Ricoh GR II vs Samsung ST30

Here is a extensive review of the Ricoh GR II and Samsung ST30, former being a Large Sensor Compact while the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Ricoh and Samsung. There is a noticeable difference among the resolutions of the GR II (16MP) and ST30 (10MP) and the GR II (APS-C) and ST30 (1/3") come with different sensor size.

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The GR II was brought out 4 years later than the ST30 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh GR II being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Samsung ST30 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick overview of how the GR II grades vs the ST30 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Ricoh GR II & Samsung ST30. The entire galleries are available at Ricoh GR II Gallery & Samsung ST30 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera often, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Ricoh GR II comes with outside dimensions of 117mm x 63mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.5" x 1.4") with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Samsung ST30 has measurements of 82mm x 52mm x 17mm (3.2" x 2.0" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 87 grams (0.19 lbs).

Take a look at the Ricoh GR II and Samsung ST30 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the GR II against the ST30.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the GR II and ST30 is 89 and 98 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizing just by seeing specs. The graphic below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the GR II and ST30.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GR II because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Ricoh GR II will produce more detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images far more aggressively. The more modern GR II should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.