Panasonic LX100 II vs Ricoh GR III

The Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II and the Ricoh GR III are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in August 2018 and February 2019. Both the LX100 II and the GR III are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a Four Thirds (LX100 II) and an APS-C (GR III) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 16.8 megapixels, whereas the Ricoh provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Panasonic LX100 II		Ricoh GR III
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
24-75mm f/1.7-2.8		28mm f/2.8
16.8 MP, Four Thirds Sensor		24 MP, APS-C Sensor
4K/30p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 200-25600		ISO 100-102400
Electronic viewfinder (2764k dots)		Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD, 1240k dots		3.0" LCD, 1037k dots
Fixed touchscreen		Fixed touchscreen
11 shutter flaps per second		4 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilization		In-body stabilization
300 shots per battery charge		200 shots per battery charge
115 x 66 x 65 mm, 392 g		109 x 62 x 33 mm, 257 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II and the Ricoh GR III? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Panasonic LX100 II vs Ricoh GR III

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Panasonic LX100 II and the Ricoh GR III. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Ricoh GR III is notably smaller (11 percent) than the Panasonic LX100 II. Moreover, the GR III is markedly lighter (34 percent) than the LX100 II. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the LX100 II nor the GR III are weather-sealed.

The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, just click on the right or left arrow next to the camera that you would like to inspect. Alternatively, you can also use the CAM-parator to select your camera combination among a larger number of options.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Panasonic LX100 II»	115 mm	66 mm	65 mm	392 g	300	n	Aug 2018	999			Panasonic LX100 II
	Ricoh GR III«	109 mm	62 mm	33 mm	257 g	200	n	Feb 2019	899			Ricoh GR III
	Leica D-LUX 7« »	115 mm	66 mm	65 mm	392 g	300	n	Nov 2018	1,195			Leica D-LUX 7
	Leica C-LUX« »	113 mm	67 mm	46 mm	340 g	370	n	Jun 2018	1,049			Leica C-LUX
	Panasonic FZ1000 II« »	136 mm	97 mm	131 mm	810 g	350	n	Feb 2019	899			Panasonic FZ1000 II
	Panasonic TZ95« »	112 mm	69 mm	42 mm	327 g	380	n	Feb 2019	449			Panasonic TZ95
	Panasonic GX9« »	124 mm	72 mm	47 mm	407 g	260	n	Feb 2018	849			Panasonic GX9
	Panasonic TZ200« »	111 mm	65 mm	45 mm	340 g	370	n	Feb 2018	799			Panasonic TZ200
	Panasonic TZ90« »	112 mm	67 mm	41 mm	322 g	380	n	Apr 2017	449	-		Panasonic TZ90
	Panasonic FZ2000« »	138 mm	102 mm	135 mm	915 g	350	n	Sep 2016	1,199			Panasonic FZ2000
	Panasonic LX15« »	106 mm	60 mm	42 mm	310 g	260	n	Sep 2016	699			Panasonic LX15
	Panasonic TZ100« »	111 mm	65 mm	44 mm	312 g	300	n	Jan 2016	699	-		Panasonic TZ100
	Panasonic FZ1000« »	137 mm	99 mm	131 mm	831 g	360	n	Jun 2014	899	-		Panasonic FZ1000
	Panasonic LX100« »	115 mm	66 mm	55 mm	393 g	300	n	Sep 2014	899			Panasonic LX100
	Ricoh GR II« »	117 mm	63 mm	35 mm	251 g	320	n	Jun 2015	699			Ricoh GR II
Convert to Imperial
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The GR III was somewhat cheaper (by 10 percent) than the LX100 II at launch, but both cameras fall into the same price category. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison: Panasonic LX100 II vs Ricoh GR III

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic LX100 II features a Four Thirds sensor and the Ricoh GR III an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the GR III is 63 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.5. The sensor in the LX100 II has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the GR III offers a 3:2 aspect. The LX100 II has the particularity of featuring a switch that allows to toggle between multiple aspect ratios, while maintaining the same field of view and full image resolution.

With 24MP, the GR III offers a higher resolution than the LX100 II (16.8MP), but the GR III nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.91μm versus 3.66μm for the LX100 II) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the GR III is a somewhat more recent model (by 6 months) than the LX100 II, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Ricoh GR III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the GR III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inch or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inch or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inch or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic LX100 II are 23.7 x 17.8 inch or 60.1 x 45.1 cm for good quality, 18.9 x 14.2 inch or 48.1 x 36.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.8 x 11.8 inch or 40.1 x 30.1 cm for excellent quality prints.

The GR III has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Ricoh GR III are ISO 100 to ISO 102400 (no boost).

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the LX100 II provides a higher video resolution than the GR III. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Ricoh is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison: Panasonic LX100 II vs Ricoh GR III

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the LX100 II has an electronic viewfinder (2764k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the GR III relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the GR III can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the GV-1. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Panasonic LX100 II and Ricoh GR III along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the LX100 II is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Panasonic LX100 II and the Ricoh GR III both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The LX100 II is equipped with a zoom lens, while the GR III comes with a built-in prime. The LX100 II has a 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 optic and the GR III offers a 28mm f/2.8 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Panasonic provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Ricoh. The LX100 II offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the LX100 II and the GR III write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison: Panasonic LX100 II vs Ricoh GR III

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II and Ricoh GR III and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Both the LX100 II and the GR III are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The LX100 II replaced the earlier Panasonic LX100, while the GR III followed on from the Ricoh GR II. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Panasonic and Ricoh websites.

Review summary: Panasonic LX100 II vs Ricoh GR III

So what is the bottom line? Is the Panasonic LX100 II better than the Ricoh GR III or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II:

• Flexible image proportions: Has a multi-aspect sensor that allows for alternative image shapes.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image framing and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1240k vs 1037k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.7 vs f/2.8).
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (300 versus 200) on a single battery charge.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in August 2018).

Arguments in favor of the Ricoh GR III:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 16.8MP), which boosts linear resolution by 22%.
• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for quicker and more confident autofocus.
• More compact: Is smaller (109x62mm vs 115x66mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 135g or 34 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (6 months) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the match-up finishes in a tie (10 points each). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic LX100 II and the Ricoh GR III place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the LX100 II and the GR III in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews: Panasonic LX100 II vs Ricoh GR III

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Panasonic LX100 II»	+	82/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Aug 2018	999			Panasonic LX100 II
	Ricoh GR III«	-	81/100	4/5	-	-	Feb 2019	899			Ricoh GR III
	Leica D-LUX 7« »	-	-	-	-	4.5/5	Nov 2018	1,195			Leica D-LUX 7
	Leica C-LUX« »	-	-	4.5/5	-	4/5	Jun 2018	1,049			Leica C-LUX
	Panasonic FZ1000 II« »	-	-	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Feb 2019	899			Panasonic FZ1000 II
	Panasonic TZ95« »	-	-	4.5/5	-	-	Feb 2019	449			Panasonic TZ95
	Panasonic GX9« »	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2018	849			Panasonic GX9
	Panasonic TZ200« »	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Feb 2018	799			Panasonic TZ200
	Panasonic TZ90« »	+ +	-	4/5	-	4/5	Apr 2017	449	-		Panasonic TZ90
	Panasonic FZ2000« »	+	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2016	1,199			Panasonic FZ2000
	Panasonic LX15« »	+ +	81/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	699			Panasonic LX15
	Panasonic TZ100« »	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	699	-		Panasonic TZ100
	Panasonic FZ1000« »	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2014	899	-		Panasonic FZ1000
	Panasonic LX100« »	+ +	85/100	5/5	4/5	5/5	Sep 2014	899			Panasonic LX100
	Ricoh GR II« »	-	-	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	699			Ricoh GR II
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

Specifications: Panasonic LX100 II vs Ricoh GR III

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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