Ricoh GR III vs Samsung WB2200F: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Compact Cameras

Choosing a compact camera often means balancing different priorities - image quality, portability, zoom range, and usability among them. The Ricoh GR III and Samsung WB2200F occupy very different niches but appeal to photographers valuing a combination of portability and image capability.

With over 15 years of evaluating cameras hands-on, including thousands of shooting hours, I’m excited to walk you through a comprehensive comparison of the Ricoh GR III and Samsung WB2200F. By the end, you’ll have a practical understanding of how each performs in real-world photography across genres, plus which type of photographer each is best suited for.

Size, Handling & Ergonomics: Pocketability vs. Substance

At first glance, these two cameras couldn’t be more different in form and feel. The Ricoh GR III epitomizes truly pocketable design, while the Samsung WB2200F is a superzoom bridge camera with an SLR-like bulky profile.

• Ricoh GR III: Weighing just 257 grams with compact dimensions of 109x62x33 mm, this camera easily slips into a jacket pocket or small bag. Its minimalist, metal-clad body feels solid and premium in hand despite the size. Ergonomically, it is cleanly laid out but with fewer physical controls - suited to quick street shooting and on-the-go usage.

• Samsung WB2200F: Heftier at 708 grams and considerably chunkier (119x122x99 mm), this camera feels more like a traditional DSLR alternative, providing a better grip for prolonged shooting sessions. However, it’s less discreet and bulky to carry daily. Think of it as a “take it when you know what you want to shoot” option.

Controls-wise, the GR III’s top plate is minimalistic yet functional, with direct dials dedicated to exposure compensation and exposure mode ideal for photographers preferring manual settings. The WB2200F offers more conventional bridge camera controls, although with a lower-resolution screen and more plastic feel.

Quick takeaway: If pocketable and quick deployment is your priority - particularly for street, travel, or casual use - the GR III’s design is a winner. The WB2200F suits photographers prioritizing handling for extended shooting with heavier zoom needs but at the expense of compactness.

Sensor and Image Quality: APS-C Detail vs. Superzoom Accessibility

A decisive factor in image quality is sensor size and resolution:

• Ricoh GR III: Features a large APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5x15.6 mm) with 24 megapixels and no anti-aliasing filter for maximized detail capture. This sensor size and resolution level are akin to many professional entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, enabling superior image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

• Samsung WB2200F: Utilizes a much smaller 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55 mm) at 16 megapixels designed for the superzoom category. While respectable for a bridge camera, this sensor is physically much smaller, meaning lower dynamic range, reduced noise performance at high ISO, and less fine detail retention.

Real-world image insights:

• The Ricoh GR III excels in delivering rich, detailed images with natural skin tones and smooth tonal gradation - hallmarks of a large APS-C sensor. It’s especially powerful for portraits, landscapes, and street scenes where image quality is paramount.

• The Samsung, on the other hand, trades off image perfection for lens reach and zoom versatility. While photos from the WB2200F can look impressive at moderate ISO values, its smaller sensor size means noise and loss of detail become obvious in low light or larger print formats.

LCD and Viewfinder: Visual Feedback for Composition and Review

Both cameras use a fixed 3” LCD screen but vary in resolution and features:

• Ricoh GR III: Offers a touchscreen LCD with 1037k-dot resolution. This results in sharp, accurate image review and easy menu navigation - especially handy when you want to change settings quickly or review finer details on the spot.

• Samsung WB2200F: Features a non-touch TFT LCD with 460k-dot resolution, noticeably lower than the Ricoh. This lower resolution screen can hamper judging image sharpness or evaluating subtle details immediately after capture.

For eye-level composition, the Samsung WB2200F includes a 200k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF). It provides an alternative framing option, beneficial in bright light situations where the LCD may be hard to see. The Ricoh GR III lacks a built-in EVF, though an optional optical viewfinder attachment is available, supporting a street photography style focused on discretion.

Autofocus and Performance Across Shooting Styles

Autofocus (AF) and shooting responsiveness are crucial, especially for dynamic subjects.

• Ricoh GR III: Employs a hybrid AF system combining phase detection and contrast detection points. It supports face and eye detection which I found to be reliable for still subjects and moderate tracking. The camera supports continuous AF (AF-C) and tracking AF modes, but it lacks an extensive number of focus points - an area where it is less competitive.

