Ricoh Gr III (Black)

The camera came with a start up booklet with QR codes for registration and user guides. Neither code scanned therefore l emailed Photospecialist for advice. After a few days the email was returned undelivered, hence only four stars.I am however very satisfied with the camera but due to inclement weather and work commitments I have not been able to use the camera much. I had previously been using a Panasonic TZ 70 but after several years of use I was finding that my iPhone 13 mini was taking photos that matched or bettered it. Although I am an amateur photographer taking photos for fun, with retirement pending and my partner being a serious photographer I now wish to be able to take nicer photos hence my purchase. I have since downloaded the user guide. My four ... MoreThe camera came with a start up booklet with QR codes for registration and user guides. Neither code scanned therefore l emailed Photospecialist for advice. After a few days the email was returned undelivered, hence only four stars.I am however very satisfied with the camera but due to inclement weather and work commitments I have not been able to use the camera much. I had previously been using a Panasonic TZ 70 but after several years of use I was finding that my iPhone 13 mini was taking photos that matched or bettered it. Although I am an amateur photographer taking photos for fun, with retirement pending and my partner being a serious photographer I now wish to be able to take nicer photos hence my purchase. I have since downloaded the user guide. My four stars is not for the capability of the camera just that the after sales was not as expected.

Unbelievable photos! The camera is a very small package for aps-c stabilized hardware with a decent in camera raw editor. The f2.8 seems unimpressive on paper but these optics are amazing. I had reservations about not having a flash but the low light performance is bonkers. The (P)rogram mode comes set up for automatic shooting that takes near perfect pictures in anybody's hand. The (M)anual mode can be set up to give full control. There are 3 (U)ser modes that can be set up with blended features and operating modes. This thing takes the fastest pictures out of the pocket. It's very quiet. It can be used discretely. The pictures are beautiful. The camera can be used to take professional quality photos. It feels sturdy, and the ergonomics are very good, the ... MoreUnbelievable photos! The camera is a very small package for aps-c stabilized hardware with a decent in camera raw editor. The f2.8 seems unimpressive on paper but these optics are amazing. I had reservations about not having a flash but the low light performance is bonkers. The (P)rogram mode comes set up for automatic shooting that takes near perfect pictures in anybody's hand. The (M)anual mode can be set up to give full control. There are 3 (U)ser modes that can be set up with blended features and operating modes. This thing takes the fastest pictures out of the pocket. It's very quiet. It can be used discretely. The pictures are beautiful. The camera can be used to take professional quality photos. It feels sturdy, and the ergonomics are very good, the controls are simple and minimal. The wireless connectivity is OK and offers some useful features like live view and some controls. The camera is not cheap, and neither are accessories. The camera is on the larger side of what I would consider pocketable. Not having a viewfinder is something you have to adjust to. The battery is tiny and expensive and it's life can be pretty disappointing when shooting a lot, this can be counteracted by disabling ibis and shooting with the display off when in P mode in brighter situations, otherwise carrying an extra battery on longer days can be a lifesaver. Using any wireless features will drain the battery quite a bit. Overall this camera is not perfect, however it is really the only camera that is in this category, if you want big camera hardware in your pocket, this is the closest that I can find. Ricoh put great tech into this camera.

Bad autofocus!!!

