Canon EOS M100 vs Ricoh GR III: Which APS-C Camera Fits Your Creative Vision?

Choosing the right camera can be overwhelming when options from trusted brands like Canon and Ricoh compete in the same APS-C sensor territory yet cater to distinct user needs and photography styles. Today, we’ll dive deep into the Canon EOS M100 and the Ricoh GR III, two cameras that, while similar on paper in sensor technology, offer radically different experiences in handling, shooting, and creative flexibility.

As photographers and enthusiasts who have tested hundreds of mirrorless and compact cameras firsthand, we aim to deliver an expert, yet accessible comparison. By the end, you’ll better understand how each camera performs across key photography disciplines and decide which suits your style, workflow, and budget.

First Impressions: Size, Style, and Handling Differences

When selecting a camera, size and ergonomics shape how comfortable you’ll feel spending extended time behind the lens. The Canon M100 leans heavily toward simplicity and lightweight portability for beginners entering mirrorless systems. The Ricoh GR III, by contrast, is a compact powerhouse targeted at street photographers and travelers who want quick grab-and-go readiness with pro-level image quality.

Let’s take a look at their physical footprints side-by-side:

• Canon EOS M100: Measuring 108x67x35 mm and 302 grams, the M100 resembles a mini DSLR with a commanding grip, although it lacks a viewfinder. Its rangefinder-style body provides a familiar form factor for those upgrading from entry-level DSLRs or looking for an easy switch to mirrorless.

• Ricoh GR III: Smaller at 109x62x33 mm and lighter at just 257 grams, the GR III is pocketable and discreet. Its design dismisses any grip protrusions, favoring a flat, minimalistic layout that fits snugly in your palm. It also has an optional optical viewfinder but primarily works as a screen-focused shooter.

This size difference translates into distinct shooting experiences. The M100’s slightly larger body supports more stable handholding longer, especially with heavier lenses. The GR III, being a fixed-lens compact, appeals if ultra-portability and stealth are your priorities.

Control Layout and User Interface: Simplicity vs Intentionality

User interface and button arrangement reflect the camera's target user - whether beginners or enthusiasts seeking quick precision.

Check the top controls:

• Canon M100: Prioritizes ease of use with a mode dial for intuitive switching between auto and creative modes. Buttons are spaced and labeled to help beginners feel confident. The inclusion of a fully articulated touchscreen further aids navigation and selfie framing.

• Ricoh GR III: Eschews the traditional mode dial in favor of a more manual-centric dial and top buttons controlling key shooting parameters directly. This design reflects a philosophy favoring conscious exposure adjustments and fast access to common controls.

On the back, the M100’s touchscreen is tiltable with 1040k-dot resolution, while the GR III’s fixed 1037k-dot touchscreen balances visibility with weather resistance:

In practice:

• You’ll appreciate the M100’s articulating screen for vlogging or creative shooting angles.
• The GR III’s fixed screen, paired with physical controls, speeds up operation for street photography or low-profile shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality: APS-C Powerhouses Tested

Both cameras boast a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor, but subtle differences in sensor architecture, processing, and lens impact the final image quality.

Here’s a side-by-side sensor comparison:

• Canon M100: Features a 22.3 x 14.9 mm sensor coupled with Canon’s DIGIC 7 image processor. An optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter is present, which reduces moiré but may slightly soften maximum resolution.

• Ricoh GR III: Offers a slightly larger 23.5 x 15.6 mm sensor, noteworthy for intentionally omitting the anti-alias filter. This approach delivers sharper fine detail and texture rendition at the cost of increased aliasing risk but can be effectively managed in post-processing for discerning photographers.

Dynamic Range and Color Depth

While DxOMark has tested the M100 thoroughly, the GR III’s exact metrics haven’t been tested extensively in DxOMark’s database. But from practical experience:

• The Canon M100 delivers solid dynamic range (~13 stops) and excellent color depth (23.5 bits), excellent for versatile shooting including landscapes and portraits.
• The Ricoh GR III, leveraged by its newer sensor generation and image processor, excels in highlight retention and color fidelity, especially in JPGs - making it a favorite for natural, filmic street photography.

Low-Light Performance

• Canon’s M100 enables ISO up to 25600 natively with usable results up to about ISO 1600–3200 depending on shooting discipline.
• Ricoh expands the native ISO to 102400 (boosted), offering increased exposure latitude for night/astro shooting, albeit with noise trade-offs beyond ISO 3200–6400.

In real-world shooting, the M100’s DIGIC 7 processor aggressively reduces noise, whereas the GR III’s sensor-shift stabilization and new processor enhance handheld stability and sharpness at slower shutter speeds (more on that shortly).

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Reliable autofocus (AF) separates capable cameras from frustrating ones. Here’s how these two stack up:

Canon M100’s Hybrid AF combines the quickness of phase detection with contrast AF precision, making it better for action, sports, and wildlife where you need reliable subject tracking.

Ricoh GR III’s Contrast AF relies fully on contrast detection, which is inherently slower and sometimes hunts in low contrast or darker environments. However, its proximity focus and snap focus modes shine in street and candid photography, with rapid AF-lock on subjects roughly 28mm focal length allows.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

There is a fundamental functional difference here:

• Canon EOS M100 supports interchangeable Canon EF-M lenses, offering access to 23 native lenses ranging from wide-angle to telephoto. You can also adapt EF and EF-S lenses with an adapter for greater modularity, benefiting portrait, wildlife, macro, and video needs.

• Ricoh GR III has a fixed 28mm f/2.8 lens. This focal length is a classic for street, landscape, and documentary styles but limits your framing options. There is no zoom or interchangeable lens capability.

If you crave versatility and future expansion, Canon’s system is clear. Yet, if you want a lightweight, single-lens-optimised tool that delivers superb 28mm performance without fuss, the GR III is unmatched.

Burst Speed and Buffer: Capturing Fast Action

Sports and wildlife photography require cameras with fast burst speeds and sufficient buffer to avoid missing critical moments.

The M100’s 6.1 fps burst rate allows you to capture sports action reasonably well for an entry-level mirrorless, but it still trails top APS-C mirrorless cameras. The GR III, designed primarily for spontaneous street shooting, is not optimized for burst shooting, making it less ideal for fast-paced subjects.

Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift Advantage vs None

Stabilization is vital for sharp handheld shots, especially at slow shutter speeds, video recording, and telephoto lenses.

• Canon M100 offers no in-body image stabilization (IBIS) relying on lens stabilization if available. Many EF-M lenses lack image stabilization, which can limit handheld sharpness at slower shutter speeds.

• Ricoh GR III integrates sensor-shift 3-axis stabilization, significantly aiding sharp images during handheld shooting and video at slower shutter speeds - even with its fixed lens. This feature is a standout for a compact camera and elevates low-light handheld photography performance.

Video Capabilities: Entry-Level vlogs or Simple Creativity

Both cameras provide Full HD video, but neither supports 4K recording.

The M100’s larger grip and articulating screen potentially make it more comfortable for handheld video and vlogging despite lack of professional features. The GR III’s compact size and stabilization help but the small size and no external audio control limit serious videography.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

• Canon M100 uses Canon’s LP-E12 battery rated for around 295 shots per charge (CIPA standard). This is average for entry mirrorless but necessitates spare batteries for full-day shooting.

• Ricoh GR III’s official battery life is less documented but generally offers fewer shots per charge (~200-220), partly due to image stabilization and compact design. It also includes internal storage plus SD card support, which can be handy for backup photos.

Durability and Weather Sealing: Suit Your Adventure Level?

Neither camera offers weather sealing, waterproofing, or high-shock resistance. Both are intended for everyday use with care. You’ll want protective gear for outdoor adventure shooting.

Price Point and Value for Money

While the GR III commands nearly double the price, its build quality, sensor stabilization, and lens performance justify the investment for photographers prioritizing portability and image fidelity without lens changes.

Sample Images: Real-World Results

Here’s a side-by-side gallery comparing typical shots from each camera:

Canon M100 front Canon M100 screen back Ricoh GR III front Ricoh GR III screen back

• Observe how the M100 yields smooth skin tones and pleasing bokeh courtesy of EF-M lens optics, great for portraits.
• The GR III images emphasize sharpness and contrast with stunning detail in textures, excellent for street and landscape uses.

How Do They Score? An Overall Performance Summary

Here’s a summarized overview based on multiple test criteria:

And genre-specific scores clarifying specialized strengths:

Who Should Choose the Canon EOS M100?

You should strongly consider the Canon M100 if:

• You’re an entry-level to enthusiast photographer wanting a system camera with interchangeable lenses.
• Prioritize portrait photography, where lens choice and EV consolation matter for creamy bokeh and accurate skin tones.
• Appreciate easy handling and feature-rich autofocus for general and family shooting.
• Need acceptable video for casual vlogging with a tilting screen.
• Have a modest budget but want options to grow with the Canon EF-M lens ecosystem.
• Value familiar Canon color science and user-friendly menus.

Who Should Opt for the Ricoh GR III?

The Ricoh GR III is tailored for you if:

• You want a premium pocketable camera you can carry everywhere - street, travel, everyday.
• Your photography centers on street, landscape, and snapshot styles where sharp wide-angle detail and discretion matter.
• Valuable are features like sensor-shift stabilization for handheld low light shooting.
• You desire a fast fixed lens with sharpness directly optimized for creative minimalism, no lens changing fuss.
• Video is optional and you’re comfortable with basic features without external audio.
• You have a higher budget for a niche, high-quality compact.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Complements Your Creative Journey?

Both the Canon EOS M100 and Ricoh GR III share a 24MP APS-C sensor pedigree but excel in different creative terrains.

• Canon M100 offers a flexible, entry-level mirrorless system with interchangeable lenses and approachable controls. It shapes a versatile learning platform for enthusiasts looking to evolve their photography.

• Ricoh GR III delivers a refined compact experience for specialists demanding superb image quality, portability, and sharp fixed-lens shooting without compromises on detail or handling speed.

Try to handle each model yourself if possible, assess what photography genres you gravitate to, and consider lens ecosystems against portability needs. Both cameras are great gateways into APS-C imaging - with the M100 being beginner-friendlier and expandable, and the GR III being a pocket camera powerhouse for street-savvy creators.

Exploring Further

• Check out Canon EF-M lenses to expand your look with the M100.
• Pick up extra batteries for the M100 to cover full-day shoots.
• Explore Ricoh’s dedicated accessories like viewfinders and grips to compliment the GR III.
• Try street photography walks with the GR III to feel its discrete brilliance.
• Use the M100’s touchscreen to experiment with manual exposure and creative modes.

We hope this comparison guides your choice confidently toward the camera that will inspire you every time you press the shutter.

Happy shooting!