• Samsung WB2200F: Utilizes contrast-detection AF without phase detection. The fewer focus points and contrast-based system make it less responsive for fast-moving subjects. However, it includes face detection and multi-area AF to assist focus accuracy.

Burst shooting:

• The WB2200F offers continuous shooting up to 8 frames per second, suitable for capturing action bursts at moderate speed.

• The GR III does not specify a robust burst mode, focusing instead on image quality and manual control rather than speed.

Genre-by-Genre Performance: Where Each Camera Shines

To provide a thorough perspective, let's consider how these cameras serve various photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• Ricoh GR III: The APS-C sensor, paired with its sharp 28mm lens (equivalent to ~40mm on full-frame), delivers sharp, detailed portraits with impressively smooth bokeh for an integrated lens. Eye-detection autofocus excels in maintaining sharp focus on subjects’ eyes. Skin tones appear natural and pleasing with little post-processing needed.

• Samsung WB2200F: While it offers a longer zoom range, the variable aperture (F2.8-5.9) and small sensor limit shallow depth-of-field effects. Portraits may appear softer and less nuanced in tone. Autofocus can struggle in low light or complex scenes.

Landscape Photography

• Ricoh GR III: Thanks to the sensor’s dynamic range (typical of APS-C), rich tone reproduction, and high resolution (6000x4000), it’s ideal for expansive scenes requiring detail retention in both shadows and highlights. The weather sealing is absent, so caution is needed in adverse environments.

• Samsung WB2200F: The superzoom lens’ 20mm ultra-wide setting allows exclusive framing options. However, the small sensor hampers dynamic range and texture fidelity, noticeable in shadow and highlight recovery. No environmental sealing limits outdoor usage.

Wildlife Photography

• Ricoh GR III: Limited due to fixed focal length (28mm) and absence of significant telephoto reach. Not a practical choice for wildlife beyond very close or cooperative subjects.

• Samsung WB2200F: Booster here with 20-1200mm equivalent zoom (60x optical zoom), allowing distant subjects to be framed easily. However, autofocus lag and contrast-detection limits tracking fast-moving wildlife. Burst rate at 8fps helps but not ideal for rapid sequences.

Ricoh GR III front Ricoh GR III screen back Samsung WB2200F front Samsung WB2200F screen back

Sports Photography

Neither camera is designed for professional sports photography, but:

• The WB2200F’s 8fps shooting and long zoom provide some flexibility for casual sports.

• The Ricoh GR III’s strengths lie elsewhere, with slower burst and fixed lens limiting sports utility.

Street Photography

• Ricoh GR III is a favorite for street shooters due to its compact size, silent leaf shutter, and broad usage of 28mm focal length - ideal for contextual street scenes.

• Samsung’s bulk and zoom-oriented lens are less congruent with discreet street shooting.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras provide macro focusing capabilities: 6cm for GR III, 10cm for WB2200F.

• The sensor-shift image stabilization on the Ricoh improves handheld sharpness in close-up work.

• The WB2200F’s longer macro focusing distance may require more working space.

Night and Astro Photography

• The GR III’s large sensor and high ISO sensitivity (native 100-102400) give a major advantage in low-light and astrophotography scenarios.

• The WB2200F’s smaller sensor and max ISO 6400 limit the low-light usability, with more noise and less detail preservation.

Video Capabilities

Both deliver Full HD (1920x1080) video but differ in format and features.

• Ricoh GR III records 1080/60p with H.264 codec and linear PCM audio but lacks microphone or headphone ports, restricting professional audio capture.

• Samsung WB2200F offers Full HD 30fps recording, supports AVCHD and MPEG-4, with a built-in flash that can be used in video.

Neither supports 4K video, limiting suitability for professional video work.

Travel Photography

• Ricoh GR III’s compactness, light weight, and superior image quality make it outstanding for travel photography when discretion and speedy operation are key.

• Samsung WB2200F, while heavier and bulkier, provides extreme versatility with superzoom reach, appealing to travelers who prioritize framing flexibility over image perfectness.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

• GR III supports RAW image capture, allowing for extensive post-processing. Its USB connection supports tethered transfers, though it lacks HDMI or extensive ports for professional workflows.

