Ricoh GR Digital III vs Sony a1

In this write-up, we are matching up the Ricoh GR Digital III versus Sony a1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Ricoh and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the GR Digital III (10MP) and a1 (50MP) and the GR Digital III (1/1.7") and a1 (Full frame) come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The GR Digital III was brought out 12 years earlier than the a1 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh GR Digital III being a Compact camera and the Sony a1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the GR Digital III grades vs the a1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh GR Digital III & Sony Alpha a1. The entire galleries are viewable at Ricoh GR Digital III Gallery & Sony a1 Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and size. The Ricoh GR Digital III offers outside dimensions of 109mm x 59mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") along with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) whilst the Sony a1 has specifications of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).

Contrast the Ricoh GR Digital III versus Sony a1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the GR Digital III compared to the a1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GR Digital III and a1 is 92 and 61 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to envision the contrast between sensor measurements merely by reading specifications. The photograph below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the GR Digital III and a1.

To sum up, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The GR Digital III due to its tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Sony a1 will deliver greater detail having its extra 40MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The older GR Digital III is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.