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

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

FeatureRicoh GR IIIRicoh GR II
Sensor24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor16.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
Image ProcessorGR Engine 6GR Engine 5
ISO RangeISO 100 – 102400ISO 100 – 25600
Autofocus SystemHybrid AFContrast-Detection AF Only
Image Stabilization3-axis Shake ReductionNo Image Stabilization
Lens DesignUpdated 18.3mm f/2.8 LensOriginal 18.3mm f/2.8 Lens
Minimum Focus Distance6cm10cm
TouchscreenYesNo Touchscreen
Screen Resolution1.037M dots1.230M dots
Video RecordingFull HD 60pFull HD 30p
Internal Memory2GB54MB
USB PortUSB-CMicro-USB
Battery TypeDB-110DB-65
Battery LifeApprox. 200 shotsApprox. 320 shots
Charging SupportUSB-C Power DeliveryNo USB-C Power Delivery
Dust & Drip ResistanceYesNo
Built-in ND FilterYesNo
Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth + Wi-FiWi-Fi Only
Startup TimeApprox. 0.8 secApprox. 1.0 sec
Weight257g251g
Size (W x H x D)109.4 x 61.9 x 33.2 mm117 x 62.8 x 34.7 mm
PriceCheck Ricoh GR III PriceCheck 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

FeatureRicoh GR IIIRicoh GR II
Body DesignCompact, Minimalist DesignCompact, Minimalist Design
Lens Focal Length18.3mm18.3mm
Maximum Aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Fixed Lens DesignYesYes
Manual ControlFull Manual Mode SupportFull Manual Mode Support
Exposure ModesP, A, S, M ModesP, A, S, M Modes
RAW SupportYesYes
Built-in FlashNoNo
Hot Shoe MountYesYes
Shutter Speed1/4000s to 300s1/4000s to 300s
Image Aspect Ratios3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 1:13:2, 4:3, 16:9, 1:1
Customizable ButtonsYesYes
On-sensor FiltersYesYes
Macro ModeYesYes
ND Filter (Optional Accessory)SupportedSupported
Tripod MountYesYes
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesYes
Smartphone ControlYesYes
Image StylesMonochrome, Vivid, Positive Film, etc.Monochrome, Vivid, Positive Film, etc.
Customizable Image SettingsYesYes
Street Photography FocusOptimized for Quick CaptureOptimized for Quick Capture
Built-in Crop Mode35mm and 50mm Crop Options35mm and 50mm Crop Options
USB ChargingYesYes
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?
Yes, the Ricoh GR III has a hybrid autofocus system (phase detection + contrast detection) that is faster and more accurate than the GR II’s contrast-detection-only system.

Is there a noticeable improvement in image quality between the Ricoh GR III and Ricoh GR II?
Yes, the GR III’s 24.2MP sensor delivers sharper, more detailed images with improved dynamic range compared to the GR II’s 16.2MP sensor.

Does the Ricoh GR III have image stabilization?
Yes, the Ricoh GR III includes a 3-axis Shake Reduction (SR) system, which helps reduce camera shake, improving low-light and handheld shooting stability. The Ricoh GR II does not have image stabilization.

Which model has better video recording capabilities?
The Ricoh GR III supports Full HD recording at 60p, providing smoother video quality compared to the Ricoh GR II, which only records Full HD at 30p.

Is the Ricoh GR III’s battery life better than the Ricoh GR II’s?
No, the Ricoh GR II has a longer battery life of approximately 320 shots per charge, while the GR III offers around 200 shots per charge.

Does the Ricoh GR III have a built-in ND filter?
Yes, the Ricoh GR III has a built-in ND filter for better exposure control in bright lighting conditions, whereas the Ricoh GR II does not.

Are both cameras suitable for street photography?
Yes, both models are designed with street photographers in mind, featuring compact bodies, fast startup times, and quick access to manual controls.

Does the Ricoh GR III have touchscreen functionality?
Yes, the Ricoh GR III has a 3.0″ touchscreen LCD for intuitive navigation and improved focus control. The Ricoh GR II does not have a touchscreen.

Which camera is more durable?
The Ricoh GR III offers improved dust and drip resistance, making it more suitable for challenging shooting environments compared to the Ricoh GR II.

Do both cameras support Wi-Fi connectivity?
Yes, both the Ricoh GR III and Ricoh GR II support Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless image transfer and remote camera control via the GR Remote app.

Does the Ricoh GR III support USB-C charging?
Yes, the Ricoh GR III supports USB-C charging with Power Delivery (PD) support for faster charging, while the Ricoh GR II uses Micro-USB with no PD support.

Are both models compatible with optional ND filters?
Yes, while the Ricoh GR III has a built-in ND filter, both models support optional ND filters via accessories for enhanced exposure control.

Which camera is better for macro photography?
The Ricoh GR III has an improved macro mode with a minimum focus distance of 6cm, offering closer and more detailed shots than the GR II’s 10cm minimum focus distance.

Which camera is more travel-friendly?
Both cameras are extremely portable, but the Ricoh GR III is slightly more compact, lighter, and offers improved durability, making it the better choice for travel and on-the-go shooting.

 

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