I've become more and more interested in pocket cameras as the years roll on and I don't to always take my full kit bag out with me. Two of the best cameras for this job are both under $1,000, but one is half the price of the other.
The two cameras in question are the Ricoh GR III which currently retails at $889.95 and the Fujifilm XF10 which nearly halves that price at $449.
As Matt Granger mentions in this video, the specs of these two cameras is remarkably similar. They are almost neck and neck for sensor size, maximum resolution, megapixels, focal length, maximum aperture, and so on. The Ricoh has a hotshoe that the Fuji doesn't, which may be a deal breaker for some, while the Fuji has a better battery life and integrated flash. From poring over the specs myself, one significant difference — though not necessarily a useful one — is the Fuji can shoot 4K UHD video and the Ricoh cannot.
I spent some time researching both cameras and various hands-on reviews for these two little cameras and results are pretty much as I expected. Firstly, it's got to be said, they're both great cameras for point-and-shoots, and I could imagine using them on days out where I don't want to take a mirrorless or DSLR. However, which I would choose becomes more difficult. It seems the Ricoh is better if you're being strict on comparisons, but it isn't twice as good as the XF10. If you're looking for the most out of your money, the Fuji wins that race hands down. If you want the best camera of the two, the Ricoh may be your best bet, though I'd need a personal hands-on before I could comfortably recommend either!
Do you have experience with these cameras? Which is better? Share your thoughts in the comments.
I have the XF10 and it compliments my XE3 (use 10-24mm, 23mm, 56mm, and 50-140mm) for general events coverage. I debated about getting the 16mm f/2.8 but reasoned that the XF10 with its good sensor and 18.5mm offers more flexibility. I like having this small camera for events as it allows me be equipped for that wide angle in case I’m using a tight lens already. I have no real world experience with the Ricoh but with a Pentax 645Z as my workhorse, if its colors are anything like it I don’t doubt it’s image quality. Personally, it comes down to workflows and for me, having this with another Fuji cam makes editing more seamless.
FYI for those looking at the GRIII, if you get dust on the sensor while the camera is in warranty Ricoh will basically tell you to pound sand and pay for service at a 3rd party service center.