Ricoh GR IV vs GR III

The Ricoh GR IV carries the GR III spirit forward: pocket-size form, a magnesium-alloy build, an APS-C sensor and a fixed 28 mm f/2.8 that’s made for street work. You still get the “snap-shooter” approach, a 3" fixed touchscreen, a deliberate lack of viewfinder and a stripped-down control layout that stays fast and discreet. In short, the formula that made the series popular remains: compact, responsive, and a direct rendering that invites you to shoot in the moment.

The meaningful upgrades happen in the imaging core and the lens. A BSI 25.7 MP sensor paired with GR ENGINE 7 improves high-ISO handling (up to 204,800 ISO), trims startup to 0.6 s and backs a snappier hybrid AF in low light. The reworked 28 mm boosts uniform sharpness; the dedicated macro mode enables very close work; and 5-axis IBIS claims up to 6 IL with built-in low-pass simulation to tame moiré. You also gain Program Auto Ex (instant P?Av/Tv), Snap Distance-Priority, Cinema Yellow/Green, an internal ND (–2 IL), 35/50 mm crop modes and horizon correction. For video, Ricoh keeps it simple: Full HD 1080 up to 60 i/s (about 25 min).

Day to day, it’s more self-sufficient: 53 GB of internal storage plus microSD, the new DB-120 battery (~250 shots), USB-C charging, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and the GR WORLD app for remote control and sharing. All of that in just 262 g—an inconspicuous companion for travel and urban reporting.

Launched in March 2019, the Ricoh GR III represents the third generation of the brand's compact experts. Successor to the GR II, it brings several notable improvements. Equipped with a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, it offers mechanical stabilisation and hybrid autofocus. Its fixed 28 mm full-frame equivalent lens makes it ideal for street photography. Its compact size and light weight (257g) make it easy to slip into a pocket. However, it loses the GR II's built-in flash and its screen remains fixed, which is a shame. The menu interface could also do with an update.

In terms of performance, the hybrid autofocus is no faster than that of the GR II. Burst rates are fairly limited and video is limited to 1080p at 60 fps. Image quality is good thanks to the new sensor, but digital noise appears quite early (ISO 3200/4000). Battery life is average, with around 200 shots per charge.

Finally, the changes compared to its predecessor are modest and the GR IIIx, which will be released in September 2021, only brings a change of lens (equivalent to 40 mm). The Ricoh GR III remains a relevant choice for photographers looking for a compact camera with a large sensor. In March 2024, an 'HDF' version was launched, adding a diffusion filter for milky cinematic effects.