Ricoh GR Digital III vs Sony HX1

Here is a thorough comparison of the Ricoh GR Digital III versus Sony HX1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Ricoh and Sony. The sensor resolution of the GR Digital III (10MP) and the HX1 (9MP) is pretty similar but the GR Digital III (1/1.7") and HX1 (1/2.4") offer totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The GR Digital III was released 4 months later than the HX1 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Ricoh GR Digital III being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the GR Digital III grades vs the HX1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh GR Digital III & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The complete galleries are available at Ricoh GR Digital III Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh GR Digital III features external dimensions of 109mm x 59mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Sony HX1 has dimensions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Look at the Ricoh GR Digital III versus Sony HX1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use during that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the GR Digital III against the HX1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GR Digital III and HX1 is 92 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by reviewing specs. The visual underneath will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the GR Digital III and HX1.

All in all, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GR Digital III because of its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Ricoh GR Digital III will offer more detail as a result of its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively.