[Review & Sample Photos] The Appeal of the RICOH GR IIIx: A "Natural Field of View" at 40mm Equivalent and the Texture of Everyday Life

Another Choice That Inherits the GR DNA

RICOH GR is, for many photographers, the "ultimate snapshot camera."

Its DNA lives on in the current GR series in the form of a compact body that fits in a pocket and an APS-C sensor, and uncompromising image quality.

Until now, the GR series has been built mainly around a lens with a 35mm-equivalent field of view of 28mm (wide-angle). It is a very appealing angle for capturing vast landscapes or the chaos of a bustling city whole.

On the other hand, there are scenes where it feels a little too wide for focusing on a specific subject or photographing people from a natural distance.

That is where the camera we review this time comes in: the "RICOH GR IIIx".

The biggest feature of this camera is that it uses a focal length close to a standard angle of view: about 40mm in 35mm equivalent.

How is it different from the 28mm GR III?
Along with sample photos, we explore the charm unique to the GR IIIx.

Sample Review 1: The Perfect Distance of a "Natural Field of View" at 40mm Equivalent

A 40mm-equivalent angle of view is said to match how we see when we look intently at something in front of us: a natural angle of view.

Not as wide as 28mm, not as tight as 50mm.
This neutral angle also gives portraits a perfect sense of distance.

First, take a look at this shot on a street corner flooded with strong backlight.

A moment, as if you had just turned around in the crowd, is captured with the GR IIIx's crisp rendering.

At 40mm equivalent, the background doesn't spread out too much while still retaining a fair amount of the city's atmosphere. As a result, you can naturally bring out the presence of the main subject.

The appeal is also clear in a shot taken from closer range.

The green in the background never becomes distracting, and the soft expression and texture of the subject are rendered honestly.

28mm is a little too wide.
50mm is a little too narrow.

That "one step more" distance is exactly what is filled by the charm of the 40mm-equivalent angle of view.

Sample Review 2: Overwhelming Rendering and High-Contrast Black and White

The high rendering power you would never expect from such a compact body is a major attraction of the GR series.

Let's start with a color sample.

An artificial waterfall seen beyond the trees, captured with a natural atmosphere.

The sight of a child walking across the grassy lawn of a wide park is striking. It renders ordinary everyday scenes naturally yet vividly.

The sense of three-dimensionality running from the foreground blur to the background is excellent. Even with a small camera, depending on your distance to the subject and how you use the background, you can enjoy a photo with real depth.

And no RICOH review is complete without its black-and-white expression.

The GR IIIx keeps that charm intact.

The smooth skin texture of the mannequin and the gradation of the beautiful bokeh melting into the background are striking.

The skyscrapers of Shinjuku are captured sharply and solidly. It also pairs superbly with modern architecture built from straight lines.

The regularly lined-up building pillars and the geometric contrast created by light and shadow stand out.

The moderate compression of 40mm equivalent, combined with the GR's high-contrast black-and-white rendering, begins to give everyday urban scenes the mood of a scene from a film.

GR IIIx Review Summary: High Image Quality, Captured from a Natural Viewpoint, in Your Pocket

A 40mm-equivalent focal length gives a different kind of snapshot enjoyment than previous GR models.

Especially in portraits and in naturally capturing subjects that catch your eye in daily life, you will strongly feel its appeal.

Capturing the breadth of the world at 28mm is of course a very GR way to enjoy it.

On the other hand, capturing moments that move you, and the subject in front of you, with a more natural sensation at 40mm equivalent is also a valid answer.

If you have found the previous 28mm a little too wide, the GR IIIx will surely become a reliable partner.

High image quality, captured from a natural viewpoint, in your pocket.

Please try capturing your days with this 40mm-equivalent angle of view.

About the RICOH GR IIIx

A high-end compact digital camera in the RICOH GR series, released in 2021.

It features an approximately 24.24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and the GR LENS 26.1mm F2.8, equivalent to about 40mm in 35mm format. Despite its small, pocketable body, it lets you capture portraits, street snapshots and ordinary moments of daily life from a natural distance.

It is also packed with features for never missing a moment, including 3-axis image stabilization, hybrid AF, Full Press Snap and focus functions handy for snapshots. It combines the high image quality and portability expected of the GR series.

Width x height x depth: approx. 109.4mm x 61.9mm x 35.2mm
Weight: approx. 262g (including battery and SD memory card)