When it comes to compact cameras that pack a punch, the Ricoh GR series stands out as a favourite among street photographers and enthusiasts alike. The GR IIIx, launched in September 2021, takes the compact powerhouse formula and adds a bit more reach with a 40mm equivalent lens. It's not just an incremental upgrade from the GR III; it's a refined tool that offers photographers a different perspective. With a larger sensor than most compacts and a design focused on simplicity and performance, the GR IIIx is poised to impress anyone who needs a camera that delivers professional-quality images in a form factor that can slip into a jacket pocket.
Often dubbed a strong alternative to the Fujifilm X100VI, the GR IIIx boasts a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor, which you'd find in much larger mirrorless cameras. Paired with the 40mm f/2.8 lens, this camera captures sharp, detailed images with stunning colour reproduction. Ricoh also has built-in advanced features such as a 3-axis image stabilisation system and a built-in 2-stop neutral density (ND) filter, giving photographers the flexibility to shoot in bright conditions without compromising exposure or image quality. For street photographers, landscape enthusiasts, or anyone who values portability without sacrificing image quality, the GR IIIx offers a beautiful package at a more affordable price point than the Fujifilm X100VI.
Designed for the everyday photographer
The Ricoh GR IIIx continues the GR series' understated, minimalist design tradition. At first glance, it's a compact, all-black camera that could easily be mistaken for a point-and-shoot. However, once you hold it, you can immediately feel the premium build quality. Constructed from magnesium alloy, the GR IIIx feels sturdy and durable, yet it's incredibly lightweight at just 262 grams. This balance between heft and portability is ideal for long shooting sessions where comfort and ease of use are key.
Aesthetic simplicity is one of the GR IIIx's defining features. There are no unnecessary buttons or bulky attachments; it has a carefully thought-out layout. The grip is textured for security, even with one-handed use, and the overall dimensions allow it to sit comfortably in your hand. The button placement is intuitive, with essential controls like the mode dial, shutter release, and AF lever within easy reach. The camera doesn't have a joystick, but the touch-sensitive rear LCD makes it easy to move the focus point or adjust settings on the go.
In terms of connectivity, the GR IIIx includes USB Type-C for charging and data transfer, keeping pace with modern expectations. However, it lacks a traditional HDMI port, meaning you'll need an adapter for external display connections. The lack of a viewfinder and articulating screen may bother some photographers, but this design choice further emphasises the camera's streamlined, no-fuss approach. The GR IIIx is a camera built for simplicity, allowing you to focus entirely on your subject rather than fiddling with settings.
Despite its small size, the controls are robust. You'll find two control dials, one on the top and one at the back, making manual adjustments like exposure compensation or ISO changes seamless. Additionally, there are customisable buttons, including a function button and the ADJ lever, which can be tailored to your preferred shooting style. For photographers who want full creative control, the GR IIIx offers enough flexibility without over-complicating the experience.
Real-world performance: Capturing life's moments
In the field, the Ricoh GR IIIx excels in the genres it's designed for, particularly street and travel photography. The 40mm equivalent lens offers a natural field of view ideal for capturing moments as they unfold, giving your images an intimate feel without distorting perspective. The compact body and quick start-up time ensure you never miss a shot. One real-world experience that stands out is the Full Press Snap feature, which lets you capture a shot instantly at a preset focus distance by fully pressing the shutter. This feature eliminates the focusing lag, which is perfect for high-paced street scenes where timing is everything.
The hybrid autofocus system performs adequately in most lighting conditions, combining phase and contrast detection. However, it's not built for fast-moving subjects. During a test shoot at a bustling market, the autofocus locked on quickly to still or slow-moving subjects, but it struggled slightly with rapid movement. In low light, the autofocus system requires some patience, occasionally hunting for focus, especially in dimly lit environments. Still, the GR IIIx shines when used in more controlled settings where you can take your time framing and focusing.
One of the GR IIIx's standout features is its three-axis in-body image stabilisation. During a low-light shoot at ISO 3200, we could hand-hold the camera at a slower shutter speed, around 1/15 sec, without any noticeable camera shake. This stabilisation is especially handy for night photography or when shooting indoors without a tripod. The built-in ND filter is also a pleasant surprise, allowing for long exposures even in bright conditions, such as capturing smooth water flow during daylight hours.
