Panasonic S5 vs Ricoh GR III

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Panasonic S5 and Ricoh GR III, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Ricoh. The sensor resolution of the S5 (24MP) and the GR III (24MP) is pretty well matched but the S5 (Full frame) and GR III (APS-C) possess different sensor size.

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The S5 was released 23 months later than the GR III which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Ricoh GR III being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the S5 grades against the GR III for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 & Ricoh GR III. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic S5 Gallery & Ricoh GR III Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic S5 comes with exterior dimensions of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") having a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs) and the Ricoh GR III has sizing of 109mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 257 grams (0.57 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic S5 and Ricoh GR III in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the S5 compared to the GR III.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S5 and GR III is 60 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements purely by checking a spec sheet. The graphic below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S5 and GR III.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer the same exact megapixels albeit different sensor measurements. The S5 features the bigger sensor which should make achieving bokeh easier. The newer S5 should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.