Ricoh GR vs Sony a1

Here, we will be reviewing the Ricoh GR and Sony a1, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There exists a big gap among the sensor resolutions of the GR (16MP) and a1 (50MP) and the GR (APS-C) and a1 (Full frame) offer different sensor measurements.

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The GR was revealed 8 years earlier than the a1 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh GR being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony a1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the GR grades against the a1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Ricoh GR and Sony Alpha a1. The full galleries are viewable at Ricoh GR Gallery and Sony a1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Ricoh GR provides physical measurements of 117mm x 61mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Sony a1 has proportions of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).

Check out the Ricoh GR and Sony a1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the GR vs the a1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GR and a1 is 90 and 61 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing simply by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the GR and a1.

Clearly, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GR with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony a1 will render greater detail because of its extra 34 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older GR will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.