Ricoh GR II vs Sony NEX-3N: A Thorough Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera to complement your photographic journey can feel overwhelming, especially with diverse models like the Ricoh GR II and Sony NEX-3N occupying quite different niches yet both attracting enthusiastic users. We’ve spent extensive hands-on testing comparing these two cameras across major photography disciplines and technical benchmarks to help you make an informed decision aligned with your creative goals and workflow preferences.

Let’s dive into an authoritative, no-nonsense comparison covering build, sensor performance, autofocus, image quality, handling, and genre-specific suitability - grounded in real-world use and precise measurements.

Getting to Know Your Tools: Design, Build, and Usability

Starting off, you’ll notice both these cameras are compact, but their handling experiences differ significantly.

Ricoh GR II - Large Sensor Compact Powerhouse

• Dimensions: 117 x 63 x 35 mm, weight: 251g
• Fixed 28mm f/2.8 lens, APS-C sensor (23.7x15.7 mm)
• Minimalist, pocketable body with top-notch ergonomics designed for quick street or travel shooting
• Fixed LCD screen (3”, 1230k dots) - crisp but non-touch and fixed position
• Optional optical viewfinder available separately
• No mechanical image stabilization, but built-in flash and dedicated physical control dial for exposure
• Single SD card slot, USB 2.0, HDMI out, NFC enabled for wireless sharing
• Battery life rated ~320 shots

Sony NEX-3N - Entry-Level Mirrorless Full Flexibility

• Slightly smaller at 110 x 62 x 35 mm, weighing 269g
• Interchangeable lens mount (Sony E) supporting 121 compatible lenses, opening doors for versatile focal lengths
• APS-C sensor very slightly smaller (23.5x15.6 mm) with similar resolution
• 3” tilting LCD screen with 460k dots - lower resolution but better articulation for vlogging and creative angles
• No built-in viewfinder or NFC, but Micro HDMI and USB 2.0 available
• Built-in flash but no external flash hot shoe
• Long battery life (~480 shots) - great for day-long shoots
• Supports Memory Stick Pro Duo along with SD cards

Ergonomics and Handling Comparison

While both fit comfortably in hand or jacket pocket, the GR II’s metal body and minimal controls appeal to photographers prioritizing simplicity and discretion. The NEX-3N’s mirrorless design allows lens changes, but its more plasticky finish and lack of viewfinder may deter those seeking professional ruggedness.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: APS-C Tug of War

Both cameras house APS-C sized sensors with a 1.5x crop factor - a sweet spot for combining high image quality with portability.

As our lab testing indicates, the Ricoh GR II holds a slight edge in overall sensor quality. It delivers richer color depth and notably better dynamic range, which translates to preserved details in shadows and highlights - crucial for landscape and event photographers.

The Sony NEX-3N performs admirably for its class with respectable noise control and color reproduction, making it a solid entry-level mirrorless. However, its higher minimum ISO (200) limits flexibility compared to the GR II’s clean base ISO 100. This affects highlight retention and subtle tonal nuances in bright conditions.

Autofocus Systems Put to the Test

Autofocus (AF) performance is pivotal, especially for fast-moving subjects or precise macro work.

The Ricoh GR II relies on a straightforward 9-point contrast-detection AF with added face detection and single AF tracking. What impressed us during field testing was its surprisingly responsive AF in good lighting conditions and near-silent operation - ideal for candid portrait and street photography.

Sony’s NEX-3N ups the count to 25 AF points, but lacks face and eye recognition, reducing tracking effectiveness for portraits or wildlife. The AF speed was competent in daylight but struggled slightly in low light or high-contrast scenarios.

In practice, if your priorities include capturing fleeting moments - whether wildlife bursts or street interactions - the GR II’s reliable tracking offers a smoother experience. For casual shooting or experimental mirrorless users, the NEX-3N still provides adequate focusing flexibility.

Versatile Displays and User Interface Experience

A camera’s LCD and control scheme heavily impact shooting comfort and workflow speed.

The Ricoh GR II’s high-resolution fixed screen delivers sharp image review and menu clarity but lacks articulation and touch interaction, restricting compositional freedom in awkward angles.

Conversely, the NEX-3N embraces a lower-resolution but tilting LCD, allowing easy framing for selfies or ground-level shots - particularly handy for video blogging or macro.

We found the GR II’s physical buttons - though not illuminated - offered intuitive control with minimal distractions, optimal for swift street work or professional assignments. Sony’s menu system felt more beginner-friendly but less immediate.

Image and Video Quality: Making Every Pixel Count

Picture Quality in Everyday Shooting

Both cameras shoot 16 MP RAW files allowing post-processing latitude. The GR II shines with crisp 28mm optics featuring a dedicated lens engineered for its sensor, producing sharp center-to-edge images with minimal distortion. Its F2.8 aperture offers moderate background separation ideal for lifestyle or street portraits.

The NEX-3N’s image quality largely depends on the attached lens - an advantage in versatility but a challenge for beginners uncertain about lenses. Kit lenses covering 16-50mm deliver clean images, but optical quality varies drastically.

Video Recording

• Ricoh GR II: 1080p at 30fps max, MPEG-4 & H.264 format, no microphone input
• Sony NEX-3N: 1080p at 60fps, MPEG-4 & AVCHD, no microphone or headphone jack

The NEX-3N’s smoother 60fps video mode benefits casual videographers looking for smoother playback or slow-motion edits. However, neither camera supports 4K recording or advanced audio options seen in higher-tier models.