This camera would be basically perfect if the autofocus was radically faster than it is. I bought this camera because my favorite still life/architecture photographer uses it exclusively for his work, and his work is stunning, and I know from my own use that the camera is capable of taking fantastic photos, but my work is almost exclusively candid people photos at music events, and the autofocus on this camera just isn't fast/accurate enough. It would literally be worth it to me to purchase a whole new updated model (i.e. GR IV) of this camera if that camera had fast accurate autofocus. One more suggestion is it would be great if the camera's built-in microphones (for video recording) were much better than they currently are. I shot video of a band's live ... MoreThis camera would be basically perfect if the autofocus was radically faster than it is. I bought this camera because my favorite still life/architecture photographer uses it exclusively for his work, and his work is stunning, and I know from my own use that the camera is capable of taking fantastic photos, but my work is almost exclusively candid people photos at music events, and the autofocus on this camera just isn't fast/accurate enough. It would literally be worth it to me to purchase a whole new updated model (i.e. GR IV) of this camera if that camera had fast accurate autofocus. One more suggestion is it would be great if the camera's built-in microphones (for video recording) were much better than they currently are. I shot video of a band's live performance with both this camera and also my (2015) iPhone 7, and the iPhone's audio was radically better than this camera, and the iPhone's video image stabilization was also radically better than the video from the Ricoh, so the iPhone video was the keeper footage. Since it is impossible to get external audio into the Ricoh, I think the built-in mics should be semi-decent, like as good as the mics in my iPhone. In regards to the image stabilization on the Ricoh, I will say that for normal photography, it works great.

Fabulous every day camera

I purchased this a while ago on a whim, but rarely used it and let it collect dust. After moving to NYC, I took it out because I could palm it/slide it into my pocket or purse and go on walks. Eventually, I completely turned off the display and would simply point and shoot in the general direction of visually interesting things as an exercise in being more present with my surroundings. Both the color and B&W turn out quite lovely with a unique character requiring minimal editing. It is just...fun. It strips away all the complexities of my main camera for serious shooting and lets you return to the childhood/teen era of disposable cameras and taking photos just to see what will happen.Is it flawless? No. The app can be a little finicky, the autofocus struggles in ... MoreI purchased this a while ago on a whim, but rarely used it and let it collect dust. After moving to NYC, I took it out because I could palm it/slide it into my pocket or purse and go on walks. Eventually, I completely turned off the display and would simply point and shoot in the general direction of visually interesting things as an exercise in being more present with my surroundings. Both the color and B&W turn out quite lovely with a unique character requiring minimal editing. It is just...fun. It strips away all the complexities of my main camera for serious shooting and lets you return to the childhood/teen era of disposable cameras and taking photos just to see what will happen.Is it flawless? No. The app can be a little finicky, the autofocus struggles in low light, and it can be a little slippery (I got an aluminum thumb piece that slots into the hot shoe and also swapped out for a fun black and red color combo). You're not going to be shooting sports or anything super motion heavy with this unless you like a challenge, but that is what I use my Canon for.This camera went from being a waste of money to something I rarely leave home without. It brings me so much joy when I review the random photos I've acquired throughout the day and has led me to view my lived environment in a new light.

GRIII (Not X) Great camera, but...

So just a few words about the camera, and then a few words about why and what this camera is (for me anyway).I have a lot of cameras of all sorts, big and little, film and digital. None of them fit in my pocket, but the GRIII does. None of them provide a zero stress or impromptu ability to take pictures no matter where or what I am doing like the GRIII. Even if I am out with one of my interchangeable lens cameras, I keep this in my front pocket and sometimes I'll pull this instead of the big camera. I will however just take this camera out as a primary, or not even expecting to take pictures. Its small, its super easy.I like the images that come out and it is as close to a zero learning curve camera that I have used. I recommend it.Ok what is this camera. Well ... MoreSo just a few words about the camera, and then a few words about why and what this camera is (for me anyway).I have a lot of cameras of all sorts, big and little, film and digital. None of them fit in my pocket, but the GRIII does. None of them provide a zero stress or impromptu ability to take pictures no matter where or what I am doing like the GRIII. Even if I am out with one of my interchangeable lens cameras, I keep this in my front pocket and sometimes I'll pull this instead of the big camera. I will however just take this camera out as a primary, or not even expecting to take pictures. Its small, its super easy.I like the images that come out and it is as close to a zero learning curve camera that I have used. I recommend it.Ok what is this camera. Well I wouldn't compare this to a DSLR or mirrorless regardless of sensor size. That's not what this camera really competes against. I almost wouldn't even compare this to the Fuji X100V or Leica Q2 (I also have them) even though they are basically the same camera type. I would say this is a camera for either experienced OR beginner photographers who want something a little better and more engaging than a cell phone. You can get great photos with cell phones and you can get great photos with the GRIII, but the GRIII has that pull like only a camera has to make you want to take a photo. Consider composition and what is in frame, what are the settings, etc... Where as a cell phone camera is just Hey let me take a snap of this. But it just isn't really engaging, the GRIII is for me.The only negative: The button that unlocks the top selector dial easily gets pressed while its going in or out of my pocket and the dial turns. So I have to check the mode I'm in before I start shooting, which I forget a lot. Small but sometimes annoying inconvenience.

Great street photography camera

Had this for 6 months now, i carry it in my daypack all the time. The image quality is superb, i shoot in BNW raw+jpeg, you can still get the colour image from the raw if you wish.It does fit in a pocket, the battery lasts about 150 shots, but it's tiny so no problems carrying a spare if out for the day. There is no built in flash but there is a shoe so an external can be used.Macros come out surprisingly good, as long as you are shooting a static subject. The autofocus is slow, and a bit dimwitted. So you do take quite a few photos and delete most.Overall, a great little camera, with a large sensor, good lens, easy to use, good build quality. Best used for static subjects.

My Little Joy

I carry the GRIII + extra battery in a belt pouch. Interesting photo opportunities appear daily, if you look, and with the RAW file I can go to Lightroom and get spectacular results. Can't do that with iPhone. Super sharp, unobtrusive (I can pull it out in public spaces and people don't get freaked out). It has been to many countries, beaches, mountains, hiking in the rain, dropped several times (in the belt pouch), and it survives. The pouch also protects against dust. No, it won't perform on the par with a bigger camera, but my bigger camera almost never goes out of the house, or on trips. This one is always there. And if I prop it on a rock, or against a tree, the IS even permits long exposures of moving water (example photo attached, camera propped up on my fist ... MoreI carry the GRIII + extra battery in a belt pouch. Interesting photo opportunities appear daily, if you look, and with the RAW file I can go to Lightroom and get spectacular results. Can't do that with iPhone. Super sharp, unobtrusive (I can pull it out in public spaces and people don't get freaked out). It has been to many countries, beaches, mountains, hiking in the rain, dropped several times (in the belt pouch), and it survives. The pouch also protects against dust. No, it won't perform on the par with a bigger camera, but my bigger camera almost never goes out of the house, or on trips. This one is always there. And if I prop it on a rock, or against a tree, the IS even permits long exposures of moving water (example photo attached, camera propped up on my fist resting on a branch). True, absent a tripod I need to take the shot a couple of times, but when a photo presents itself, this little camera can do an amazing job if you know what you're doing. I really do have tons of beautiful photos, all because the GR goes with me, and most places I can use it almost unnoticed. I always shoot RAW.

My Ricoh GRIII

I'm really enjoying getting to know my new Ricoh camera. As a photographer used to using a viewfinder I also purchased the GV-2 viewfinder which for what it is, ridiculously expensive. I may have saved if I'd bought the previous model ? It's just a viewfinder, it presents no information i.e. no interface.As usual these days the manual has to be downloaded. Personally I prefer a paper manual as I like to constantly refer to it usually relaxing with a cup of tea. Some of the settings I'm not finding easy and I'm finding the manual not too explanatory e.g. I'm struggling to understand the display information setting on page 57 ? It has three columns to set on or off but it's not easy to determine what those settings represent ?It's a lovely camera and for it's price ... MoreI'm really enjoying getting to know my new Ricoh camera. As a photographer used to using a viewfinder I also purchased the GV-2 viewfinder which for what it is, ridiculously expensive. I may have saved if I'd bought the previous model ? It's just a viewfinder, it presents no information i.e. no interface.As usual these days the manual has to be downloaded. Personally I prefer a paper manual as I like to constantly refer to it usually relaxing with a cup of tea. Some of the settings I'm not finding easy and I'm finding the manual not too explanatory e.g. I'm struggling to understand the display information setting on page 57 ? It has three columns to set on or off but it's not easy to determine what those settings represent ?It's a lovely camera and for it's price has all the functionality I would expect. I think Ricoh could do a little better with attention to detail on some of the above crits ?ThanksAndy G

What's there to say that hasn't been said??

