If you’re a street photographer, content creator, or just someone who loves compact cameras, you’ve probably heard of the Ricoh GR series. These little cameras have built a cult following. They’re small, fast, and take beautiful images. Today, we’re comparing the Ricoh GR III and the GR IIIx — two cameras that look alike but have some key differences.
TL;DR
The GR III and GR IIIx are very similar. The main difference is the lens focal length. The GR III has a 28mm equivalent lens, while the GR IIIx has a 40mm equivalent. Choose the III for wide scenes and street vibes, and go for the IIIx if you prefer portraits or tighter framing.
Design and Build
Both cameras are compact, sleek, and pocketable. They’re built with a minimalist design, which creators love. There’s a good grip, and the buttons are logically placed. You can easily shoot with one hand if needed.
They both weigh about 257g (9 oz) and feel super light. Perfect for shooting on the go. You could even forget you’re carrying them.
Image Quality
Now this is where things get interesting.
- Both share the same 24.2MP APS-C sensor.
- Both offer excellent detail, nice colors, and beautiful shallow depth of field.
You’re getting RAW and JPEG options on both. Sharpness is excellent. Low-light performance? Also great, thanks to the large APS-C sensor.
Lens: 28mm vs 40mm
This is the crucial difference.
- The GR III has a 28mm equivalent lens.
- The GR IIIx comes with a 40mm equivalent lens.
A 28mm field of view is wide. It’s fantastic for street shots, landscapes, and capturing lots of context. It makes you feel part of the scene.
A 40mm lens is closer to what the human eye sees. It gives a more natural perspective. Great for portraits, tighter compositions, and subject isolation.
So which one should you choose?
- GR III for dynamic, wide-angle street photography.
- GR IIIx for detail-rich portraits and more intimate shots.
Autofocus and Speed
Both cameras use a hybrid autofocus system — a mix of phase detect and contrast detect. They’re fast and accurate in most situations. But they aren’t great at tracking moving subjects.
If you’re shooting still subjects or city life, you’ll be happy. The startup time is also quick. You press the button, and boom — photo time.
Screen and Controls
Each camera has a 3-inch touch LCD on the back. It’s bright and clear, but it doesn’t flip or tilt. No vlogging selfies here. It’s mostly for reviewing shots and changing settings.
The menu system is a bit old-school but works well. You’ll find customizable buttons to set things just the way you like them.
Video Capabilities
Let’s be honest — these cameras are not made for video wizards.
- They shoot 1080p full HD video at 60fps.
- No 4K video.
- No external mic jack.
If your main goal is to vlog or record YouTube shorts, maybe look at other cameras. But these still work for quick clips and behind-the-scenes moments.
Creative Tools
Ricoh added a bunch of creative filters and JPEG settings. You get film-like color rendering, monochrome modes, and customizable image controls. These are fun to play with.
Battery Life
The battery life is okay — not amazing. You’ll get around 200 shots per charge. Carry a spare battery or a power bank if you’re out all day.
Good news: You can charge via USB-C, which is super handy on the road.
Wi-Fi and Sharing
Both GR III and IIIx come with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can transfer your photos to your phone in minutes using the Ricoh Image Sync app. Not the fastest, but it works.
Great option for creators who want to share photos directly to Instagram or their blog.
Options and Accessories
Each model has optional lens adapters that can slightly change your field of view.
- GR III: You can add a wide-angle conversion lens (21mm equivalent).
- GR IIIx: You can get a 75mm equivalent tele conversion lens.
There are also official metal hoods, thumb grips, and leather cases available from Ricoh. Lots of ways to customize your rig.
Price Point
At the time of writing, the price is about the same for both — around $999 USD. Sometimes the GR III goes on sale more often, though. So if price is a factor, keep an eye out for deals.
Who Should Get the GR III?
- Street photographers who shoot wide scenes.
- Travelers who love capturing places with context.
- Daily documenters who want a fast, compact go-everywhere camera.
Who Should Get the GR IIIx?
- Portrait lovers and creatives who like tighter composition.
- People shooters who want subject separation.
- Anyone who finds 28mm too wide and wants a more “normal” field of view.
Final Thoughts
The Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx are basically the same camera on the inside — fast, powerful, and compact. The only real decision comes down to the lens. Do you like it wider or tighter?
There’s no wrong choice. It’s just about your style and what subjects you love to photograph. Both cameras deliver stunning results in a tiny package. And either will make a great everyday creative tool for just about anyone.
So… 28mm or 40mm — what’s your vibe?