Our recent visit to the mirrorless space was quite satisfying with our review of the Fujifilm X-H1, but it's time to return to the ultracompact territory. Today we meet a name that might surprise some beginners. Technically, Ricoh is the owner of Pentax, and if you want to see more about that brand, you can check our article on the Pentax K-S2. However, it's the turn of the Ricoh GR III, a solution designed for you to capture every corner of your city, delivering images that surpass those of any average smartphone.
We all know the perfect camera doesn't exist, but that doesn't stop us from continuing our search. The most efficient way (and not necessarily the simplest) is to find the camera that is perfect “for us.” Now the question is: Do you already know what you want from a camera? Do you have a developed style and defined goals, or do you prefer to explore and experiment without pause? The new Ricoh GR III points a bit in both directions. At first glance, it's a camera to carry everywhere and capture spontaneous moments, casual encounters, unique flashes that might never repeat. But at the same time, that property places it in a very specific position, and if you want to step outside of it, well... you might find some limitations.
Ricoh GR III: A Great Companion... with Priorities
Originally announced in September 2018, the Ricoh GR III features an effective 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, accompanied by the GR ENGINE 6 image processor, and a lens with a focal length of 28mm (35mm equivalent). ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 102,400, while shutter speed goes from 1/4000 to 30 seconds. Its capacitive touchscreen is 3 inches with a resolution of 1.03 million dots, but it doesn't have a tilting mechanism. You also won't find an electronic viewfinder here. Everything happens on the main screen, and with its different brightness levels you can correct any deficit or excess, even in extreme situations. If we compare it with the screen of its younger sister GR II, the truth is that it lost about 200,000 dots of definition, but its final quality remains very good.
The message of the Ricoh GR III is quite clear: put it in your pocket and go outside. The camera averages 250 grams with battery and cards installed, which translates into fabulous portability. But that doesn't make it impossible to expand. In fact, the lens can accept the GW-4 conversion lens and 'drop' to 21mm (as long as you're willing to pay the extra premium), and the shoe opens up several possibilities, including the installation of external viewfinders. That said, I think the spirit of the Ricoh GR III shines brightest as soon as it's taken out of the box, as a point-and-shoot ready to capture bars, restaurants, architecture, local markets, parties, and events. Its autofocus system is hybrid, combining phase detection and contrast detection. It's not the fastest in the world, and at no point does Ricoh indicate that the GR III is a sports camera or recommended for action scenes, but there's a great shortcut in the form of Snap Focus. You just need to experiment with the available distance values and choose the one that works best for you. Another aspect to highlight is that the Ricoh GR III delivers very positive results in macro, and it begs for a good bokeh session.
The interface of the Ricoh GR III is a strong example of simplicity, with an overall aesthetic we can describe as sober, almost Spartan if you will. A control ring and four physical buttons on the back (one identified as 'Fn' and another for video) join the mode dial, which only has seven options: Programmable Auto 'P', Aperture Priority 'Av', Shutter Priority 'Tv', Manual 'M', and three customizable values, 'U1-U2-U3'. The Fn button accepts up to 30 different parameters, so you can adapt the operation of the Ricoh GR III to your style, optimizing access to what you consider most valuable. The rest of its dynamics is handled through the touchscreen, and if you have any doubts, we recommend reviewing its 170-page manual. The only catch is that Ricoh hasn't published it in Spanish yet. Patience.
At this point we talk about video capabilities, and the Ricoh GR III is no exception. The problem is that the kindest word we have to describe its recording is “average.” Granted, it's now 1080p60, doubling the frame rate of the GR II at that resolution, and the time limit remains at 25 minutes, but if your priority is to record the best possible video in a compact device, all our arrows point to the Sony DSC-RX100 V and its notable 4K, today at a price below 800 euros. When analyzing its connectivity options, Ricoh enables a combination of WiFi n and Bluetooth Low Energy 4.2, and includes the ability to send DNG photos directly to a smartphone.
Accessories for the Ricoh GR III
With such a recent official launch, it's logical that the Ricoh GR III carries all the natural premium of its debut, so I recommend waiting for it to leave behind those uncomfortable 900 euros on its price tag. The good news is that this excess doesn't affect its accessories. With a modest sum you can compensate for several weak points in the camera, extend its useful life, and get the best photographs.
Batteries and Power
One of the most important “downgrades” the Ricoh GR III suffered was battery life. A full charge of its DB-110 module lasts about 200 shots. That means you'll carry an extra battery in your pocket one way or another, but not all is lost. On the contrary, the DB-110 battery is equivalent to the Olympus LI-92B and LI-90B, which allows us to access very cheap compatible models, like the one sold by Gloxy. Furthermore, its hybrid 2-in-1 charger for home and car eliminates any energy crisis on the move, not to mention that the USB Type-C port of the Ricoh GR III accepts charging from multiple sources. The compatible battery is identified by the code “DI4091,VDTS-4604-CH-1-CH-VDTS-99”.
Tripods and Supports
Unless you're going to explore the upper limit of ISO values shooting in very low light, the search for a tripod for Ricoh GR III is not mandatory. Still, it's not a bad idea to have a minimal support in case you need to free your hands. Our recommendation in this section comes down to two classics: The Manfrotto Pixi, very compact and light, with an included ball head and a sort of 'selfie stick mode', and the Clampod Takeway T1, which basically clamps onto anything, is very easy to carry, and its maximum load makes it compatible with much heavier cameras.
Bags and Cases
If the plan is to carry all the equipment associated with your camera, then don't hesitate to look for a good backpack for your Ricoh GR III, but honoring its ultracompact format, today we want to share a couple of smaller alternatives. The first is the Lowepro Dashpoint 30 case, with an excellent padded interior, and the option to attach it to your belt. The second is the Manfrotto Piccolo 5 case, which besides accommodating the Ricoh GR III without a hitch, also protects it from moisture thanks to a special covering. The camera includes an automatic cleaner to remove dust from its sensor, but that doesn't make it immune. With any of these cases, you can keep those pesky particles at bay.
Memory
The Ricoh GR III has an unusual resource these days: internal memory. The manufacturer decided to add a total of 2 GB for those awkward moments when you forget your memory card, and in very short sessions you could even ignore it completely. However, our suggestion is to look for a Sony SF-64U of 64 gigabytes for less than 30 euros, and break the storage equation in a single move.
Special Kits
Once again, cleaning and product photography are the chosen categories for our miscellaneous kits section. On one hand, the Gloxy 6-in-1 package brings all the basic materials that will help you keep your Ricoh GR III in shape without causing damage, and on the other, the portable mini studio of 40 x 40 x 40 centimeters enables one more role for the camera outside of street photography. Both solutions can be yours for less than 80 euros.
In summary, the Ricoh GR III wants you to take it out for a walk, and in return it will deliver excellent quality images. The limits in its recording modes are acceptable if we don't lose sight of the fact that it's not a video camera, and the poor battery performance is easy to contain with an additional module. What hurts me most personally is the price. I love its size, and as a “traveler-instagrammer-street” camera it doesn't disappoint... but 900 euros is a value that only hyper-enthusiast early adopters will pay. So, wait. Good luck!
