touchscreen: Both models feature a 3.0-inch touchscreen with intuitive controls, enabling fast navigation through settings, easy focus adjustments, and convenient image review.
  • Hybrid Autofocus System: Each camera incorporates a hybrid autofocus system that combines contrast detection and phase detection, resulting in faster and more accurate focus performance for stills and video.
  • Full HD 1080p Video Recording: Both cameras are capable of recording Full HD 1080p video at 60fps, allowing for smooth video capture with solid detail and clarity.
  • Built-in ND Filter: Each camera includes a built-in ND filter, ideal for controlling exposure in bright environments without adjusting shutter speed or aperture settings.
  • 2GB Internal Storage + SD Card Support: Both cameras provide 2GB of internal storage for quick shots on the go, along with SD card support for expanded storage options.
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity: Each model offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling seamless file transfers and remote camera control via smartphone apps.
  • Approx. 200 Shots Battery Life: Both cameras deliver an estimated battery life of approximately 200 shots per charge, supporting extended shooting sessions.
  • Customizable Controls: Both models feature customizable buttons and settings, allowing photographers to tailor the interface and controls to match their shooting preferences.
  • Compact and Durable Design: Each camera maintains a compact, pocket-sized form factor with a robust magnesium alloy body, ensuring durability and portability.
  • Ultrasonic Dust Removal System: Both cameras incorporate an ultrasonic vibration cleaning system, which effectively removes dust particles from the sensor to maintain image clarity.
  • Creative Filters and Modes: Both models offer various creative modes like monochrome, HDR, and high contrast black & white, enhancing artistic expression and enabling diverse shooting styles.
  • USB-C Charging and Interface: Each camera supports USB-C charging for fast and efficient power-ups, along with HDMI (Type D) ports for additional connectivity options.

Common Features

Feature Ricoh GR IIIx Ricoh GR III
Sensor Type 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
Image Processor GR Engine 6 GR Engine 6
Image Stabilization 3-axis Shake Reduction (SR) system 3-axis Shake Reduction (SR) system
ISO Range ISO 100 – 102400 ISO 100 – 102400
LCD Screen 3.0-inch 1.037M-dot Touchscreen 3.0-inch 1.037M-dot Touchscreen
Autofocus System Hybrid AF Hybrid AF
Image Formats JPEG, RAW JPEG, RAW
Video Recording Full HD 1080p at 60fps Full HD 1080p at 60fps
Built-in ND Filter Yes Yes
Storage Internal 2GB + SD card support Internal 2GB + SD card support
Connectivity USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Battery Life Approx. 200 shots (CIPA) Approx. 200 shots (CIPA)
Menu System Same intuitive menu interface Same intuitive menu interface
Customizable Controls Yes Yes
Portability Compact, pocket-sized design Compact, pocket-sized design
Design Material Magnesium Alloy Body Magnesium Alloy Body
Dust Removal Ultrasonic vibration system Ultrasonic vibration system
Image Modes Rich suite of creative filters, monochrome, HDR Rich suite of creative filters, monochrome, HDR
USB Charging Yes Yes
Interface Ports USB-C, HDMI USB-C, HDMI
Price Check GR IIIx Price Check GR III Price

FAQ

Do both the Ricoh GR IIIx and GR III have image stabilization?
Yes, both models feature a 3-axis Shake Reduction (SR) system, which effectively stabilizes the sensor to minimize blur caused by camera shake, especially in low-light conditions or slower shutter speeds.

Can both cameras shoot in RAW format?
Yes, both the Ricoh GR IIIx and Ricoh GR III support RAW (DNG) format, allowing photographers greater flexibility in post-processing and editing.

Do both cameras have built-in ND filters?
Yes, both models include a built-in ND filter that reduces light intensity, allowing for longer exposure times or wider apertures in bright conditions.

What is the ISO range for both cameras?
Both the Ricoh GR IIIx and GR III have an impressive ISO range of 100 – 102400, providing flexibility to capture high-quality images in various lighting environments.

Are both cameras suitable for macro photography?
Yes, but the Ricoh GR III offers a closer minimum focus distance of 6 cm, compared to the Ricoh GR IIIx’s 12 cm, making the GR III slightly better for extreme close-up shots.

Do the Ricoh GR IIIx and GR III have video recording capabilities?
Yes, both cameras can record Full HD 1080p video at 60fps, suitable for casual video recording, although they are primarily designed for still photography.

Is there a difference in battery life between the two models?
No, both cameras have a battery life of approximately 200 shots per charge (based on CIPA standards).

Are the Ricoh GR IIIx and GR III equipped with touchscreens?
Yes, both cameras feature a 3.0-inch 1.037M-dot touchscreen, providing an intuitive interface for quick settings adjustments, focus control, and image review.

Do both models support wireless connectivity?
Yes, both cameras are equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless image transfers to smartphones and remote shooting capabilities via Ricoh’s mobile app.

Are both models compatible with USB-C charging?
Yes, both cameras support USB-C charging, allowing for fast and convenient recharging directly via a power bank, wall charger, or laptop.

What are the key similarities in design between the Ricoh GR IIIx and GR III?
Both cameras have a compact, lightweight, and pocket-sized design with a durable magnesium alloy body, ensuring portability and toughness for travel and street photography.

Do both cameras feature an ultrasonic dust removal system?
Yes, both models include an ultrasonic vibration system that effectively clears dust from the sensor to ensure clean images.

Can I customize controls and buttons on both models?
Yes, both the Ricoh GR IIIx and Ricoh GR III offer customizable buttons and user settings, providing flexibility for photographers to configure the interface based on their shooting style.

Do both cameras offer creative shooting modes?
Yes, both models include multiple creative filters such as monochrome, HDR, and high contrast black & white, allowing users to achieve artistic effects without post-processing.

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