Ricoh GR: The Ultimate Compact Camera for Street Photography

In this blog post, we'll be exploring the features and benefits of the Ricoh GR camera for street photography. We'll delve into its image quality, portability, and ease of use, all while keeping in mind the keywords that rank well on Google.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Ricoh GR article cover photo

Key Features

Apr 17 2013

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandRicoh
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCMOS
Weight245g
MSRP$799USD

Other similar cameras

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Released Jun 17 2015 | 16MP resolution

Ricoh GR III thumbnail

Ricoh GR III

Released Sep 25 2018 | 24MP resolution

Ricoh G900 thumbnail

Ricoh G900

Released Feb 21 2018 | 20MP resolution

Overview of the GR

If you're a street photographer, finding the perfect camera can be a challenge. You want something that's small and discreet, yet still capable of capturing stunning images. Look no further than the Ricoh GR, a compact camera that's been making waves in the photography community. With its large APS-C sensor, sharp lens, and intuitive controls, the Ricoh GR is a powerful tool for capturing life on the streets. Let's dive into what sets this camera apart and why it's a top contender for street photographers.

Ricoh GR Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Ricoh GR camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-Resolution Image Sensor
Excellent Image Quality
Compact and Lightweight
Wide Aperture
Fast Autofocus
Easy-to-use Interface
Built-in Wi-Fi

Cons

Fixed Lens
No Image Stabilization
Limited Video Recording Capability
No Built-in Flash
Minimal Customization Options
High Price Point

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Ricoh GR

Weather sealed
Dimensions117 x 61 x 35mm
Weight245g
Thickness35mm
Weight
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Avg
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Ricoh GR is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (optional)
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution1,230k dots
Body typeLarge sensor compact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,230k dots. This makes the Ricoh GR not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

GR includes a optical (optional) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of n/a and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Ricoh GR has a 16MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Ricoh GR has a native ISO range of 100 - 25600 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Apr 17 2013

Announced

100 - 25600

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4928 x 3264 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

78 / 102

Color Depth

23.6 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

13.5 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

972 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Ricoh GR camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the GR is average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD, SDHC, SDXC
Battery Life290 shots
Battery ModelDB65
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Ricoh GR supports SD, SDHC, SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Ricoh GR uses the DB65 model of battery pack. This is rated for 290 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Ricoh GR has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Ricoh GR boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Ricoh GR includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Ricoh GR?

The Ricoh GR features a CMOS sensor

Is the Ricoh GR weather sealed?

No the GR does not have weather sealing.

When was the Ricoh GR announced?

The Ricoh GR was announced on Apr 17 2013

Does the Ricoh GR have in-body image stabilization?

No the GR does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Ricoh GR?

The GR has a native ISO range of 100-25600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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