Panasonic GF3 vs Ricoh GR Digital III

Following is a extensive assessment of the Panasonic GF3 and Ricoh GR Digital III, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Ricoh. The resolution of the GF3 (12MP) and the GR Digital III (10MP) is relatively close but the GF3 (Four Thirds) and GR Digital III (1/1.7") posses different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GF3 was announced 2 years after the GR Digital III which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Ricoh GR Digital III being a Compact camera.

Before going into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short highlight of how the GF3 grades versus the GR Digital III in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 and Ricoh GR Digital III. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GF3 Gallery and Ricoh GR Digital III Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF3 comes with external measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Ricoh GR Digital III has dimensions of 109mm x 59mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GF3 and Ricoh GR Digital III in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the GF3 and the GR Digital III.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF3 and GR Digital III is 90 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes simply by looking through technical specs. The picture below will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF3 and GR Digital III.

As you have seen, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GF3 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic GF3 will provide you with more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The younger GF3 should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.