Very good comparison - you have gotten a like and a subscribe. I too have both (street edition GR III though - I wish I owned the normal one because the street one is much too slick in the hand versus the normal edition). You're quite correct about the macro difference - the original does get noticeably closer. However, the x gives distinctly better working distance as a trade off. It's not a huge amount but it can mean the difference between scaring an insect or a frog, and crucially it gives a more natural perspective than the 28mm (which exaggerates the perspective/proportions of the macro subject). Lastly, when using a shoe-mounted flash it's easier to evenly light the macro subject on the x because of the narrower perspective and working distance. Alas, neither is perfect but I too am keeping both (just wish I hadn't gotten the street edition of the GR III....).
Very helpful comparison, I have the GR3 Street edition. Unlike another commentor, I have ZERO grip issues with this edition. I really like the street edition and don't regret that purchase. I use my fuji Xpro 3 with the 27mm fior that 40mm equivalent. Yes its a larger camera but it doesn't lack in bokeh. I was contemplating selling the GR3 for the GR3X but since it also lacks in bokeh I think I'll just stick with what I have. Thanks for the video!
You're very welcome. I also have other cameras that do bokeh better :) I guess if you get very close with the GR3x you can get some subject isolation and a little blur in portraits ... but not much. It works OK with smaller objects.
Good info, sir. Can you have full press snap focus and also touch screen to focus and shoot both available at the same time? That's what I'd like to do if I bought this camera. I'd mostly touch screen to focus and shoot as you could generally have larger apertures and subsequently faster speeds and lower iso than snap focusing. I'd be very keen to use the phone connection too in order to be able to get street shots when people are very near and would be alerted. I love the idea of being able to get a photo of people lining up to get off the train while they think I'm just looking at my phone. I tried to take one once with my current camera and a guy right in front of me was really angry. Hey ho.Cheers!
It depends on how often you're going to use the macro feature of the camera... for street photography, in my case, I can't see myself ever using macro at all. Snap focus; again I can't see myself using it so it's down to the lenses and how close you need to get to capture the subject (o In my case, I suppose it's simply due to having not used snap focus before, and I would be scared of wasting a days photography if all the shots turned out misfocused due to trying out snap focus). I had a Fujifilm XF10 (the one I traded in for the GRIIIx I'm still waiting on) which was a 28mm equivalent lens (same as the GRIII). Before I bought the XF10, I had been a 50mm photographer and used the X-T1 with a 50mm (equivalent) and worked the streets with that focal length, so jumping to a 28mm was a leap of faith on my part. I did get used to it and began to enjoy it even to the point of experimenting with it during lockdown in 2020. I had wanted the GRIII but due to the cost, and the fact that the XF10 was half the price that swung it for me... I still wanted to get the GRIII. But when it was announced that Ricoh we're bringing out a 40mm version, I jumped at the chance of getting it. Why so desperate? Well, since 2020 I've been using an X100v as my main camera; the X-T1 had been traded in for that camera. It got me used to the 35mm view and I became ever-more confident while out doing street photography with that camera and field of view; so with the 40mm being more closer to the 35mm, I decided to buy the GRIIIx. If I was in the fortunate position of owning both the GRIII & the GRIIIx but had to sell one I’d sell the GRIII... It keeps the field of view with both cameras as near as possible when I grab one or the other when I go out. I'm desperate to get my hands on my GRIIIx... Come on WEX, where's my camera! Best regards - will you be doing a show showing us you out and about using the GR’s on the street? Flickr: Ormie (O)
Maybe - out and about on the street. I prefer to not be seen or be too conspicuous. I don't want to walk around a crowded spot with another camera strapped to my chest :) About snap focus: the whole point of snap focus is its Speed. It's faster than any auto focus. The only thing that can ruin a snap focus shot is, if you point the camera at the ground then raise it up to get a snap, you might miss a shot if it has to adjust exposure. But I'm talking, sub-second delays here. If you can live with autofocus for street photography, good on you, but I've always used some form of zone focus, to avoid having to focus. That's all snap focus is - zone focussing. Snap focus can work along side AF. Either set the shutter button up for full press snap, or the LCD for touch to snap. Either way, you can still half press for AF. Good Luck
@@photostuff well, I’ve just had word my GRIIIx is now on its way to me so, hopefully, I’ll get out into Glasgow and test it out this weekend 🥳 best regards
@@photostuff I was for going to head into Glasgow now, to do some street photography with the camera but, the weather forecast is for heavy rain and stormy weather, so km leave it until next weekend. Might take the camera with me to work and do a wee bit of street photography on my home in the evenings and use that as a means to her used to the camera.
