Love is love! Every camera can be criticized for something, so we should shoot what we love. Enjoy!

Issues that I have in ranking order 1. Dust 2. Small battery 3. No tilt screen 4. No flash 5. Not enough bokeh 6. No viewfinder

Am very very happy with my Sony RX 100 Mark one

When i had the RX100 i used to go hiking and took some photos in the dry dusty summer of the Andes. Quickly the camera got dust on the sensor. I cleaned it like twice each year and had no problem. You can attach the vacuum cleaner tube over the lens close and the extended lens, if the dust is still there, there are several tutorial videos on how to disassemble the RX100 and clean the sensor, it's a much fast and easier process than what people think. You only need the small screwdriver and plastic prick tool. But it's still a hassle and because that i ended buying a Sony NEX 5T, that is very small paired with the kit zoom or the 16mm or 20mm pancakes. Now there are very small APSC cameras and good small lenses, so i think compact cameras are not necessary anymore.

I agree on all points. These are mainly psychological blocks in photographer's minds. I had to get over a few of them myself before I really considered the GR series. Once I had my hands on one, however, I realized quickly that this is an unparalleled tool for documentary style photography. Nothing out there even comes close.

“Shoot the guts outta it” so funny and real, thanks.

Thanks for the video. I agree with you for small battery, lack of viewfinder and tilt screen. These are features chosen by Ricoh to not be included. But dust on sensor for a non interchangeable lens camera it’s a flaw!

The Ricoh GR's literally changed the way I see and photograph in the streets. They are a brilliant snap shooter. It's so blazingly fast to turn on and get the shot. I don't have issues with the battery either as I don't keep it turned on for hours like I do with my other camera systems (Olympus and Fuji). As for your points on dust, I agree entirely. Just don't store your camera in a dusty pocket. I keep mine in a little case. I even have a cap to protect the lens blades when not in use. I've had my GRIII for four years now, heavily used. Almost daily. Never experienced any dust, at least none that I can see. I don't baby my camera, but I do take care of my things. For example, I won't got shooting in a very dusty environment. I don't go swimming with it either. Let's be real. I find the GR to be quite versatile however - not just for street - although that is probably its primary best case use. The GR's are NOT for everybody but for those that like this sort of thing, this is the kind of thing they like. This is truly the best compact full manual capable point and shoot. I've used plenty, but none compare to the unique utilitarian design of the Ricoh GR. Highlight weighted metering and snap focus are the best features in my view. Now, if Fujifilm could design the x70 with a tilt screen, so could Ricoh :-) Regardless, that's not a huge deal, just a wish. I will say that I don't miss having a viewfinder at all - it really goes against the whole design concept and approach to using this sort of camera. Again, the GR line of cameras are not for everybody.

I would gladly sacrifice a quarter inch of thinness for a tilt screen. I guess it's a matter of preference, but I think it would make this camera perfect.

Ricoh can bring these camera because they take their profit from other divisions of their corporation. The question remains how long they will be able to release this kind of niche products. I do admire them for doing it.

Hi Matti, I also have both cameras and haven't seen any dust yet, but I also take care of my cameras and don't have them in my pockets for example. With the size and weight of the camera, I don't need an EVF. The battery life is definitely not good, but I live with it, since the extra batteries don't take up much space. I don't need a tilt screen either, as it might make the cameras more vulnerable in daily use, but if it comes with the next models, that's also ok with me, because as I said, I take good care of my cameras. Autofocus could also be better, but I live with it. They are not video cameras either, but I don't use the cameras for this. But despite these "shortcomings" they shine so much in other areas, and when we talk about image quality and user experience they are just great .....

This camera keeps looking more and more interesting. On Mother's Day we went to a local event, I had my G9 and my daughter's friend had his A7, we are just hobby level. We weren't allowed to take a single picture because we had professional cameras. Interestingly I could almost see having a camera with only a viewfinder as I only use the screen for the initial settings, after that it all by feel.

