Ricoh GR IIIx Review: 5 Years Too Late
Photo taken from a Canon EOS 1100D
Why Get One?
In a time where all you need is in one single device, a smartphone. Why get something that your phone can do? Well, having a dedicated device always outperforms a multipurpose device in that specific area. Moreover, it is getting evident that in each generation of smartphones, post-processing is something that most people are not fond of. This process is done on smartphones as a way to create pleasant pictures due hardware limitations such as their sensors, although, sensors are increasing in size in each generation as well.
As opposed to something like a standalone camera where minimal post is done to the images as the hardware is dedicated to capturing photos. Moreover, I’ve had the urge to explore film photography again which drove me into the camera rabbit hole. From there I found out different types of camera sensors CCD and CMOS. Wherein CCD sensors are said to have the look and feel of film cameras due to the technology. As opposed to CMOS sensors which are more up to date and has a different more modern feel.
What Type of Cameras?
In consideration with time, CCD cameras or digital cameras from the 2000s have been the craze and consequently raising their prices. Fortunately, my family has cameras from that time such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 as well as a Sony Cybershot DSC-H20.
Photo taken from Ricoh GR IIIx
Given the time since their release, there are hardware issues here and there for the LX3, in which I attempted to self repair but accidentally ripping the ribon cable from the backlight of the LCD. As for the Sony Cybershot DSC-H20, I’m not fond of its memory card as it uses a proprietary memory card like what is found on the PSP and other devices.
With that said, I had a few options grab a new camera, stick to my cameras, or grab a used camera from the market.
Personally, I find 10MP to be lacking and would be happy with 12MP, but then again, I’m a tech enthusiast and not a camera. All I know is that a bigger sensor equate to better pictures. So I chose getting a camera but will be experimenting soon with the cameras I have now.
My choices now are down to getting a new camera, or a used camera. After some research, I really wanted a Micro Four-Thirds camera. From there, I’ve found the Lumix GM1, GM5, and GX85. Unfortunately, the GM1 and GM5 are unavailable brand-new and given their rarity, their prices are on the mid-end. Almost on par with that of the GX85 that is more modern. Since, I was unable to find just prices for them. I resorted to finding something new with better features.
The Ricoh GR IIIx
I’ve found out about Ricoh a while back when their GR II became viral. Although, I wasn’t really into cameras during that time. When I found out that the GR III has film simulations, similar to that of Fujifilms X100 lineup, I knew I had a bias. Given its size and portability its easy to carry without any compromise. Moreover, it is significantly less than that of the new X100VI.
Since the GR III had 2 variants, the 28mm and the 40mm. I had to weigh my options and from what I’ve noticed in taking photos, I tend to zoom almost at 1.5x or 2x on my iPhone 14 Pro which are in between 30-40mm. And so I went with the GR IIIx.
While I did shoot mostly at a zoom with my iPhone’s camera, I found myself trying to move back to frame what I want to. Although, I still prefer the 40mm than the wider 28mm as I have one on hand at all times.
From the first initial shots I took, it is evident that is performs miles ahead. Given its APS-C sensor as well as producing 24MP photos, it was plenty sharp and colorful. Having taken it to a trip to Korea, it feels nice to shoot with it. I’ve also found that it helped me use less of my phone and more of taking shots.
Although, one of the downsides to using something this small and compact would be the battery and thee lack of OIS in video. Although, its easily resolved by either carrying another battery, or having a powerbank nearby as it charged via USB-C. Moreover, while the camera is great at taking pictures the video and mic department can be better as it is only limited to 1080P. Personally, I find it useable although it is much better taking videos on a smartphone due to their stabilization.
So far, I enjoy taking pictures with my camera rather than my phone. It is great for landscapes and portraits. I will definitely be shooting more with it than I will on my smartphone.
Notes
For some reason, the photos from EOS1100D and the GR IIIx in terms of lighting is drastic. Anyway, time for more practice!