Finally received my GRIIIx yesterday... Planning on going into Glasgow today to test it out, so I'll see how it goes. I'm expecting to miss some shots due to being unused too it or due too the settings not being quite right yet. One thing I tried to do was too register the camera with Ricoh... The website is dreadful, especially on an iPad, and found out that it needs to be held in landscape for it to work properly but even then, I couldn't log into the account I set up a while back. Did you register your camera? One funny moment was when setting the menu up, I forgot which camera I was working with. Why couldn't I find the way to switch off the flash in settings? Duh, it doesn't have a flash built-in; I was still in Fujifilm XF10 mode 🤣🥸
Nice comparison. Another benefit for each would be the wide converter for the 3 and the tele converter for the 3x. Depending on which one needs to use.
If you were out at a restaurant (low light) with friends/family, which one would you grab if you wanted to take a group shot at the table with the camera on auto?
sorry for the late reply. Apparently, I'd don't get all of my notifications :) I'd go the the GRiiix for everyday photography as you describe. I'd choose the GRiii for landscapes though.
So which version would you use for discrete picture taking at small church memorial? I supposed the III's wider angle, and crop in if needed? Macro isn't particularly important to me. I owned the II a while back. Thanks for the comparison.
It's never bothered me. I have the screen brightness on the quick menu to quickly crank it up if needed, but your mileage my vary. With an extra battery in your pocket and power saving features activated you should be OK.
I've just picked up an immaculate second hand GRIIIx from MPB & can't wait to get out with it. It's interesting to hear your thoughts. I'm not fussed about the Macro as I have a Fuji X-T3 for that kind of stuff, but I'll have to see how I get on with the snap focus. But not to worry as I'll probably pick up the original GRIII in the near future too. Cheers.... 👍
I don't have a GRIII, but I would be interested to find out if owners find it is truly 'pocketable'. How big does a pocket have to be for this camera? Jeans pocket, jacket, overcoat? Is it quick and easy to grab from a pocket if you see a photo? Or do you really need to have it in your hand if you think you might need it at any moment?
Yes to all. Very pocketable, even in the soft leather cases I covered. I don’t wear suits, so I can’t comment on a suit/blazer pocket, but it slips easily into all my jacket pockets.
@@photostuff Thanks for the reply. May I ask another question (and I'm sorry if you have covered that somewhere else)? Have you had any problems with dust on the sensor or behind the wheel on the back? (although having watched your video on the soft and expensive case I would assume that the camera would be protected well enough)
@@m47d48xt Hi Paul, no problem, ask all you want. I'm no expert, but I can share my own experiences. I have never had an issue with dust, either on the lens or on the back dial. However, I tend to shoot aperture priority, so I rarely use the back dial for changing values (like exposure comp. when in manual mode). I always have exposure comp on the adj. lever.
@@photostuff That's good, thanks. I had heard that dust was a problem. I think I would like to get one of these eventually and that the IIIx is more versatile for what I would use it for. Feel free to send me yours if you change your mind about keeping it!
Would you recommend the GRIIIx or GRIII and why? I'm leaning towards the GRIII due to having the ability to shoot wide and crop, but I'm unsure which to get for travel/everyday use cases.
It's interesting, as I would choose the X between my two, if I had to of course. It's just that I have always been more of a 35-40mm kind of shooter. I also find 28mm to not really be wide enough for what I envision when I want to go wider... But, I would not part with either to be honest. I can carry both cams in a tiny bag or a couple of pockets.
@@photostuff That's true! But somehow it's just not the same... There is often more compression in the X images, due to the subject working distance difference...
I just got my GRIII back from the dust removal factory. Judging by the replies on the camera forums, it looks like it's 60/40 to maybe even 75/25 for the III over the IIIx. But to each their own. And please close your dishwasher door for your next video. ;) Cheers!
With 40mm I find myself in too many scenarios where I can’t back up anymore but with 28mm I can walk closer
Very good comparison - you have gotten a like and a subscribe. I too have both (street edition GR III though - I wish I owned the normal one because the street one is much too slick in the hand versus the normal edition). You're quite correct about the macro difference - the original does get noticeably closer. However, the x gives distinctly better working distance as a trade off. It's not a huge amount but it can mean the difference between scaring an insect or a frog, and crucially it gives a more natural perspective than the 28mm (which exaggerates the perspective/proportions of the macro subject). Lastly, when using a shoe-mounted flash it's easier to evenly light the macro subject on the x because of the narrower perspective and working distance.
Alas, neither is perfect but I too am keeping both (just wish I hadn't gotten the street edition of the GR III....).
Welcome aboard:)
Very helpful comparison, I have the GR3 Street edition. Unlike another commentor, I have ZERO grip issues with this edition. I really like the street edition and don't regret that purchase. I use my fuji Xpro 3 with the 27mm fior that 40mm equivalent. Yes its a larger camera but it doesn't lack in bokeh. I was contemplating selling the GR3 for the GR3X but since it also lacks in bokeh I think I'll just stick with what I have. Thanks for the video!
