We check out the Ricoh GR IIIx, a new alternate version of their popular APS-C compact with an updated focal length!
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Intro - 0:00
Body - 0:34
Sensor - 2:17
Focal Length - 3:11
Image comparison to GR III - 3:33
Lens Quality - 4:27
Shake Reduction - 4:38
Autofocus - 4:53
Video - 5:14
Micellaneous Features - 5:34
Conclusion - 6:08
Today we’re looking at the new Ricoh GR IIIx, which is an alternate - not a replacement - version of the standard GR III. The GR lineup is a series of compact-sized cameras that actually house APS-C sensors. We’ll look at what’s special on the GR IIIx and compare it to the III, and discuss features common to both the III and the IIIx
One of the main calling cards of the GR lineup is that they are essentially compact cameras. That combination of that small size paired with the large APS-C sensor is the unique selling point of the camera. The GR IIIx has almost the exact same body design as the III. It’s an extremely portable camera. The button layout on the IIIx is identical to the III. The buttons are also quite customizable. There’s an LCD touch screen, but no electronic viewfinder. That screen is unfortunately not articulating. There is an optical viewfinder accessory being released specifically for the IIIx
The camera has one UHS-I compatible SD card slot, and it uses a DB-110 battery which is rated for 200 shots. The battery charges via USB. The camera also powers on extremely quickly.
Inside both the GR III and the IIIx is a 24 MP APS-C sensor. That’s the same sensor in both cameras, no updates there, but it’s worth discussing. Most compact cameras have a sensor that is a fraction of the size of this, so it’s a serious accomplishment. This means the images taken on this camera are going to be quite a bit higher quality than pretty much any other similarly sized camera.
What HAS changed on the GR IIIx is the focal length of the lens. The GR III had a 28mm equivalent lens, and the GR IIIx features a 40mm equivalent lens, which is the main difference between the models. The fact that it’s a bit more telephoto means that it’s a bit better at isolating subjects. There’s a bit more compression, and while it’s an f/2.8 lens just like on the III, the increased focal length allows you to achieve more of a blurry background
-For these reasons I particularly like the GR IIIx as a bit more of a portrait camera, with more shallow depth of field. That being said, it’s still wide enough that you can easily capture scenery, street, and so on simply by stepping back an extra pace or two than you would with the III. And just like the original III, this lens is also very sharp, both in the centre and at the edges, even when wide open at f/2.8
The GR III and IIIx both share the same 3-axis shake reduction feature. That actually becomes a bit more important on the IIIx with it’s longer focal length, so it’s a good thing that it’s a well-implemented system.
Single-point autofocus is quite fast and accurate on the GR IIIx. It’s not a master at AF tracking, but I wouldn’t expect that in a camera this size. New to the IIIx is eye control AF, although this will be added to the III via firmware update.
Now, what the GR cameras aren’t is video cameras. The IIIx can shoot video, but like the III it’s just 1080p, not 4K. With a non-articulating screen and no mic or headphone jacks for external audio, you likely won’t be using the IIIx much for video work.
A few other grab-bag features, the IIIx also features a macro mode which allows the lens to close focus at up to 12 cm, which is quite good. This allows you to take some quite detailed macro shots, adding to the versatility of the camera. There’s also a built-in 2 stop ND filter. That’s useful for letting you shoot wide open in daylight, or for getting a slow shutter speed for running water shots or similar. It can also be handy for video if you do use this camera for any video shooting.
Overall, the GR IIIx takes the very solid and popular GR III and provides an alternative focal length for those who want a bit more reach on their images. Whether you want the III or the IIIx will really come down to personal preference - if you prefer wider street scenes, go with the III, if you like a bit more subject emphasis, compression and shallow depth of field, you might prefer the IIIx. I think either camera are great options, particularly for someone who appreciates image quality but who wants something super small. That APS-C sensor in a camera this small really can’t be beat. I really like these cameras as a second camera for a DSLR user or similar who doesn’t always want to lug around their big main camera, or just as a main camera for someone for whom both size and image quality are important factors.