Ricoh has released the latest camera in its GR range of high-end compact cameras, the Ricoh GR III. For good reason, the Ricoh GR series has long had a cult following going back to its film versions.
Overall, the GR III is a bigger upgrade over the GR II than the GR II was over the GR. It’s slightly smaller, has better image quality and expanded capabilities, and has simplified controls with the addition of a touch screen. But it still stays true to most of the things about the GR range that have made it such a popular choice for street photographers and as incognito cameras for travel photographers.
I’ve been shooting with it since was released, and I’ve been very impressed in most respects. In one important aspect, however, it has fallen short–focusing in low light. Ricoh has recently issued a firmware update to address that, and so far it’s working better for me. So if you’re still using the original firmware, make sure to update to at least V1.10 (you can find it here).
I’m posting these photos here in case they’re useful to anyone wanting to get a look at some high-resolution photos that have been taken with the GR III under real-world shooting conditions. I’ve tried to include a range of different types of scenes, with different exposure settings, and with an emphasis on challenging lighting conditions. This is a camera I expect to be shooting with a lot, so I’ll try to add some more shots from time to time.
I’ve previously posted a set of sample images focusing specifically on the Ricoh GR III’s high ISO settings. And you can see some sample images from the GR II here as well as some macro photos taken with a GR III.
- 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- 28mm f/2.8 Lens (35mm equivalent)
- GR Engine 6
- 3-Axis Shake Reduction System
- Hybrid Autofocus
- Macro Mode
Ricoh GR III Photos
All of these photos were originally shot in RAW and have been only lightly processed in Lightroom. I haven’t applied any of the optical corrections such as chromatic aberration, vignetting, or barrel distortion.
You can click on each image to open a larger version for a closer look, and I’ve included the exposure information in the caption below each photo.
Price & Availability of the Ricoh GR III
Check the current price and availability of the Ricoh GR III at:
- 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- 28mm f/2.8 Lens (35mm equivalent)
- GR Engine 6
- 3-Axis Shake Reduction System
- Hybrid Autofocus
- Macro Mode
Ricoh GR III in Brief
The Ricoh GR III is a high-performance compact camera designed for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. With its sleek design, advanced features, and excellent image quality, this camera is a popular choice among those who seek a compact yet powerful imaging tool.
One of the key features of the Ricoh GR III is its 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. Combined with the GR Engine 6 image processor, the camera offers exceptional image quality, quick autofocus, and minimal noise, even in low-light situations.
It has a fixed 28mm equivalent f/2.8 lens, providing a versatile and sharp lens that works well for street photography, landscapes, and portraits. The lens features a 9-blade diaphragm, creating a smooth bokeh effect when shooting at wider apertures.
The Ricoh GR III boasts a 3-axis in-body image stabilization system, helping to reduce camera shake and ensure sharp images even in challenging shooting conditions. Additionally, the camera features a high-resolution 3-inch touchscreen LCD, allowing for intuitive operation and quick adjustments of settings.
For connectivity, the Ricoh GR III offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling easy image transfer to smartphones and remote control capabilities via the dedicated Ricoh Image Sync app. The camera supports DNG RAW and JPEG formats, providing flexibility in post-processing.
Ricoh GR III Sample Images FAQs
Can the Ricoh GR III shoot RAW files and what is the bit depth?
Yes, the Ricoh GR III can shoot RAW files, offering a 14-bit depth for a higher dynamic range and better color reproduction.
Is the Ricoh GR III suitable for landscape photography and do megapixels matter?
Yes, the Ricoh GR III is suitable for landscape photography with its 24MP APS-C sensor providing sufficient resolution for capturing detailed images. While more megapixels can offer additional detail, 24MP is generally enough for most landscape photography needs.
What is the battery life of the Ricoh GR III, and can it be charged via USB-C?
The Ricoh GR III has a battery life of approximately 200 shots per charge (depending on settings and conditions). It can be charged via a USB-C connection.
What is the difference between the Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx in terms of photo quality and focal length?
The main difference between the GR III and GR IIIx is the focal length. The GR III has a 28mm equivalent lens, while the GR IIIx has a 40mm equivalent lens. This difference in focal length may affect the image quality slightly, but both cameras have similar overall performance and image quality.
Is the Ricoh GR III weather-sealed?
The Ricoh GR III is not fully weather-sealed, but it has some dust and moisture resistance as a closed, fixed-lens camera. Retracting the lens when powered off offers an extra layer of protection to the lens.
Does the Ricoh GR III have a built-in flash?
No, the Ricoh GR III does not have on-camera flash built in, but it does include a flash hot shoe that can be used for compatible flashes/speedlights or transmitters.
What is the 35mm equivalent of the Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx lenses?
The Ricoh GR III features a fixed lens with a 28mm equivalent focal length, while the GR IIIx has a 40mm equivalent focal length.
Does the Ricoh GR III have a leaf shutter?
Yes, the Ricoh GR III has a leaf shutter, which enables quieter operation and high-speed flash sync.
Does the Ricoh GR III have film simulation modes?
The Ricoh GR III has only basic film emulation modes; they’re not as detailed or specific as those found on Fujifilm X-series cameras. Under the Image control section, you can find various filters mimicing the looks of negative film, positive film vivid, bleach bypass, HDR tone, cross processing, Retro, and black and white. There’s also the option to create custom filters.
These processing filters apply only to JPGs generated in the camera (and JPG previews embedded in RAW files), but not to the underlying data of RAW files.
What type of camera is the Ricoh GR III, and is it a mirrorless camera?
