A long-awaited installment in the popular series of fast, compact cameras, the Ricoh GR III continues the legacy of being a pocketable powerhouse, offering impressive image quality, fast response, and immense portability. Sporting a familiar wide-angle 28mm-equivalent lens, the GR III also debuts 3-axis Shake Reduction for the first time in a GR camera, along with a large 24.2MP APS-C sensor, hybrid AF system, and the compact, pocketable design that makes this one of the ultimate everyday carry and street photography cameras.
A long-awaited installment in the popular series of fast, compact cameras, the Ricoh GR III continues the legacy of being a pocketable powerhouse, offering impressive image quality, fast response, and immense portability. Sporting a familiar wide-angle 28mm-equivalent lens, the GR III also debuts 3-axis Shake Reduction for the first time in a GR camera, along with a large 24.2MP APS-C sensor, hybrid AF system, and the compact, pocketable design that makes this one of the ultimate everyday carry and street photography cameras.
Wide-Angle 28mm-Equivalent GR Lens
Broad 28mm-equivalent wide-angle lens is an ideal focal length for everyday street scenes, snapshots, and travel photography.
Classic GR field of view is wider than the GR IIIx, making it better suited for architectural and interior subjects, as well as a more expansive sense of space and the ability to fit more details into a scene.
Newly developed lens for the GR system uses high refractive index and low dispersion glasses, along with aspherical elements, to render scenes with a high degree of sharpness and color accuracy.
Maximum aperture of f/2.8 helps maintain the overall sleek and lightweight design while also remaining bright enough for photographing in a variety of lighting conditions.
Dedicated Macro mode with a distinct close-up focusing range suits working with subjects within a 2.4" to 4.7" working range.
Integrated ND filter cuts down exposures by two stops, allowing the use of wider-than-normal aperture settings or slower shutter speeds for creative depth of field or motion blur effects.
Built-in crop modes simulate the fields of view of 35mm and 50mm lenses, offering an even narrower field of view without needing to change lenses.
24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor and GR Engine 6
The large 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor pairs with a new GR Engine 6 to produce high-resolution 14-bit DNG or JPEG stills with impressive tonality, natural color rendering, and high sensitivity from ISO 100-102400.
A 3-axis 4-step Shake Reduction System helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds, benefitting working in low-light conditions.
Sensor has an anti-aliasing (AA) filter-less design, which maximizes sharpness and resolution in most shooting circumstances. However, for certain circumstances, like when photographing some fabrics and other high-frequency patterns and colors, the Shake Reduction mechanism can simulate the effects of an AA filter.
Image Control function offers 11 distinct modes to apply preset looks to a scene and the saturation, contrast, hue, and other creative parameters of each mode can be adjusted to suit the desired effect.
Integrated multi-exposure mode with no frame limit for compositing unlimited sequential exposures in-camera.
Multi-Segment, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering options are available along with a Highlight-Weighted options that prioritizes keeping highlight values within the dynamic range and allowing shadows to become darker and moodier.
In addition to stills shooting, the GR III is also capable of recording Full HD 1080 video at 60p, 30p, and 24p frame rates.
Hybrid AF System
Hybrid AF system combines a contrast-type AF mechanism with a phase-detection-type AF mechanism ensuring high-speed focusing operation.
During autofocus shooting, this AF system detects the subject's face or eye with precision, focuses on it, and indicates the in-focus position on the LCD display using the AF frame. When the camera detects multiple faces, it automatically distinguishes the main subject from secondary ones and indicates this on the focus frame.
Full Press Snap function lets you override the AF in an instant by fully depressing the shutter button and having the lens immediately focus at a preset distance. This unique shooting and focusing function is perfect for street photography and eliminates any lag times for decisive moment-type shooting.
Full Press Snap can also be accessed by touching the rear LCD monitor.
Compact and Connected Design
The hallmark feature of the GR-series has been its compact, pocketable size while still retaining a large image sensor and bright prime lens.
Integrated 3.0" 1.037m-dot LCD features a capacitive touchscreen design for intuitive, familiar operation during shooting, playback, and menu navigation.
The rear layout of the camera prioritizes a large, comfortable thumb grip along with easily accessible physical dials.
The ADJ lever, FN button, and Touch AF operations can be programmed to handle specific assignable functions for more personalized control.
Start-up time is just 0.8 seconds and Hybrid AF performance is quick for more seamless operation.
Magnesium alloy body design is both lightweight and durable; ideal for everyday carry.
Single SD memory card slot and there is 2GB of built-in memory (enough to record approximately 140 JPEG images) in case of emergencies.
Integrated Bluetooth LE and Wi-Fi afford wireless connectivity between the camera and a paired mobile device, and allows you to embed location info within your files as well as transfer files to your mobile device, even when the camera is turned off.
