Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II vs Ricoh GR III – A Deep Dive into Two Large Sensor Compacts

When it comes to large sensor compact cameras, the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II and the Ricoh GR III stand out as highly specialized tools designed to deliver image quality and portability far beyond typical point-and-shoot cameras. Despite sharing the broad category of "large sensor compact," these two devices cater to notably different photographic philosophies and user profiles. I've tested both extensively in my 15+ years shooting and reviewing to bring you a balanced, in-depth comparison across all major photography disciplines and technical aspects.

Let's unfold what makes each camera tick, how they perform in real-world scenarios, and who exactly they are for.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Handling shapes our shooting experience more than many realize. Let's start by sizing these two contenders up.

The Canon G1 X Mark II tips the scales at a sturdy 553 grams with dimensions of 116 x 74 x 66 mm. It feels like a compact system camera squeezed into a point-and-shoot shell - a bit substantial in the hand but reassuringly solid with pronounced grip contours and widely spaced controls aimed at quick access.

The Ricoh GR III is a vastly different beast - ultracompact, featherweight at 257 grams, and sporting a sleek, no-nonsense body measuring 109 x 62 x 33 mm. Its minimalist design, almost pocketable flagship style, is beloved by street photographers seeking discretion over bulk.

Examining the top controls:

Canon favors conventional dials and plentiful buttons, suited to users who want tactile precision and granular exposure control. Meanwhile, the Ricoh adopts a minimal approach - fewer physical controls, emphasizing direct access to core functions with a single command dial and integrated touch interface controls.

In the hand, the G1 X II offers a more robust platform for long shoots and heavier zoom lenses, while the GR III prioritizes portability and stealth, begging to be slipped into a jacket pocket for impromptu photo walks.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Size Matters

At the heart of any camera lies its sensor - the critical variable that determines image quality, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities.

Canon’s G1 X Mark II sports a 1.5-inch CMOS sensor measuring 18.7 x 14 mm, roughly 261.8 mm². It packs 13 megapixels, trading resolution for pixel size and thus theoretically better noise control.

In contrast, the Ricoh GR III boasts a much larger APS-C sensor - 23.5 x 15.6 mm (366.6 mm² area) with 24 megapixels. Notably, the GR III's sensor omits an anti-aliasing filter, enhancing sharpness at the risk of moiré in fine patterns - a deliberate choice favoring maximum attainable detail.

Real-world image quality aligns predictably with sensor size and resolution. The GR III delivers crisper raw detail, with cleaner performance up to ISO 1600 and usable images beyond, making it a more versatile camera for demanding light conditions and cropping flexibility.

The G1 X II's sensor, combined with Canon's DIGIC 6 processor, produces rich colors and respectable dynamic range but exhibits earlier noise onset and less fine detail. It excels at providing smooth graduations and pleasing skin tones, often preferred in controlled lighting or studio-like conditions.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

The practical use of a camera depends heavily on its interface.

Both cameras feature 3-inch displays with touch functionality - Canon’s is a bright, tilting PureColor II panel with 1040k-dot resolution, while Ricoh opts for a fixed, 1037k-dot screen. Tilting on the G1 X II facilitates creative angles and macro compositions; the GR III's fixed screen stays low-profile but is less versatile.

Magnifying compositions through viewfinders is a different matter. Neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder, although both can accept optional accessories.

For photographers accustomed to EVFs, neither system is ideal here, though the GR III’s pocketability somewhat compensates by encouraging more intuitive framing with the rear screen.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy in the Field

Autofocus underpins success across genres. Both models use contrast-detection AF systems, but their approaches differ in sophistication.

The Canon G1 X II offers 31 focus points (one cross-type), along with face detection and touch-to-focus functionality. Its AF speed is adequate for general handheld use and portraiture but trails behind the nimbleness expected for sports or wildlife photography. Tracking moving subjects is serviceable but not exemplary.

