Ricoh GR III HDF

The 'classic' Ricoh GR III now features a Highlight Diffusion Filter

- Rod Lawton

£1,049/$1,067

ricohgr.eu

Think of the Ricoh GR III and you think of a pocket-sized premium compact with an APS-C sensor, a fixed focal length lens and a serious reputation amongst serious photographers.

Its size and quality make it one of the best point-and-shoot cameras for travel. But there are four distinct variants and some special editions that make the whole line-up confusing.

Right now, there are two main versions.

The Ricoh GR III is the original, with a 28mm equivalent f/2.8 fixed focal length lens. This has been joined by the GR IIIx with a longer focal length of 40mm equivalent f/2.8 lens for those who prefer a narrower angle of view.

Build & handling

The Ricoh GR III HDF is so compact, given its sensor size, that you never quite get used to it. Ricoh has done well to make it so small, but the fact it has an APS-C sensor makes its size uncanny. You can put it in a trouser pocket and forget it's there. This is a proper camera with a proper sensor that's on its own for portability.

But that means some compromises.