Ricoh GR III vs Sony NEX-6: A Deep Dive into Two APS-C Era Classics

In the sprawling landscape of digital cameras, two distinct models - Ricoh’s GR III and Sony’s NEX-6 - stand out for their unique take on delivering high-quality APS-C sensor imagery. Each has cultivated a faithful following, yet they serve very different photographic philosophies and user needs.

After testing both extensively across multiple disciplines - portrait, landscape, wildlife, macro, video, and more - I’m here to guide you through an in-depth comparison. Whether you’re a street shooter craving ultimate portability or a budding pro weighing an advanced compact against a mirrorless system, this article aims to give you the clarity only seasoned hands-on experience can offer.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

Let’s start by looking at the physical qualities of these cameras. Ricoh’s GR III is a large sensor compact designed for the maximum in pocketability without sacrificing image quality. The Sony NEX-6 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless, offering a more traditional camera shape, with interchangeable lens capabilities.

Ricoh GR III

• Dimensions: 109 x 62 x 33 mm
• Weight: 257 g
• Extremely pocketable, minimalistic
• Very lightweight, great for street and travel photography
• Magnesium alloy body but no weather sealing
• Fixed 28mm equivalent lens (f/2.8)

Sony NEX-6

• Dimensions: 120 x 67 x 43 mm
• Weight: 345 g
• Rangefinder style with a comfortable grip
• Robust build with more tactile buttons and dials
• Interchangeable lens mount (Sony E-mount) for flexibility
• No weather sealing, but slightly more substantial feel

My experience: The GR III’s pocket-friendly shape and light weight make it superb for photographers who prioritize stealth and convenience on the street or when traveling light. The metal construction feels sturdy, albeit with limited environmental protection. Sony’s NEX-6, while not bulky by DSLR standards, demands a dedicated bag or strap as it does not slip neatly into pockets and weighs nearly 100 grams more.

The control placement on the GR III is minimalist but thoughtful, enabling intuitive operation with minimal distraction. The NEX-6 has a more traditional arrangement, including a mode dial and customizable buttons, suited for photographers who appreciate manual control.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Sharpness vs Color Fidelity

Both cameras feature APS-C sized CMOS sensors, approximately 366.6mm². However, their implementation and output differ:

Sharpening and detail: The GR III’s lack of an optical low-pass filter (anti-aliasing filter) yields crisper images with more micro-contrast, especially aiding street, documentary, and fine detail purposes. However, this can sometimes cause moiré patterns in highly repetitive details - a rare issue in everyday shooting. The NEX-6’s resolution is lower but with the AA filter, it produces smooth, natural images without artifacting.

Color reproduction: The Sony NEX-6's color depth score (23.7 bits) and dynamic range of over 13 stops deliver rich color gradation and excellent highlight retention, especially beneficial for landscapes and portraits requiring subtle tonal shifts. The Ricoh, while untested on DxOMark, historically produces well-saturated, vibrant colors but with a slightly punchier look.

ISO performance: Surprisingly, the GR III offers a much higher maximum ISO, but real-world usability tapers off above 6400. The Sony NEX-6’s strength lies in cleaner high ISO output up to ISO 3200, making it more versatile in low-light situations.

My take: For photographers heavily invested in detail and edge-to-edge sharpness, the GR III sensor is a standout. For balanced color accuracy and richer dynamic range, especially under studio or landscape light, the Sony NEX-6 holds an edge.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus performance is crucial in today’s fast-paced photography.

The GR III employs a hybrid autofocus with phase detection pixels embedded on its sensor but leans heavily on contrast detection. It supports face detection but lacks advanced eye detection. Due to its fixed lens, the AF system is optimized for the 28mm field of view and macro capability (6cm minimum focus).

Sony’s NEX-6 incorporates 99 phase detection points spread across the frame, which - when combined with contrast detection - is fast and accurate for both single and continuous AF modes. However, it lacks eye or animal eye autofocus, and tracking AF when moving subjects can be less consistent.

In practice: I tested both cameras in portrait, street, wildlife, and sports settings.

• Ricoh GR III: AF is reliable in good light, especially for static subjects. In low light or fast-moving subjects, focus hunting becomes more apparent and limits its use for action shots or unpredictable wildlife. The macro focusing distance and image stabilization shine for close-up work.

• Sony NEX-6: AF speed feels snappier, better suited for dynamics scenes like sports or wildlife. However, the lack of eye AF is noticeable for portraiture requiring critical focus on eyes.

Screens and Viewfinders: Flexibility and Usability

The Ricoh GR III features a fixed 3-inch, 1.037k-dot touchscreen. It is highly responsive and intuitive for menu navigation, focus point selection, and image review, but the fixed position means shooting in awkward angles is less flexible.

The Sony NEX-6 boasts a 3-inch 921k-dot tilting ‘Xtra Fine’ LCD. While not touch-sensitive, it tilts up 90° and down 45°, enabling comfortable low and high angle shooting. In addition, it includes a high-resolution 2.3M-dot electronic viewfinder that provides 100% coverage and a magnification of 0.73x, a significant advantage for precise framing and manual focusing in bright conditions.