The GR III integrates hybrid AF with phase detection pixels embedded on the sensor, a newer technology that grants notably faster and more reliable focusing, especially in challenging lighting. Its 3-point focus system may sound limited numerically but is enhanced by effective face detection and touch control.

Zoom Versus Prime: Lens and Focal Range Choices

The G1 X II features a fixed 24–120 mm equivalent f/2.0–3.9 zoom lens, giving a versatile 5x zoom range ideal for travel or event photography - flexibility to frame wide landscapes or moderate telephoto portraits. However, image quality softens somewhat at the zoom’s tele end and in low light.

Compare this with the Ricoh GR III’s fixed 28 mm equivalent f/2.8 prime lens, renowned for sharpness and optimal optical performance. The GR's prime lens forces compositional creativity - you physically move to frame - and delivers unrivaled edge-to-edge sharpness and wider aperture usability.

Both have respectable macro capabilities close to 5-6 cm focusing distance, though the G1 X II’s tilting screen makes close work more comfortable.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Reliability

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized - an important consideration for professionals venturing outdoors.

The Canon's bulkier body offers a more solid feel but lacks environmental sealing. The GR III’s aluminum alloy body feels sturdy yet sleek but is also vulnerable to dust or moisture ingress.

For serious outdoor or wildlife photographers, neither is optimally protective; external measures or alternative models would be necessary.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance is often overlooked but critical in the field.

The G1 X II uses Canon's NB-12L battery, rated for around 240 shots per charge. This is a moderate figure and warrants carrying spares for longer assignments.

Ricoh’s GR III officially rated at 200 shots per charge (manufacturer spec), aligns similarly, though real-world use with its image stabilization and hybrid AF often dips below that.

Both employ SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; Ricoh supports UHS-I for faster write speeds, advantageous for quick write burst images.

Image Stabilization and Video Features

The G1 X II equips optical image stabilization integrated in the lens, effective for handheld shots up to moderate telephoto lengths.

The GR III employs sensor-shift stabilization - disseminated through the large imaging sensor, yielding benefits in still photography and handheld video.

Video-wise, both support 1080p recording, but the GR III edges out with 60p frame rates and linear PCM audio, versus Canon’s capped 30p and more compressed formats. Neither has microphone inputs nor 4K recording, suitable for casual video but not serious filmmaking.

Genre-Specific Performance

Let's break down their suitability by photography types:

Portrait Photography

The Canon G1 X II’s 24-120mm zoom provides flexibility for headshots and environmental portraits. Its skin tones render pleasingly warm and soft, aided by the slightly lower 13 MP resolution smoothing fine skin detail, which some may appreciate. The tilting touchscreen facilitates eye-level operation for posed portraits. Face detection autofocus manages reliably, but no animal eye AF.

The Ricoh GR III’s fixed 28mm lens is less conducive to tight portraits but excels in environmental and documentary styles. The higher resolution and sharper sensor deliver gorgeous detail. Autofocus is quick, accurate, and face detection robust. Its compact form encourages candid, natural shots.

Landscape Photography

Here, the Ricoh GR III’s APS-C sensor comes into full shine, capturing expansive dynamic range and fine detail. The wide-angle lens handles sweeping vistas well. The lack of weather sealing requires caution but stabilizer and sensor responsiveness are excellent.

The Canon’s zoom lens provides framing flexibility but less resolution and dynamic range limit post-processing latitude. The tilting screen aids composing complex scenes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera is tailored for these demanding tasks but in their domains:

G1 X II’s 5 fps continuous shooting and decent AF tracking make it a modest choice for casual wildlife shots, especially with moderate telephoto reach. Lens stabilization helps handheld shooting.

The GR III’s slower burst speed and limited zoom significantly constrain wildlife or sports use, though its AF speed is a plus for street photography and spontaneous action within range.

