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Ricoh GR II vs GR

The Ricoh GR II and the Ricoh GR are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in June 2015 and April 2013. Both the GR II and the GR are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 16.1 megapixels.

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

Headline Specifications
Ricoh GR II
versus
Ricoh GR
Ricoh GR II   Ricoh GR
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
28mm f/2.8 28mm f/2.8
16.1 MP – APS-C sensor 16.1 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-25,600 ISO 100-25,600
Viewfinder optional Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 1230k dots 3.0" LCD – 1230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
4 shutter flaps per second 4 shutter flaps per second
320 shots per battery charge290 shots per battery charge
117 x 63 x 35 mm, 251 g 117 x 61 x 35 mm, 245 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Ricoh GR II and the Ricoh GR? 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.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Ricoh GR II and the Ricoh GR. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Ricoh GR II vs Ricoh GR
Compare GR II versus GR top
Comparison GR II or GR rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Ricoh GR is somewhat smaller (3 percent) than the Ricoh GR II. Moreover, the GR is slightly lighter (2 percent) than the GR II. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the GR II nor the GR 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. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Ricoh GR II 117 mm 63 mm 35 mm 251 g 320 n Jun 2015 699ebay.com
2.
 
Ricoh GR 117 mm 61 mm 35 mm 245 g 290 n Apr 2013 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G7 X 103 mm 60 mm 40 mm 304 g 210 n Sep 2014 699ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X70 113 mm 64 mm 44 mm 340 g 330 n Jan 2016 799ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon Coolpix A 111 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 230 n Mar 2013 1,099ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic GM5 99 mm 60 mm 36 mm 211 g 220 n Sep 2014 749ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GM1 99 mm 55 mm 30 mm 204 g 230 n Oct 2013 749ebay.com
8.
 
Sony RX100 III 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 290 g 320 n May 2014 799ebay.com
9.
 
Sony NEX-5T 111 mm 59 mm 39 mm 276 g 330 n Aug 2013 699ebay.com
10.
 
Sony NEX-5R 111 mm 59 mm 39 mm 276 g 330 n Aug 2012 749ebay.com
11.
 
Sony NEX-5N 111 mm 59 mm 38 mm 269 g 460 n Aug 2011 699ebay.com
12.
 
Sony NEX-C3 110 mm 60 mm 33 mm 225 g 400 n Jun 2011 599ebay.com
13.
 
Sony NEX-3 117 mm 62 mm 33 mm 297 g 330 n May 2010 599ebay.com
14.
 
Sony NEX-5 111 mm 59 mm 38 mm 287 g 330 n May 2010 699ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The GR II was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 13 percent) than the GR, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Ricoh GR II and Ricoh GR sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 16.1 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the GR II and the GR have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the GR II is much more recent (by 2 years and 2 months) than the GR, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time. 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 Ricoh GR II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. The Ricoh GR offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

GR II versus GR MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Ricoh GR II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.7107880
2.
 
Ricoh GR APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.597278
3.
 
Canon G7 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p23.012.755671
4.
 
Fujifilm X70 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.713.0160880
5.
 
Nikon Coolpix A APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.413.8116480
6.
 
Panasonic GM5 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.111.772166
7.
 
Panasonic GM1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i22.311.766066
8.
 
Sony RX100 III 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.412.349567
9.
 
Sony NEX-5T APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60p23.613.0101578
10.
 
Sony NEX-5R APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i23.713.191078
11.
 
Sony NEX-5N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i23.612.7107977
12.
 
Sony NEX-C3 APS-C 16.0 4912 3264720/30p22.712.2108373
13.
 
Sony NEX-3 APS-C 14.0 4592 3056720/30p22.112.083068
14.
 
Sony NEX-5 APS-C 14.0 4592 30561080/60i22.212.279669
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/30p).

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The GR II and the GR are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. However, optional viewfinders – the GV-1 for the GR II and the GV-1 for the GR – are available as accessories. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Ricoh GR II and Ricoh GR in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Ricoh GR IIoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
2.
 
Ricoh GRoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon G7 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 6.5/s Y Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X70optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon Coolpix Aoptional n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/2000s 4.0/s Y n
6.
 
