Ricoh GR III & Ricoh GR II 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 III rather than the Ricoh GR II.
Why Do I Recommend The Ricoh GR III?
- The Ricoh GR III has a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, delivering sharper images, improved detail, and better dynamic range, compared to the Ricoh GR II’s 16.2MP sensor.
- The Ricoh GR III features a 3-axis Shake Reduction (SR) system, enhancing image stabilization and reducing motion blur in low-light or handheld conditions, which the Ricoh GR II lacks.
- The Ricoh GR III includes a hybrid autofocus system (phase detection + contrast detection) for faster, more accurate focusing, especially in low light, unlike the Ricoh GR II’s slower contrast-detection AF.
- The Ricoh GR III offers a 3.0″ touchscreen display, allowing intuitive touch focus, menu navigation, and playback controls, while the Ricoh GR II lacks touch functionality.
- The Ricoh GR III records Full HD 60p video, delivering smoother and more detailed motion capture compared to the Ricoh GR II’s 30p video recording.
- The Ricoh GR III features a built-in ND filter, enabling improved exposure control in bright conditions without requiring additional accessories, which the Ricoh GR II does not provide.
- The Ricoh GR III supports USB-C charging with Power Delivery (PD) for faster and more efficient charging, unlike the Ricoh GR II, which uses slower Micro-USB.
- The Ricoh GR III has improved dust and drip resistance, enhancing durability and making it better suited for outdoor and challenging shooting conditions compared to the Ricoh GR II.
Maybe the Ricoh GR II price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Ricoh GR III. 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 III | Ricoh GR II |
Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor | 16.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor |
Image Processor | GR Engine 6 | GR Engine 5 |
ISO Range | ISO 100 – 102400 | ISO 100 – 25600 |
Autofocus System | Hybrid AF | Contrast-Detection AF Only |
Image Stabilization | 3-axis Shake Reduction | No Image Stabilization |
Lens Design | Updated 18.3mm f/2.8 Lens | Original 18.3mm f/2.8 Lens |
Minimum Focus Distance | 6cm | 10cm |
Touchscreen | Yes | No Touchscreen |
Screen Resolution | 1.037M dots | 1.230M dots |
Video Recording | Full HD 60p | Full HD 30p |
Internal Memory | 2GB | 54MB |
USB Port | USB-C | Micro-USB |
Battery Type | DB-110 | DB-65 |
Battery Life | Approx. 200 shots | Approx. 320 shots |
Charging Support | USB-C Power Delivery | No USB-C Power Delivery |
Dust & Drip Resistance | Yes | No |
Built-in ND Filter | Yes | No |
Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth + Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi Only |
Startup Time | Approx. 0.8 sec | Approx. 1.0 sec |
Weight | 257g | 251g |
Size (W x H x D) | 109.4 x 61.9 x 33.2 mm | 117 x 62.8 x 34.7 mm |
Price | Check Ricoh GR III Price | Check Ricoh GR II Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Compact, Minimalist Design: Both cameras maintain Ricoh’s iconic pocket-sized form factor, ideal for street photographers and travelers seeking a lightweight, portable solution.
- Lens Focal Length & Aperture: Both feature a 28mm equivalent focal length with an f/2.8 aperture, delivering a wide field of view and strong low-light performance.
- Fixed Lens Design: As both cameras have a non-interchangeable lens, they are engineered for consistent performance and minimal dust exposure.
- Manual Control & Shooting Modes: Both cameras offer P, A, S, and M exposure modes for creative flexibility.
- RAW Support: Each camera supports DNG RAW format, giving photographers maximum control over post-processing.
- No Built-in Flash: Neither model includes a built-in flash, but both offer a hot shoe mount for external flash support.
- Shutter Speed Range: Both cameras support speeds from 1/4000s to 300s, offering great flexibility for both fast action and long-exposure shots.
- Image Aspect Ratios & Styles: Both provide a range of aspect ratios (3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 1:1) and creative presets such as Positive Film and Monochrome.
- Macro Mode: Both cameras feature a macro mode for close-up photography, making them versatile for detailed subjects.
- ND Filter Support: While the GR III has a built-in ND filter, both cameras support optional ND filters via accessories for creative control in bright conditions.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity & Smartphone Control: Both cameras offer Wi-Fi for wireless sharing and remote control via the GR Remote App.
- Street Photography Focus: Each camera emphasizes quick capture performance, making them ideal tools for spontaneous street photography.
- Built-in Crop Mode: Both include 35mm and 50mm crop options for flexible framing without digital zoom loss.
- USB Charging: Both models allow convenient charging via USB, ensuring flexibility for on-the-go users.
Common Features
Feature | Ricoh GR III | Ricoh GR II |
Body Design | Compact, Minimalist Design | Compact, Minimalist Design |
Lens Focal Length | 18.3mm | 18.3mm |
Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
Fixed Lens Design | Yes | Yes |
Manual Control | Full Manual Mode Support | Full Manual Mode Support |
Exposure Modes | P, A, S, M Modes | P, A, S, M Modes |
RAW Support | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Flash | No | No |
Hot Shoe Mount | Yes | Yes |
Shutter Speed | 1/4000s to 300s | 1/4000s to 300s |
Image Aspect Ratios | 3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 1:1 | 3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 1:1 |
Customizable Buttons | Yes | Yes |
On-sensor Filters | Yes | Yes |
Macro Mode | Yes | Yes |
ND Filter (Optional Accessory) | Supported | Supported |
Tripod Mount | Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
Smartphone Control | Yes | Yes |
Image Styles | Monochrome, Vivid, Positive Film, etc. | Monochrome, Vivid, Positive Film, etc. |
Customizable Image Settings | Yes | Yes |
Street Photography Focus | Optimized for Quick Capture | Optimized for Quick Capture |
Built-in Crop Mode | 35mm and 50mm Crop Options | 35mm and 50mm Crop Options |
USB Charging | Yes | Yes |
Price | Check Ricoh GR III Price | Check Ricoh GR II Price |
FAQ
Does the Ricoh GR III have better autofocus than the Ricoh GR II? Is there a noticeable improvement in image quality between the Ricoh GR III and Ricoh GR II? Does the Ricoh GR III have image stabilization? Which model has better video recording capabilities? Is the Ricoh GR III’s battery life better than the Ricoh GR II’s? Does the Ricoh GR III have a built-in ND filter? Are both cameras suitable for street photography? Does the Ricoh GR III have touchscreen functionality? Which camera is more durable? Do both cameras support Wi-Fi connectivity? Does the Ricoh GR III support USB-C charging? Are both models compatible with optional ND filters? Which camera is better for macro photography? Which camera is more travel-friendly? |