Exploring Genre-Specific Strengths

To guide your choice, let’s break down each camera's suitability across popular photography genres:

Portrait Photography

Ricoh GR II’s fixed 28mm lens on APS-C is roughly equivalent to 42mm on full-frame, providing a natural perspective flattering for environmental portraits. Its face detection AF aids quick, sharp focus on subjects’ eyes.

Sony NEX-3N’s interchangeable lens mount means you can use primes or zooms tailored for classic 50mm portraits or telephoto compression. However, lack of face detection requires careful manual focus or spot AF.

Landscape Photography

The GR II’s excellent dynamic range and natural wide-angle with minimal distortion make it a competent landscape tool in a compact body. However, no weather sealing restricts harsh environment shooting.

Sony’s lens flexibility lets you opt for ultra-wide or super sharp zooms to fit your style. Yet the body’s plastic build and no environmental sealing urge caution in challenging conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Burst shooting at 4fps on both cameras limits capturing fast action vividly. Ricoh’s AF tracking gives it a slight edge in following movement but neither model matches dedicated sports cameras.

Lens versatility on the Sony allows telephoto lenses required for wildlife, whereas the GR II’s fixed focal length constrains reach.

Street Photography

The GR II rules here thanks to its discreet design, razor-sharp optics, rapid AF, and unobtrusive operation. Its pocketable form enables spontaneous shooting.

NEX-3N's bigger size, tilting screen, and lens changes are less portable, though flexibility for various compositions appeals to experimental street shooters.

Macro Photography

Ricoh’s close focus range of 10 cm allows decent macro captures, but no optical stabilization limits handheld sharpness.

Sony’s E-mount lens ecosystem includes dedicated macro lenses with focus stabilization, making it more suitable for serious macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astro Photography

Ricoh’s higher max ISO and better low-light scores favor night photography. Manual exposure modes let you experiment with long exposures, though fixed lens limits framing.

Sony’s 16000 max ISO manages faint light well but limited dynamic range makes image post-processing tougher.

Video and Vlogging

Sony’s tilting screen and 1080p/60fps video provide a basic platform for casual vlogging, though absence of external mic jack is a drawback. Ricoh’s video is steady but capped at 30fps.

Travel and Everyday Use

For the frequent traveler, compact size, reliable battery life, and ease of sharing matter. GR II offers built-in NFC wireless sharing; Sony lacks wireless features but provides longer battery runtime.

Battery Life and Storage: Sustaining Your Creativity

Sony’s longer battery life suits travel and extended sessions, while Ricoh’s shorter life demands you carry spares. Both utilize one storage card slot, but Sony’s compatibility with Memory Stick Pro broadens flexibility.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Here, Ricoh holds the advantage with built-in NFC allowing quick transfer to mobile devices - a real boost for photographers wanting immediate sharing or on-the-go editing.

Sony NEX-3N offers standard HDMI and USB 2.0 connections but no wireless capabilities mean slower tethered workflows.

Neither camera supports Bluetooth, microphone ports, or headphone outputs, limiting professional video applications.

Price-to-Performance Considerations

The GR II commands a premium for imaging prowess and pocketability, while the NEX-3N offers affordable entry into mirrorless systems with potential for growth through lens upgrades.

What Our Side-by-Side Pixel Tests Show

Ricoh GR II front Ricoh GR II screen back Sony NEX 3N front Sony NEX 3N screen back

In controlled tests, GR II images revealed superior sharpness especially in mid to high ISO ranges with colors closer to natural skin tones. The Sony produced vibrant results but displayed slightly more noise and less dynamic range shadow recovery.

Summing Up Performance With Scores

This overall performance chart from DxOmark and field testing substantiates Ricoh’s lead in image quality and autofocus, balanced with Sony’s advantages in battery life and lens versatility.

Where Each Camera Excels in Photography Genres

Clear winners emerge by genre: GR II shines in street and portrait, NEX-3N in beginner-friendly versatility.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Best Fit

Whether you prioritize ultimate pocketable image quality and rapid candid shooting or want a low-cost gateway into lens-changing mirrorless photography will steer your choice here.

Choose Ricoh GR II if you:

• Want professional-grade image quality in a compact large-sensor camera
• Shoot street, travel or environmental portraits where discretion and speed matter
• Prefer a simple, ready-to-go system without juggling lenses
• Can accept fixed focal length limitations and moderate battery life

Choose Sony NEX-3N if you:

• Are an entry-level photographer eager to experiment with lenses and styles
• Need longer shooting sessions with better battery efficiency
• Want a tilting LCD for video or creative angles
• Are budget-conscious and willing to compromise a bit on sensor performance

What’s Next? Get Hands-On and Explore

We highly recommend you visit a camera store or rental service to handle these models. Feel the ergonomics, navigate menus, and capture sample images to see how each fits your creative rhythm. Check out compatible lenses for the NEX-3N to envision future expansion, or explore Ricoh’s accessories to complement the GR II.

Photography is a deeply personal journey. The best camera is the one inspiring you to create, learn, and enjoy every moment behind the lens.

Happy shooting!

If you want to dive deeper into comparison tests or try sample images in high resolution, feel free to reach out or explore user forums where fellow photographers discuss real-world experiences.

Your next great photo is just a click away!