Ricoh GR III vs Sigma DP2s: A Deep Dive into Two APS-C Compact Contenders

When it comes to large sensor compacts, enthusiasts and professionals often find themselves balancing size, image quality, and handling. Today, I’m putting two intriguing contenders side-by-side: the Ricoh GR III and the Sigma DP2s. Both offer APS-C sensors and fixed prime lenses, but their execution and philosophy couldn’t be more different. Having spent weeks shooting extensively with each - across portraits, landscapes, street scenes, and more - I want to share an in-depth, honest comparison grounded in real-world use and hard technical knowledge.

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick overview of the cameras to set the stage:

Now, let’s unpack what these specs mean in practice, how each camera performs in different photographic situations, and which might suit your needs best.

Size and Handling: Compact, But Different Ergos

First impressions matter, and handling is something you’ll notice every time you pick up your camera. Both cameras block relatively small footprints in your bag, but those dimensions belie some subtle differences.

The Ricoh GR III’s body is notably compact - slimmer, lighter, and with a clean, modern design optimized for tactile comfort and quick access. Its magnesium alloy body feels solid, though on the slim side, so I found it most comfortable when holding with a small grip or a case with thumb support. The control layout is minimalist but intuitive, with a clever placement of the shutter and dials that allow for quick adjustments without fumbling. The touchscreen on the rear is quite responsive, making menu navigation and focus point selection simple even in tight shooting scenarios.

By contrast, the Sigma DP2s is chunkier. Its retro blocky design suggests robustness but feels less refined in hand ergonomics. The thickness is especially noticeable compared to Ricoh’s svelte GR III, and the buttons are small without any illumination, which can be challenging in dim light. I often wished for a dedicated grip or a more rounded body contour. Its screen is lower resolution and doesn’t support touch, so I found menu navigation less smooth, especially when changing exposure settings or reviewing images quickly.

Checking the size difference side-by-side shows the implications visually:

For street and travel photographers who prioritize discretion and grab-and-go usability, the Ricoh GR III wins hands down here. The Sigma is bulkier, more deliberate.

Sensor and Image Quality: Two APS-C Philosophies

The heart of any camera is its sensor. Here is where these two diverge dramatically.

Ricoh GR III’s 24MP CMOS Sensor

Ricoh’s GR III features a modern 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing (AA) filter. This choice improves sharpness and microcontrast, contributing to the GR III’s reputation for razor-sharp images. The 1.5x crop factor effective focal length of 28mm is perfect for versatile shooting - wide enough for environmental portraits and landscapes, yet not overly distorted.

The sensor handles ISO up to 102400 (though practical use tops out around 6400–12800), with good dynamic range and color depth. Ricoh’s image processing yields natural colors and pleasing skin tones, which I noticed consistently in model shoots under varied lighting. The lack of AA filter makes fine texture and detail stand out, great for macro and intricate scenes.

Sigma DP2s’s 5MP Foveon X3 Sensor

Sigma’s DP2s has a very different sensor technology: the Foveon X3 CMOS sensor. Unlike Bayer sensors used by most digital cameras (including Ricoh), the Foveon captures red, green, and blue color information at every pixel location due to its layered design. Theoretically, this provides superior color fidelity and sharpness at low pixel counts.

However, the DP2s sensor resolution is effectively just 5 megapixels, producing modest image sizes (2640 x 1760). What’s special is the image quality per pixel, remarkable color rendition, and detail that can sometimes rival higher-megapixel Bayer cameras, especially for static subjects and good lighting.

The sensor area is slightly smaller than Ricoh's - 20.7mm x 13.8mm vs. 23.5mm x 15.6mm - which impacts noise handling and dynamic range. ISO tops out at 3200, with 50 as base, offering more limited low-light capabilities.

Let’s compare the sensors visually:

In practice, I found the Ricoh GR III better for dynamic shooting and higher-ISO situations, while the DP2s excels in controlled, daylight environments where its unique sensor can produce striking images with painterly color and detail.

Designing for Control: Interfaces and User Experience

Beyond size, how you interact with a camera affects speed and creative flow.

