RICOH GRIII in 2024 | Compact, Affordable, BUT is it Any Good?

[@billgreen5482]

Hi Gerard. Really liked the review, and subscribed to your channel. I've been shooting with the Ricoh GR III for over three years now, and it's the only camera for me. I'm an old guy now, just turned 75, and shooting street for about 10 years. Wish I had discovered it sooner. First of all, I enjoy shooting in difficult shooting situations. I love bright light, and sunsets etc. I often find myself shooting into the Sun, so I understand some of the issues you've mentioned. You mentioned having to intentionally underexpose more than once in your video, so I thought I should mention my experience. I think that one of the best features in this camera [that I use almost all of the time] is the highlight-weighted metering. I think it's brilliant. I found the same issues you did when I didn't know about this. Now that I use this HW metering I no longer even think about exposure compensation I set my camera up before I walk out the door - depending on the light I see, I decide what aperture and shutter, and leave ISO on auto. I zone focus using snap. With this metering setup I never have to worry about harsh light. I always retain the sky detail. I can shoot directly at the Sun, and not blow out the sky. And it's great for protecting the highlights caused by bright street lights at night. Check out my Instagram at @billgreen434, and you'll see lots of high contrast stuff. Most of this is directly a result of using this weighted metering setup rather than intentionally underexposing. Great early review. I look forward to following you. Cheers, Bill

[@gerardneedham]

Awesome mate, Relying on the meter feels like canon 5D days heheheh

[@joannad2561]

I’ve had this camera for about 2 months now and it goes with me everywhere I go. I love everything about it except - you mentioned it - the LCD screen. It’s hard to see sometimes outside! One thing I learned from you is that I can change the crop to 50 or 35. I didn’t realize this! So thank you! Today I will experiment with the 50mm and see how it goes ☺️

[@gerardneedham]

Yeah the LCD sucks ahahahah,

[@Whizzer_]

Sometimes I forget about my Ricoh GRIIIx - pick it up and fall back in love with the crispy sharp images. If only it had a flip screen. Flip flip flip little GRIV please

[@gerardneedham]

Yeah and better video option

[@Will67267]

My main camera and it never let me down. Big sensor and fits in my pocket. Perfect!

[@caerphoto]

One thing that might contribute to the camera heating up is the Clarity setting - for some reason it’s very processor-intensive, which also naturally has a negative effect on battery life.

[@gerardneedham]

Yeah that seems to be the same on the Fuji too

[@-grey]

X100V also can't take handheld sharp images at 1 or 2 second shutter speed. I can also confirm the AF is better than my Fujifilm. Ah mate, you can't trust the jpeg recipes they're mostly made by one guy, and he never gets it right. He makes them for Fujifilm also and never chooses the right base simulation to match the colour palette necessary. If nothing else it's reasonably close to shooting on a holga, or some plastic lens disposable. It seems like that's the vibe he's going for more than accuracy tbf. I love to see more GR III content. Your shots were great. Welcome to the club. Subscribed. ✌️

[@gerardneedham]

Yeah would be keen to shoot with it more, but unfortunately I don’t own the camera

[@Aithis.]

I was saving up to grab a Sony a7iv and bought this to have as a secondary but now I’m honestly contemplating whether to just keep this as my Main lol. The quality actually blew me away once I got those RAW photos into Lightroom. Not to overhype it too much as it still has its flaws (battery, screen is quite woeful, etc) but I previously had a Fuji XT4 and can’t really say there’s a difference in image quality and I personally prefer the colours on the GRiii.

[@gerardneedham]

Oh man the image is Insaine

[@paulm8157]

Balanced, credible review, Gerard. Prudent of you to skip other reviews to avoid bias. I have the camera and agree w/most of your points. Never encountered the heat issue. Re screen, did you try adjusting screen brightness via sliding scale , or use the situation dependent brightness settings? Wrist strap disappointing in that the body eyelets, IMO, are way to small to easily adapt a different strap. Touch screen and IBIS are features worth a mention. Auto EV compensation is a setting you might want to try to solve the exposure issue. I found that auto ISO tends to underexpose. Ever use the snap focus? It’s great for street shoots, IMO, and a highly touted help. Glad you found the camera a poor choice for “flogging”😊. Sorry, Gerard, but I did not spot the whale - will take your word, though😊. The pocket fit is a bit of a stretch, IMO - cam might be turned on unintentionally. Like a version of the old joke “Is that a camera in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?” Cheers!

