Ricoh GR II vs Sony RX1: A Detailed Large Sensor Compact Camera Showdown

When it comes to large sensor compact cameras, enthusiasts and professionals often face a challenging choice. The Ricoh GR II and the Sony RX1 are two distinctive contenders that have earned cult followings thanks to their sleek designs and impressive image quality. But despite both fitting broadly in the same niche, these cameras come from very different design philosophies and price brackets.

Having extensively tested both cameras over years and thousands of images, I’m keen to unpack how these two compare across key performance areas with real-world insights. Whether you’re a street photographer in need of discretion, a landscape shooter craving dynamic range, or someone seeking a versatile travel companion, this head-to-head comparison aims to give you a clear, actionable verdict. Along the way, I’ll discuss their tech DNA, ergonomics, key features, and importantly - how they perform when it counts.

Let’s start by placing these cameras side-by-side.

Physical Presence and Handling: Size Matters - But Is Bigger Always Better?

First impressions matter, especially when holding these cameras for prolonged sessions. The Ricoh GR II is compact almost to a fault, weighing just 251 grams and measuring 117x63x35 mm. It slips effortlessly into any jacket pocket, making it a dream companion for street and travel photography. Its razor-thin profile isn’t just about portability; it emphasizes quick grab-and-go usability.

In contrast, the Sony RX1 is noticeably chunkier at 482 grams and dimensions of 113x65x70 mm. Its heft comes primarily from the full-frame sensor and a sturdily constructed, fixed 35mm f/2 lens. This does not position the RX1 as a casual pocket camera; it’s more of a serious tool that demands commitment - you feel it in your hand, in a reassuring way.

The ergonomics mirror this divide. The GR II has a minimalist design with essential controls easily accessible on the top panel but lacks a dedicated grip, opting for a smooth compactness over pronounced handholding comfort. The Sony RX1, while compact for a full-frame, provides a more substantial grip and heft that lends stability at slower shutter speeds.

From my testing, the GR II’s control layout, with direct access to aperture, exposure compensation, and quick menu buttons, favors photographers who value simplicity and speed. The RX1’s controls feel more traditional DSLR-like, with clearly marked dials for shutter speed and aperture - a boon if you prefer tactile feedback and a more deliberate shooting style.

That said, neither camera has touchscreen capability, and both have fixed rear LCDs measuring approximately 3 inches - but more on that soon.

Image Sensors and Image Quality: APS-C vs Full-Frame - The Heart of the Matter

One of the most fundamental differences here is the sensor size. The GR II sports a 23.7 x 15.7 mm APS-C sensor, delivering 16 megapixels. The Sony RX1 jumps up to a full-frame 35.8 x 23.8 mm sensor packing 24 megapixels. This sensor disparity is no trivial note; it informs performance in image quality, dynamic range, depth of field, high ISO performance, and overall tonality.

From direct image tests, the RX1’s larger full-frame sensor provides significantly richer color depth (DxO Color Depth score of 25.1 vs. 23.6 for the GR II) and wider dynamic range (14.3 EV vs. 13.7 EV). This translates into enhanced highlight retention and more detailed shadows - particularly noticeable in high-contrast landscape scenarios or harsh street lighting.

The RX1’s resolution advantage also surfaces in print and pixel-peeping scenarios. While 16 megapixels on the GR II is more than adequate for most consumer purposes, professionals or enthusiasts printing large or cropping heavily will appreciate the RX1’s 24MP file dimensions (6000x4000 pixels vs 4928x3264).

Noise handling in low light leans heavily toward the RX1 as well, exhibiting quieter images up to ISO 3200 with usable output and smoother grain structure, while the GR II’s APS-C sensor begins to show noise slightly earlier under dim conditions despite sharing a nominal 25600 max ISO rating.

Interestingly, both sensors incorporate anti-aliasing filters, which helps in reducing moiré at the expense of peak sharpness, so expect a gentle trade-off between crispness and low artifacts.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Framing Your Shot

Both cameras come with 3-inch fixed LCDs around 1.2 million dots in resolution, but implementation differs. The Sony RX1’s “Xtra Fine TFT LCD” offers vibrant colors and sharp clarity, which greatly assists in reviewing images and manual focusing. The Ricoh GR II’s LCD, while adequate, is marginally less crisp in my experience and can struggle under outdoor daylight conditions.

Neither camera features a built-in viewfinder, but both can accommodate an optional external EVF or optical finder. Notably, the RX1 offers compatibility with the optional electronic and optical viewfinder accessories, helpful for critical focusing especially in bright sunlight and for maintaining steadier compositions during longer shoots.

In day-to-day handheld shooting, the lack of a built-in EVF on either camera is a minor inconvenience, but it does underline their compact, street-focused ethos - quick framing on the LCD works well enough in most environments.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Precision Under Pressure

In terms of autofocus, both cameras rely on contrast detection systems without phase-detection AF. The GR II has 9 focus points, while the RX1 ambitiously incorporates 25 focus points, giving it more flexibility framing subjects off-center.

In practice, the RX1’s autofocus feels somewhat snappier and more reliable - especially in challenging light - although it can falter with very fast-moving subjects due to its contrast-detection limitations. Continuous AF is available on the GR II but with modest performance for moving subjects, whereas the RX1 lacks continuous AF entirely and requires careful single-shot focusing.

Neither camera excels in tracking fast wildlife or sports due to the lack of phase-detection autofocus and limited burst shooting speeds (4 fps for GR II, 5 fps for RX1). However, the more focus points and sharper lens of the RX1 provide somewhat better usability for portraits and static subjects. Both cameras include face detection, contributing to ease of focusing in casual portraits.

Lens Characteristics: Fixed Focal Lengths with Distinct Flavor

The fixed lens design is central to both cameras’ appeal - simple, robust, optimal optics without the bulk of interchangeable lens systems.

• Ricoh GR II: 28mm equivalent focal length, f/2.8 max aperture, focusing down to 10cm for macro work
• Sony RX1: 35mm focal length, f/2.0 max aperture, no dedicated macro mode but close focusing around 20cm

The RX1’s lens is a marvel of optical design - Zeiss-branded with exceptional sharpness even wide open at f/2. Its wider max aperture enables significantly better low-light performance and more pronounced background separation, ideal for portraits and street photography bokeh.

Ricoh GR II front Ricoh GR II screen back Sony RX1 front Sony RX1 screen back

On the other hand, the GR II’s 28mm f/2.8 lens produces moderately less shallow depth of field, which some photographers prefer for environmental street photography or landscape contexts. Ricoh’s lens is sharp but not at the Zeiss level; it slightly softens at the corners wide open but is excellent by compact camera standards.

Macro shooters will favor the GR II for its capability to focus closer - something the RX1 cannot match - supporting detailed close-up work with reasonable working distance.

Shooting Experience and Performance Metrics: Speed vs Simplicity

Both cameras provide manual exposure controls, aperture and shutter priority modes, exposure compensation, and full manual exposure. The GR II supports live view with continuous and single autofocus modes, while the RX1 lacks continuous AF, making burst action shots more demanding.

Shutter speed ranges are comparable: max 1/4000 s, min slower than one second. Neither camera offers electronic or silent shutters, which is a limitation for discreet shooting or extremely bright conditions.

Continuous shooting speeds are modest: 4 fps on GR II and 5 fps on RX1, with small buffers. This means neither are suited for serious sports or wildlife photography where rapid-fire shooting is crucial, but they do well enough for casual bursts or decisive moments.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistances: What Will They Withstand?

Neither camera offers weather sealing or freeze-, dust-, shock-, or crush-proofing. Both are designed as delicate precision instruments - not tools to drop in mud or rain without cover.

Sony’s construction is comparatively more robust with a magnesium alloy body that feels solid in the hand. The Ricoh GR II uses a polycarbonate chassis for lightweight convenience. This distinction matters if you habitually shoot outdoors in challenging conditions.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations: Marathons vs Sprints

The Ricoh GR II offers a 320-shot battery life (CIPA rating), slightly surpassing the RX1’s 270 shots. Both use proprietary lithium-ion battery packs, with the GR II’s DB-65 and RX1’s NP-BX1 respectively.

Storage-wise, the GR II is an SD card single-slot camera. The RX1 supports both SD (SDHC/SDXC) and Memory Stick Duo formats, reflecting Sony’s ecosystem heritage. For extended shooting sessions, either will require spare batteries, but the GR II’s marginally better battery life may keep you going longer without bulk.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Modern Convenience?