I love my GR3, although I probably would have bought a GR3x if it was available at the time I got my GR3. I agree with basically everything you said, except maybe the tilt-screen bit. Fuji showed with the X100V that it’s possible to include one without making the camera bigger, and I know from experience that having a tilt screen is invaluable when shooting at high or very low angles. Of course, the X100V is quite a bit larger than the Ricohs, so perhaps there really *isn’t* room for one on the GR3/x, but I think I wouldn’t mind giving up a couple of millimetres extra thickness for one.

I was gifted a GRIII and it’s with me every day. The image quality is stunning and the portability factor suits my level of energy expenditure 😂. I generally convert my images to black and white, but your colour images have piqued my interest to try more colour photography, because taking an impactful colour photo is also a skill. Keep up the good work🙏

100%, put off buying one for ages because of the things it doesn't do quite so well, at the end of the day though it's literally the only compact camera with good image quality and ease of use that can fit in your pocket every day

Great thoughts!! I LOVE the GV-2 optical viewfinder. It looks like I'm the only one :) But then again I grew up with a Rollei 35 and a Minox 35. Its "battery life" was 24 images and I had to carry several rolls of film and change them. Extra batteries for the Ricoh are much easier to carry ;) The GRIII is easiest one of the best cameras I have ever used. Saving my pennies for the GRIIIx. I do have to say, I miss the flash from the GRII from time to time and in some situations. But that's not a big problem.

I don’t own a Ricoh (yet), but as for the tilt screen, I immediately thought of my wife’s little Canon G7X III, which has a wonderful tilt screen. They seem to be the same overall size - something like that would be perfect on the Ricoh, I think…

Keeping an open mind about cameras and camera gear is excellent advice. Also learning to use cameras and camera gear is essential. and I have noticed other reviewers not knowing how to use a camera and another reviewer who specialises in that camera brand knows how to use it and their review is more complimentary. I say use cameras and know the camera strengths and weaknesses before you buy them as much as possible. Then work within the limits of the camera.

If you want to call your favorite camera, the one you shoot the most, the GR3x is my favorite camera. It's with me when I leave my home. That said, I didn't get rid of my old GX-85 because it has a tilt screen and viewfinder. Many times, both of them are on my walks. The versatility of the Lumix still appeals to me. Finally, I'm so glad I bought the GR3x. It's a great camera with a great design.

Got a gr3, agreewith everything you say, mines got a dust spot but not a problem to clone out, battery life is not good but i love it, take it everywhere in a small lowpro belt pouch, the battery is tiny so a spare fits in too

Spot on totally agree Thank You!

I only shot on a GR for 15 years maybe... nothing else. I was gifted one in 2006 maybe. Had never lifted a camera before. Cameras are personal, I guess, but to me it s just the best thing that has ever been produced. I have had GR 1, 2, 3, 4.. GRII.. and they were all like family members. All fancy guys were using different cameras for street, portrait, landscape. I only had one for everything and boy, was it a joy to use. And yes, it would gather dust on the sensor once every couple of years. The rubber on the body would sometimes fall off. I would drop it. Broke the lens once. I mean, they all looked like beat up boxers. Yet I still can not fall in love with any other camera as much as I did with these ricohs.. Maybe the Olympus e-500 colors .. that is pretty much it. All other cameras are sterile technology to me :)

“Haters are going to hate.” I think that many critics of the GR3/X are judging solely on their reading specifications! Although I don’t own one, I’ve seen so many pictures from these Ricohs from channels like this, that I have been tempted: as portable as a smart phone (which has no VF!), with a lot more power and a much better sensor. I can’t fit my Canon (or even LUMIX G9) in my pocket, and have resorted to using my phone and got at fabulous shot (even raw), only to learn there is only so much I can do in processing that image. You are right: we probably need more cameras like this.

