Ricoh GR III - My Thoughts After 5,000 Photos
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2022
- Check out the print review of the GR III on my website: www.lukeptaylor.com/
Ricoh GR III - amzn.to/3DZBfgC
Ricoh GR IIIx - amzn.to/3UFhy49
A few months back, I purchased a used Ricoh GR III as a memory capturing device. I almost passed on the camera because of its boring design, but I'm glad I didn't because it's prowess at picture making has made me fall in love with it.
#griii #ricohgriii #ricohgr
I'm a GR user. I've watched a lot of reviews and other footage and this is one of the all around best versions. Good job.
Boring design? 😂 It’s an industrial minimalist beauty. It has a lot in common with the Leica style which are in essence, black boxes. It’s a tool.
Ha! A lot in common with a leica??? Yea right. Leicas have a red dot. I mean come on. 🤣
Looks like shit
@@Randuskithere's a reason that they used to paint over the circle on request from Leica sponsored photographers.
@@medes5597 remember all those tech devices in the 90's that were see through neon colours? if my camera doesn't look like that, I'm not interested. 🤣
I had to reply comparing a Leica to Ricoh is like comparing a statue to a stone.
This is the best review I saw of the GR3. Honest, objective, in-depth enough. Thank you very much!
Thanks, M KAB
The camera is made of magnesium alloy, which is extremely sturdy, but also light. This is why some users don't perceive it as rugged. Very nice thoughts video, by the way, an honest personal view, but also impartial in a way. I had to smile during the video part. You put the deficiency in a nice way. I just missed mentioning the IBIS, which is very helpful in indoor locations.
Excellent review
I have been using mine with a little pentax off camera flash with a
diffuser, in daylight situations. The leaf shutter syncs at any speed and gives a wonderful unique look to the images.
I’m waiting for my GR. I appreciate your thoughts. Thank you for the video.
Nice work, nice photos. I'm glad I found you early so I can see the GLOW UP! Great quality video and editing here, I wish you all the success!
Hey, thank you so much for your kind words!
Hi Luke. Thanks for sharing your well thought out opinion. I agree with you and would like to add the built-in ND filter, lack of a view finder, and fully touch screen are some of my favorite features of this camera. Cheers from the Cascade Mountains, WA!
Great to listen to a review that talks about how one will actually use the camera. I’ve thought about the Sony RX100 from time to time, but the image I have of myself using it always includes people parting on all sides as I squint and stop in my tracks and try to remember the menus and technology to capture a shot that is long gone. 😢
Haha yes I've definitely felt that way. I still have a rx100 and its great for a lot of reasons. I usually keep mine in fully automatic mode and use it just for quick snapshots and memories.
Great photos and review. Thanks
Great video, man. I love how you don't get lost in specs - you gave us real life reasons why
Great post I was on the fence thank you I will be making my purchase.
Thanks for that. The best layman's speak review I've seen on this little guy. No wonder they blinged it up with the special edition ring colour and matching strap. Will have to hold one to feel this build quality you speak of I guess.
Thank you! You convinced me. I have thinking about the GR III for awhile. I want to use it as a companion to my Fuji xpro 3
Great review from user point of view. You have a very relaxed prevention style and presence. Keep up the good work and you subs will grow,
Very insightful, thanks!
Good review. Thanks.
Useful summary, thanks for the effort.
Thanks, Medwyn!
thanks for your review. Love your integrity.
Thanks, Kurt!
this review has so much chill.. really enjoyed listening to your thoughts! :-)
Thanks, Beni!
Great points and btw - excellent video quality too!
Excellent, well balanced review - Thanks - Peter
Thanks, Peter
Finally a new TH-camr
Thanks so much for watching and for the kind words
Great video, I’ve subscribed and look forward to more content
VERY WELL DONE! I was shocked by the quality of this video.
Great review, thank you! :)
Excellent review on usability point of view instead of camera’s technical capabilities 👍👍👍
Thanks Sonny, that's what I was going for :)
Dude, this is the best review of this camera I’ve seen. Such a fantastic job.
Thanks so much Michael!
Great review! Thanks!
Thanks Deb!
Enjoyed the review a lot. Keep up the great work.
Thanks, Van!
Very informative and witty and well presented. And you take good photos too.
Thanks, Andrew! Appreciate it.
Great review. Really helps.
Great reflection on the GRIII. Your thoughts mirror my experience with it, as well. Thanks for putting this together and sharing it. I find this format more valuable than gear reviews as living with gear and your workflow is certainly different than the first reactions.
I went from interchangeable lens kits APS-C > M43d's > the RX1 when it launched and have been using the RX1 exclusively since 2012 (now carrying the RX1rII). In a recent trip abroad, I ran with my RX1 and the Ricoh GRIII. Towards the end of the trip, I had shot the bulk of what I wanted to cover and wanted to lose the bag while just enjoying the city. The RX1 was left in the Airbnb and the GRIII stayed in my pocket for the last days. Due to how quickly I could access and shoot with the GRIII, I shot about 50% more shots with the GRIII.
Handling the little cam got to be so second nature that I could do everything I needed to take the shots I wanted with one hand. The wrist strap that I put on actually became superfluous as I was fully confident in handling it and not dropping it.
Now, going through the post process, I am really happy with the results. No, it's not par with the RX1rII shots, but are the GRIII shots perfectly usable even at large scale? Yes. -even when shooting high ISO? Yes. Is there plenty of latitude to create the compositions I want after (sometimes dramatically) manipulating the shadows and highlights? Yes.
I'm now actually pondering whether I get the GRIIIx and sell my RX1rII. Would I miss that Sonnar lens and 40MP for crop-ins? …perhaps.
…and you're right. The speed of use is about as fast as needed. Pulling it out of pocket-hitting that on switch in the process of extraction-and by the time I have the little camera raised to take the shot, it's on and ready. Framing and firing happens just a moment later and it's back in my pocket powered off.
What a piece of kit. It just took me too many years to get around to trying it.
Great video, again! 🍻
That was a wonderful video presentation 😊
thanks for these thoughts !!
Excellent, honest review - thanks
Thanks, Peter
Superb, clear-sighted review.
Thank you!
I love this camera. I don't however put it directly into my pocket - a dust risk. I use a thin case. I also have a cap that snugly covers the lens. Three years no dust.
Which products are those?
Cheers!
I wish I had the patience to be as careful as you. I haven't experienced the dust problem yet, but I may regret the pocket carry idea if I ever do. Glad you've got three good years out of yours.
Thank you big man! About to buy one 👊
@@JamesDBuzzard Awesome! You'll love it!
excellent review, tnx
Thank you!
I've had one for 12 months and love it and it goes everywhere with me, even to the pub, i dont put it in my pocket as i have a belt pouch it goes in
I was in the kitchen and my YT was in autoplay mode.I thought I was listening to Chris Nicholls of DP Review. Love your perspective and your personality. Great review though. Can't believe you only have 196 subscribers. Now you got one! SUBBED. Keep it up!
haha thanks! One day I aspire to be like the great Chris Nicholls 🤣
@@LukeTaylorPhotography OMG! I thought the same. I was surprised! You really sounded like Chris Nicholls! You made me wanna buy this camera. Great review! Subbed!
Just a great review from the heart...
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I really appreciate that .-)
No problem!
Hey man, i really liked the pics from my homeland. It's always nice to see those mountains and beaches in the eyes of foreigners, it gives you a new perspective and makes you appreciate it all more.
Personally, I love the GR and have been trying to grab one for some time now. But the prices have gone up ridiculously, even for the second hand ones, especially for the mark ii, my favourite one. I have seen it listed for even more than the mark iii.
Hi Luke and thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts and emotions on GR III. I got mine a day ago. The Control dial (the rotating wheel) on my Ricoh copy feels and looks quite wobbly. I wonder whether the Control Dial on your Ricoh copy was also wobbly from the very beginning and if it has gone wilder after your "5000 Photos". Thanks a lot one more time!
Nice video, beautiful images!👍👏👏👏
Are the images displayed edited with in camera pre sets or exported to and edited with LR?
Great review. Perfect for me when mention Sony. I just ordered one and plan to compare it with the ZV E10. New sub!
Nice review! Do you use any of the preset color modes? Any good?
Great video! By the way what kind of bag is that you’re using?
I've had mine for about 2 years, and for me it's been almost perfect. I keep being impressed with the image quality, and I find using it a lot of fun. I don't do video, and 28mm is my favourite focal length. I was thinking the other day about what would make this camera perfect, for me at least, and I can only think of two things: one is being able to import images to Lightroom directly over USB so I don't need a card reader, and the other is weather sealing.
@Willem: I don't understand, could you explain? Of course you can connect the GR III via USB to your Computer or even iPad and directly import the images to Lightroom. That has always been possible, even with the GR I from 2013. My SD Card gets inserted in the camera and stays there forever, I find it way too fiddly to get it in and out all the time.
@@andreas.farsch Wow, all this time I thought it wasn't possible, because it never worked for me. Just tried again, and it didn't work at first, until I tried with a different cable, and then it worked! I wouldn't have tried this again if it wasn't for your comment, so thank you for "adding this feature to my camera" :D
@@wkjagt Great! Sometimes it's the small things that make a difference. I'm happy that you can enjoy your GR III even more now. 😀
@@wkjagt interesting I wonder if this works with my Fujis with USB… I always use a card reader lol
Have you had any issues with dust?
Great video 🙌 I’m thinking of buying Ricoh gr iii
Thanks! I'm sure you'll like it if you try it.
I had a GR2, but found my thumb was always on the exposure compensation button and I was under exposing by as much as three stops. I sold it and bought a Fuji FX10. Fine, except that I didn’t use it much. Instead I use LUMIX LX10, LUMIX LX100, and Olympus E-PL7. These three have the zoom length I generally use, and the LX10 has the advantage of no lens cap to misplace. Granted it’s only 12MP, but that’s plenty. Twenty years ago I toured the UK and Ireland with a 2 MP Canon Elph.
I've been in places where I was stopped from taking pictures, while everybody around me was taking shots with their cell phones: because I was using an SLR style of camera. Using a GR is like using a cell phone, and you get left alone. It seems to just disappear. Nobody pays any attention to you, which is how I like it. That's why it's the perfect walk-around camera and street camera. You leave your camera bag at home and just go out and have fun on the street.
Fantastic review👍🏾 I do alot of street photography and like you I dont like to be in peoples faces when doing it. I like to blend in and capture those 'honest' moments. If I ever get the chance and the cash, will definitely get it. 👍🏾
Thanks! I definitely cringed when I bought it... Spending $650 on a tiny camera was hard to swallow, but in the end, i'm glad I purchased it
Thanks Luke, enjoyed your thoughts on this camera. I have the Sony RX100 V for travel but I want a larger sensor for better quality images. I think you have sold me on this camera for travel:)
You nailed it mate!
I love the color pallet for that last photo of the ship Galaxy! Is that your Candy Color 400 recipe?
This is a great review.
Totally agreed, I'm really fan of my GRIII and later I've bought the GRIIIx and I think it's better for me. Really good camera, really pocketable and really sharp image. Really a must have and I don't regret to have both of them 🥰
I've been tempted towards the GRIIIx. I typically shoot a bit more telephoto and I'm thinking the GRIIIx might be something I really like. Glad you are enjoying yours.
GR III was my first GR. As huge a fan of 40mm going back to my film days (Olympus OM, a few rangefinders, etc) I also bought a IIIx and now shoot it instead almost all of the time. Nice to still have the III as well on occasion.
Keep doing GR videos!
One thing - the Richie recipes are created for daylight. Try switching WB to an auto setting that you have setup to go with the feel of the recipe in other conditions. For example, with a warmer recipe I’ll switch from its default daylight-tuned WB to Auto WB that I’ve tweaked to be warm to A6 or something. Now they will still lean warm but won’t look so “yellow of death” in tungsten lighting. 😂
I’m in the fence about getting one for my own, but you’ve made me lean more toward getting it than before I watched your video… 😅
I actually love the look of it. I love how under the radar it is, like a sleeper car.
Fuji X100V also has this snap focus feature. Your video is so cool! thanks
I didn't know that about the x100v. That's awesome. I would like to try that camera but they are always out of stock lol.
@@LukeTaylorPhotography I bought it in january and I am in love. I also thought about Ricoh and I think both are great cameras. Once you try Fuji, you wont miss any other brand lol. Your content is superb
Great video what would you reccomend tho this or fuji x100v?
While I own an X100V and love the classic retro design, I also really like the minimalist design of the GR cameras. My GRII is still my everyday camera.
That's a really nice video. I really like the idea of the GR but I was a bit put off by the stories of dust on the sensor and the wobbly back dial. You didn't mention these issues so does that mean all is well with your GR?
Dust on the sensor is a deal breaker. I had two of these Ricoh's - dust started showing up on them within 1-2 months. No way to clean it, no way to deal with it. It was infuriating. If they can solve that one thing, it would be the perfect camera, but they have not - and I can't see why, because this was well documented from previous generations. So frustrating.
Have mine in my pocket daily, just in case. Great for noting an image I can come back to with my larger film kit to take more time on the image.
Hi Luke! What would you choose for typical landscape photography as for a B camera (landscapes are not my priority!) GM1 with 12-32mm for 350$, or a GRIII for 1100$? I shoot a wild photography at my SEL200600G from Sony, so I just need something better than any phone with 24-70 equivalents, if you get me.. Spring is coming and I don't want to miss it! 😅 I got used to shoot with phone wide lenses. Once I bought 85 mm (equiv. ~125 mm) to my a6400, I was not enjoying it at all though good photos I could sell... Like... over 70 mm is too much of perspective lose for me.
would love to hear your thoughts on the GR IIIx if you can get a hold of one!
If they bought out a mark 4 with a few improvements id be in. The design is actually the main reason I would buy it. It is so sleek and pocketable. Would be just great to carry with you in your pocket when you cant be bothered carrying your "real" camera.
Great video!!!!
If you're a street photographer, which is what it's built for, having a flashy camera is the last thing you want. Understated, and no one wants to steal it from you, cause its a " shitty point n shoot"
I had the X100T and never thought of it as being particularly big but once I put the two cameras side by side the difference was astounding. No regrets picking up the Ricoh, the image quality is miles ahead and I sold the X100 (plus some other gear) two weeks later which according to girl math made my purchase almost free
I like that tye of math - wise to use that format when it comes to photography. ;)
I have a x100v and the XT5 I just bought the RICOH GRIII and I dont think its boring at all, I bought the squarehood and it looks beautiful on there
I felt the same way about the GR it was a boring looking tool and didn’t excite me, but the specs were amazing for the form factor and what I needed. After awhile I sold it. Immediately regretted selling it, so last night after 5 months of regret bought another one.
The first point you made is interesting to me since I'm on the exact opposite side of the fence. I love the style and aesthetics of the GR III. And that's coming from someone who just switched from Leica Q. Don't get me wrong, I loved my Q, but Ricoh definitely has its own character - has that oomph ;)
At the end of the day, it's very subjective.
Ricoh is so sexy, I actually dig the look
what system were you using for video? it wasn't documented. I enjoyed the video.
I think I'm changing my mind with thinking of purchasing the Fuji 100V.
I thought about buying the x100v, but I couldn't find one in stock at the time, and now the prices are sky high
Off topic - but what camera did you use for this video? Great review ever!
Hey! I filmed this on a Olympus e-m1 mark ii and the 12-60 lumix lens
good job. i love mine. i like boring but minimalist design, and ergonomics is the key for me, and this is unbeatable for that. my main gripe is the battery, but really, 200 photos is sufficient for me per session. weather-proofing would be nice--i do not use it when it's raining, and i would like to. but that's it, otherwise it is perfect for me. i just shoot urban shapes/geometry and light/shadow in nyc, and it kicks ass for me.
The mom part made me definitely consider a Ricoh :)
I just got one and it was a similar situation. Not my primary camera and got a decent deal. The image quality is clearly better than a phone, but the focal range is similar. Still undecided if I’ll keep it, but I do see the appeal.
How are you exactly me? You think the same way... and you use the same gear I use! LOL. I am an Olympus fan and have been considering the Leica Q2 or a Leica M body just because it's sexy but the Ricoh GR III or IIIx are the cameras that make the most sense. Amazing review! Also a believer! Awesome!
Dave, It's clear that we are twins separated at birth, or perhaps triplets and one is still missing. Glad TH-cam has brought us together. I would love to try out the GRIIIx. They are a bit difficult to come by here in Albania lol.
You’ve said it all.
Every now and then I think about selling my Ricoh GRII.
It has a built in Flash, which the GRIII does not.
I’d would like to have instead, a view finder.
That’s why I prefer to shoot with my X100F. The viewfinder makes the experience thousand times better IMO.
Good video, bro! Cheers!
I was saving up for one of these for a few months, but having seen them in the flesh they aren't exactly what I could call pocketable - the size is definitely a dealbreaker depending on what your use case is. I like the idea of a pocketable camera with an APSC sensor - but this (and the LX100) are more "bagable".
I already have a Sony A6000 and that (with a pancake lens or even the kit lens) is equally baggable without any of the compromises (no viewfinder, fixed focal length etc.). I find the micro 4/3 compact cameras have the same issue - they aren't any more compact or portable than an interchangeable lens APSC mirrorless and aren't really any cheaper.
Ended up getting myself a cheap RX100 iv second hand and spending what's left over on a new lens - couldn't be happier as I can actually put that in my jacket/jean pockets + it has a viewfinder & flash.
Until miniaturisation catches up, the 1" sensor format is IMHO still the best compromise between quality/portability for an actually pocketable camera.
I agree with you, thank you for the honest review! But, there is one big issue and that is the biggest weakness of this camera: the battery life!!! That tiny battery is quite ridiculous. Youu should have mention it. Your review is still a good one, I subscribed to your channel.
Yes, valid point. The battery life certainly isn't the best, but I suppose that was a necessary compromise to keep the camera small. With my shooting style, I can typically make the battery last a few days, but I definitely feel your pain whenever I take it on vacation and have more than the usual amount of photos to take.
How have you found the dust issue? I just bought the Diary Edition and considering returning it.
Definitely a black box of photography perfection
Coolest design ever!
Glad you like it
im really struggling to find me a camera for my daily needs. your video might have helped me. it light, pocketable, good quality shots, film sims (i think?). its something to stand under the radar when in public. the only thing im missing is a build in view finder.
Can you compare all pocket point and shoot cameras? Or at least Panasonic ZS200
In my humble opinion, a minimalist classic.
Indeed!
Excellent review, I love my fujifilm camera's, But I find myself using the ricoh GR III the most for walking around the street. Thanks for sharing.
It looks amazing and it’s only surpassed by the street edition.
Nice honest review - I shoot with a GR3x and also have am em5.3 for video and backup when weather is real bad. Agree on all points - cheers - if another GR comes out and had a bit better video I think that might push me to upgrade - but aside from that I also am really happy with it after about 6 months of use :)
Agreed! It's a great camera. I picked up an Olympus e-m 1.2 for video and i've been really happy with it. Olympus is definitely underrated.
The ONLY reason I haven't bought this camera, is the lack of weather sealing. Maybe you don't have dust in your pockets, but I do. I also take a LOT of pictures during inclimate weather conditions... being they are taken in Texas and Oklahoma. I HAVE to have good weather sealing. Otherwise, I feel I'll damage the camera during use.
quick Q: what do you use to film? same camera?
thank you, personal reviews are the best, not spec sheet readers.
Glad you liked it!
Yes I like everything about this camera BUT its the film Simulations of fuji that I am craving. I am seeing your pictures through the video and great pics ! But they are not what I am looking for sadly. I may end up buying this and process the RAW files like my A7iii .
This is such a crisp, honest take on a camera i was fascinated with and just ended up buying mine recently.
Am pretty stoked (and mildly anxious too!) about leaving behind my DSLR+lenses collection and taking along only the GRIII on an upcoming trip.
Just one question I had on a point which i didn't see mentioned in this otherwise comprehensive video. How good and effective is the built-in ND filter. Will we miss a real ND filter or would the in-house one deliver? Of course, the USP of the GRIII is its compactness and every additional accessory will rob that but still...
It *is* a real ND filter, a 2-stop one. I've got mine set to auto and it just works whenever I need it, and has no perceptible impact on image quality.
@@caerphoto Thanks, Andy. That's reassuring to hear.
You can stick a GR in your pocket but they're rather delicate and it's not advisable, the retractable lens cover gets bent easily and sticks. Also, while climbing the wall of a canyon with one in my jeans pocket the on button engaged, the lens extended with a horrible crunch and my camera was destroyed. Been using GR's for 10 years now and still love them, but carry them in a hard case in your jacket pocket or bag.