Ricoh GR III camera hands-on review

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Here is my quick hands-on review of the Ricoh GR III camera.

First, some additional pictures of the camera:




What’s in the Ricoh GR III box:



Ricoh GR III size comparison with my other favorite compact camera – the Leica D-Lux 7:


Usable ISO – for color photos I would not go over 6,400, for black and white I can probably go up to 12,800 (files exported from RAW without any modifications):

Ricoh GR III at ISO 1,600:


Ricoh GR III at ISO 3,200:


Ricoh GR III at ISO 6,400:


Ricoh GR III at ISO 12,800:


Ricoh GR III at ISO 25,600:


Ricoh GR III at ISO 51,200:


Ricoh GR III at ISO 102,400:


The 18.3mm f/2.8 lens (28mm equivalent) is surprisingly sharp across all apertures (files exported from RAW without any modifications):

Ricoh GR III at f/2.8:


Ricoh GR III at f/4:


Ricoh GR III at f/5.6:


Ricoh GR III at f/8:


Ricoh GR III at f/11:


Ricoh GR III at f/16:


I guess one of the disadvantages of having such a compact retractable lens is the heavy vignetting (files exported from RAW without any modifications, the new Ricoh GR3 also has a Peripheral Illumination Correction setting):

Ricoh GR III vignetting at f/2.8:


Ricoh GR III vignetting at f/4:


Ricoh GR III vignetting at f/5.6:


Ricoh GR III vignetting at f/8:

Leica Summicron 35mm f2 at f16

The GR III camera doesn’t have a very good battery life – get a spare battery, there is also this cheap $12 version:


For a full list of Ricoh GR III camera accessories check this post:


I like to use the optional Ricoh GV-2 28mm viewfinder in bright daylight or when using the snap mode and I just need a quick way to frame the picture:



Cases for the Ricoh GR III: I got the Lowepro Tahoe CS 20 camera pouch because I can fit the camera with an attached viewfinder and have a front pocket for an extra battery:





If you want to carry just the camera, the original Ricoh GC-9 soft leather case is great and it fits like a glove:



Noe that there is no extra space for a battery and it is impossible to fit GR III with a viewfinder:


Check out also the Ruggard cases:


String wrist strap – several options are available:

 

Screen protection – I got this one:



Neck strap – I got the Nikon AN-CP23:


Ricoh GR III camera pros and cons:

Pros

Cons

Here is another video of the Ricoh GR III camera autofocus test comparison before and after firmware update 1.10:

Sample photos taken directly from the camera without any post-processing (most of the sample photos were taken with the original firmware):


I was even able to take a photo of the Milky Way with the GR III (different edits):


For Ricoh GR III camera pricing and availability check B&H Photo.

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