You're very welcome. I also have other cameras that do bokeh better :) I guess if you get very close with the GR3x you can get some subject isolation and a little blur in portraits ... but not much. It works OK with smaller objects.
I have exactly the same gears! GR3 street edition and X-pro3 with 27mm WR. Only hesitating if I need some more tele reach.
@@peterduke5737 I also have the 35 mm f 1.4 and the 56 mm f 1.2 and the 40 to 150 f 2.8 though I don't use that one much
I have the GR III too. Only thing missing from this gem of a camera is a master factory reset.
Yes, it is a bit weird. It will still remember some custom settings, even when you think you've nuked it!
Good info, sir. Can you have full press snap focus and also touch screen to focus and shoot both available at the same time? That's what I'd like to do if I bought this camera. I'd mostly touch screen to focus and shoot as you could generally have larger apertures and subsequently faster speeds and lower iso than snap focusing. I'd be very keen to use the phone connection too in order to be able to get street shots when people are very near and would be alerted. I love the idea of being able to get a photo of people lining up to get off the train while they think I'm just looking at my phone. I tried to take one once with my current camera and a guy right in front of me was really angry. Hey ho.Cheers!
@@m.s.g1890 yes you can.
Configure the shutter button for full press snap and the touch screen for focus and shoot.
@@photostuff brilliant, thanks 🙏🏻 a
It depends on how often you're going to use the macro feature of the camera... for street photography, in my case, I can't see myself ever using macro at all.
Snap focus; again I can't see myself using it so it's down to the lenses and how close you need to get to capture the subject (o
In my case, I suppose it's simply due to having not used snap focus before, and I would be scared of wasting a days photography if all the shots turned out misfocused due to trying out snap focus).
I had a Fujifilm XF10 (the one I traded in for the GRIIIx I'm still waiting on) which was a 28mm equivalent lens (same as the GRIII).
Before I bought the XF10, I had been a 50mm photographer and used the X-T1 with a 50mm (equivalent) and worked the streets with that focal length, so jumping to a 28mm was a leap of faith on my part.
I did get used to it and began to enjoy it even to the point of experimenting with it during lockdown in 2020.
I had wanted the GRIII but due to the cost, and the fact that the XF10 was half the price that swung it for me... I still wanted to get the GRIII.
But when it was announced that Ricoh we're bringing out a 40mm version, I jumped at the chance of getting it.
Why so desperate? Well, since 2020 I've been using an X100v as my main camera; the X-T1 had been traded in for that camera.
It got me used to the 35mm view and I became ever-more confident while out doing street photography with that camera and field of view; so with the 40mm being more closer to the 35mm, I decided to buy the GRIIIx.
If I was in the fortunate position of owning both the GRIII & the GRIIIx but had to sell one I’d sell the GRIII... It keeps the field of view with both cameras as near as possible when I grab one or the other when I go out.
I'm desperate to get my hands on my GRIIIx... Come on WEX, where's my camera!
Best regards - will you be doing a show showing us you out and about using the GR’s on the street?
Flickr: Ormie (O)
Maybe - out and about on the street. I prefer to not be seen or be too conspicuous. I don't want to walk around a crowded spot with another camera strapped to my chest :)
About snap focus: the whole point of snap focus is its Speed. It's faster than any auto focus. The only thing that can ruin a snap focus shot is, if you point the camera at the ground then raise it up to get a snap, you might miss a shot if it has to adjust exposure. But I'm talking, sub-second delays here. If you can live with autofocus for street photography, good on you, but I've always used some form of zone focus, to avoid having to focus. That's all snap focus is - zone focussing.
Snap focus can work along side AF. Either set the shutter button up for full press snap, or the LCD for touch to snap. Either way, you can still half press for AF.
Good Luck
@@photostuff well, I’ve just had word my GRIIIx is now on its way to me so, hopefully, I’ll get out into Glasgow and test it out this weekend 🥳 best regards
@@macjim awesome. Send word when you’ve uploaded some shots to your Flickr account :)
@@photostuff will do
@@photostuff I was for going to head into Glasgow now, to do some street photography with the camera but, the weather forecast is for heavy rain and stormy weather, so km leave it until next weekend.
Might take the camera with me to work and do a wee bit of street photography on my home in the evenings and use that as a means to her used to the camera.
Finally received my GRIIIx yesterday...
Planning on going into Glasgow today to test it out, so I'll see how it goes.
I'm expecting to miss some shots due to being unused too it or due too the settings not being quite right yet.
