The Little Ricoh That Could: A Final Real Review of the Ricoh GR IIIx

What's up, everyone! Welcome back to the blog. Today, I’m taking one last, in-depth look at a camera that has truly captured the hearts of many photographers, especially those who roam the streets: the Ricoh GR IIIx.

After spending a significant amount of time with this little powerhouse, even bringing it with me here to Tucson this week, I'm ready to deliver my definitive verdict. In a world of ever-evolving camera technology, does the GR IIIx still reign supreme in the realm of compact APS-C cameras? Let's delve into the intricacies of this camera, exploring its strengths, acknowledging its weaknesses, and ultimately understanding who it's truly designed for.

For those who might be new to the GR world, the Ricoh GR IIIx is the slightly more telephoto sibling of the beloved GR III. It boasts a fixed 40mm equivalent f/2.8 lens paired with a capable 24.2MP APS-C sensor with IBIS and an ND filter. The core philosophy behind this camera is simple yet powerful: pocketability, exceptional image quality, and a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to capturing the world around you.

Image Quality Revisited: Still Impressive

Let's get straight to what truly matters: the images this little camera produces. After countless shots in diverse scenarios, the GR IIIx continues to impress me. The 24.2MP sensor delivers consistently sharp and detailed images, and the dynamic range for a camera of this size is genuinely excellent.

The out-of-camera JPEGs are generally very pleasing, offering a solid foundation for further editing if desired. Personally, after incorporating some fantastic recipes (shoutout to Reggie!), I've fallen in love with the JPEGs straight out of the camera. Furthermore, the GR IIIx stays true to the GR series legacy with its outstanding black and white modes, producing images with real depth and character.

When the light starts to fade, the GR IIIx performs admirably for a compact camera. While it's not going to compete with full-frame powerhouses, the APS-C sensor and the bright f/2.8 aperture allow you to capture usable images even in challenging low-light conditions. The built-in image stabilization (IBIS) is an absolute game-changer for handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds, allowing for sharper results. However, it's worth noting that the autofocus system can struggle a bit in very low light, so don't expect miracles. That being said, with a little patience, I've still managed to capture some great shots. And yes, I know, someone is probably yelling at their screen right now: "Use snap focus, dummy!"

Handling and Ergonomics: The Long-Term Feel

I touched upon the size and incredible pocketability in our initial impressions, but how does that translate to long-term use? The GR IIIx remains exceptionally convenient. It truly disappears into a pocket, making it the quintessential everyday carry camera. And as the saying goes, the best camera is the one you have with you!

The ability to operate many key settings with just one hand is still a significant advantage. After some initial familiarization, the placement of the controls feels intuitive, allowing you to make quick adjustments without ever taking your eye off the scene unfolding in front of you.

The touchscreen is responsive and makes selecting focus points incredibly easy. However, it's worth mentioning that the compact size of the camera can occasionally feel a bit cramped for those with larger hands. It's a trade-off for the unparalleled portability.

Autofocus Performance: Has it Improved?

Autofocus performance was a key point of discussion when the GR IIIx was first introduced. Over time, and thanks to firmware updates from Ricoh, there have been noticeable improvements. While it's still not the fastest autofocus system on the market, it's generally reliable for street and everyday shooting, particularly in decent lighting conditions. However, it's not immune to occasional hunting, and I have missed shots as a result.

For capturing quick, static subjects, the snap focus mode remains a unique and incredibly valuable feature, especially for street photography. By pre-focusing to a specific distance, you can achieve near-instantaneous capture. After dedicating some time to practice, I can completely understand why many photographers prefer this method over traditional autofocus for certain situations. If you're considering buying this camera, I highly recommend taking the time to master the snap focus.

However, in more challenging situations – low light, low contrast subjects, or fast-paced action – the autofocus can still struggle and sometimes simply give up.

The Unique Appeal and Limitations

The fixed 40mm equivalent lens, while potentially a creative constraint, can also be a significant asset. It encourages you to see the world in a specific way and can lead to a more consistent and cohesive body of work. The lack of a built-in viewfinder can be a drawback for some, especially in bright sunlight, although the optional external viewfinder is available for those who prefer that shooting experience. One of the biggest selling points of the GR IIIx is its discreet nature, allowing you to capture more candid and natural moments without drawing undue attention.

Battery life is decent but certainly not exceptional. If you plan on a full day of shooting, carrying one or two extra batteries is highly recommended. I am still seeing around 150 to 200 shots per battery.

Who is the Ricoh GR IIIx For? The Final Verdict

So, after this final, in-depth review, who is the Ricoh GR IIIx truly for?

The GR IIIx is for the photographer who prioritizes portability above all else without compromising on image quality. It's for the street photographer who values a discreet and capable tool with a fantastic fixed lens that encourages a specific way of seeing. It's for the everyday shooter who wants a camera that effortlessly slips into their pocket and is always ready to capture the spontaneous moments of life.

However, it's not the ideal choice for those who require extreme versatility in focal length or lightning-fast autofocus for capturing fast action. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this as your only camera, nor would I suggest it for a complete amateur photographer or someone simply wanting something marginally better than their phone without a genuine interest in photography. There are likely better all-around options available for those needs.

But for what it is – a truly compact APS-C camera with a superb 40mm equivalent lens – the Ricoh GR IIIx remains a top-tier choice for a photographer who values having a high-quality camera with them at all times.