You’re correct Matti, just take pictures and quit reading specs. The GR3x is the most productive camera that I own. So far no dust after over a year and I own 3 batteries for it (fairly inexpensive). As advertised, it’s an unobtrusive street machine which many people see as a toy, or me as some sort of a tourist. So when everyone is running away from the photographer laden down with huge gear, I just shoot away. But, when I put the overpriced Ricoh 40mm optical viewfinder on it, it draws more attention.. That, was a useless purchase.

I think for the price of the Ricoh one should be able to purchase a removable EVF similar to the Lumix GX1 or the older Olympus. The EVF is so small that fits in your pocket. But Ricoh decided to sell us a worthless optical VF for $249 USD. If you have the 28mm GR you can get away with the TTArtisan optical viewfinder but if you have the IIIx you are out of luck.

I completely agree with your opinion regarding lack of tiltable screen and viewfinder and small battery. I learnt to deal with the fixed screen of Pentax K3 Mark 3 so maybe I am biased, but anyhow I think this Ricoh GR3 is always meant for Every Day Camera since the beginning of its conception. It's small, light, pocketable, fast start up, it is really designed as phone replacement (to take pictures of course). I even surprised how easy to pair this with Ricoh's Image Sync app to get geotagging, I just open the app and leave it running and once I turn on my GR 3 it will be automatically synced and geotagged every time I took pictures... super easy and reliable. I bring this GR 3 everywhere with me and my Pentax K3 Mark 3 (with the O GPS2) now mostly stays at home. My only wish to Ricoh is to make the next GR to have weather sealing but if it make the camera bigger then they can forget about it. Thanks for your video, take care and stay healthy

I fully agree with you Matti regarding your comments on Ricoh GR III. The most important is taking pics ! And the size of the Ricoh is a key factor especially for street photography. It is also possible to use a charger and 2 or 3 batteries if we shot a lot. Walking in the city with my GR III x, I would say I sometime think about the GR III in term of lens... But you are a lucky boy: you have both cameras! When a Ricoh GR III Monochrome?

I will bring my GR3X to attending the 24hr street shooing marathon at the end of May! This tiny weapon is deadly for streets.

Right! They shouldn't change these cameras at all. Just make new cameras with the features that us complainers want. If it's the size of an a6000 - fine with me.

Nice rebuttal or answer to the common complaints. Good video.

Totally agree with everything you said. Love the GR III for what it is. And I absolutely repeat what you said that Ricoh should preserve the uniqueness of this camera without changing anything in the exterior design. Very well thought out video that speaks my mind. Thanks for putting it together! P.s. I’m over due to add the 3X to my gear :)

Hyvä Matti, täyttä asiaa kuten aina!

Hi Matti! Good video... I honestly really love the concept of this camera and strongly thinking of getting a GR3 (or 4!)... Of all the things that most people complain, I personally consider the dust issue (if it really is an issue) the most annoying... but truth be told it is all in "the eye of the beholder", because different people tend to use the same thing (a camera) in different ways (shooting,holding,keeping,protecting,etc.)... To my humble opinion and to the way I see it, the dust issue, if it really happens that often, it is an issue because compared to everything else that Matti mentiones in the video, it is the only one that defies (to my understanding) the purpose of this pocketable camera... Let me explain... A viewfinder would be good but most of the times you don't really need it for a snapshot and if used it breaks (in a way) the whole "stealth idea" of shooting with this camera... Same, in a way, with the tilted screen, yes it would be good and help a lot, especially at low angle shooting, but I have seen many pro photographers when they are in a hurry to shoot with their camera at a low or especially at high angles, shooting "approximately" and if you know your camera, at some point, you can shoot that way pretty well. Also the tilted screen would still take away part of the "stealth way of shooting" of this camera, but if they can put it there, so that we can have the choice of using it or not that would be great. Of the "problems" Matti is mentioning I find this the most probable to be solved... Batteries, no real problem, get a couple more, this is a small real pocket camera that produces "pro" image quality and people complaing about the battery, come on! And now the dust issue... This for me (and I repeat, if really is an issue) defies the purpose of this camera because, you can easily see by its sleek design and slim "bare" form factor, that this camera is really being made to be on a pocket so that someone can take it out in an instant shoot with it and put it back again. If this can not be done, just out of fear of dust on the camera, doesn't that defy the very purpose this camera was built? And yes, I do understand, that you can have a cap, a case or whatever else to protect it, but isn't in the "soul" of this camera to be used in a pocket taken out shoot with it and be able to put it again in the pocket in a matter of seconds if need be? And a possilbe solution for me, would not be nessecarily "weather sealing" just an "easy way to clean the sensor" would be more than great... That is my humble opinion and nothing more... Sooner or later I hope that I will be able to get one of these, GR3 or 4, I love their form factor, but honestly this is the only thing that personally troubles me. Take care... and enjoy shooting with any camera. 🙂