One thing I tried to do was too register the camera with Ricoh... The website is dreadful, especially on an iPad, and found out that it needs to be held in landscape for it to work properly but even then, I couldn't log into the account I set up a while back.
Did you register your camera?
One funny moment was when setting the menu up, I forgot which camera I was working with.
Why couldn't I find the way to switch off the flash in settings? Duh, it doesn't have a flash built-in; I was still in Fujifilm XF10 mode 🤣🥸
Congrats on finally getting it!!
No, i never registered mine. If something goes wrong I'll contact the place where I bought it.
Nice comparison. Another benefit for each would be the wide converter for the 3 and the tele converter for the 3x. Depending on which one needs to use.
If you were out at a restaurant (low light) with friends/family, which one would you grab if you wanted to take a group shot at the table with the camera on auto?
sorry for the late reply. Apparently, I'd don't get all of my notifications :)
I'd go the the GRiiix for everyday photography as you describe. I'd choose the GRiii for landscapes though.
I just use my iPhone 15 pro if I need wide shots. For street and documentary I love using the Ricoh GR 3X.
😎
So which version would you use for discrete picture taking at small church memorial? I supposed the III's wider angle, and crop in if needed? Macro isn't particularly important to me. I owned the II a while back. Thanks for the comparison.
Hi Bill,
I'd go with the regular 3 to get as much coverage as possible, and like you said, crop later if needed.
Is having no viewfinder a problem, i got a fujifilm no viewfinder took it on holiday sunny day, could not see a thing instantly fell out with it.
It's never bothered me. I have the screen brightness on the quick menu to quickly crank it up if needed, but your mileage my vary. With an extra battery in your pocket and power saving features activated you should be OK.
Thanks for your quick reply ,looking at griii thanks again.@@photostuff
I've just picked up an immaculate second hand GRIIIx from MPB & can't wait to get out with it. It's interesting to hear your thoughts. I'm not fussed about the Macro as I have a Fuji X-T3 for that kind of stuff, but I'll have to see how I get on with the snap focus. But not to worry as I'll probably pick up the original GRIII in the near future too. Cheers.... 👍
I don’t shoot many macro shots ether, but I just wanted to demonstrate the two obvious differences with the lenses.
Hey! Which case is that? Would love to order it for my GR3x!
GC-12 by Ricoh
@@photostuff Thanks so much.
The best choice is to keep and use both.
I don't have a GRIII, but I would be interested to find out if owners find it is truly 'pocketable'. How big does a pocket have to be for this camera? Jeans pocket, jacket, overcoat? Is it quick and easy to grab from a pocket if you see a photo? Or do you really need to have it in your hand if you think you might need it at any moment?
Yes to all. Very pocketable, even in the soft leather cases I covered. I don’t wear suits, so I can’t comment on a suit/blazer pocket, but it slips easily into all my jacket pockets.
@@photostuff Thanks for the reply. May I ask another question (and I'm sorry if you have covered that somewhere else)? Have you had any problems with dust on the sensor or behind the wheel on the back? (although having watched your video on the soft and expensive case I would assume that the camera would be protected well enough)
@@m47d48xt Hi Paul, no problem, ask all you want. I'm no expert, but I can share my own experiences. I have never had an issue with dust, either on the lens or on the back dial. However, I tend to shoot aperture priority, so I rarely use the back dial for changing values (like exposure comp. when in manual mode). I always have exposure comp on the adj. lever.
@@photostuff That's good, thanks. I had heard that dust was a problem. I think I would like to get one of these eventually and that the IIIx is more versatile for what I would use it for. Feel free to send me yours if you change your mind about keeping it!
@@m47d48xt 😂😉
Would you recommend the GRIIIx or GRIII and why? I'm leaning towards the GRIII due to having the ability to shoot wide and crop, but I'm unsure which to get for travel/everyday use cases.
I stuck with the GRiii for the wider shot. Another commenter mentioned not having to step back with the 28, and I agree.
Which one is sharper comparatively, the 3 or the 3x?
They’re both just as sharp in my opinion.
I'll buy it for street, not for macro...
It's interesting, as I would choose the X between my two, if I had to of course. It's just that I have always been more of a 35-40mm kind of shooter. I also find 28mm to not really be wide enough for what I envision when I want to go wider... But, I would not part with either to be honest. I can carry both cams in a tiny bag or a couple of pockets.
You can always crop the 28 :)
@@photostuff That's true! But somehow it's just not the same... There is often more compression in the X images, due to the subject working distance difference...
Though art correct!
I just got my GRIII back from the dust removal factory. Judging by the replies on the camera forums, it looks like it's 60/40 to maybe even 75/25 for the III over the IIIx. But to each their own. And please close your dishwasher door for your next video. ;) Cheers!
🤪