The camera's processing power is driven by the GR Engine 6, which ensures quick image processing and efficient power management. Whether you're shooting RAW or JPEG, the camera's buffer holds up well, though it's not designed for high-speed continuous shooting. With only 4 frames per second in burst mode, the GR IIIx isn't meant for sports or action photography, but its performance is more than satisfactory for street, landscape, or portrait work.
Portability without compromise
The Ricoh GR IIIx is all about mobility, making it a prime choice for photographers who are constantly on the move. Its compact size and light weight allow you to carry it effortlessly, whether in your pocket or a small bag. During a city walk or while travelling, the camera's size never feels like a burden, encouraging you to bring it along everywhere. Unlike larger cameras, which can weigh you down, the GR IIIx feels like a natural extension of your daily routine, always ready for spontaneous shots.
Additionally, there's no lens cap to fiddle with, as the lens retracts into the body and is protected by a built-in lens barrier. This simple design feature is perfect for travel and street photography, where quick access is essential.
While the camera's compactness is a boon, it's worth mentioning the battery life as a potential downside for long outings. The GR IIIx offers roughly 200 shots per charge, which may be limiting if you're shooting all day. On the plus side, charging via USB Type-C is convenient, allowing you to use a power bank when you're on the go, which offsets the limited battery somewhat.
Its built-in wireless connectivity adds to its mobility advantages. You can easily transfer images to your smartphone for instant sharing on social media or remote shooting via the Ricoh app. Whether you're travelling, hiking, or just out for a walk, the GR IIIx lets you capture and share moments effortlessly, without the hassle of carrying heavy equipment or stopping to process photos.
A masterpiece in image quality
The Ricoh GR IIIx consistently delivers high-quality images, thanks to its 24.2 MP APS-C sensor, which is rare for a camera this compact. The combination of the large sensor and fixed 40mm equivalent f/2.8 lens produces sharp, detailed images with excellent dynamic range. During a test shoot on a bright, sunny day, the camera handled highlights and shadows with ease, maintaining a great balance of detail across the frame. Colours are vibrant yet natural, and even straight-out-of-camera JPEGs look impressive without much need for post-processing.
Shooting indoors or in low light is where the GR IIIx really proves its worth. The wide aperture of f/2.8 allows for beautiful bokeh, making your subjects stand out against softly blurred backgrounds. During a portrait session, the GR IIIx produced clean, sharp results with no noticeable chromatic aberration or fringing around the edges. Additionally, its high ISO performance is commendable, allowing you to shoot at ISO 6400 or higher without excessive noise. While some grain is present at these higher ISOs, it's the kind of grain that adds character rather than detracts from the image quality.
For those who like to edit their photos, the GR IIIx supports 14-bit RAW files, offering extensive flexibility in post-processing. Even in challenging lighting conditions, such as backlit scenes, the GR IIIx's sensor captured a surprising amount of detail that could be brought out later in editing.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the GR IIIx is its rich set of in-camera film simulations and colour modes, such as the “Positive Film” or “Hi-Contrast B&W” modes. These allow you to experiment with different looks straight in-camera, without the need for filters or extensive editing. Whether you prefer vivid, punchy colours or moody monochrome shots, the GR IIIx gives you the tools to craft images that match your vision.
The verdict: Ricoh GR IIIx
The Ricoh GR IIIx is a compact powerhouse that excels in street and travel photography, perfectly balancing portability and performance. With its 40mm equivalent lens, APS-C sensor, and intuitive design, it delivers stunning image quality in an easy-to-carry and use form factor. However, its limitations—such as the lack of a viewfinder, short battery life, and slower autofocus for fast action—mean it's not the best choice for every type of photography.
For photographers who prioritise ease of use, image quality, and portability, the GR IIIx is an exceptional choice. It may not be as versatile as the Fujifilm X100V, but for those who focus on street and landscape shots, it offers a minimalist yet powerful tool that's ready when you need it.