• WB2200F does not support RAW, limiting professional editing flexibility.

Build Quality and Environmental Robustness

• Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized.

• Ricoh GR III’s metal body feels more premium and durable versus the plastic-heavy Samsung.

For photographers shooting outdoors regularly, additional care or protective gear is advised for both.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

• Ricoh GR III has a fixed 28mm F2.8 lens - no option to change lenses, but known for high optical quality.

• Samsung WB2200F uses fixed superzoom lens covering 20-1200mm; again, non-interchangeable.

If lens swapping is critical, neither of these models fit that need.

Battery Life and Storage

• Both cameras use SD card storage with one card slot supporting formats up to SDXC.

• Specific battery life figures are not provided in specs; however, from experience the Ricoh GR III typically requires battery management due to compact size, impacting shooting duration.

• Samsung WB2200F’s larger body can house bigger battery packs for longer shooting sessions.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

• Both have built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer.

• Ricoh GR III lacks Bluetooth and NFC, features present on Samsung WB2200F, easing pairing with smartphones.

• Neither supports advanced wireless protocols for remote shooting or speedy FTP transfers.

Price-to-Performance Snapshot

The Ricoh commands a price premium justified by its sensor size, image quality, and portability. The Samsung is more affordable, offering a versatile zoom at the cost of image quality and bulk.

Summarizing the Strengths and Limitations

Ricoh GR III

Pros:

• APS-C sensor delivering outstanding image quality and dynamic range
• Compact, pocketable design perfect for street and travel photography
• Touchscreen with intuitive interface
• Sensor-shift image stabilization improves hand-holding sharpness
• Excellent manual control for enthusiasts and professionals
• Reliable eye/face detection autofocus

Cons:

• Fixed 28mm lens limits framing flexibility
• No built-in viewfinder (optical add-on available)
• No 4K video or advanced video features
• Modest burst shooting not suited for sports/wildlife

Samsung WB2200F

Pros:

• Massive 60x optical zoom (20-1200mm equiv.) covers wide to extreme telephoto
• Built-in electronic viewfinder useful in bright conditions
• Decent Full HD video with AVCHD support
• Face detection autofocus for casual ease
• Wireless connectivity includes NFC
• More affordable than Ricoh GR III

Cons:

• Small 1/2.3” sensor restricts image quality and low light capability
• Slower shutter speed max (1/2000 sec) limits action freezing
• Non-touchscreen interface with lower-resolution LCD
• No RAW image support for professional editing
• Bulkier and less pocketable

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Choose the Ricoh GR III if:

• You value top-tier image quality in a genuinely pocketable form factor.
• You favor street, travel, or documentary photography.
• You want manual controls, RAW shooting, and fine-tuned focus capabilities.
• Prioritize compactness over zoom versatility.
• Need superb low-light and portrait performance.

Choose the Samsung WB2200F if:

• You prioritize superzoom reach and desire one camera covering everything from wide landscapes to distant subjects.
• You are okay with lower image quality for the convenience of focal length versatility.
• You seek a budget-friendly camera with decent video abilities.
• Compactness and ultimate portability are not the highest priority.
• You want an integrated EVF and longer battery stamina.

Final Thoughts: Complementary Cameras for Different Uses

The Ricoh GR III and Samsung WB2200F provide compelling but mutually exclusive advantages.

I’ve tested the GR III extensively on city streets, landscapes, and portraits, where its sensor delivers the kind of quality rivaling mirrorless systems, all in a package so small it encourages spontaneous creativity. Meanwhile, the WB2200F remains a niche choice for those requiring extreme zoom without additional lenses but can accept compromises in image fidelity and size.

Your ideal camera will depend heavily on your shooting style, subjects, and priorities. I recommend renting or trying these cameras in person if possible. Consider what matters more: image quality and portability, or zoom versatility and framing flexibility. That clarity will guide the best choice.

If you want my benchmark of overall performance:

• The Ricoh GR III suits enthusiasts and pros who demand excellence in compact format.
• The Samsung WB2200F suits travel and casual photographers needing zoom reach unavailable on most compact cameras.

I hope this comparison helps you decide confidently on the camera that best matches your photographic ambitions! Should you have any specific questions about shooting scenarios or settings, feel free to ask.