Ricoh Gr III Street Edition Digital Camera

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.

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.

Everyday camera

Maybe you wonder why a pocket camera if I already have a smartphone? What about an almost professional pocket camera if the new smartphone cameras are almost professional?Well, having a pocket camera always with you motivates you to take more pictures, taking it everywhere with you is the perfect excuse to take pictures of every moment of your life. and this makes you be a photographer and improve and enjoy it more. allows you to appreciate more the moments to photograph. not just selfies, screenshots or quick moments that you take with your smartphone.And having said that, what better camera than griii. a light and compact camera that fits in your pocket and with ergonomics that allows you to take pictures at any time, with comfort and quality! a camera that ... MoreMaybe you wonder why a pocket camera if I already have a smartphone? What about an almost professional pocket camera if the new smartphone cameras are almost professional?Well, having a pocket camera always with you motivates you to take more pictures, taking it everywhere with you is the perfect excuse to take pictures of every moment of your life. and this makes you be a photographer and improve and enjoy it more. allows you to appreciate more the moments to photograph. not just selfies, screenshots or quick moments that you take with your smartphone.And having said that, what better camera than griii. a light and compact camera that fits in your pocket and with ergonomics that allows you to take pictures at any time, with comfort and quality! a camera that makes you relive the photography of the past where (even though you can make all the necessary adjustments) it allows you to focus only in the instant. the body and construction of the camera is flawless. it is light but at the same time it feels solid.I love this camera and since I have it I have increased the number of photos I take every day. a habit that I had lost when using only the smartphone. This does not mean that all photos are perfect (that's the photographer's fault) but the amount of photos I take allows me to find that perfect photograph of a moment that I don't want to forget.I chose this camera over others because of its lens that is not telescopic like other cameras. It barely protrudes a bit from the body of the camera, which makes this camera a very discreet and professional equipment for street photography and everyday photos.

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.

Limited use, but does what is does very well.

I saw a lot of image from the Ricoh online and was intrigued. I’m a film shooter from way back and the images were reminiscent of pushed 35mm Tri-X.The pros: Instant on; very sharp images; good UI, if small for these old eyes. Good set of presets - esp. the B&W.Cons: No viewfinder - that is part of the design, of course, but it is very much like shooting with a smart phone; one lens - I got the 28mm equivalent version, and I could shoot with it all day, but at the price that’s limiting. Battery is teeny. Feels like a solid build - I had no issues in my 5 days using it, but folks online complain about the lens ring.So, it’s nice, but it doesn’t fit with what I want. Better than a good smart phone, but at nearly the same $$, I’d expect more.I was very happy to ... MoreI saw a lot of image from the Ricoh online and was intrigued. I’m a film shooter from way back and the images were reminiscent of pushed 35mm Tri-X.The pros: Instant on; very sharp images; good UI, if small for these old eyes. Good set of presets - esp. the B&W.Cons: No viewfinder - that is part of the design, of course, but it is very much like shooting with a smart phone; one lens - I got the 28mm equivalent version, and I could shoot with it all day, but at the price that’s limiting. Battery is teeny. Feels like a solid build - I had no issues in my 5 days using it, but folks online complain about the lens ring.So, it’s nice, but it doesn’t fit with what I want. Better than a good smart phone, but at nearly the same $$, I’d expect more.I was very happy to rent from these folks (the transactional and shipping was flawless) and I’m not suffering the buyer’s remorse I would have been had I bought it outright.

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.