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Ricoh GR Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Ricoh GR

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    Main Features

    • 16MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 25600
    • 28 mm f2.80 Prime Lens
    • 3" Fixed Type Screen
    • 4 fps continuous shooting
    • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video
    • 245g. 117 x 61 x 35 mm
    • Replaced by Ricoh GR II
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Ricoh GR Overview

    First introduced in April 2013 , Ricoh GR is a 16.0MP Large Sensor Compact camera with a APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and 28 mm F2.8 lens. Ricoh later replaced GR with GR II. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these cameras:
    Compare Ricoh GR vs Ricoh GR II

    Ricoh GR Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Ricoh GR is a member of Ricoh's GR series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Ricoh GR Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Ricoh GR III
    Compare
    2018 24.0MP - APS-C fps 109 x 62 x 33mm 257g
    Ricoh GR II
    Compare
    2015 16.0MP - APS-C 4.0 fps 117 x 63 x 35mm 251g
    Ricoh GR
    2013 16.0MP - APS-C 4.0 fps 117 x 61 x 35mm 245g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series:
    Ricoh GR III vs GR II vs GR

    Ricoh GR has an Overall Score of 58/100 and ranked #36 out of 61 in Large Sensor Compact cameras (Top 10 Compact), and ranked #346 out of 1223 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Ricoh GR Physical Specs
    Ricoh GR weighs 245 g (0.54 lb / 8.64 oz) and has external dimensions of 117 x 61 x 35 mm (4.61 x 2.4 x 1.38″). Considering that the average weight of Large Sensor Compact type cameras is 401g, Ricoh GR is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 35mm, it is also quite small, 20mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Ricoh GR
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Ricoh GR
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Ricoh GR with the dimensions:

    Ricoh GR Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Ricoh GR Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Ricoh GR, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Ricoh GR Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Ricoh GR Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Ricoh GR with its main competitors:

    Ricoh GR Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs GR Thickness vs GR
    Ricoh GR Camera Ricoh GR II
    Compare
    251g 6g heavier 35mm equal thickness
    Ricoh GR Camera Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Compare
    190g 55g lighter 33mm 2mm thinner
    Ricoh GR Camera Ricoh GR III
    Compare
    257g 12g heavier 33mm 2mm thinner
    Ricoh GR Camera Fujifilm X100
    Compare
    445g 200g heavier 54mm 19mm thicker
    Ricoh GR Camera Ricoh GR Digital III
    Compare
    208g 37g lighter 26mm 9mm thinner
    Ricoh GR Camera Fujifilm X100S
    Compare
    445g 200g heavier 54mm 19mm thicker
    Ricoh GR Camera Pentax MX-1
    Compare
    391g 146g heavier 51mm 16mm thicker
    Ricoh GR Camera Nikon A
    Compare
    299g 54g heavier 40mm 5mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Ricoh GR doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Ricoh GR Sensor and Photography Features

    Ricoh GR has a 16.0MP APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4928 x 3264 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3 and 3:2. GR has a native ISO range of 100 - 25600 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Ricoh GR is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Canon M6 MII with its 33.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Ricoh GR vs Canon M6 MII or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Ricoh GR DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Ricoh GR sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 78 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Ricoh GR here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Ricoh GR's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Ricoh GR Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Ricoh GR Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Ricoh GR Lens

    Ricoh GR features a 28 mm F2.8 Prime lens. This prime lens makes GR a specialized camera. You compromise the flexibility of a zoom in order to enjoy the high image quality and unique rendering of this fast lens.

    Wide Coverage

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    GR
    Widest - Canon G1 X II
    Average
    Telezoom

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    GR
    Longest - Panasonic ZS200
    Average

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    GR
    Fastest - Panasonic LX10
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    GR
    Fastest - Leica Q
    Average

    Ricoh GR's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.



    Ricoh GR LCD

    Ricoh GR has a Fixed Type 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 1,230k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Ricoh GR back view and LCD

    GR doesn't have a built-in viewfinder but an optional external viewfinder is available. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Large Sensor Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 (Lumix DMC-TZ100) (Compare) or Canon PowerShot G5 X (Compare).
    If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

    Ricoh GR Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect GR to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Ricoh GR is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 290 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Large Sensor Compact type cameras is 303 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Ricoh GR
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Leica X Vario with its 450shots is the model with longest battery life among Large Sensor Compact cameras. Check the comparison of Ricoh GR vs Leica X Vario or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Ricoh GR Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Ricoh GR Camera Ricoh GR II
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 320shots Yes No Yes
    Ricoh GR Camera Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Compare
    640 x 480 390shots No No No
    Ricoh GR Camera Ricoh GR III
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No
    Ricoh GR Camera Fujifilm X100
    Compare
    1280 x 720 300shots No No No
    Ricoh GR Camera Ricoh GR Digital III
    Compare
    640 x 480 shots No No No
    Ricoh GR Camera Fujifilm X100S
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 330shots No No No
    Ricoh GR Camera Pentax MX-1
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 290shots No No No
    Ricoh GR Camera Nikon A
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 230shots No No No

    Ricoh GR Video Features

    With Ricoh GR, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30,25,24 fps and save in and MPEG-4 formats. Full HD resolution of Ricoh GR will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    GR has a built-in Mono microphone and a Mono speaker.
    Ricoh GR doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Large Sensor Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III or Sony ZV-1 in a similar price range.

    Ricoh GR Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Ricoh GR can shoot continuously at max speed of 4 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    GR has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing

    Ricoh GR features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

    Ricoh GR PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Ricoh GR review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    External Flash Shoe
    Full HD Video
    Optical (Optional) Optional Viewfinder
    RAW Shooting
    25.600 Max ISO
    1.230k dots LCD Resolution
    1/4000s High Shutter Speed
    245g Light Body
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    Timelapse Recording
    Fast 2.80 Lens at Wide
    Fast 2.80 Lens at Tele
    Good Low Light ISO - 972
    AE Bracketing
    Built-in ND Filter
    Report a correction

    Buy Ricoh GR from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Image Stabilization
    No Articulating Screen
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Only Unknown Focus Points
    Low Battery Life: 290 shots
    No Environmental Sealing
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Ricoh GR Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Ricoh GR in 5 different photography areas.

    Ricoh GR for Portrait Photography

    Ricoh GR has a score of 45 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    RAW shooting capability
    External Flash Shoe
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    No Image Stabilization
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Ricoh GR for Portrait Photography

    Ricoh GR for Street Photography

    Ricoh GR has a score of 55 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Small Body
    Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Ricoh GR for Street Photography

    Ricoh GR for Sports Photography

    Ricoh GR has a score of 40 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    External Flash Shoe
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Continuous Shooting: 4.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Unknown Focus Points
    Poor Battery Life: 290 shots
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Image Stabilization
    28 mm Tele Lens

    Read the details of how we scored Ricoh GR for Sports Photography

    Ricoh GR for Daily Photography

    Ricoh GR has a score of 69 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    245g
    Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Ricoh GR for Daily Photography

    Ricoh GR for Landscape Photography

    Ricoh GR has a score of 40 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Ricoh GR for Landscape Photography
    Ricoh GR Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Ricoh GR compares with other Large Sensor Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Ricoh GR alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Ricoh GR

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Ricoh GR amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Ricoh GR II
    Ricoh GR II
    Compare
    Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Compare
    Ricoh GR III
    Ricoh GR III
    Compare
    Fujifilm X100
    Fujifilm X100
    Compare
    Ricoh GR Digital III
    Ricoh GR Digital III
    Compare
    Fujifilm X100S
    Fujifilm X100S
    Compare
    Pentax MX-1
    Pentax MX-1
    Compare
    Nikon A
    Nikon A
    Compare

    Ricoh GR Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Ricoh GR with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Ricoh GR's price range.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Ricoh GR
    Does the Ricoh GR have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Ricoh GR have RAW support?
    Does the Ricoh GR have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Ricoh GR have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Ricoh GR?
    What is the Sensor Size of Ricoh GR?
    is the Ricoh GR a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Ricoh GR have Touch Screen?
    Does the Ricoh GR have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Ricoh GR?
    What is the Weight of Ricoh GR?
    What are the Dimensions of Ricoh GR?
    Ricoh GR Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Ricoh
    Model Ricoh GR
    Announced 2013-04-17
    Body Type Large sensor compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 28 mm (1x)
    Max Aperture F2.8
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology TFT LCD
    Screen Size 3"
    Screen Resolution 1,230k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (optional)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 300s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 4.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 5.40 m (at ISO 100)
    Max Flash Sync 1/4000s
    Flash Modes n/a
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 78
    DxO Color Depth 23.6
    DxO Dynamic Range 13.5
    DxO Low Light ISO 972
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size APS-C
    Sensor Dimensions 23.7 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 372.09mm2
    Sensor Resolution 16 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3264
    Max Native ISO 25,600
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points Unknown
    Number of Cross Focus Points 0
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 ( 60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Eye-Fi Connected
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 245g
    Physical Dimensions 117 x 61 x 35mm
    Battery Life 290 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model DB65
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD, SDHC, SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


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