Ricoh Gr III x

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.

A disappointing experience

There's a lot of buzz around this camera with many photographers swearing by it. I even know some of them and like the work that they do with it. This is why when I was looking for a small lightweight camera, I hoped the GR III would be a great companion to my heavy Canon D6 II.Much to my delight the camera is indeed small and fits nicely in my jeans pocket but after a few weeks of using it, unfortunately that is the major plus I see in it.I encountered my first disappointment on the second day of use when the battery died. I didn't even get to shoot the 200 shots promised in the specs. I had read bad reviews about the battery life so the display was off most of the time to conserve the battery. I usually shoot from the hip without using the screen so in that ... MoreThere's a lot of buzz around this camera with many photographers swearing by it. I even know some of them and like the work that they do with it. This is why when I was looking for a small lightweight camera, I hoped the GR III would be a great companion to my heavy Canon D6 II.Much to my delight the camera is indeed small and fits nicely in my jeans pocket but after a few weeks of using it, unfortunately that is the major plus I see in it.I encountered my first disappointment on the second day of use when the battery died. I didn't even get to shoot the 200 shots promised in the specs. I had read bad reviews about the battery life so the display was off most of the time to conserve the battery. I usually shoot from the hip without using the screen so in that respect it was not a problem, but for a camera without a viewfinder having to keep the display off is a big minus. I have since started to keep track of the number of images each battery cycle provides and I have yet to get close to 200 shots.I found image quality to be good in bright sunlight but really deteriorating in the shade / cloudy conditionsI was considering returning it but have decided to keep it for those occasions when carrying a regular camera is inconvenient or less appropriate. Bottom line it, is quite an expensive camera considering its limitations.

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.

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.

I adore this camera

I spent a lot of time agonizing over 28mm vs 40mm and opted for the GR3. Part of that was this package deal included a backup battery and SD card, and of course the street edition version of the GR3. I love the textured/anodized finish and for those wary of the bright yellow, it also comes with a black ring. The case is nothing to write home about but it serves its purpose and the camera fits easily into it.As for the camera itself, it is everything I was hoping it would be. Sharp lens with large aps-c sensor that fits in your pocket. It can be taken anywhere without being cumbersome. If you're looking for something that you can have on you at all times don't hesitate to get this!

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.

Near perfect Point & Shoot

The near perfect GR III is most likely the best over all P&S camera on the market currently. From its small size to snappy operation, it's high quality lens for extremely sharp photos, to its baked in JPEG recipes, the GR is your best bet for hitting the street or whatever you find yourself wanting to photograph. I highly recommend this beast of a camera. A few features would bring this camera to the tip top like a flip up screen and better battery life and not to mention the fact that this camera isn't weather sealed. At its price point be sure you understand what it is you need or are getting yourself into. Because of its fixed lens focal it leads to many adventure rather than just walk up and zoom.

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.