The Ricoh GRIII is the best street photography camera
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- In this video I discuss my first impressions of the Ricoh GRIII from the perspective of a former Fujifilm shooter (Fuji X100V, Fuji X-E3, Fuji X-E4 and Fuji X-T4). I do not plan on doing a technical review of this 4-year old camera, but rather, this video is simply a practical discussion of my experience shooting this camera over the last 6 months.
The Ricoh GR III is a ultra compact 24MP APS-C format camera with a 28mm equivalent F2.8 lens. In January of 2023, a brand new Ricoh GRIII costs just half of a used Fuji X100V. The two cameras are often compared in the every day camera category, and while both are tremendous cameras, I really think the Ricoh GRIII is the better value. It’s true to life images sit atop the painterly profiles of the X100V, and although it is bested by the X100V in a few areas, its hilariously small form factor coupled with outstanding image quality makes it THE camera that you’re going to have on you wherever you go.
Snag the RICOH GRIII here (Canada) -- amzn.to/3kcy3I0
Snag the RICOH GRIII here (MURICA) -- amzn.to/3CSMlEh
Find me wherever I am here -- linktr.ee/fran...
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Because of covid and because I live on a small island (and Ricoh service...) I have been fixing my GRIII for about 2 years. I bought a Z6II but now I'm back to using the GRIII 90% of the time. I really enjoy shooting with this camera. But the camera quality could be better.
The Ricoh is just big magic in a small body. My first "major camera" I purchased was a Ricoh way way back in the early 80s (I was 9yrs old) was a Ricoh and I purchased it because it had won the best small Camera of the year, at that time, and I was going to Europe. The photos I took with it were amazing and so I called this camera my "MagiCam". Then Ricoh stopped making cameras and then recently I discover that they are back with this GRiii and that it has a cult following!! So I purchased it and once again it is my new "MagiCam" ;) This is the little camera that could.. and does!! :)
I have "nicer" cameras and lenses that I want to like more than my Ricoh, but I always come back to the GR iii. That little thing basically lives in my front right pocket. I hesitated buying it because I doubted I would connect with it, but it's soo good I couldn't help but love it. It appears I've accidently fallen into the Ricoh cult.
Thanks for the video. I agree, snap focus is brilliant.
The Ricoh GRIII is probably my least nice camera haha, yet here I am shooting it every day more than everything else! Thanks for watching man! 🙏
Any dust issues? I’d be afraid to pocket it .
@@7743dustin I took it 1 km underground in a mine and I think it got a little dusty… doesn’t bother me none!
Great Commentary. As a GRIII user, I agree 100%. Wanted to like it when I first got it, but didn't. AF was meh, especially in low light, missed not having a viewfinder and a screen that tilted. But had it with me when I took a trip while intending on using a my Sony A7 series camera. Got tired of carrying the bigger camera at some point and grabbed the GR and shot it the rest of the trip. When I got home and looked at the images, the best images were from the Ricoh. No one noticed me shooting it. So I was able to get closer without confrontational gazes. I was about to sell it on Ebay, but after the trip realized it's a special camera. So I have been using it a great deal more and getting comfortable shooting with the limitation mentioned earlier. Enjoyed the images you shared from it as well!
Love to hear that man. Sounds very similar to my experience with it! It’s a lovely little weapon that can exist in the tiny spaces that my other cameras cannot. Thanks for your comment, time and nice words man! I appreciate you a lot. 🙏
Thanks bro! I’m in the same boat as a Photog dad. Was wanting a 28mm lens for my S5 II but that’ll cost more than this camera. And it’ll be massive. GR is the way.
This is the video I've been hoping to find.
I've been really intrigued by the camera for awhile now, but I own an XPro3, and have been struggling to justify the switch (I unfortunately don't feel like I can justify having both).
The dust issues and autofocus complaints freak me out, I won't lie. But like you, I'm a new dad and it's completely changed the type of photography I enjoy doing.
SOOOOO so with you about the color profiles being more impressive with Ricoh. I've actually started kind of despising Fuji's take on color - I don't quite know why.
But ultimately, I find myself never taking my camera out because being a dad is difficult and I don't always feel like I have the energy to bring out a heftier camera. I think I need something unassuming and tiny to help reinvigorate myself with photography.
Great review. I'm gonna buy one!
I feel the same as you man. Once the novelty wore off, I grew tired of the Fuji profiles and colours. I still use the Ricoh all the time. I slide it in my coat pocket basically everywhere I go. Trip to Costco? Take the GRIII just in case a fight breaks out! Haha. But it’s still an APS-C camera, so as long as you manage your expectations that it’s not going to have the full frame look, it’s an unreal companion, especially as a tired new dad!
The Ricoh is just big magic in a small body. Already commented with my other TH-cam acct. Amazing take anywhere camera!! This is the little camera that could;)
The Ricoh has been a great dad cam. I still struggle to figure out the best ways to deal with the autofocus, but overall the IQ is wonderful. I really wish I had a camera this size that that could also take better video, (all other PaS cams have a smaller sensor and a zoom lens.) but the fact that this fits in any pocket i've put it in keeps it from going anywhere. There's no better option than the Ricoh. I think some things to note that were missed is how blazing fast it is to turn on and take a picture, as well as highlight metering.
I describe myself as an enthusiast photographer and I've been carrying my Fuji X100F since march 2018. Small as it is, I'd prefer something even smaller and a bit more inconspicuous. I think the Ricoh GR would fit that gap, but i'll wait until a future model comes up, which shouldn't take long considering the GRIII was released in 2018-19.
You'll be waiting a while. Leaks last month showed they weren't even working on a gr iv.
The GR III is still great in 2023. I'm with you on the fuji colours. But I only noticed that in a direct comparison with the Ricoh.
Great video and really, really nice pictures-it's great to see real photos of someone's actual life. 100% agree that the GR III is a great camera. The downside is durability: it's a delicate little machine, and in my many years of shooting GRs I've had to replace them several times. It's partly that they're accident prone because they tend to go everywhere, and partly that they're fiddly: beware of kids who want to mess with the lens mechanism! That said, I've rarely gone without one, and currently own both the III and the IIIx. I highly recommend trying out the X. It's so, so fun to grab a GR and take it everywhere for the day.
Thanks man! Yeah I haven’t experienced what so many users have. It’s only been 6 months, but I’ve taken it into so many places that it’s curious to me that everything still is as good as new. I don’t doubt your claim though, like I mentioned in the video, it’s certainly not a well built camera haha. Thanks for watching dude! Appreciate you
I totally agree with you... I like the colours even better than the fuji gfx100s. I have owned my GR3 for almost 4 years and I have never looked back. I was going to get the Leica Q2 but I dont think I will carry it as much as this GR3. Thanks for your videos! They are awesome!
As an owner of the Leica Q2M, you’re absolutely correct, you will not carry it even close to as much as you’ll carry your GRIII haha
And thanks for watching man! I appreciate you!
Thanks great video and interesting perspective coming from a professional photographer 🙏 I’m new to photography and really like the GRIII for many of the same reasons.
I'm using olympus tg-6 in 2023 💪 but for underwater action on the beach 😊 real camera for everything else 😊
I love that snap focus mode.
Definitely a special feature! Thanks for watching man!
I have both, and I much prefer using the Ricoh. Mainly because everyone looks at me with the Fuji and I am not so keen on the controls.
Great video! Thank you for the genuine take “if you’re down the GR III rabbit hole, fucken do it” hahaha
Haha well! Did you do it
Finally an honest review by a proper photographer. Thank you for that. I think the main advantage of the camera is the motto "bring the Ricoh GR III". You cannot compare the size of Ricoh with FUJI 100V (for example) and I don't understand why people tend to compare these two cameras. FUJI 100V is a wonderful camera for street photography, don't get me wrong, but in terms of sizes and image quality, NO CAMERA can beat the Ricoh GRIII. The only downside for me is the battery and the lack of tilted screen. I hope they add the tilted screen to the IV version. Anyway, end of my monologue, thanks for this honest review.
Thanks for watching Martin! I think a tilty screen would be cool, and as long as the size and portability isn’t hindered by any improvements, I welcome anything and everything!
Thank you for sharing your experience with this camera. I agree with you, it takes time to learn and love this camera but once you do. You just stick to it. I have the griiix and I’m just love how small it is. I sold my x100v cuz I couldn’t justify the price. I hope to see you more on about the griii in the future. Cheers!
Would love to try the X! Might even be a better dad cam than the orig! Thanks for watching man!
Thankyou for the honesty! Took my ricoh gr3x yesterday(it is 4am now) and the af at night in fast moving situations sucked while my friend with his canon got some amazing shots which made jealous and i immediately put my ricoh on return. Watching videos to change my mind and you sure did it! Lets try again
Give it some time brother! It’s AF is def a little sluggish but you will slowly come to know how to best use it. It took me months to come to love it like I do now!
They have different strength's
@@FrankDavalos coming back here to say yes I have been enjoying it very much. PS its a gr3.
Love you checking back in man! 🙏
So far best review and photos 👊🏿👊🏿 in regards to the Ricoh
Thanks so much for watching 🙏
Ah, you're back. I was just wondering yesterday what happened to you and almost reached out on Twitter. Glad you're back!
Btw, you said your M6 in this video at about 4:00 mins in. Did you mean to say M-A?
Thanks for watching brother. It’s been a little hectic in my world as we have been battling illness hardcore. And nope… I traded my M-A for a Leica M6 Panda with all MP upgrades. I didn’t connect with the M-A like I thought I would… maybe it was too new? I don’t know. For now I’m really happy with my M6 haha. The M2 and MP are the GOATs for me though.
@FrankDavalos - Sorry to hear of your health struggles. I hope you're through the worst of it now. Surprised to hear about your experience with the M-A. Is there any one thing that you can pinpoint that made you not vibe with it? I've been wanting one myself. I didn't vibe with the MP I owned and that's why I now have an M6 TTL with a 0.58x viewfinder. I couldn't figure out what it was that I didn't quite like at first, but after I sold it, I realized it was the sandpaper type leatherette on it. It just didn't feel right.
@@FrankDavalos - The Panda M6 looks nice!
Oh man! That's my favourite MP. If I could have any camera right now, it would be the sandpaper MP haha. I LOVE THAT CAMERA. As for the M-A... I don't know, I think it was brand new, and I didn't want to damage it and found the black chrome was so easy to scuff up and make ugly... But to be honest... there's no real answer here. I just didn't connect with it. It's an AMAZING camera, and still one of my favourites, but it just didn't speak to me like the M2, MP and M6 do. My current M6 is badass, and has everything I don't like about the M6 fixed besides the slanted film rewind lever.
Solid point of view! The rad photographer part got me. Keep it up braddah
Thanks man, appreciate you taking the time to watch and leave a comment 🙏🙏🙏
The thing with the Ricoh is that it is the best smallest option . I wish they would release a new one with better battery and better af. I would be happy with that . They could even take out the ibis . I had it for a little while and I loved the size but it frustrated the hell out of me . Will I buy another one ? Maybe , but it will be just for the size. Great video
I think even the GRII still holds up. It’s definitely a niche camera system but j just think anyone can integrate it well in their day to day life! Thanks for watching man!
There's just nothing else on the market with this quality in such a small package.
good job.
Great review, thanks! I just got the IIIx … live Hawai’i … not much street pics on Big Island … does EVERYTHING was what i wanted. Get some need to be seen as serious photographers carrying expensive equipment … so will never get this one. What I love about it is I can take pics of people and they don’t care because think it’s just a stupid little tourist camera 😂 … great being a nobody pic taker 😎
Totally agree man! Thank you so much for watching!
hahah minus the stuffy sick voice this is definitley one of the best GRiii videos ive watched
Hahaha that was the first morning I got out of bed that week. Thanks for watching I really appreciate it!
Hi Frank, love your vlogs. Like you I have the Q2M, which I really enjoy as I’m a street shooter. I’ve also looked at the GR3, but decided it didn’t do anything that the Q2M doesn’t, except its size. So how does it fit in?
Hi Warren! Thanks for that amigo 🙏
The Ricoh is just a fun little weapon. I can take it places that I wouldn’t take my Q2M, it just sits in my pocket and I find myself using it in all the little nooks and crevices of my life. It’s a great travel companion too. I just have it on my in the airport and never have to take out my Leica cameras, etc. Hope this helps!
I hope they bring back flash in the gr iv then I’m in
That would definitely be a nice addition! My Leica flash works great on it for now. I never used flash on my x100V but I suppose it would come in handy at times for sure
Great review ... not techninal just the essence of this little beast
Most people buying a Ricoh GRiii have the same feeling that the normal black body version is non attractive but if you buy the street edition or the special edition you get non black sparkly grey asphalt body which looks extraordinary!
I don’t find any of them particularly beautiful, but I love using them all!
I’m in a similar stage in my photo journey, looking for a dad cam / travel cam. I bought my wife an x100v a few years ago for family photos but feel like she thinks it’s still too “big” for her to pick up regularly. I’m going on a trip in June and want a small p/s to pair with my Tx-1, but the only thing holding me back from the Griii is the fact that it’s 4 years old. I hate that feeling that the next version is right around the corner.
I just got another X100V and I’m selling it haha. The GRIII is just a better option for me. Even thought it’s 4 years old, it’s still an awesome camera. And the next iteration isn’t always better for everyone. I’d say just go for it, or buy it used and then you can sell it and get the new version in the future and call it a “rental fee”!
@@FrankDavalos That's so true. The GR 2 is my favorite camera of the series and as much as I like the GR3, it doesn't give the same look as the GR2.
The GR2 has flash and with its leaf shutter, you can do some cool things with it. Why they took off the flash in the GR3 is beyond me...
@@EvilTeddie23 I’m sure there was a reason for it. I too love the GRII sensor. I’ve always wanted a GRII - perhaps one day!
a very nice video. I also love and only the GR III and GRII and my Fuji X100 bought 2 weeks ago I will sell. Thanks for the video
Had the X100V for a little over a year. I loved the experience of shooting with it but was never pleased with the colors. Even tho most people praise Fuji colors it wasn't for me. And as you said, it's just not pocketable. Will get a GRIII soon. Really liked your black and whites. Did you edit those mostly or where those shots in camera jpegs?
All virtually unedited man! SOOC JPEGs. Shoot the GRIII always in black and white jpeg and if I need colour I have the RAW (I never need colour haha)
@@FrankDavalos Amazing thanks!
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I had a gr3x and I liked it and sold it. I use a Sony a7iv better in every way almost. The thing about the gr is it’s not intimidating to others. I can shoot in bars and other places where if I had my Sony it would just seem unnatural. I think I’ll buy it again.
Yeah man… the purpose of the GRIII isn’t to have better image quality than the A7IV, which I also have. It’s to capture reality in places where normally really cannot be captured!
🔝📷
Man, I’d be curious what your opinion on the Fuji X70 if you can get your hands on one 😔
Amazing little camera and I totally regret selling mine. It’s essentially the insides of an x100 series with no viewfinder, fit in my back pocket, APSC 👏🏻🙌🏻
I agree 👍 I have one, but my fujix30 getting more use these days that manual zoom is awsome.
I almost bought one of these the other day! But of course prices are crazy for that camera. All Fuji cameras are over inflated right now. Looks like an awesome camera though, still not at pocketable as the GRIII, but I’d sooner push people to basically any other fuji besides the X100V right now. The X-E3 is a camera I still think about to this day! Loved that thing.
@FrankDavalos oh really! True x30 is not pocketable its my car camera always in my car if I need one lol. Ya I regret selling my xe3 i used to shoot all my vintage m glasses on that. It was too addictive I have to let it go and practice the rangefinder.
I have an X70 and it's the only camera that I will never sell. I've had a lot of cameras come and go over the years (many Fujifilm X cameras), but the Fuji X70 has been the one that I hold on to and just won't sell it. It's wonderful! Not quite as pocketable as the Ricoh GR's though. I've had a couple of Ricoh's over the years too. I've never had the GR3/GR3X though, but they are definitely intriguing to me.
That’s awesome. Yeah I’d love to get my hands on one for the channel, but they are too inflated right now. Perhaps in the future!
Thanks for the video.. im in the middle of choosing iii or iiiX . Help...
In my mind, the GRIII is the one to get. The GRIIIx is probably awesome, I’ve never used it, but it just feels less versatile to me and I haven’t seen any bokelicious photos from it that have blown my mind. Just my two cents!
Hi Frank can you show how to set & use the gr3?
Hey man! There’s a really good video by @samuelstreetlife on TH-cam where he goes through his setup! Have a look!
th-cam.com/video/Biu8hDc4R7M/w-d-xo.html
If Ricoh would reintroduce the optical viewfinder that the film GR cameras had it would be my favourite camera of all time. I have the GRII which I like a bit better than the III (because of the flash, better positive film and 1/3rd of the price)
I really really want to try a GRIII!
I Have had my GRII for seven years and use it almost daily. I modified a Sony optical viewfinder to fit the shoe and it works fine. I have six batteries (all seven years old) that I need to carry with me because they run out of juice so quickly. Are they too old?
Could be, but battery life just sucks either way haha
@@FrankDavalos the battery life of the GRII is slightly better than the GRIII, but not noticeably different
Wait. You mentioned your M6. Didn’t you get rid of it for the M-A?
Yessir. And then I got rid of my M-A for an M6 panda w/ upgraded MP parts like the lever, bottom plate, battery door, shutter counter window And the viewfinder. Didn’t connect with the M-A like I had hoped… so went back to M6 and hopefully soon the M2!
sooooo 7 months later how you feeling about the Griii? also wondering what cameras you find yourself using the most
A year deep on the GRIII and it still serves the exact same purpose as it did when I made this one. Easiest camera to bring with me everywhere and makes great images. I use Leica M9 and MP, GRIII, and Q2M pretty much equally, but the GRIII always comes along for every ride, the same isn’t true for the others!
@@FrankDavalos well said! I also have an MP, looking to add a digital camera and the Griii sounds very nice
@@reyrey5250 as long as you’re not expecting full frame image quality, the GRIII is a great little stills camera to capture daily life!
@@FrankDavalos looking for a daily driver, I have 4 kids, like to get away for the weekends , capture scenes along the way with something that doesn’t get in the way. I love my MP, but having access to immediate files with something I can tweak to somewhat look like film is what I’m looking for
@@reyrey5250 gRIII best dad cam- M9 is great too
Q2m or Griii can only chooose 1?
Q2M
If it is not effective in capturing fast actions in the streets then it's not for me.
Good thing it’s extremely effective for that!
Fuji colors are amazing and give that analog vibe but half of the recipes I see are overdone and the image is cooked to look like a lower end film camera. The Ricoh's interpretation of film feels more professional where as a lot of the Fuji content I see is consumer grade vibes.
That’s a pretty good take actually. I definitely agree. I love Fuji cameras, including the X100V. I just think that in the current landscape of small compact cameras, the Ricoh lineup takes it. Thanks for watching my guy!
Which city do you live in Canada?
I live in Saskatchewan!
Thats a province though.. I'm just curious as I live in very small town in BC (Salmon Arm) wondering whether I can also do something on youtube related to photography.
Love Salmon Arm. I live in a small city too man. You even have the added beauty of BC. You should definitely make a channel and have some fun!
Is a waste of money wait til the new one comes out later this year.
Bad advice - better advice -> get both
$1,000 for a four year old camera is to much. Ricoh needs to put out a new camera. Maybe they are working on the new film Pentax camera.
Meh, I’ve looked around and there are few cameras under $1000 from 2019. The Sony A6100 and Fuji XT30 - none of which are the same category of camera as the Ricoh. The price is only $1000 because everything in the world is more expensive right now. And I’m not too bothered by the idea that they haven’t released a new version yet, I’m use to Leica’s release times. Was like 8 years between the M9 and M10, four from Q and Q2 - as long as it’s a good upgrade I’m perfectly happy, esp cause the GRIII rules.
And rumour has it they are goijg to be introducing a new 35mm soon! Thanks for watching and commenting man!
@@FrankDavalos a Pentax film camera, that’s interesting.
They really don't need to put out a new camera. Even the GR II still holds up really well today.
@@DylanRotich the GRii AF is not very fast.
you have really nice teeth!
😬🙏
Ricoh is nice but bro it’s not Fuji nice. IMO.
"Many moons ago ... Almost 10 years" oh boy 🙄
Also the second GR noob I've seen comment on the build quality of a camera with a magnesium alloy frame. Ridiculous.
You must be one of those old photographers that think they’re better than everyone that exists! Everyone is welcome here! Thank you for watching! 🙏
Great video…I’m a dad too. Mostly interested in capturing the memories. Have been relying on iPhone photos over the years. I have an under appreciated Sony 5100 with a kit lens 3.5-5.6/16-50. Recently considering Ricoh. Two questions: For family candids and such do you recommend the 28mm or 40mm on the iiix focal length? Next, Ricoh vs a new lens for the 5100? Appreciate the feedback, willing to make the investment to capture some life long experiences with the kiddos. Thx
Hey man, thanks for watching! I would say that with a 40mm you’d be capturing better portraits, but with a 28mm you’d be capturing more candids. I traditionally love 50mm and tighter focal lengths and I think I would prefer the 28mm of the Ricoh because it’s perfect for what it is, esp if you’re use to shooting with your iPhone. I also think the A5100 is no slouch! The major advantage of the Ricoh is that it will always be with you… seriously, always.