Back in April we took a close look at the Ricoh GR III, an ultracompact camera built for urban photography and vibrant social-media shots. Its only major problem is price, and after six months its evolution hasn't been what we expected. So what are the alternatives? Essentially, you step down a generation and get a Ricoh GR II. It's more than four years old, with a sensor many already consider "too small," but the quality of its images and several points in its spec sheet speak for themselves.
Since the iPhone 11 and its Pro/Pro Max variants arrived, part of the web insists on comparing their camera performance to DSLR units. Needless to say, professional photographers' comments haven't been very kind, but it's clear we face an endless debate. The same happens in the ultracompact camera space. There's some difficulty in recommending one because of the classic "a smartphone can take those same images," but the benefits of a dedicated device are broader than many imagine.
Ricoh GR II: On the Street, on the Go, and in Your Pocket
Announced in June 2015, the Ricoh GR II features a 16.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with the GR Engine V image processor. Its ISO sensitivity spans 100 to 25,600 without Boost modes, and shutter speed ranges from 1/4000 to 300 seconds—an uncommon number. Its three-inch screen is fixed and non-touch, with a maximum resolution of 1.23 million dots (200,000 more than the GR III). Don't expect a viewfinder unless you add an external optical unit.
The contrast-detection autofocus responds very well (just 0.2 seconds of lag in Spot mode, or 0.4 seconds with flash), and it offers eight general shooting modes. Anyone wanting more speed in that area will have to intervene manually, but automatic performance is more than acceptable.
As expected from any ultracompact, the Ricoh GR II isn't built for sports or extreme action, but we found something interesting in its burst behavior. In JPEG, it hits a ceiling of 4 fps with a practically unlimited buffer (999 shots). With RAW or RAW+JPEG, you can pull 6 fps with a ten-frame buffer. Not bad, but it needs 9 to 12 seconds to clear that buffer.
The overall interface prioritizes simplicity. It's not a DSLR, not a mirrorless, and it doesn't pretend to be. On top you'll find only the power button, a hot shoe, and the mode dial. Things get more interesting on the back, with all controls on the right side to make one-handed operation easier. The Fn1 button is part of the "wheel," while Fn2 shares duties with the self-timer and content deletion.
If the level of customization seems limited with those Fn2 buttons, don't worry. On the mode dial you'll find three customizable entries (My1, My2, My3) through the "Custom Options" section in "Edit My Settings." The rest of the options are spread across Full Auto, Program Auto "P," Aperture Priority "Av," Shutter Priority "Tv," Aperture and Shutter Priority "TAv," Manual "M," and Video. Secondary details appear in the manual, which is easy to read and under 200 pages.
If we have to describe a weak point in the Ricoh GR II, it's probably video. Its support is limited to 1080p30, or you have to drop to 720p for 60 fps. In its favor compared to the original GR, it compensates exposure on-the-fly, and autofocus now works continuously during capture, instead of being locked before recording. Still, its performance isn't stellar and demands a bit of patience. It's also recommended to update its firmware to the latest version.
However, any limitation in the Ricoh GR II becomes more tolerable thanks to its €549 price tag. The GR III still hovers near €900, making it a bit hard to recommend, especially when you consider its direct competitors. The future could surprise us, and maybe we'll see a deeper discount, but those looking to optimize their investment might be more comfortable with a Ricoh GR II and some accessories.
Accessories for the Ricoh GR II
Batteries and Power
The official Ricoh page reports 290 shots per full charge with the GR II's battery. Depending on usage, that might be enough, or just the reason to add a spare with an external charger. The IA-BH125C battery module is compatible with the DB-65 battery used by the Ricoh GR II, and you can add one to your setup for €20. As for chargers, the Gloxy 2-in-1 hybrid for car and home charges DB-60, DB-65, and equivalent batteries without issues. The bundle with SKU "VDTS-773,VDTS-4604-CH-DI236" includes a battery and charger for a complete solution.
Tripods and Supports
Talking about a tripod for the Ricoh GR II might seem exaggerated given its weight (251 grams), but sooner or later you'll want a small support for that perfect shot. A great candidate is the Manfrotto Pixi mini tripod, with a maximum load of one kilogram and portability that fits the GR II perfectly. A stronger alternative, so to speak, is the Clampod Takeway T2. It grabs onto anything, works with cameras, smartphones, and tablets, and supports up to 40 kilograms.
Bags and Cases
Beyond its metallic construction, the Ricoh GR II has no weather sealing, and its transport shouldn't be taken lightly. So why not explore a couple of cases? Both are already classics here: The Pacsafe Camsafe ZP offers several anti-theft features, like security hooks, reinforced straps, and a fairly neutral exterior design. On the other side, the Lowepro Dashpoint 30 comes in several colors, and its space is ample—so much so that you can fit a seven-inch tablet.
Memory Cards
A 32GB option and a 64GB option, both fast enough to optimize the Ricoh GR II's bursts and hopefully minimize wait times. The Transcend SDHC 32GB module has a maximum read speed of 85 MB/s and write speed of 45 MB/s. On the other hand, the SanDisk Extreme Pro 64GB doubles those numbers to 170 and 90 megabytes per second respectively. The best part? Both are very affordable.
Special Kits
We close the accessories section for the Ricoh GR II with two resources definitely worth considering. First is the PhotoBall K9, a crystal sphere that helps achieve impressive visual tricks, especially in urban areas. Second is a mini photo studio measuring 40 x 40 x 40 centimeters, with two lights, interchangeable backgrounds, and absolute portability. If you're planning to sell products online, that studio will be a great ally.
In short, if the GR III's value doesn't respond, the Ricoh GR II shapes up as an excellent substitute. Those who need more advanced video features can always study our previous articles, but this ultracompact fulfills its main task, and it does so at a good price. Good luck!
