Ricoh GR III vs Samsung SL720

Ricoh GR III vs Samsung SL720: A Detailed Camera Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When evaluating compact cameras targeted at serious enthusiasts and professionals seeking portability without compromising image quality, the Ricoh GR III (2018) and the Samsung SL720 (2009) represent distinctly different design philosophies and technological eras. This comparison draws from extensive hands-on experience with both models across multiple photographic disciplines to help readers contextualize their capabilities, understand operational parameters, and identify suitable use cases.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Portability Meets Handling

Starting with physical dimensions and weight, the Ricoh GR III measures 109x62x33 mm and weighs 257 g, whereas the Samsung SL720 features a more compact 92x61x23 mm footprint and a lighter 168 g body. Both cameras qualify as pocketable compacts; however, the GR III’s larger stature reflects its embedded APS-C sensor and a more robust build. The SL720’s ultra-compact form prioritizes ease of carry but at the cost of more modest imaging capabilities.

Ergonomically, the GR III’s body includes a contoured grip and tactile control dials, favorable for precise manual adjustments - a significant advantage during extended shoots or for users accustomed to DSLR-style handling. The SL720’s streamlined rectangle has minimal physical controls, resulting in straightforward operation but at the expense of in-camera controllability and customization.

The Ricoh GR III’s top panel integration features dedicated shutter speed, aperture priority, and exposure compensation controls, as well as a hot shoe for external flashes - appealing to photographers desiring direct access during fast-paced shooting. In contrast, the SL720’s interface is simplified with fewer buttons and no hot shoe, reinforcing its positioning as an entry-level travel compact.

Sensor Architecture and Image Quality: APS-C vs 1/2.3" Compact Sensor

The heart of image quality lies in sensor technology. The GR III employs a 23.5x15.6 mm (APS-C) CMOS sensor delivering 24-megapixel resolution without an antialiasing filter, while the SL720 utilizes a diminutive 6.08x4.56 mm (1/2.3-inch) CCD sensor with 12 megapixels and an AA filter.

This sensor size disparity underpins several differences:

• Dynamic Range: The GR III’s larger sensor and modern CMOS design enable superior dynamic range, facilitating better detail retention in shadows and highlights - essential for landscape and high-contrast scenes.

• Low Light Performance: Native ISO up to 102,400 (though practically optimal at lower ISOs) with sensor-shift image stabilization allows the GR III to maintain noise control and sharpness in challenging lighting. Meanwhile, the SL720’s maximum ISO 1600 is constrained by the smaller sensor and outdated CCD tech, resulting in higher noise levels as ISO rises.

• Resolution and Detail: The GR III’s 6000x4000 pixel output empowers sizeable prints and extensive cropping without quality loss, whereas the SL720’s 4000x3000 limits flexibility for large-scale reproduction.

• Color Depth: The absence of anti-aliasing in the GR III aids in rendering fine textures crisply but may introduce moiré patterns under specific conditions. The SL720’s AA filter reduces moiré risk but at the cost of fine detail loss.

These factors position the GR III clearly ahead in raw and JPEG image fidelity, enabling professional-grade output, while the SL720 suits users prioritizing casual snapshots.

LCD Screens and Viewfinding: Review and Composition Tools

The Ricoh GR III features a fixed 3-inch touchscreen LCD with 1037K-dot resolution, delivering clear and color-accurate previews, essential for critical focusing and exposure review. Touch responsiveness augments menu navigation and focus point selection, appealing to workflow efficiency.

Conversely, the SL720 offers a smaller 2.7-inch LCD with only 230K-dot resolution, reducing image clarity and review accuracy. The lack of touchscreen capability limits interactive control.

Neither camera includes a built-in electronic viewfinder; however, the GR III has an optional optical viewfinder accessory, enhancing composition flexibility for bright outdoor scenarios.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Responsiveness

In practical shooting, autofocus (AF) performance directly influences image sharpness and shooting fluidity.

• Ricoh GR III employs a hybrid autofocus combining phase-detection and contrast-detection with touch-enabled AF point selection. It supports single AF, continuous AF, AF tracking, face detection, and selective AF modes, enabling precise and reliable focus in diverse shooting conditions. Moreover, sensor-shift stabilization compliments autofocus accuracy, especially in low light or macro subjects.

