Panasonic FH1 vs Ricoh GR Digital III

Here is a in depth assessment of the Panasonic FH1 versus Ricoh GR Digital III, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by companies Panasonic and Ricoh. The sensor resolution of the FH1 (12MP) and the GR Digital III (10MP) is pretty comparable but the FH1 (1/2.3") and GR Digital III (1/1.7") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FH1 was revealed 6 months later than the GR Digital III which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summary of how the FH1 scores against the GR Digital III with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Ricoh GR Digital III. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Ricoh GR Digital III Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH1 provides external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Ricoh GR Digital III has measurements of 109mm x 59mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FH1 versus Ricoh GR Digital III in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the FH1 compared to the GR Digital III.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the FH1 and GR Digital III is 95 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizing purely by going through specs. The photograph here should offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH1 and GR Digital III.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FH1 using its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Panasonic FH1 will produce extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively.