Ricoh GR Digital III vs Sony NEX-3

In this article, we are matching up the Ricoh GR Digital III versus Sony NEX-3, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There exists a large gap among the sensor resolutions of the GR Digital III (10MP) and NEX-3 (14MP) and the GR Digital III (1/1.7") and NEX-3 (APS-C) possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The GR Digital III was introduced 10 months before the NEX-3 which means that they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh GR Digital III being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise overview of how the GR Digital III grades against the NEX-3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Ricoh GR Digital III & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are provided at Ricoh GR Digital III Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh GR Digital III offers outside measurements of 109mm x 59mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") having a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has dimensions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Analyze the Ricoh GR Digital III versus Sony NEX-3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is the front view scale comparison of the GR Digital III against the NEX-3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GR Digital III and NEX-3 is 92 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions just by researching specifications. The pic underneath should offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the GR Digital III and NEX-3.

Plainly, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The GR Digital III with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh trickier and the Sony NEX-3 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged GR Digital III will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.