Included DB-110 rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers approximately 200 shots per charge.
USB-C port allows you to transfer files or recharge the battery in-camera.
Most importantly the images out of this camera are brilliant. SUPER SHARP!! Aperture of f2.8 to f16 is nice. Build quality is excellent. Does not feel cheap. Fits easily in the pocket. Highly recommend getting a thumb grip for some easy one handed shooting. The leather case is also nice and recommended. I also suggest upgrading the wrist strap as you can’t really tighten it on the wrist so it feels loose. Really like the look of the Diary Edition but that’s just my preference. Images I posted include leather case (GC-11 Soft Case), JJC thumb grip and a different wrist strap.
Take Anywhere Camera
By Jiri K
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-05-05
I've had this one ever since it came out and have put many thousands of shots through it. I liked the asphalt-like finish on this Street Edition and my model also came with a Ruggard case, and a battery, for the price of camera alone, so it was a no brainer.
If you are reading this, you've likely already shopped around and know what the GR is capable of, so I'll be brief:
- Battery life is bad. Period. I can get maybe 150 shots at most.
- Does it bother me? No! USBC charging is quick + have 4 batteries
- It's tiny! Fits in your shirt pocket and easily shoots one-handed
- Time from startup to a snap focus shot is less than a second!
- The lens is so crazy sharp it is hard to describe how amazing.
- The Ruggard case fits very snugly and is a full zip around
- This has a dust shaker, so dust is non-issue, unlike my GR II
- Buttons and dials are all customizable to your preferences
- I stopped shooting RAW with this. There simply was no need
- I absolutely love their simulations (Positive, X-Process, Hi B&W)
- The simulations have a ton of parameters to tweak to your style
- The lens is a 28mm equivalent in film, so same as a phone
- The snap focus is brilliant! Set it to 2m @ f/8 = gives hyperfocal!
- Snap focus is so fast, you just fully press. No waiting to focus
- I highly recommend the leather wrist strap for extra safety
This camera is true to its original intent (to be a snapshot camera), it made me shoot way more and I sold or donated all of my DSLR gear. I kept only my film cameras.
If there is a GR IV, or if this one ever dies on me, I'm buying another, no questions asked. They are really that good. I only wish they released the 40mm GR IIIx version with this 28mm version at the same time. I'd have gone for the 40mm (better for street).
This isn't a cheap camera, but it is full APSC and I consider it professional grade in terms of features and sheer photo quality.
The lens in particular is in a league of its own...
See any errors on this page?
Does the image stabilization work in video mode?
Does the image stabilization work in video mode?
Asked by: David
It does not matter actually because the video focus gets lost unexpectedly and frequently. and bad video quality. In other words, the video option is not usable.
Answered by: Yijun
Date published: 2020-08-26
Please advise as to flash options?
Please advise as to flash options?
Asked by: Bruce
The following options will work the GRIII;
https://bhpho.to/35yUqgL
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-01-13
Will the GR III fit the Ricoh GC-4A soft case ...
Will the GR III fit the Ricoh GC-4A soft case made for the GR-IV? Both cameras are the same size, Case is still available on B&H.
Asked by: Kenneth
Tried with my GC-4A. Fits, but tripod socket is off center and doesn't screw in. The camera doesn't sit flat in the case.
Can't say it's "compatible" unless you get rid of the socket.
Answered by: Yue
Date published: 2019-03-23
Is the touchscreen glass or plastic?
Is the touchscreen glass or plastic?
Asked by: Jesper
It is Glass
Answered by: vilson
Date published: 2021-01-19
Where is it made?
Where is it made?
Asked by: David
According to the information in our system, the camera is manufactured in Vietnam. Please be aware this can change by the manufacturer over the product's production life without notice.
Answered by: Manzell L
Date published: 2019-04-09
Anyone else having tremendous trouble opening the ...
Anyone else having tremendous trouble opening the cover to the USB port? Is there a trick to it that I’m missing? The connection ports cover on my original GR(I) flips open effortlessly. This one is practically unopenable.
Asked by: Arnold
Yes these are a bit tougher to open but does help to ensure that water and weather don't effect the camera. The USB port tends to be where liquid can cause shorts or issues, so this helps to prevent accidentally opening it when in inclement weather.
Answered by: Zachariah
Date published: 2021-02-21
Has anyone successfully connect the GR3 to their ...
Has anyone successfully connect the GR3 to their iPhone via BlueTooth?
Asked by: Stone
We find no issues regarding the Ricoh app not working with and iPhone.
Answered by: Dennis L
Date published: 2020-08-21
can you disable image stabilization ? can you ...
can you disable image stabilization ? can you disable the touch screen?