[@gerardneedham]

Yeah I didn’t try the snap focus as it just something I wouldn’t use ahahah, also I guess if you still wear skinny jeans it wouldn’t fit that well heheheh, I actually forgot it was in my pocket this one time and was looking for it ahahah. The screen was my issue, it would just be blown out reminds me of these cheap video monitors that show you footage blowen out ahahahah

[@dingdingdingdiiiiing]

Three downsides: 1. no flash. I did get a Q20II, but you really have to know what you're doing with it, i.e. train, use when applicable. 2. no viewfinder and screen doesn't tilt 3. it is not a low light shooter, f/2.8 is a slow lens in my book, and you can't bump up the ISO too much. IBIS will not help you freeze moving subjects. That last one was particularly disappointing, but still, neither the first two, nor the last point really noticeably diminishes useability or the joy to use it. It's just something to keep in mind, a limitation. Which is basically what all this is about, know the limits, work within them, or work around them. The camera was designed with one predominant thought: never miss a shot. If you want to go all artsy, look elsewhere, multiply what you paid for GRIII by 3 at least, and you'll be in the ballpark. But you won't lug that camera around just in case you find a good shot somewhere on your walk.

[@gerardneedham]

This company just released a really small flash for the GRIII

[@kqschwarz]

I have the GRIIIx version and love it. One thing that I would add to your excellent review is that continuous focus and therefore also video should never be used on this camera. Single-shot focus works great, but continuous focus hunts all the time, which is why the videos that are recorded are terrible. All the best.

[@gerardneedham]

Yeah I did notice that, I was using one shot on this camera and also there is no easy way to manually focus ahahah

[@jasperphelan]

It’s shockingly difficult to find any affordable modern point and shoots in South East Queensland, both secondhand and from official stores.

[@gerardneedham]

Yeah it’s a popular camera

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

True you can’t put a Fuji in your pocket but that Ricoh camera most certainly will gather lots of dust when you do put it in your pocket. They are an absolute dust magnet. Number one reason why I have never purchased one.

[@gerardneedham]

Yeah I e heard that, but also never noticed any dust on this one (it’s my friends that I still use time to time)

[@ovidijuspocius6336]

definitely thinking to pick this up when I go to work in the morning when its golden light, to snap some shots on the way

[@gerardneedham]

You should!

[@Soshiaircon91]

It is 2023 and people is saying GRIII is "Affordable" damn my mind is truly blown.

[@gerardneedham]

The price went way up after I made this video lol

[@SilatShooter]

It's a unique camera, the IQ for size ratio is unbeatable. Hard to argue with the results.

[@gerardneedham]

Yeah really did surprise me

[@pictorest]

Hi Gerald, you've done a great overview regarding the Ricoh! Positives I would have added are the highlight weighted metering, which never failed me and the snap focus, which is pretty unique and unbelievably handy, if you know how to use it. Also worth mentioning is the firmware update policy. Ricoh is doing a great job there. On the other hand I had the camera sent in because of a dust problem and an electronical failure. For years im using the GR and a X100f simultaneously and I don't want to miss one or the other! Even made some amateur videos on them. Thanks again for your video and have a great weekend! Cheers, Martin

[@gerardneedham]

Awesome

[@WatchDSSID]

I agree with Paul - try Snap Focus. A very well balanced review of this camera, thanks.

[@gerardneedham]

Thanks, will do!

[@LK-cc4uj]

best review i've seen yet! Thank you!

[@gerardneedham]

Wow, thanks!

[@TravieTrav_DMV]

Great review and really nice images as well! Definitely showing the quality & capabilities of the GR III !

[@gerardneedham]

Thanks a lot!