Wireless support is limited but functional. The GR II includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for remote control and image transfer - convenient for smartphone pairing on the fly. The RX1 supports Eye-Fi cards but lacks direct Wi-Fi or NFC, somewhat lagging behind in connectivity.

Both cameras feature HDMI output and USB 2.0 ports, sufficient for tethered shooting or data transfer but don't expect blazing transfer speeds by modern standards.

Video Capabilities: Modest But Serviceable

Neither camera was designed with video artistry as a primary function. Both shoot Full HD 1080p video - the GR II maxes out at 30fps, while the RX1 can record up to 60fps progressively. Neither offers 4K or advanced video features like log profiles or variable frame rates.

The RX1 holds a microphone input which may appeal to users dabbling in serious video. Both cameras lack in-body stabilization and only offer optical stabilization from the lens, which neither have in these fixed lenses. So handheld video is somewhat shaky without external stabilization tools.

Genre-Specific Performance: How They Stack Up in Real Photography

Let’s break down how these cameras fare across various photography types. Scores below are based on comprehensive field tests and industry-standard criteria.

• Portraits: RX1 takes the lead with superior bokeh from f/2 lens, higher resolution, better color depth, and face detection support. The GR II is competent, especially if you appreciate a wider field and environmental context.
• Landscape: Both do well; however, RX1 edges ahead with better dynamic range and resolution, albeit without weather sealing - carry protection. The GR II’s 28mm wider angle suits panoramas better.
• Wildlife: Neither is ideal here due to slow autofocus and limited burst speed; RX1’s autofocus points help slightly, but a dedicated telephoto or hybrid mirrorless is recommended.
• Sports: The GR II’s 4 fps and basic AF make it suitable only for casual sports snaps; RX1’s 5 fps is marginally better, but continuous AF absence hurts accuracy on moving subjects.
• Street: GR II shines with compactness, discreetness, and quick accessibility, perfect for urban environments. RX1’s size is more conspicuous but delivers richer color and sharper detail if you’re okay with the bulk.
• Macro: GR II has a clear advantage here thanks to close focusing at 10 cm; RX1’s minimum focus distance is longer.
• Night/Astro: RX1’s full-frame sensor yields cleaner high ISO images and better control over noise, topping the GR II.
• Video: Neither excels; RX1’s microphone input nudges it ahead for audio quality.
• Travel: GR II’s portability and battery life make it a better travel buddy. RX1 offers image quality but demands more from the user in terms of carrying and careful handling.
• Professional Work: RX1 files offer superior latitude in post-processing, larger megapixels, and compatibility with demanding workflows, making it preferable for pros wanting ultimate image quality in a compact format.

Overall Performance and Value: The Bottom Line

On pure imaging merit, the Sony RX1 is the unequivocal winner delivering superior image quality, sharper and faster lens, more autofocus points, and full-frame performance in a compact body.

The Ricoh GR II provides excellent value for enthusiasts desiring uncompromising portability, quick street shooting, and decent image quality at a fraction of the price - currently around $600 versus nearly $2800 for the RX1 on the used market.

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Ricoh GR II if you want the ultimate pocketable camera with a large sensor, appreciate the wider field of view, need close focus for macro, or your budget is constrained. It’s excellent for candid street photography, casual travel, and everyday snapshots with quality that beats any smartphone of its era.

• Choose the Sony RX1 if you seek the best possible image quality in a compact form factor, prioritize shallow depth of field portraits, need superb low-light performance, or embark on semi-professional work demanding full-frame files. A travel camera with high IQ that can double as a backup to your main system.

Closing Thoughts: Two Cameras, Different Paths to Greatness

I’ve long found these cameras evoke an interesting philosophical split in compact camera design. The Ricoh GR II is minimalistic, quick, and modestly priced - a camera that invites creativity through simplicity and immediacy. The Sony RX1, meanwhile, is a precision instrument marrying compact convenience with uncompromising full-frame image quality.

Both have their fans and specific strengths. Understanding your priorities - whether it’s street speed, ultimate image fidelity, or sheer portability - will guide the decision more than specifications alone.

If you want a mastery of nuance and technical finesse before purchase, consider renting each camera for a few days. You’ll quickly discern which matches your unique shooting style.

Until then, I hope this in-depth comparison gives your next camera choice the clarity it deserves.

Happy shooting!

Other images from the review:

Ricoh GR II front Ricoh GR II screen back Sony RX1 front Sony RX1 screen back