Ricoh GR Digital III vs Samsung NX1000

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Ricoh GR Digital III and Samsung NX1000, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Ricoh and Samsung. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the GR Digital III (10MP) and NX1000 (20MP) and the GR Digital III (1/1.7") and NX1000 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The GR Digital III was unveiled 3 years before the NX1000 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh GR Digital III being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX1000 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick overview of how the GR Digital III matches up versus the NX1000 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh GR Digital III & Samsung NX1000. The full galleries are viewable at Ricoh GR Digital III Gallery & Samsung NX1000 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and size. The Ricoh GR Digital III enjoys outer measurements of 109mm x 59mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") and a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Samsung NX1000 has specifications of 114mm x 63mm x 37mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 222 grams (0.49 lbs).

Take a look at the Ricoh GR Digital III and Samsung NX1000 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at the time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the GR Digital III vs the NX1000.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GR Digital III and NX1000 is 92 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to envision the gap between sensor measurements just by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic below may give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GR Digital III and NX1000.

Clearly, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GR Digital III with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Samsung NX1000 will resolve more detail having an extra 10MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older GR Digital III is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.