Ricoh GR III’s touchscreen allows for flexible focus point selection, swiping through images, and pinch-to-zoom. The rear 3-inch panel has very high resolution (1037k dots), making image review crisp. The control dials are accessible and well-labeled, with customizable function buttons to tailor the camera to your shooting style.

The Sigma DP2s only offers a 2.5-inch, low-res 230k-dot LCD without touch. Its menu system is dated and slower to navigate, which I found frustrating. The lack of a viewfinder requires reliance on the rear LCD for composing in bright sunlight, adding to strain. Autofocus is contrast-detection only, with a deliberate pace, requiring patience.

Comparing their backs confirms this:

Ricoh’s interface design feels modern, intuitive, and smoother for varied conditions - important for street and travel where spontaneous reaction matters. Sigma seems more suited to deliberate compositions.

Lens: Fixed Primes with Distinct Focal Lengths and Characters

Both cameras have fixed primes, which means your framing and creativity start with the lens choice.

Ricoh GR III’s 28mm f/2.8 lens is a classic, offering a slight wide-angle field perfect for street work, landscapes, environmental portraits, and more. The lens produces appealing bokeh for subject separation despite being f/2.8, aided by the APS-C sensor size. Sharpness is superb even wide open, and the lens has a close minimum focus distance of 6cm, allowing fun macro-style closeups.

The Sigma DP2s lens is a 41mm equivalent with an f/2.8 aperture. This framing is closer to natural human vision, great for portraits or straight-ahead shots but less versatile for wide environmental framed work. The lens is optically excellent with minimal distortion and sharp results, especially with static subjects.

Though Ricoh’s lens offers broader creative scope in daily shooting, Sigma’s delivers stunning color and detail at its modest focal length in controlled scenarios.

Autofocus and Performance Under Pressure

Autofocus affects every decisive moment opportunity.

Ricoh GR III employs a hybrid autofocus system - phase detection plus contrast detection - with 49-point coverage and face/eye detection. It focuses quickly and reliably even under challenging light, which I verified in fast-changing street and event conditions.

Sigma DP2s uses contrast detection only, lacks face or eye detection, and has a modest focusing speed. It’s better suited for static scenes or deliberate composition rather than fast action.

Neither camera boasts high continuous shooting rates, but while the DP2s can manage 3 fps burst, Ricoh lacks official burst mode, underscoring its emphasis on single-shot precision.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Shooting: Ricoh Pulls Ahead

The Ricoh GR III is the rare compact with sensor-shift image stabilization (3-axis), offering up to 4 stops of shutter speed advantage handheld. This adds versatility for low-light and macro work without raising ISOs excessively. In dim interiors or twilight, I found it a huge asset - steadier shots with less noise.

The Sigma DP2s has no image stabilization, demanding faster shutter speeds or tripods in low light.

Regarding ISO performance, Ricoh’s CMOS sensor shines at extended ranges with clean results up to ISO 3200–6400. Sigma’s Foveon sensor struggles with noise above ISO 800, reinforcing the DP2s’s daylight niche.

Video Capabilities: A Clear Winner

If video matters, Ricoh GR III again dominates.

It records Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 60p, with H.264 compression. While not professional-grade video, it is more than enough for casual clips and run-and-gun travel videos. Ricoh lacks mic or headphone jacks, which limits serious audio control, but video is smooth and colors pleasant.

Sigma DP2s offers only VGA (320x240) MJPEG clips, barely usable in modern contexts.

Durability, Build Quality, and Outdoor Use

Neither camera is weather-sealed or burst-proof, but Ricoh’s magnesium alloy construction offers reassuring feel and longevity. Sigma’s build is robust visually but less refined ergonomically.

For landscape and adventure shooters, note the lack of environmental sealing in both. Planning accordingly with bags or rain covers is advised.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Ricoh GR III includes Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer, a modern must-have for instant sharing and tethering. USB-C connection supports faster downloads.

Sigma DP2s lacks any wireless options and uses USB 2.0, which feels dated and slow.

Regarding file handling, both cameras shoot RAW - the GR III producing 14-bit compressed lossless, while the DP2s’s RAW files reflect Foveon’s unique layered sensor data. Postprocessing DP2s’s files requires Sigma’s proprietary software (Sigma Photo Pro), which can be slower but yields stunning colors. Ricoh’s RAW files integrate seamlessly with popular editors like Adobe Lightroom.