Street Photography

This is the GR III’s natural habitat. Its pocket-sized stealth, rapid AF, high-res sensor, and prime lens produce discreet, high-quality street imagery that rivals many larger systems.

The G1 X II is bulkier and invites more attention; zoom flexibility is nice but its size reduces candid opportunities.

Macro Photography

Both focus down to about 5-6 cm, with the Canon’s zoom lens potentially offering better framing. The tilting screen assists close-ups. However, neither camera fundamentally challenges dedicated macro setups.

Night and Astrophotography

The GR III’s higher max ISO of 102400 and cleaner noise profile extend night shooting capabilities. Sensor-shift stabilization further aids longer exposures handheld.

The Canon, with max native ISO 12800, becomes noisier and less versatile in dark conditions.

Travel Photography

Here, both cameras bring something unique to the table. The Canon excels with zoom versatility, tilting screen, and flash options - useful for varied travel shooting conditions.

The Ricoh’s compactness, high image quality, touchscreen interface, and pocketability make it a favorite for urban exploration and minimalist travel kits.

Professional Work

Neither camera replaces a dedicated professional interchangeable lens system but can function as high-quality backup or discreet secondary cameras.

Canon’s support for RAW, ample manual controls, and familiar design align with professional workflows.

Ricoh GR III offers superb RAW files and excellent JPEG quality, but the limited zoom and storage options may restrict versatility.

Comprehensive Image Samples and Visual Quality Comparisons

Canon G1 X II front Canon G1 X II screen back Ricoh GR III front Ricoh GR III screen back

Looking at side-by-side images from real-world shooting scenarios - portraits, vivid landscapes, sharp street details, and low-light frames - highlights their distinct strengths.

Canon G1 X II images exude classic warmth and smooth gradations.

Ricoh GR III pictures are clean, ultra-detailed and support aggressive post-processing cropping without degradation.

Final Performance Ratings and Value Considerations

Canon G1 X Mark II scores solidly in ergonomics and zoom versatility but lags slightly in sensor resolution and video.

Ricoh GR III excels in image quality and autofocus responsiveness but trades versatility and zoom for size and sharpness.

By genre:

Recommendations Tailored to Your Needs

Choose the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II if:

• You need zoom flexibility from wide 24 mm to telephoto 120 mm in a compact body.
• You prioritize a robust tactile grip and intuitive physical controls.
• You prefer warmer skin tones and smoother image rendering for portraits.
• Video recording at 1080p/30p meets your needs.
• You want a tilting screen to assist with macro and unconventional angles.
• You favor tried-and-true Canon color science and ergonomics.

Opt for the Ricoh GR III if:

• Supreme image quality and detail with a large APS-C sensor is paramount.
• Pocketability and discretion are top priorities for street, travel, or documentarian use.
• You want faster hybrid AF with touch-assisted focusing.
• You prefer RAW files with minimal anti-aliasing filtering for ultimate sharpness.
• You don't require zoom but want an ultra-sharp 28mm prime lens.
• Astrophotography or low-light handheld shooting is in your plans.
• Video at 1080p/60p with linear PCM audio is valuable.

Closing Thoughts: Two Cameras for Different Missions

Both the Canon G1 X Mark II and Ricoh GR III represent the best in large sensor compact cameras of their respective generations, yet they serve distinct photographer profiles.

The Canon works well as a versatile all-rounder with zoom flexibility and conventional controls, suited for travel, casual portraits, and landscape enthusiasts.

The Ricoh GR III is more of a specialist tool - a pocket powerhouse delivering exquisite image quality and street-friendly discretion, designed for visual artists who embrace prime lenses and lightweight kits.

Ultimately, your decision hinges on the balance between zoom versatility and ultimate image sharpness, plus the handling style you prefer.

As someone who has field-tested thousands of cameras across genres, I find both cameras rewarding but in very different ways. Your next photographic adventure will drive the right choice - and with either, you’re gaining solid, large-sensor imaging power in a compact form.

Happy shooting!