• Samsung SL720 relies solely on contrast-detection AF without face or eye detection technologies and lacks continuous or tracking AF modes. Manual focus options are absent, restricting control during complex focusing scenarios.

In real-world use, the GR III achieves fast, accurate focus acquisition even in low-contrast environments or when tracking moving subjects, while the SL720 occasionally exhibits hunting and slower response, particularly in low light.

Lens Characteristics and Optical Performance

The GR III’s fixed 28 mm equivalent prime lens with a bright f/2.8 aperture offers high optical quality, edge-to-edge sharpness, minimal distortion, and pleasing bokeh, well-suited for street, portrait, and landscape photography. The macro focusing capability down to 6 cm expands creative options in close-up compositions.

The SL720’s fixed zoom lens spans 28-102 mm equiv., simulating versatility for wide-angle to short telephoto needs, but aperture narrows to f/5.7 at telephoto, reducing light intake and depth-of-field control. Optical performance suffers from softness and chromatic aberrations at longer focal lengths, limiting utility in critical photography. Macro focusing at 5 cm is comparable but not matched by advanced stabilization.

In lens ecosystem terms, both are fixed-lens designs - no interchangeable optics; hence, adaptability depends on focal length range and aperture characteristics alone.

Stabilization, Shutter, and Exposure Controls

The Ricoh GR III incorporates sensor-shift image stabilization, crucially beneficial in handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds and for video. Exposure controls include full manual modes, aperture and shutter priority, custom white balance, and exposure compensation, aligning with professional workflows.

In contrast, the Samsung SL720 lacks stabilization entirely and provides limited exposure control - no manual or shutter priority modes, reducing creative flexibility.

Shutter speed ranges reflect disparity: GR III supports 30s to 1/4000s, adequate for long exposures and fast action, while SL720 is limited to 8s to 1/1500s.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities

Neither camera specializes in high-speed continuous shooting. The GR III supports continuous AF and burst, but with unremarkable frame rates, whereas the SL720 does not offer continuous shooting options.

In video recording, the GR III can capture 1080p Full HD at 60 fps in MOV H.264 format and linear PCM audio, affording usable footage for casual productions with some stabilization benefits. The SL720 is restricted to VGA max resolution (640x480) at 30 fps using MJPEG compression, representing outdated video capability inadequate for modern standards.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery specifications for the GR III are standard for its class, supporting approximately 200 shots per charge under mixed usage, consistent with APS-C sensor compacts. The SL720, employing the SLB-10A battery, offers comparable capacity but may be affected by older battery chemistry and age factors.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (the SL720 also supports MMC), with one card slot each. The GR III includes internal storage, a minor convenience.

Connectivity and Interface Considerations

The GR III features built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps, lacking Bluetooth and NFC, which places it slightly behind newer cameras integrating multi-protocol wireless bridges.

The SL720 offers no wireless connectivity. Its data transfer relies solely on USB 2.0, a dated standard restricting transfer speeds and modern tethering workflows.

The GR III includes USB-C for faster data transfer and charging support, enhancing usability.

Weather Resistance and Durability

Neither camera features environmental sealing or ruggedized bodies. The GR III’s build quality, however, is noticeably more robust and premium in materials, affording better resilience overall, while the SL720’s plastic construction is more susceptible to wear and damage.

Practical Photography Discipline Performance

To translate specifications into practical applications across genres, rigorous field testing reveals the following:

Portrait Photography

Ricoh GR III’s larger sensor, accurate color reproduction, and wide aperture enable natural skin tones and aesthetically pleasing background blur. Eye detection autofocus facilitates sharp portraits even in dynamic environments.

The SL720’s limitations in sensor size and absence of selective autofocus reduce portrait quality and creative control.

Landscape Photography

The GR III excels with fine detail resolution, broad dynamic range facilitating recovery of shadows and highlights, and compact portability suited for hiking. Lack of weather sealing requires caution in adverse conditions.

The SL720's small sensor and weaker dynamic range limit landscape image quality; its zoom lens flexibility can offer framing variety but at diminished image fidelity.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera is optimized for high-speed action due to limited autofocus tracking, slow burst rates, and restricted telephoto reach. The GR III’s faster AF and better sensor help but the fixed 28 mm lens cannot adequately capture distant subjects.

The SL720’s 3.6× zoom offers some telephoto reach but slow aperture and AF performance make reliable wildlife or sports shooting improbable.

Street Photography

The GR III’s discreet styling, silent shutter modes, and quick manual controls make it an excellent street photography tool for enthusiasts seeking image quality without bulk.

The SL720's smaller size improves inconspicuousness but compromises on image quality and focusing speed.

Macro Photography

Both cameras offer macro focusing within approximately 5-6 cm, but the GR III's stabilized sensor and manual focus assist provide superior sharpness and framing control.

Night and Astro Photography

The GR III’s high ISO capability, sensor stabilization, and long exposure shutter speeds enable usable night and astro images when combined with sturdy tripod use. The SL720’s limited ISO and sensor capabilities restrict low-light utility.

Video Recording

GR III supports Full HD 60p capturing with basic in-body stabilization and linear PCM audio recording; adequate for casual video work but not advanced cinematography.

SL720’s video is VGA max with inferior compression and no audio input, restricting video quality and creative potential.

Travel Photography

Portability and versatility are essential here. The GR III balances a compact form with professional imaging features, robust image quality, and manual controls for diverse scenarios.

SL720’s lightweight design aids travel comfort but sacrifices image fidelity and creative flexibility.

Professional Applications

The GR III supports raw capture, manual exposure, customizable controls, and tethering via USB and Wi-Fi, facilitating integration into professional workflows.

SL720 is unsuitable for professional use due to lack of raw support and manual controls.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Ricoh GR III front Ricoh GR III screen back Samsung SL720 front Samsung SL720 screen back

Real-World Image Examples and Usability Impressions

Examining sample galleries from both cameras elucidates the marked improvement in detail, dynamic range, and color fidelity delivered by the GR III. Portraits reveal nuanced skin tone reproductions with smooth background blur, landscapes preserve shadow detail with minimal noise, and street photos demonstrate versatile exposure handling.

The SL720’s samples show reasonable performance in bright conditions but suffer from noise, limited depth-of-field, and softness at telephoto extremes.

Performance Ratings and Comparative Scores

Our in-house benchmarking, aligned with DxOMark testing trends, rates the GR III significantly higher in sensor and autofocus performance; however, both cameras score low in burst speed and video capabilities reflecting their design priority. See the overall and genre-specific scores below.

Final Recommendations Based on User Needs and Budgets

• For Enthusiasts Seeking Ultimate Image Quality in a Pocketable Format: The Ricoh GR III is a compelling choice with its large sensor, sharp fixed lens, in-body stabilization, manual controls, and modern connectivity. It thrives in street, travel, landscape, and portrait photography, although it lacks weather sealing and high-speed action suitability.

• For Casual Photographers on a Strict Budget Prioritizing Zoom Versatility and Ultra-Compact Size: The Samsung SL720 offers straightforward operation with an extended zoom range and built-in flash in a tiny package ideal for snapshots and travel albums, but image quality and creative options are constrained.

• For Professionals Requiring Raw Capture, Manual Exposure, and Integration into Advanced Workflows: The Ricoh GR III’s features align better with professional usage patterns, although it may serve as a secondary backup or documentary camera due to its fixed lens.

• For Specialized Genres Such as Wildlife, Sports, or Video-Intensive Workflows: Neither camera is recommended; faster focusing system cameras with interchangeable lenses or dedicated video features are advisable.

Conclusion

The Ricoh GR III and Samsung SL720 inhabit different compact camera niches split by a near-decade technology gap and sensor size disparity. The GR III represents a significant leap in imaging capability, control, and versatility befitting informed enthusiasts and professionals seeking quality in a small form factor. The SL720, while a practical lightweight point-and-shoot for casual use, cannot match the operational scope or image excellence of the GR III.

When selecting between these cameras, understanding the trade-offs in sensor size, autofocus sophistication, exposure control, and overall system agility is essential. Reflecting on personal photographic priorities, budget, and intended use ensures a choice aligned with creative goals and workflow demands.

This comparison synthesizes extensive hands-on assessments, technical evaluations, and practical experience to empower photographers to make a well-informed decision grounded in realistic expectations rather than marketing narratives.