[@JJ_Photo]

Regarding exposure, you could use the highligt priority metering. Works very good. But of course will underexpose if your scene has a bright background. But a very safe metering.

[@gerardneedham]

Yeah I do use the meter on my a7iv but I trust my eye for exposure and the screen, I think the Ricoh I trust the meter better than the screen

[@jamiegray3245]

@janjespersen @@gerardneedham Can you view a histogram in the live view? It would take a lot of doubt out of your mind.

[@LukeTaylorPhotography]

gOOD sTUFF! I need to try that thumb grip accessory. I agree with you, most of the accessories don't appeal to me because they keep me from putting the camera in my pocket. Enjoyed the video and thanks for checking out Cotton Color 400

[@gerardneedham]

That thumb grip is a Necessity

[@sooooooooooos2300]

Can you attach Ricoh GW-4 Wide Conversion Lens to GR 3X????

[@lynneftw]

"Ricoh GR free, in 2020-free, making this camera free years old at the time of this video." 😅 Sorry, I can't get over it. Anyway, Ricoh is taking entirely too long to create a GR4 with much-needed improvements.

[@gerardneedham]

Ahahahaha New Zealand English mate

[@RiposteThis]

Just a heads up, it has a leaf shutter, same as the x100v. And the x100v has a 4 stop ND.

[@gerardneedham]

Yeah when I first got it I didn’t even think it had a shutter lol

[@davevayn]

Very good video, great important details about the image quality and cropping I wondered about well done mate. Can’t wait for mine, currently debating to keep my Fuji X-S20 and get a 27mm 2.8 which is pretty slim or get a Ricoh cause the Ricoh is crazy light and small.

[@mirkman8268]

I am depating about getting a Ricoh Gr3 or a Fujifilm X-S20. It will be my First Camera and honestly I don‘t know what to do.

[@davevayn]

@@mirkman8268 for me it’s about the weight and size but I’m still testing the GR3 next week to see if it’s worth it but from watching a few videos it seems very worth it unless you need it for video or care about certain features I guess. If it’s your first one I think maybe I would say the Fuji but XS20 has a lot of functions I would maybe start with an older Fuji? But if you want a more simple menu and maybe something potentially easier to learn and use with LCD and put in your pocket everywhere the RICOH could be good.

[@gerardneedham]

Depends how small you want to go? The xs20 you can build a good set of small lenses Or the Gr3 you can put in your pocket

[@muslihatkedua7422]

if i like the wider view, should I go with gr iii x?

[@gerardneedham]

No the Griii x is a 40mm while the griii is a 28mm full frame field of view

[@mee7er]

It’s too bad the price on these bad boys are so weird. They cost more than they did on launch three years ago and used price is almost as same as brand new.

[@gerardneedham]

Yeah I know so annoying I’ve been trying to buy the x version

[@johnhal1]

The GR is an amazing camera. But! It's a dust magnet, plus the rear dial can freeze/lock. I wish they resolved the build issues, it's good, but expensive.

[@gerardneedham]

GR4 let’s go

[@unclej2240]

I fixed the dust problem just adding a uv filter right in front of the lens.. its 1 year now I have the griiix and to me its awesome in all the aspect

[@MitchLally]

The new setup is crazy good bro!

[@gerardneedham]

Cheers buv, let see the improvements and evolution over time

[@neharai828]

Do you shoot is Raw or JPEG? Do you edit every image in Lightroom? Used any recipes? I haven’t use Lightroom yet. So wondering should I give it a try still with the film simulation already in the camera. Also does the camera have the Bluetooth? Apologies for so many questions. I am thinking of buying the Diary version of Griii.

[@gerardneedham]

Yeah it’s has Bluetooth and I don’t use any jpegs just shoot raw and edit in light room with my presets

[@jaymills1720]

Do you r commend this over an iPhone and Fuji? For EDC and travel?

[@gerardneedham]

100% the picture quality slaps a iPhone and the Fuji you can’t put in your pocket

[@jaymills1720]

@@gerardneedham sweet! Gonna pair the Ricoh with fx30 for video

[@hugomartinsphoto]

Great review and images, Gerard!