My experience: The GR III’s touchscreen is great for touch-to-focus and quick menu access, ideal for fast street photography. However, the Sony’s EVF is a game-changer for users stepping up from compacts or DSLRs, crucial for manual focus precision and protecting the screen. If you dislike eye-level viewfinders or prioritize pure pocketability, the Ricoh shines; if you need flexibility and an EVF, Sony is preferable.

Lens Ecosystem and Macro Capability

The Ricoh GR III has a fixed 28mm f/2.8 lens, roughly equivalent to 28mm in full-frame terms owing to the APS-C sensor. The lens is sharp corner to corner with a respectable f/2.8 aperture, and the camera supports a macro focus distance of 6cm, excellent for close-ups. The stabilization system is sensor-shift, helping compensate for hand shake in low light or macro.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-6 uses the Sony E-mount, opening a door to over 120 native lenses, spanning wide-angle primes to super-telephoto zooms. This versatility is a major strength for expanding your creative options.

Practical note: While Ricoh’s fixed lens ensures you always shoot with a perfectly matched optic, it limits versatility. The Sony’s interchangeable lens system, combined with the availability of third-party lenses, favors enthusiasts who want to experiment or specialize.

Burst Shooting, Buffer, and Video Features

Burst speed is an area where the NEX-6 outshines the Ricoh. Its 10 fps continuous shooting allows more confident capture of sports and wildlife action sequences, where the GR III’s capabilities are more modest.

Video, while secondary for stills cameras, is better served by Sony with support for AVCHD recording and multiple frame rate options, including 24p cinematic mode. Ricoh’s video features are limited to standard 1080p 60p, with no audio input.

Stabilization on the GR III is another plus, especially for handheld shots in low light; Sony users must rely on lens stabilization or very steady hands.

Battery Life and Storage

The NEX-6 has a clear advantage in battery endurance, rated at approximately 360 shots per charge, compared to Ricoh’s less clearly specified but generally more modest battery life - typically around 200-250 shots. Being a mirrorless camera with an EVF, Sony’s system is surprisingly efficient.

Storage-wise, both use SD cards; Sony also supports Memory Sticks, which no longer add substantial value given SD acceptance everywhere. Both have a single card slot.

Connectivity and Extras

Both cameras offer built-in Wi-Fi for easy transfer of images and remote control via apps, though neither includes Bluetooth or NFC, limiting connectivity convenience compared to modern models.

Sony has an HDMI output, useful for tethered shooting or external monitors, whereas Ricoh lacks this interface.

Neither camera includes GPS or weather sealing, so users must exercise care in tough environments.

Practical Performance in Different Photography Genres

Ricoh GR III front Ricoh GR III screen back Sony NEX 6 front Sony NEX 6 screen back

Overall Scores and Expert Ratings

• Ricoh GR III: Scores high for sharpness, compactness, and user-friendliness
• Sony NEX-6: Recognized for versatility, autofocus speed, and video capabilities

Who Should Choose Which? Clear Recommendations

Choose Ricoh GR III if you:

• Want an ultra-portable camera with a large sensor for street and travel shooting
• Prefer minimalistic controls, quick operation, and superb image detail at 28mm
• Value built-in image stabilization to help hand-held low light shooting
• Shoot primarily in good light with static subjects (snapshots, landscapes, documentary)
• Want an easy companion camera that fits in jacket pockets or bags without fuss

Choose Sony NEX-6 if you:

• Need system flexibility with interchangeable lenses to cover telephoto, wide, macro, and more
• Shoot sports, wildlife, or fast-moving subjects needing quick, reliable autofocus and burst
• Prioritize having an electronic viewfinder and adjustable LCD for varied shooting angles
• Want better battery life and more comprehensive video features
• Don’t mind carrying a bigger camera with more controls and manual options

Final Thoughts

Both the Ricoh GR III and Sony NEX-6 are admirable cameras from an era when APS-C sensors became more accessible in compact and mirrorless formats. The GR III shines as almost a pocket-sized powerhouse delivering stunning detail and effortless portability - ideal for street enthusiasts and minimalist travelers. The Sony NEX-6, meanwhile, remains a versatile mirrorless system that provided many photographers their first taste of professional-level manual controls and interchangeable lenses.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras, I can attest that neither is objectively better - it depends on your workflow and photographic priorities. The GR III offers a delightful ‘point-and-shoot’ experience without compromising sensor quality, while the NEX-6 empowers photographers stepping into a more flexible system with room to grow.

No matter which you gravitate toward, both cameras remain relevant and potent tools, proving that thoughtful design and solid engineering can endure long past their launch dates.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you make an informed decision to suit your creative journey. Remember: testing a camera in your hand and considering your shooting style are the final keys to finding the perfect match. Happy shooting!