I have the gr III. It's a great camera but would have preferred the iiix. I have taken great pictures with it but there's one thing I'm really disappointed with, and that's autofocus performance in low light. That's really bad, making my phone much better in those circumstances.

I had a Canon G7X before so I don't care much about the lack of viewfinder or battery life. I do miss the tilt screen though and it would not really have a huge impact on the form factor

I like Pentax’s color science, and I have two Pentax vintage lenses. Therefore I would like to see an interchangeable lens version. The Pentax image generation software/firmware is great. I am using the Pentax lenses on a 12:30 Sony EV 10 and I am happy with the results. That camera also lacks weather sealing and a viewfinder I just have a soft spot for the Pentax brand.

These are great because they do a specific thing and very well. No other apsc sensor camera of this size. I wish Ricoh would expand their lineup though because, such an expensive single use tool is not for me. I think they can't figure out in which direction to expand past their niche.

When I had a Fijifilm X70 a little fly managed to find its way onto the sensor lol - No idea how it did it but luckily I was able to send it back to fuji to get it cleaned. Since then a little dust here and there doesn't seem that bad.

I think the biggest problem with the GR3 is simply the price. A good photographer will take great pictures on anything. A poor photographer will always blame his or her tools. I also love the tiny form factor of the GR (I own two), but I think the tiny form factor being a discreet one is also a myth. I find more look at my GR, and wonder what I am up to, than they do when I go shooting with my other camera, an Olympus. I think the Olympus is a better choice, simply because an Olympus can be cheaper and therefore can be accessed and enjoyed by a wider variety of users.

If you can take over 125 shots, and have it one for an hour and a half, that is fine. Really, if someone needs to snap hundreds of times a day on the street, on each walk, unless they are new to photography, something might be wrong. Who would do this with film? If shooting raw + JPG, and you pulled the trigger 60 times, it is still within the battery life, as claimed of 200 shots. I leave a camera always on, as I fear not getting the split-second shot. The camera sounds interesting, and is certainly the smallest and the lightest little powerhouse, but for now, I am satisfied with my Lumix GX-9, and find the Canon RP, most times to be good on the street -- focus is snappier with GX-9, as i use non-pro lenses on the Canon, and while good at focusing, the speed is not great, and can lag a bit. Can the Ricoh fast focus, and lock in like a Lumix camera? My little baby camera is the Olympus PEN-PL8. With the Lumix 14mm f2.5 lens, it is almost like a Ricoh ;) I might miss the tilt-screen if using the Ricoh GR IIIx --- or maybe not. In the end, on the street, it comes down to story, geometry, and art, of which all rely on the human behind the camera. Can you imagine someone judging the quality of Henri Cartier-Bresson's work based on sharpness, and lack of noise of the photo. - Have fun, and thanks for the videos, Loren

I haven't been in love with a camera since my first, the Sony's F-717, but the little GRIII won my heart. My gripes with it are the slow F/2.8 lens, in bad light unreliable focusing (however when the square is green, it IS spot on, which could not be said for most DSLRs of old, like the Canon 5D I) and I wouldn't shoot it above ISO 1600, noise very quickly becomes bothersome and I would absolutely love a tilting (not fully articulated) screen. IBIS does an excellent job, but it will not freeze moving people when you shoot at 1/40s. Fully realizing and knowing these constraints, you can get so much joy out of this camera there barely is a comparison. It's pretty much like a phone camera, except you feel like it's an actual camera, which it is - I never saw a phone as a camera and never could use it for any serious attempt at capturing images. GRIII is amazing, it makes me smile. And it's my way of forcing myself to come down to wide angle, since I've always preferred tele.

will be nice know what would you like to see to the next ricoh gr, like your predictions! nice video tho!