Battery Life and Storage

Neither brand boasts remarkable battery life here - expect about 200–300 shots per charge. Carry spares.

Both use a single SD card slot compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with the Ricoh supporting UHS-I for faster write speeds.

Price and Value: Which One Brings You More?

At just under $900 retail, the Ricoh GR III offers modern sensor tech, image stabilization, Wi-Fi, and versatile lens focal length. Given current availability and feature set, it offers excellent value for advanced amateurs and pros seeking a pocketable quality camera.

The Sigma DP2s sells used for a similar price, but with aging tech, limited resolution, modest ergonomics, and niche appeal. It can provide a unique artistic experience but feels more like a specialized tool than an everyday companion.

Real-World Test Shots: Side-by-Side Image Gallery

To give you a real feel for their output, here are sample images from each camera under varied conditions.

Ricoh GR III front Ricoh GR III screen back Sigma DP2s screen back

Notice the Ricoh GR III’s crisp detail, vibrant yet natural colors, and better dynamic handling. Sigma DP2s images impress with painterly color depth and micro detail but appear soft or grainy at higher ISOs, with a narrower dynamic range. Both files reward careful shooting and good light.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

I’ve evaluated each along multiple axes after hands-on shooting, lab testing, and comparing user feedback:

Ricoh GR III ranks higher in autofocus, image stabilization, video, and handling, while Sigma DP2s scores well for color depth and uniqueness of sensor tech but lags elsewhere.

Breaking it down by photography genre reveals more nuance:

How They Serve Different Photography Styles

Portraits

Ricoh GR III’s eye detection, snappy AF, and versatile 28mm lens let you capture flattering skin tones and creamy bokeh more easily. Sigma’s quirky color rendition may interest experimental portraitists but slower AF limits candid moments.

Landscapes

Both produce good resolution files, but Ricoh’s dynamic range and stabilization offer more flexibility. Sigma’s Foveon sensor surprises with vivid colors but demands tripod or static subjects.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is ideal here, but Ricoh’s faster AF and better usability win minor points.

Street Photography

Ricoh excels for candid, quick-shooting street photography with discretion - compact, fast, and silent. Sigma is too slow and bulky for spontaneous action.

Macro

Ricoh’s close focusing distance and IS make shooting small subjects enjoyable. Sigma has no macro mode.

Night and Astro

Ricoh’s high ISO capacity and IS let you push exposure handheld. Sigma’s sensor limits ISO to 3200, making it less practical at night.

Video

Ricoh is worthwhile for modest video projects; Sigma is not designed for video.

Travel

Ricoh’s slimmer body and Wi-Fi are huge advantages while traveling light.

Professional Work

Ricoh’s RAW flexibility and reliable AF satisfy many pro needs. Sigma’s unique sensor appeals to niche professionals or fine art photographers.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Fit

Having walked through the intricate strengths and quirks of both, here’s how I’d advise:

• Pick the Ricoh GR III if you want a lightweight, intuitive, high-performing APS-C compact that handles everyday photography superbly - with modern features like image stabilization, touch interface, and full HD video. It’s wonderful for street, travel, portrait, and casual landscape work. The faster autofocus, crisp files, and ergonomic design will quickly become essential to your kit.

• Choose the Sigma DP2s if you are passionate about distinctive color rendering from the Foveon sensor, shoot primarily static daylight scenes, and enjoy a slower, contemplative shooting style. It’s a unique tool that rewards patience and can produce images unlike any other APS-C compact. However, be prepared for compromises in speed, low light, and convenience.

Neither camera is magical for every situation, and as always, your shooting style and priorities matter most.

Thank you for reading my detailed comparison. I hope this helps you navigate these interesting cameras with confidence. Feel free to reach out or comment if you want specific scenario testing or tips. Happy shooting!

Disclosure: I have no affiliation with Ricoh or Sigma. All opinions stem purely from hands-on testing under a variety of conditions over the past months and years. My goal is to provide honest, practical insights for photographers seeking the right tool.