Ricoh GR Digital III

Opinion: The Ricoh GRD III (like the GRD I) that I owned before is a superb little camera, capable of taking excellent images in the hands of an experienced photographer. It doesn't have face-detection, scene modes, HD video, 12x zoom, etc. What is does have is a fantastic prime 28mm lens, rapid AF, RAW shooting and fully manual controls. So, if you want to take pictures, rather than letting the camera make the images for you, this is the compact for you.

Opinion: Nearly two years after it was released, the GRD III is still the best overall compact camera proposition on the market. Some cameras, like the X100, might offer better absolute IQ. But as a complete package, none deliver as well as this little gem. Since new cameras like the G12 and the LX-5 / XZ-1 basically use the same sensor as their predecessors, the GRD III hasn't been surpassed in terms of sensor quality even if it's no longer a new camera by any account.

The lens is still best in class, as are the ergonomics. And since Ricoh consider firmware updates as something more than just bug fix opportunities, new features are constantly added. Like a fine wine, the GRD III really does get better with age, quite unusual in a category dominated by constant updates.

Still worth the original retail price, you might find it cheaper these days. If you do, don't hesitate - it's a bargain.

Opinion: An astonishing camera that takes significantly better images than you would
think it takes!!
Class leading UI, superb construction, incredible screen and razor sharp, fast
lens all go together to make this camera the best fixed lens compact in the
world.
I now no longer take my D90 anywhere and use only a GRD3 and a CX3 and I
have not compromised on photo quality. The camera is packed with amazing
and genuinely useful features and is a real pleasure to use.
There's just something about the images this thing captures that is very, very
special.
It's expensive but the best usually is.

Opinion: Like all Ricoh cameras you need to spend some time to learn about the settings but once you do you will find the User Interface is the best in the market. Great image quality, small wonderful high feature ridden camera, a must buy for those of you that want a small fixed lens camera, it is perfect.

Opinion: Have had the camera for about a week. Have hundreds of photo's. Many macro shots. Many shots at a bar during a party.
In my opinion the image quality has been excellent.
When shooting in RAW the subsequent download to the computer is both a RAW image and a jpeg.
The screen is outstanding.
The quote dimensional size of the camera is misleading. They say the camera is 25mm thick. Ha! Less than 25% of the camera is 25mm thick. The camera's true dimensions are 33x62x108mm. (1.3x2.44x4.27")
I happen to like the fixed focal length. I've taken a lot of good pictures over the last 45+ years using fixed focal length camera's.
I do not find the buttons to the right of the screen to be difficult. The buttons and programing are intuitive.
What I do not know is how the camera will function in industrial lighting situation.
There is no buyers remorse.

Opinion: This is probably one of the most well thought out compact cameras on the market. I also own a Canon 5D but this is the camera that I always have with me and that I use most of the time. This camera takes into account the needs of serious photographers by providing many features that, while not entirely unique to the GR Digital III, are implemented very nicely.

For instance, I love the Snap focusing feature which is a way of pre-focusing the camera for certain distances (zone focusing). The One-Press Snap allows you to press the shutter button down all the way without waiting for the focus to lock to take picture. In this case, the camera will automatically be focused at the Snap setting (1m, 1.5m, 2.5, 5m., or infinity). You can also change the Snap setting on the fly very easily. In a way, this is how many people work with rangefinder cameras (particularly when doing street or documentary work). They pre-focus their manual lens and simply use their feet to get to the proper distance.

As an aside, Ricoh also sells a viewfinder which mounts on to the hot shoe. I bought one but found that it makes it harder to pocket the camera. Also, with a 28mm field of view, people get kind of freaked out when you hold the viewfinder/camera up to your eye and then have to lean in. Sometimes it's better to just hold the camera out in front of you a bit and use the LCD for composing your photo.

Another nice thing is that the camera looks like any other normal point and shoot camera which allows you to blend into a crowd and do your work and not attract attention. This is harder to do with a DSLR and a big lens. Most people just ignore me when I use the GR III.

Other features that stand out for me are:

- wonderful 6mm f1.9 lens (which equates to 28mm when thinking in terms of 35mm cameras)
- rugged construction and design
- customizable buttons for commonly used settings (i.e. exposure lock can assigned to a button on the camera as needed for easy and quick access)
- several camera settings can be stored and then retrieved easily using the top mode dial (which also has a lock to prevent the dial from inadvertently turning when taking it out of our bag or pocket)
- camera is truly pocketable and has an automatic lens protector (no more dealing with lens caps)
- superior picture quality for a small sensor camera

The bottom line is that I'm a GR Digital convert. I can see myself staying with this camera line for quiet a long time (and as long as Ricoh continues to be so attentive to the needs of photographers like myself who use this camera).

Opinion: This camera will make you want to take more pictures. The fix lens and ease of use
will make you a better photographer. The built quality and controls alone make up
for the high price. The image quality is the best I've seen in a small-sensor camera.
It is a blast to use and after using it for a week, I have already taken 1500 images! I
was never into macro-photography, but with this camera/lens set-up macro really
shines. The custom settings make taking pictures quicker with fewer "screw-ups."
Overall, I thoroughly enjoy this camera more than any other I've owned. I've found
with a smaller camera (versus larger, D-SLR sized cameras) with complete manual
control allows the creative juices to flow freely. I am now a Ricoh GRD-Addict.

Opinion: Best pocket/street camera I bought so far. Very nice addition to my Canon5D mark II.
Full of very useful applications.
Great for traveling, not an intimidating camera for people in the country. I travel a lot
in South East Asia. High quality pictures.
Can recommend this camera for street use.

Opinion: I am a pro photographer, and I just simply love this little thing.
The files are superb, and most of all, the camera fits in my pocket, so it is a bring
everywhere with me all the time camera.