Ricoh GR Digital III vs Sony A99

Below, we will be reviewing the Ricoh GR Digital III and Sony A99, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the GR Digital III (10MP) and A99 (24MP) and the GR Digital III (1/1.7") and A99 (Full frame) come with different sensor dimensions.

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The GR Digital III was released 4 years prior to the A99 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Ricoh GR Digital III being a Compact camera and the Sony A99 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short introduction of how the GR Digital III matches up vs the A99 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh GR Digital III and Sony SLT-A99. The complete galleries are provided at Ricoh GR Digital III Gallery and Sony A99 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh GR Digital III features physical 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) while the Sony A99 has dimensions of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).

Look at the Ricoh GR Digital III and Sony A99 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the GR Digital III vs the A99.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the GR Digital III and A99 is 92 and 57 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing just by viewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the GR Digital III and A99.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GR Digital III due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF harder and the Sony A99 will render more detail as a result of its extra 14 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The older GR Digital III will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.