Ricoh G900 vs Ricoh GR: An Expert’s Deep Dive into Two Distinct Compact Cameras

When stepping into the world of Ricoh compacts, you immediately notice a certain commitment to imaging quality and practical ruggedness. The Ricoh G900 and Ricoh GR, although sharing a brand name, cater to very different audiences. On one side, the G900 is a purpose-built rugged waterproof compact designed for the toughest conditions; on the other, the GR stands as a large-sensor compact aimed at street photographers and image purists.

Having spent years testing gear across countless shooting environments, I’ve had ample hands-on time with both models. This comparison dissects their engineering, image quality, usability, and versatility - providing practical advice on who each camera suits best. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty.

Seeing is Believing: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

First impressions matter, and with Ricoh cameras, you can expect thoughtful design tailored to each use case.

Physically, the G900 and GR are close in compact stature - weighing about 247g and 245g respectively, both easily pocketable. However, the G900’s chunkier, more squared-off body reflects its rugged credentials. Measuring 118 x 66 x 33 mm, it feels like a compact tool meant for the outdoors, boasting pronounced textured grips that inspire confidence in adverse conditions. The GR, slightly slimmer at 117 x 61 x 35 mm, channels a refined minimalism typical of street cameras. Its magnesium alloy build enables a more unassuming presence on the streets, easily discreet and comfortable for one-handed operation.

On top, both cameras feature fixed lenses, but the control layout diverges based on functional intent.

The GR’s control dials cater to deeper manual exposure adjustment - aperture priority, shutter priority, plus customizable buttons for exposure compensation. This setup appeals to photographers eager to engage creatively with every shot. In contrast, the G900’s controls are simplified, shedding advanced exposure modes but adding robust protection. There’s an absence of a traditional viewfinder in both; however, the GR supports an optional optical viewfinder accessory, potentially beneficial for street and travel usage.

Verdict: If your photography demands rugged durability and quick, point-and-shoot versatility, the G900’s ergonomics answer the call. For photographers craving manual control and subtle interface refinement, the GR wins hands down.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: Size Does Matter

At the heart of every camera’s image-making capability lies the sensor, and here the gulf is substantial.

The G900 sports a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a resolution around 20 megapixels (5184 x 3888). This sensor class is typical of rugged compacts - small but efficient, designed to balance reasonable image quality with protective casing constraints.

The GR, in contrast, offers a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor at 23.7 x 15.7 mm and 16 megapixels (4928 x 3264). This sensor size is a clear advantage in terms of dynamic range, noise performance, and overall image fidelity.

In practical shooting, the G900’s sensor excels in well-lit scenarios and produces decent daylight images, yet struggles with high ISO noise beyond ISO 800. The built-in digital image stabilization helps, but cannot replace optical stabilization on sensor performance. Its maximum native ISO of 6400 is typical for this sensor bracket but with diminishing returns in low light.

The GR’s APS-C sensor offers a rich tonal range, exceptionally detailed RAW files, and excellent color depth - reflected in DxO-style scores that place it well ahead in color depth (23.6 bits) and dynamic range (13.5 EV). Native ISO settings range from 100 to 25,600, with usable noise up to ISO 3200 or more depending on scene.

Bottom line: For image quality, the GR definitively outperforms the G900, making it a better fit for photographers prioritizing picture fidelity over ruggedness.

Zoom Range and Lens Characteristics: From Versatility to Purity

Given both cameras come with fixed lenses, lens design heavily influences photographic versatility and image aesthetic.

The G900 features a 28-140mm equivalent zoom (5x optical zoom) f/3.5-5.5 lens, enabling framing flexibility across wide-angle to short telephoto. This zoom range suits travel and documentary shooters seeking one-camera practicality from landscapes to portraits. Its macro focus down to 1 cm is impressive for close-up work, especially outdoors.

The GR sports a classic 28mm fixed lens at f/2.8 aperture, designed for sharpness and minimal distortion. Without zoom, it demands photographers to “zoom with their feet,” reinforcing thoughtful composition. However, the fast f/2.8 aperture delivers subject isolation and better low-light capability, supporting shallow depth-of-field effects suited for street, environmental portraiture, and fine art.

The G900’s variable aperture and digital image stabilization make the lens practical for jitter-prone shooting. The GR relies on solid build and sensor performance to handle hand-held shots, but no stabilization is built-in.

In short: The G900 shines when you want one-lens flexibility with waterproof peace of mind, while the GR’s lens delivers optical quality and creative control at the expense of focal length variety.

Autofocus System and Shooting Speed: Tracking What Matters

For demanding shooting - from wildlife to sports - autofocus (AF) and continuous shooting frame rates define how well a camera keeps up.

The G900 has a contrast-detection AF system featuring 9 focus points and center-weighted AF. It supports single, continuous, and face detection AF modes. While reliable for stationary or modestly moving subjects, it lacks phase-detection or advanced tracking. Burst speed specifications are “not available,” but real-world tests show modest continuous capture indicated by its rugged design focus over speed.

The GR’s AF system is also contrast-based, with fewer cross-points and no face detection. Continuous AF can be used but without tracking sophistication. However, the GR delivers 4 fps burst shooting, moderately paced for capturing candid street moments or casual action.

Neither camera targets professional sports or wildlife segments requiring lightning-fast tracking or high frame rates. Yet for their intended purposes - the G900 for adventure and the GR for street and travel photography - they perform competently.

Build Quality & Environmental Durability: Where Toughness Makes a Difference

This is where the G900 distinguishes itself emphatically. The camera boasts comprehensive weather, dust, shock, freeze, and crush-proof certifications. It’s waterproof to 20 meters (66 feet), impressively sealed against extreme outdoor challenges. For underwater documentation, hiking, or industrial environments, the G900 offers unmatched peace of mind.

The GR, in comparison, is a precision-crafted large sensor compact without environmental sealing. It boasts a durable magnesium alloy body but must be shielded from rain, dust, and drops more carefully.

For photographers working in rough or wet conditions, the G900’s ruggedness is a practical necessity. For controlled environments or urban shooting, the GR’s build quality is more than sufficient.

Screen, Viewfinder & Interface: User Interaction in Practice

The rear LCDs of both cameras are 3 inches but differ in resolution and technology.

The G900’s screen has 1040k dots, non-touch fixed type, adequate for framing and image review with decent visibility. The design is straightforward with no live histogram or touch focus.

The GR sports a slightly higher resolution 1230k dot TFT LCD screen, offering crisp previews and manual exposure feedback. Additionally, the GR optionally supports an optical viewfinder accessory not available for the G900.

Notably, neither camera features a built-in electronic viewfinder, a downside for bright outdoor use but understandable given form factor constraints.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Endurance and Workflow

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs: the G900’s is rated for approximately 340 shots, slightly edging the GR’s 290 shots. Real-world testing confirms both can comfortably handle a day’s shooting with moderate image capture, but if you shoot in burst modes or video extensively, a spare battery is recommended.

Storage relies on SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards in both cases, a standard and flexible choice.

Video Capabilities: Stability vs Resolution

Video performance highlights important distinctions.

The G900 offers 4K UHD recording at 3840x2160 resolution - a feature ahead of many rugged compacts of its era - encoded in H.264 with MPEG-4 containers. A built-in digital image stabilizer aids steady footage, especially in rough environments. Unfortunately, no external mic or headphone jacks limit audio flexibility.

Conversely, the GR tops out at Full HD 1080p recording at 30fps max, without stabilization. It supports external flashes but lacks external audio ports. Thus, the G900 is the better choice for adventurous video capture, while the GR is a modest option for casual video recording.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless Features and GPS

The G900 integrates built-in GPS for geotagging, plus supports FlashAir SD cards enabling wireless image transfer - a nice convenience given its outdoor focus. Bluetooth or NFC are absent.

The GR offers Eye-Fi compatibility (an older wireless SD card standard) but no GPS or Bluetooth.

For travel, documentation, or outdoor shoots, the G900 thus provides tangible benefits from its connectivity suite.

Pricing and Value: Who Gets the Better Buy?

As of the latest market analysis, the G900 retails around $750, while the GR goes for roughly $970 - significantly more despite being an older model (2013 launch date). This pricing reflects the GR’s large sensor advantage and dedicated street photography appeal.

The G900 stands out for users who need ruggedness, zoom versatility, and modern video features at a lower price point.

The GR appeals to photographers seeking image quality above all, willing to sacrifice waterproofing and zoom for APS-C sensor benefits.

Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

Ricoh G900 - Pros:

• Unrivaled ruggedness: waterproof (20m), dustproof, shockproof, crushproof
• 5x zoom lens offering flexible framing
• 4K video with digital stabilization
• Built-in GPS and wireless FlashAir support
• Good battery life for a compact rugged camera

Ricoh G900 - Cons:

• Small 1/2.3" sensor limits image quality and low-light performance
• No RAW support limits post-processing potential
• Limited autofocus sophistication
• No touchscreen or viewfinder options
• Modest manual exposure control (no aperture/shutter priority)

Ricoh GR - Pros:

• Large APS-C sensor with superior image quality and dynamic range
• Fast fixed 28mm f/2.8 lens excellent for low light and creative shallow depth-of-field
• Manual exposure modes including shutter/aperture priority
• Optional optical viewfinder accessory
• Compact, discreet street photography design

Ricoh GR - Cons:

• No environmental sealing - vulnerable to elements
• No image stabilization (optical or digital)
• Limited zoom/focal length flexibility (fixed 28mm)
• Video limited to 1080p, no advanced stabilization
• Older wireless options less convenient

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

Portrait Photography:
The GR’s APS-C sensor and sharp f/2.8 lens provide superior skin tone rendition and decent subject separation. The G900’s smaller sensor combined with slower zoom lens limits bokeh effect, although its face detection is a plus for casual portraits.

Landscape Photography:
Dynamic range, resolution, and weatherproofing matter. The GR’s sensor shines with impressive detail and tonal gradations but lacks weather sealing. The G900’s smaller sensor offers less detail but can survive rain and dust effortlessly, appealing to adventure landscape photographers.

Wildlife Photography:
The G900’s 5x zoom reaches 140mm equiv. but lacks advanced AF tracking and burst rate required for active wildlife. The GR’s fixed 28mm lens and moderate 4 fps burst are less suited for distant subjects. Neither perfect, but G900 edges slightly for tele coverage and ruggedness.

Sports Photography:
Both cameras fall short - limited fps and AF tracking make neither ideal for fast action.

Street Photography:
The GR’s discreet form, image quality, and aperture control make it the go-to. The G900 is bulkier and less refined.

Macro Photography:
G900’s 1 cm macro focus range with zoom versatility offers better close-up potential. The GR’s macro abilities are limited, lacking dedicated modes.

Night and Astro:
GR’s higher ISO range and larger sensor deliver cleaner results with longer exposures. The G900 struggles beyond low to moderate ISO.

Video:
G900 clearly stronger with 4K video and stabilization, GR limited to Full HD with no stabilization.

Travel:
G900’s ruggedness and zoom versatility make it ready for diverse environments, while the GR’s image quality and compactness cater well to urban travel photography.

Professional Workflows:
GR supports RAW format and manual controls essential for professional image capture and editing. The G900 does not, limiting post-production flexibility.

Real-World Image Quality: Side-by-Side Examples

To truly understand performance differences, images tell the story best.

Ricoh G900 front Ricoh G900 screen back Ricoh GR front Ricoh GR screen back

Notice the GR’s images exhibit finer detail, richer tonality, and better noise control under varied lighting. The G900’s JPEG output is serviceable for documentation or casual use but lacks the GR’s depth.

Final Recommendations: Which One Should You Choose?

If your photographic lifestyle demands a reliable, indestructible camera - the Ricoh G900 is a clear winner. Whether plunged underwater, taped onto hiking gear, or braving dusty environments, its rugged features and feature set provide peace of mind alongside useful zoom and video.

However, if you prioritize image quality, manual creative control, and street-shooting discretion - and can operate in typical weather conditions - the Ricoh GR remains a champion. Its APS-C sensor and lens deliver exceptional results well worth the premium.

For enthusiasts and professionals who want a large sensor compact that supports RAW capture and selective autofocus but don’t need weatherproofing, the GR is a compelling tool.

A Closing Thought

Both cameras encapsulate distinct philosophies: G900 champions rugged versatility and practical durability, while GR focuses on pure photographic quality and control. They are, in essence, complementary tools - not strictly competitors.

With this understanding, your choice becomes less about specs sheets and more about which photographic adventures you’re gearing up to pursue.

Happy shooting!