Panasonic GM51166 n3.0 / 921 fixed Y 1/500s 5.8/s n n
7.
 
Panasonic GM1none n3.0 / 1036 fixed Y 1/500s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Sony RX100 III1440 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Sony NEX-5Toptional n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n n
10.
 
Sony NEX-5Roptional n3.0 / 920 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n n
11.
 
Sony NEX-5Noptional n3.0 / 920 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n n
12.
 
Sony NEX-C3optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
13.
 
Sony NEX-3optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 7.0/s n n
14.
 
Sony NEX-5optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 7.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The Ricoh GR II and the Ricoh GR 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.

Both the GR II and the GR have built-in prime lenses. Both optics have identical focal length and aperture specifications (18.3mm f/2.8). Both cameras offer the same maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the GR II and the GR 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.

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Connectivity comparison

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 Ricoh GR II and Ricoh GR and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Ricoh GR IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
2.
 
Ricoh GRYmono / mono--micro2.0---
3.
 
Canon G7 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
4.
 
Fujifilm X70Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Nikon Coolpix AYstereo / mono---2.0---
6.
 
Panasonic GM5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Panasonic GM1-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Sony RX100 III-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Sony NEX-5TYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
10.
 
Sony NEX-5RYstereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Sony NEX-5NYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Sony NEX-C3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Sony NEX-3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Sony NEX-5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
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It is notable that the GR II offers wifi support, while the GR does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Both the GR II and the GR have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The GR was replaced by the Ricoh GR II, while the GR II was followed by the Ricoh GR III. Further information on the features and operation of the GR II and GR can be found, respectively, in the Ricoh GR II Manual (free pdf) or the online Ricoh GR Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Ricoh GR II better than the Ricoh GR or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Advantages of the Ricoh GR II:

  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (320 versus 290) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (13 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 2 months of technical progress since the GR launch.


Reasons to prefer the Ricoh GR:

  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in April 2013).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the GR II is the clear winner of the match-up (5 : 1 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

GR II 05:01 GR

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Ricoh GR II and the Ricoh GR place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listing 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 remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the GR II or the GR. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Ricoh GR II........4.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 699ebay.com
2.
 
Ricoh GR5/5....79/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G7 X4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 699ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X704.5/5....76/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 799ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon Coolpix A4/5+..75/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 1,099ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic GM53.5/5+..77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2014 749ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GM13/5+..78/1005/54.5/5 Oct 2013 749ebay.com
8.
 
Sony RX100 III5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 May 2014 799ebay.com
9.
 
Sony NEX-5T........4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 699ebay.com
10.
 
Sony NEX-5R........4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2012 749ebay.com
11.
 
Sony NEX-5N3/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2011 699ebay.com
12.
 
Sony NEX-C33/5+ +..74/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 599ebay.com
13.
 
Sony NEX-3......70/1004.5/54/5 May 2010 599ebay.com
14.
 
Sony NEX-53/5+ +..71/1004.5/54/5 May 2010 699ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Ricoh GR II vs Ricoh GR

    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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Ricoh GR II Ricoh GR
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 28mm f/2.8 28mm f/2.8
    Launch Date June 2015 April 2013
    Launch Price USD 699 USD 799
    Sensor Specs Ricoh GR II Ricoh GR
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.7 x 15.6 mm 23.7 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 369.72 mm2 369.72 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.4 mm 28.4 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixels 16.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 pixels 4928 x 3264 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.79 μm 4.79 μm
    Pixel Density 4.35 MP/cm2 4.35 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 80 78
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.6 23.6
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.7 13.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1078 972
    Screen Specs Ricoh GR II Ricoh GR
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Viewfinder optional
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1230k dots 1230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Ricoh GR II Ricoh GR
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 4 shutter flaps/s 4 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Ricoh GR II Ricoh GR
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Body Specs Ricoh GR II Ricoh GR
    Battery Type Ricoh DB-65 Ricoh DB-65
    Battery Life (CIPA)320 shots per charge290 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 117 x 63 x 35 mm
    (4.6 x 2.5 x 1.4 in)
    117 x 61 x 35 mm
    (4.6 x 2.4 x 1.4 in)
    Camera Weight 251 g (8.9 oz) 245 g (8.6 oz)
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