[@gerardneedham]

Thank you

[@hugomartinsphoto]

@@gerardneedham my pleasure!

[@JamesReader]

Awesome video Gerard! I need to try one of these Ricohs out, I love the look you’re getting out of it.

[@gerardneedham]

You should! I want the GRIIIX but I can’t buy one anywhere

[@AlexthePoki]

@@gerardneedham would you chose the IIIx over the III?

[@jamieriedel97]

great vid!

[@gerardneedham]

Thanks mate

[@timzusa]

Kinda hesitant to buy it since the GR IV could be right around the corner. I saw someone say that they had a prototype of the GR IV… I wonder if they were lying… 🤔

[@gerardneedham]

Yeah I feel the same way, hopefully one that fixes the dust issues and has some better video quality at a quick burst

[@kailimedia]

do like that dust get into it very quickly

[@gerardneedham]

Didn’t notice was a loan from a mate

[@kekearif]

Burn the SD card? Come on.

[@gerardneedham]

Happens more often than you think

[@martingreenberg870]

Yes you can stick this Ricoh GRiii in your pocket. Well done. No you can’t use the EVF because it is lacking. The LCD isn’t that good and the image isn’t accurate? Deal breaker for me. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@gerardneedham]

Thanks for sharing, I don’t like EVF’s I can’t stand them from real optical view finders

[@Streetsupra88]

Affordable? Not quite yet for me at least.

[@gerardneedham]

Should be a few on the second hand market soon

[@oehagen]

The teleconverter is only for the 40 mm GR iiix model! The wide angle converter is only for the 28 mm GR iii model! Please get your facts right.

[@gerardneedham]

If you cover the electrical connections it’s works, I did mention that

[@9karol01]

Legit every camera can do the same nowadays

[@gerardneedham]

Every camera can fit into your pocket

[@brianwarnerarts]

I'm a purest when it comes to image quality and detail. Full frame rigs like the Z5/6/7/8 line up on Nikon are amazing, but they can't fit in your pocket they also cost a lot. Fuji's X100V/VI lineup is overhyped. The quality of shots is poor. Specs are great, but the reality is something else, you can't compare based on specs.. GR III has a lot of issues, but it's cheaper than all of them, and it outperforms the X100V/VI on quality of images. So not every camera can do the same.

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

iPhones aren’t bad……….they just aren’t good. ;)

[@gerardneedham]

Ahahahahah

[@robertstoddard549]

How the heck is this affordable?

[@gerardneedham]

Well compared to other cameras even a new iPhone mate, inflation is going hard

[@iwx2672]

DUST ON THE SENSOR

[@gerardneedham]

Can be a problem

[@wpickle]

🤔 "RICOH GRIII in 2024" uploaded: 19 Jun 2023. Time traveller!

[@sodiumlights]

Affordable? Really?

[@gerardneedham]

Yeah compared to the x100 or other mirrorless cameras

[@AMore429]

Doesn’t anyone else see a problem with paying 1k for a camera that you can’t tell from looking at LCD whether you got a good image or not ??? 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@leetmango]

Why lie about not researching camera specs before buying ? I guess that explains the 3K subs 😂😂😂

[@gerardneedham]

What you mean, I went out and shot with the camera and then researched about the camera. My friend gave it to me for the week so I didn’t even know about the camera till he showed me

[@Kevin888yt]

@@gerardneedham Don't worry about them. The video was awesome and I could tell that you put in a lot of effort into testing and understanding the camera. Plus, the review sounds really convincing coming from someone who actually knows how to take pictures. The video answered most of my concerns as someone who's thinking of moving away from the Fujifilm system for an even more compact system, specifically on image quality, JPEG, film simulation, and raw file editability. On a side note, I really like your photography style! Would definitely love to see some videos on photo analyses and BTS of your photoshoots; I think it would be interesting to know your thoughts on your photos/edits, what you were aiming for, and how you would find something interesting to photograph. Hoping to see more of your videos. Cheers!

[@rellaxum]

The best depth of field is on a film photo not on digital ....😂

[@gerardneedham]

😅