Good stuff, man. These are 100% far more than just street shooters. You've hit it, but one pro-tip for you (as someone that's been carrying a GR in one form or another since 2009)... Get yourself (you probably have one in a box or in your car) one of those cheap microfiber sunglass pouches, the type that are just lens-cloth material with a drawstring at one end, the kind they give away with sunglasses half the time. Put you GR in all the time you're not using it... Especially when you're sliding it in and out of your pocket unless you're really actively shooting. They're the perfect fit, and the microfiber is smooth - goes on and off easily. It's enough to protect the lens assembly and the control surfaces from getting gunked up in time from dust/debris/etc from your pocket. I've always used one of these and it's kept me from experiencing the sensor dust issues so many report. Cheers. Shoot that thing. :)
I have used this camera for about one year now. I really love it. I am a Canon shooter, but this camera have really made my way as a photographer easier.I mostly use it for Landscape,Cityscape, Street photos, and a camera to bring when you just need to do some photos. I think if you learn the camera good, nothing will hold back to get great images. the quality of the image is amazing, and the size is awesome. I have never regret that I bought it.
@@DominicPhillip I have shot the GR for years....GR11 and 111and soon to be 111x. No flip screen needed. I played around with a fuji with a flip screen and used it, but never felt the need to have it on the GR.
Big fan of this camera. I have both the GR 3 and GR 3X, and the wide angle adapter and keep in a really small bag. The IQ is amazing. Great big prints from these.
@@DominicPhillip It's a nice compliment to the 28mm. Works really well for 3/4 length portraits type images. I still prefer the 28mm for 'street style shooting' but the X allows me to shoot people more comfortably.
Just got back from Kyoto Japan and had the Leica Q2 and the Ricoh GRiiiX. I got some great shots with the Q when I could take my time to adjust properly and snap away but I got a ton more of interesting street shots with the Ricoh that I would not have been able to get with the Q2. I could easily pack the GR in my jacket pocket and whip it out when I saw something interesting, not with the Q2. I ended up leaving the Leica behind for my brother to sell and now that I'm back home ( Taiwan ) I just picked up the GRiii when I need something a little bit wider. Originally had planned to sell the Q2 so that I could pick up the Q2 monochrome but figure I'd give the GRiii a fair shake to pair up with the GRiiiX and see if it fills that void. I have an SL2-S with a few primes if I want to shoot anything more specific or need better iq but the Ricoh's do a fantastic job and are truly built for street photography. The Q2 just doesn't inspire me enough when it comes to street shots, but if given more time to compose/focus it's still a beast of a camera. I'm actually still on the fence about the Monochrome. The last few months I've been shooting more b&w and the Q2 monochrome does an excellent job, especially when it comes to iso and shots taken with lower light.
I have used to carry A6600 but trying to take care of my little princess 👸🏻 at the same time was too much for me… so now I am carrying both GR III & GR IIIx in my sling bag and it is awesome
The A6600 is a great camera, but paired with any decent lens and that setup gets big real fast. The GR is such an easier and more convenient package to carry daily and get more pics... and that's really what it's all about!
@@DominicPhillip Leica tl2 with vintage Leica adapted m lenses my friend. I sold my gr3 because of the Leica image quality just edged the Ricoh and also got a used canon g1x mark 3 which has a built in 24-70 lens that collapses and is weather sealed. I much prefer the Canon… the images aren’t quite as sharp as the Ricoh or Leica but the colour science and phase detect af (for a weather sealed zoom compact camera) beats the Ricoh. Unbelievable value on the used market…
Tip: Put one or two small pieces of electric tape behind the front ring. It will increase the friction enough to completely remove the issue of the front ring coming off. In fact I have actually forgotten about that I used to have a problem with this until I saw this clip and heard you mention it.
Great review! I’ve been looking for a small compact camera to compliment my Lumix G9. I use the Olympus TG-6 as my secondary but I’ve been interested in the Ricoh for quite a while now. I just love how compact the Ricoh is and I think it will be the perfect EDC camera for me.
I like travelling and though I owned a Canon dslr and an Olympus Micro 4 third, I am now looking for something like the Ricoh. Both those Canon and Olympus cameras weighs me down by the end of the day of climbing mountains for sight seeing and rushing from one train to the other. I even carried along a big flash and a monopop, making it very heavy as the day passed on. I think Ricoh will be nice and easy especially when I need to shoot straight away on some interesting subject that pops up suddenly and besides it is the weight that I am most concern now. Ever since mobile phones started with their in built camera, I had stopped using a proper camera for travelling but I intend to buy one of this Ricoh after watching many reviews praising its portability.
I had this camera for about a year when it came out. Sold it, only to regret getting rid of it. So decided to get it again as I miss this little beast.
Really tempted to pick one up as an EDC just to document life and street photography. The dust issues are scary because it actually doesn't enter from the lens but the front dial. The lens is entirely separate and dust cannot physically touch the sensor via the lens. You could buy a JJC UV filter to glue onto the front and fully seal the lens. So each time you're changing a setting, you're rolling in dust. If I do get one maybe I'll get the JJC auto-door for the lens and some pouch for the whole camera. Actually, I think anyone who's comfortable with a smartphone and doesn't use portrait mode much can easily pick up the GRiii. The vast majority of smartphones are 28mm equivalents. Maybe they could start with aperture priority even for beginners.
Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment. I agree with you on the dust, it definitely concerned me too as did the back dials breaking. But I actually heard Ricoh customer service and repair are quite good for whatever that's worth. I personally hate the fake bokeh on phones right now, but I like where they're headed in the future. Not that you're going to get super shallow DOF with a wide angle anyway, but significantly better than a phone.
I've been eyeing this (and the IIIx since that came out), but I've missed any mention of highlight metering, but that just sounds like an absolute dealmaker that leaves all other cameras in the shade (or in the blown-out highlights, as the case might be). Still considering the III vs the IIIx, but I am definitely going for one of these next year.
It’s really fantastic. The only thing is you can’t push the shadows too much because you will get grain. But overall it’s a really great metering system
@@DominicPhillip Well, generally, I don't mind grain. And I also like contrasty images with a lot of shadows, even lowered down sometimes to pure black, as that is still far preferable to blown highlights, so I don't foresee that being a problem.
I always buy 3rd party batteries too. Who cares that my camera won't show me how much power I have left and just shut off on me! Lol! I'm so spoiled by the flip screen I don't think I could go to any thing else. Bro, this was a darn good review. 👍 I couldn't see myself paying $600 for this camera used. If I got a crackhead deal I would probably buy it
Yea these are some sweet little units. I find it so useful just to have in my pocket.... I take such better pics of my kids than just using a phone. and LOL my cameras always shutting off with the Amazon batteries.. all good if I carry 7 of them though for 19.99 Lmaoo
@@DominicPhillip I can't believe these companies expect for you to pay 60 $70 for batteries sometimes even more. Bro you really step your game up this was a great video
If you can't afford it, buy a Lumix LX5 or 7. Supercheap cams with superb Leica lens. I use it a lot for travelling instead of my primary camera and lenses. Awesome video Dominic!
Thank you for the iPhone comparison night photography comment. The customizations are incredible! I miss my GRII. What are your thoughts on the GRIIIx?
@@DominicPhillip Well in the end I ordered the GRIII, as I have a Fujfilm XPro3 with several lenses that can give me variable focal lengths. But, if I had only one camera I can certainly see it would be overall more useful.
I've never tried the X but think it's a great option. I like the lens of the X100V a lot more than the Ricoh, but the Ricoh is much smaller and more pocketable. Both great cameras though, the Ricoh is actually a great deal for the price they're going for used.
I would love to buy a GR camera, but the Fuji X100V looks much better fit for me. Having a 23mm lens and f2 on top with a very nice optical and E-Viewfinder looks more interesting.
If you're after the f2.0 for narrower DoF and separation, then yes... But if you're after it simply for speed and increased shutter, I guarantee you can crisp results with GRIII's f2.8 a full stop or two slower speed than the Fuji. The image stabilization works like a champ in these (the earlier GR and GRII don't have IS though). But yup. EVF is something you give up and could be a deal-breaker - but you might be surprised how little you miss it as time goes on.
Nice video. I'm looking to get a GRIII as an EDC/Street camera since my beloved Leica Q is too bulky for that and I'd rather use it for when I'm visiting new places, traveling, family moments (when I can easily carry a small bag)... But now that the GRIIIx is out, I'm debating wether I should get that one instead, to complement the Q on the longer end or the regular GRIII and force myself to become a full time 28mm Jedi.
That's a tough one because honestly if it were me I'd rather have two cameras with different focal lengths than two with the sam 28mm. The Q is not pocketable but def still able to be an EDC. I'd say go for the X.
I had the Q2 with the GRiiiX but ended up parting with the Q and picking up a GRiii for 28mm. Not a huge jump from 28 on the Q and the 40 on the Ricoh which is why I would suggest getting the tele convertor for the GR which gives you a crop 70mm at a reduced 16mp or what most people do is just tape up the electrodes on the converter and you'll have the full 24mp and about a 60mm with minimal tradeoff. A good pairing and light carry for that set up.
Sorry...but lacks weather resistance,no flash and worst no view finder. Pocketable is nice...but a X100V with a W.R. filter is also very "E.D.C." only sligtly bigger.
@Ricoh Ricoh. Unfortunately I can no longer recommend your cameras due to your lack of addressing the rear control wheel issue past one year. Your company recognizes the issue but leaves owners past the one year mark stranded with a $340 repair bill. Not good business. It’s a shame because I have always enjoyed your latest GR but I question it’s reliability.
So the GR is definitely better for photography, but not for video. If video is a priority I would definitely go ZV1. But wait a couple months if you can, I've heard rumors that a new ZV is dropping from Sony soon. Either this month or next month, and even if you don't like it the ZV1 will drop in price!
man digferences with iphone pro 12 nowdays vompetr with these. I always have my phone with me and the difference is not that big, sometimes Iphone does it better. Im srlling my x100f cos of it even tho I love it it never comes along
Really depends on your shooting style. I love the 28mm but if I’m shooting more portrait type of stuff I prefer a 40mm. Both are excellent options through.
Always remember the GR III is so sharp you can crop to mimic 40mm and retain sharpness. With 40mm you immediately and absolutely lose those surrounding context. There's no magic time machine button! So the III is more versatile in that respect.
honestly... not comparable lol. But overall I think they are comparable because the Q does have some flaws (older camera) and is triple the price. I'll try to drop a comparison video soon.