Often I use my A7II like an old rolleiflex ( at the belly ) not out of shyness but so that people keep a natural attitude so a tilt screen is necessary. In addition I constantly use different focal lengths. This kind of point & shoot suit a lot of people but not me.

my IIIx has a rather large dust spot that's impossible to ignore. Bummer, but oh well.

Genius!

Thank you for your video on this very interesting camera. I am interested in getting my first digital camera other than my iPhone . I used to shoot a lot of film including bulk loading triX pan and doing all my one developing and printing . These cameras sort of remind me of the twin lens reflex cameras that I used and still have a Yashica-Mat F3.5 .

I think main reason for the dust issue is its pocketability. I bougth the camera just for this, but I still knew I will use it together with a small camera bag. A camera going directly to whatever pocket is always in risk... Pockets often are not so clean 😊

Díky!

Ricoh should sponsor Matti-if they’re not doing so already :)

First of all I should admit that I haven't used any yet, just to be honest, but I think that Fujifilm XF10 solves the first problem of getting dust into the sensor as its lens is not retractable to my knowledge and the Fujifilm X70 solves the second issue of not having a tilting screen as it does have a one...both are APS-C pocetable cameras and they are more affordable compared to the Ricohs, with the X70 being much harder to find epsecially if we are talking about a brand new one since it is a discontinoued model I believe...I'm not saying that the Ricohs are bad, to the contrary...for every single review I've seen about them has been positively praising them especially in the image quality departments which is what we are all after in the end of the day BUT they are expensive with some downsides, though one should admit that the PERFECT camera or product is only a daydream...

Hi Sulanto. Would you recommend the GRIIIx as a single camera for travel (general ie city, landscape)? Adv.: image quality, size. Cons: Price, however any recent camera with a decent (fixed) lens will be priced similarly. Can you recommend other cameras? Thank you in advance and many thanks for your good work here.

I fully agree and I don‘t think Ricoh is going to change the concept of the GR - the small size the fantastic image quality and the beautiful jpeg colors are more than enough to be outstanding - I will get the X model because I dropped mine and broke 😮

My only wish for ricoh was a 40mm model and they did it. With the GRIII and the GRIIIx I have everything I need for street and documentation.

Hi, l had a neewer for my g95 but some of the buttons didn't work. They sent me another but with the same problem,they refunded me and l purchased the panasonic grip.

The issue with the short battery life can easily be solved. Bring an extra battery with you on the photo walk!

i just bought my gr iii. i noticed a heating problem after a few minutes. probably explains the flickering once and black our on another occasion after i took the shot is this normal? thank you

Great video. What is it upside to a phone though ?

Hey Matti, thanks for sharing your views on these cameras. I have always wanted to own one, bit the lack of an EVF or an accurate external OVF is my main deterrent. The Sony a6000 series is not too far off this size and they have an EVF. I don't think Ricoh will compromise a lot on the size if they add an EVF, even if external.

I think it's a personal view. The GR doesn't convince me. You can relevatize this 4 problems mentioned. But I never would buy such a camera: Why should I if there are some better comparable ones? Not 100%,yes/sure. So for me I wouldn't be happy with this problematic "features" - particularly for this high price. My opinion...

I'm expecting a more durable moisture and dust-protected camera in the future because it is pocketable.

Bullshit! There is no way You can defend a fixed-lens camera for 1150 euro's. Just like the Fujifilm X100V, it's overhyped and overpriced.