The Ricoh GR III is a compact, fixed-lens digital camera with an APS-C sensor. It does not fall into the category usually understood as a mirrorless camera, as it does not have interchangeable lenses or an electronic viewfinder.
What year did the Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx come out?
The Ricoh GR III was released in early 2019, while the Ricoh GR IIIx was released in 2021.
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Ricoh GR III Accessories & Replacement Parts
Here are the model numbers of some of the core accessories and replacement parts for the Ricoh GR III.
Ring Cap
- Ring Cap: GN-1
The ring cap is the small plastic ring that attaches around the lens. Chances are, it’s fallen off. While you do have to remove it to attach the lens adapter, it’s a poor design that tends to fall off and get lost far too often. I’ve lost a couple of them now.
The camera will work just fine without it. But that will leave some contacts exposed around the lens barrel, which isn’t ideal.
The official replacement part is overpriced. But you can also pick up much less expensive aftermarket versions. They’re also available in different colors, so you can bling up your camera with a personal touch—or make it look like the Street Edition.
- 【Compatibility】: Designed for Ricoh GRIII (only).This decoration ring is made of high quality...
- 【Easy to use & Protector】:Easy installation and removal and Protects lens barrel exterior.
USB Cable
The GR III has a USB Type-C connector port. When you get a cable, you can get them with another USB Type-C connector on the other end or a more traditional USB Type-A connector. Which you choose depends entirely on what you’re plugging into. For example, some newer laptops only have USB-C, while most other computers have USB-A.
![Anker USB C Cable, [2-Pack, 6ft] Premium Nylon USB A to USB C Charger Cable...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nSeBrQ+0L._SL160_.jpg)
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Battery & Charger
- Battery: DB-110
It’s a rechargeable lithium-ion battery rated at 3.6V 1350mAh 4.9Wh.
There are some other cameras that also use the same battery—notably, some Olympus cameras (the Olympus model number for the same battery is LI-90B). So they’re quite widely available. You can get the official Ricoh version. There are also aftermarket versions that can be much better value but work just as well.
- COMPATIBILITY - Works with these popular Ricoh cameras that use DB110 batteries: Ricoh GR III, Ricoh GR...
- BATTERY & CHARGER SPECS - Premium Grade-A cells rated at 3.7V, 1300mAh for longer run-time and battery...
- Charger: BJ-11
You can charge the battery in the camera (using a USB-C cable). There are also external battery chargers available. They’re especially useful if you’re using spare batteries, so you can charge and shoot simultaneously.
- AC Adapter: K-AC166
This is used to power the camera for longer shoots, such as time-lapse, or if you happen to be using the camera for live streaming as a webcam. It connects via the camera’s USB-C port.
Wide-Angle Conversion Lens
Ricoh has produced a wide-angle conversion lens that takes the standard 28mm view down to a 21mm (in 35mm equivalent). While it does add some extra bulk to an otherwise small camera, it works well and adds a more dramatic, wider view. I have an in-depth review of it separately.
Something to be aware of, though, is that you will also need to pick up the lens adapter separately. For reasons I really don’t understand, the wide-angle conversion lens doesn’t come with the adapter, and both are required to make it work. So make sure you pick up one of those at the same time.
Remote Shutter Releases
- Wired Shutter Release: CA-3
This is the official Ricoh remote shutter. It connects to the camera via a USB cable, and it’s a simple shutter release (i.e., there’s no timer or intervalometer).
You can also find aftermarket shutter releases for the GR III.
- Easy to operate, Half-press to focus, Full-press to shoot
- Fits macro photography well, eliminates camera shake
External Viewfinders
- Standard External Viewfinder: GV-1
- Mini External Viewfinder: GB-2
The Ricoh GR III doesn’t have a built-in viewfinder. But they make two versions of an external viewfinder that slides into the camera’s hot shoe. It covers both the standard 28mm view as well as the 21mm view if you’re using the wide-angle conversion lens. There’s also a mini viewfinder; that model seems to be hard to find.
Screen Protector
The back screen of the GR III is quite exposed, and if you lie the camera on its back, the screen comes in contact with the surface. Even if you’re putting the camera in your pocket, there’s a risk of keys or coins scratching the screen.
There’s no official screen protector, but there are good aftermarket versions. The one I use is this one. It’s essentially a consumable that protects the screen. If you scratch the protector, you can quickly and easily replace it with another from the pack.
- ✪LCD Screen Protector perfectly fit for Ricoh GR 3 DSLR Camera . Not for other model. Easy to install...
- ✪9H Hardness - Longer tempering time, which made the screen protector has a higher hardness. Prevents...
Carrying
- Soft Case: GC-9
You can, of course, use the GR III with just about any camera case or bag. But Ricoh does make a dedicated soft-case that fits snugly around the camera and offers some protection even if you’re toting the camera around in your pocket. I’ve been using one for a couple of years, and it’s held up very well, and it keeps my camera safer from bumps and scratches.
- Neck Strap: GS-3
Again, there’s no particular reason you have to use the official GR neck strap, but there is one. The main part is leather, and it even has a discreet, embossed "GR".
If you do use a different strap, be aware that the strap loops on the camera are very small and won’t take thicker (i.e., stronger) attachment loops. So you might need to use some D-rings as well.
- Hand Strap: GS-2
There’s even an official "GR" leather hand strap! But, again, aside from the branding, there’s no special reason to use the official strap. If you do use a different one, you might need D-rings if the thread doesn’t go through the camera’s small attachment loops.
External Flash
The GR III doesn’t have a built-in flash. It supports the Pentax P-TTL flash protocol.
Pentax External Flashes:
