Despite its compact size, the GR III sports a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, making it my favorite compact camera. At the time of writing, there is no other camera this small with an APS-C sensor (there were two others in this category before, the Fujifilm x70 and Nikon Coolpix A, both of which have since been discontinued). While sensor size isn’t everything, the GR III’s sensor can deliver incredibly sharp, contrasty, and detailed images, on par with what I get from my Sony.
The original GR III was released in 2019 with the equivalent of a 28mm lens. Ricoh continued this trend in 2021 with the GR IIIx, which is almost the same, save for the 40mm equivalent lens. Both are fantastic. I love 40mm lenses, so I’ve spent more time with the GR IIIx, but for most people who want a pocketable all-purpose camera, I’d suggest the more versatile 28mm version.
Both lenses are capable of taking sharp images with impressive, smooth bokeh that you don’t often get from a camera and sensor of this size. There’s also a nice macro mode that adds a bit of versatility to an already impressive package. That said, if you want a zoom, this isn’t the camera for you (that would be what you need). Sony RX100 VII).
Three things make the Ricoh GR III a cut above the rest of the compact cameras. The first is the APS-C sensor. The second is the size. This camera can go with you everywhere without getting in the way. Often, as discreet as I try to be, I find that if I take out a full-size camera with a decent (read: large) lens on the front, everyone in the scene notices and subtly changes. The GR III, on the other hand, is small enough that you can take it out without drawing attention to yourself or ruining a scene (plus, it doesn’t make you look like a rich tourist when you travel).
The third reason I and legions of other photographers love this camera is all the little extras. I mentioned the macro mode, but there’s also a handy built-in neutral density filter for taking long exposure shots without overexposing (think blurring flowing water, for example). The other mode I love is the instant focus.