Well, this is a well publicized, and highly coveted P&S camera well covered in the photo press, YT, IG, and more. So, what could I possibly add?I wanted so badly to not like this camera, so much in fact I rented one to take on a long overdue visit to NYC last fall, hoping I would not be taken in by it's unique "X factor". Well, I was. So much so, with a rented GR III in my pocket, I visited BH Photo and shopped the GRIII vs the GRIIIX and due to my indecision between them I left BH with only the same rented GRIII I walked in with.Fast forward some 7 months, and my "crush" on this unique camera never waned, and NOW....longtime out-of-stock situations at BH, and everywhere else. Having gained matrimonial (CFO) approval I added my name to the BH "notify me" list ... MoreWell, this is a well publicized, and highly coveted P&S camera well covered in the photo press, YT, IG, and more. So, what could I possibly add?I wanted so badly to not like this camera, so much in fact I rented one to take on a long overdue visit to NYC last fall, hoping I would not be taken in by it's unique "X factor". Well, I was. So much so, with a rented GR III in my pocket, I visited BH Photo and shopped the GRIII vs the GRIIIX and due to my indecision between them I left BH with only the same rented GRIII I walked in with.Fast forward some 7 months, and my "crush" on this unique camera never waned, and NOW....longtime out-of-stock situations at BH, and everywhere else. Having gained matrimonial (CFO) approval I added my name to the BH "notify me" list and as soon as these (GRIII....28 mm equiv version, decision made!) became I ordered one and it's here, and I'm ready to shoot with it.I mainly shoot wildlife....so this is a camera that wont be used within my normal use-case, but rather for travel (like the one I rented last fall) and as a daily or near daily carry on my bicycle rides, day trips NOT involving birding or wildlife, and family get togethers.The Ricoh GR series, despite some baked in shortcomings like lack of EVF or flash, no weather seal etc, is a fun shooter which can deliver amazing images and juicy raw files.As far as BH goes? They rock. Never an issue, ever.And Im glad I've been inside of their store so I know exactly where my GR III came from, despite me not buying it in person there last fall. It was still an amazing stop on my trip to NYC.So, if you're on-the-fence re a Ricoh GR, go to BH and try one in their showroom, and if thats not a possibility rent one from a camera rental service, and then when you love it....order from BH.

surprisingly easy to use and very intuitive

Surprisingly similar to a Nikon DSLR layout in terms of buttons dials etc as well as User Interface. Amazing that they packed it in such a small shape. Yes batt life is similar to all mirrorless, display intensive design. Also LR is a great service. I also use BL and LR has more variety than them. Shipping forth and back was a breeze. I called ahead and Customer service suggested that I pick up at FedEx location instead of home address due to their signature required policy. Also, I extended my rental half way through to get more time on the equip. Definitely NOT the way to go as they explained. It's best to rental longer and return early, but I was happy to be able to get another weekend of use, which was very informative. Overall, a great experience with equipment ... MoreSurprisingly similar to a Nikon DSLR layout in terms of buttons dials etc as well as User Interface. Amazing that they packed it in such a small shape. Yes batt life is similar to all mirrorless, display intensive design. Also LR is a great service. I also use BL and LR has more variety than them. Shipping forth and back was a breeze. I called ahead and Customer service suggested that I pick up at FedEx location instead of home address due to their signature required policy. Also, I extended my rental half way through to get more time on the equip. Definitely NOT the way to go as they explained. It's best to rental longer and return early, but I was happy to be able to get another weekend of use, which was very informative. Overall, a great experience with equipment and service.