Ricoh GR Digital III vs Sony NEX-C3

In this article, we will be evaluating the Ricoh GR Digital III versus Sony NEX-C3, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Ricoh and Sony. There is a substantial difference among the image resolutions of the GR Digital III (10MP) and NEX-C3 (16MP) and the GR Digital III (1/1.7") and NEX-C3 (APS-C) use different sensor size.

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The GR Digital III was revealed 3 years before the NEX-C3 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh GR Digital III being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the GR Digital III grades vs the NEX-C3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh GR Digital III & Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The full galleries are provided at Ricoh GR Digital III Gallery & Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and proportions. The Ricoh GR Digital III has got exterior dimensions of 109mm x 59mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") and a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-C3 has measurements of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check the Ricoh GR Digital III versus Sony NEX-C3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the GR Digital III against the NEX-C3.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the GR Digital III and NEX-C3 is 92 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to visualize the gap in sensor sizing purely by going through specifications. The graphic underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GR Digital III and NEX-C3.

To sum up, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GR Digital III using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Sony NEX-C3 will show greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The older GR Digital III will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.