Ricoh GR vs Sony SLT-A35: An In-Depth Expert Comparison

When selecting a dedicated camera, enthusiasts and professionals must balance physical design, image quality, operational speed, and creative flexibility against their particular photographic discipline. The Ricoh GR (announced 2013) and Sony SLT-A35 (announced 2011) represent two fundamentally different approaches to fulfilling these demands. The Ricoh GR is a large-sensor compact uniquely suited for portability and street-style shooting, whereas the Sony A35 is a compact entry-level DSLR with greater system versatility and lens options. This detailed comparison explores all essential facets from sensor technology through user interface to real-world performance, aimed at guiding your choice with practical, data-backed insights.

Physical Dimensions, Handling, and Ergonomics

Physical size and handling greatly dictate a camera’s usability in fast-moving or prolonged shooting scenarios. Here, these two cameras diverge sharply.

• Ricoh GR measures approximately 117 x 61 x 35 mm and weighs 245 grams, embodying a compact and pocketable profile typical of the large-sensor compact category. It offers a fixed 28mm equivalent lens coupled with a minimalist control layout, catering to photographers who favor stealth and mobility.
• Sony SLT-A35 is significantly bulkier at 124 x 92 x 85 mm, weighing in at 415 grams, reflecting DSLR-style ergonomics designed for enhanced grip, control access, and heavier lenses mounted on the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount.

The Ricoh’s slim profile makes it ideal for street photographers, travelers, and minimalists who prioritize inconspicuousness and quick deployment. The rounded edges and relatively sparse button array minimize distractions but might limit rapid adjustment flexibility under dynamic conditions.

In contrast, the Sony A35’s traditional DSLR form factor provides more extensive physical controls and a deeper grip, better suited to users needing robustness and full-handed comfort during extended shoots, such as in wildlife or sports photography.

Top Controls, Interface, and Screen Usability

A productive shooting workflow is dependent on intuitive controls and user interface design enabling swift mode changes and parameter modifications.

• Both cameras have 3-inch fixed TFT LCD screens. The Ricoh GR offers a slightly higher-resolution display (1230k dots) versus the Sony A35’s 921k dots, potentially aiding image review and menu navigation.
• The Ricoh GR lacks touchscreen functionality, an omission that may slow down AF area selection and menu navigation compared to modern expectations.
• The Sony A35 utilizes an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1150k-dot resolution and 100% coverage, providing immediacy and compositional precision missing on the GR, which only supports an optional optical viewfinder (OVF) accessory.
• Neither camera incorporates illuminated buttons, which impacts usability in low-light but is consistent with their era of release.

The Ricoh’s minimalist top plate lacks the multi-dial configuration of the Sony, instead relying on fewer physical controls complemented by dedicated exposure modes and a traditional menu-driven interface. This simplicity benefits quick snapshot situations but limits manual override speed in complex lighting or creative settings.

Sony’s dual command dials and button layout are closer to a traditional DSLR user experience, enabling rapid exposure compensation, drive mode, ISO adjustments, and exposure mode shifts. The inclusion of a fast autofocus mode switch and a hot shoe flash mount expands operational versatility further.

Sensor Technology, Image Quality, and Raw Performance

Both cameras feature APS-C CMOS sensors with similar area sizes (Ricoh GR: 372.09 mm²; Sony A35: 366.60 mm²), providing the fundamental capacity for detailed, low-noise image capture.

• Resolution: Both cameras share a 16MP resolution (~4928 x 3264 pixels), sufficient for large prints and cropping latitude.
• Dynamic Range: DxOMark tests assign the Ricoh GR a slight advantage (13.5 EV dynamic range) over the Sony A35 (12.7 EV), implying better highlight and shadow retention in challenging contrast scenes.
• Color Depth: Marginally better color depth (23.6 vs. 23.3 bits) is also noted for the Ricoh, which can contribute to more nuanced color gradations, beneficial for portrait and landscape work.
• Low-Light ISO Performance: The Ricoh GR’s low-light ISO threshold (ISO 972 according to DxOMark) slightly outperforms Sony’s ISO 763 rating, suggesting better noise control at higher sensitivities.

However, the Ricoh GR’s sensor includes an optical low-pass filter (anti-aliasing), potentially softening fine detail compared to sensors without, though in practice this reduces moiré artifacts in architectural and patterned subjects.

Conversely, the Sony A35 incorporates Sony’s Bionz processor, which brings relatively good noise suppression and detail rendering and supports a higher maximum ISO of 25600 (configurable on both cameras).

In field testing, the Sony A35 delivers slightly punchier images with stronger default in-camera Sharpening but accompanied by more aggressive noise reduction at higher ISOs. The Ricoh GR produces more natural noise texture, allowing for better post-processing latitude by advanced users.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Responsiveness

Autofocus (AF) performance profoundly affects usability in genres demanding precision and speed, including wildlife, sports, and street photography.

• The Ricoh GR employs a contrast-detection AF system, with continuous AF and live view AF. It offers multi-area and selective AF but lacks phase detection or eye/face detection capabilities, limiting tracking speed and accuracy in dynamic scenes.
• The Sony A35 utilizes a hybrid AF system combining phase detection (15 points with 3 cross-type sensors) and contrast detection, supported by face detection algorithms.

The Sony A35's hybrid AF permits more reliable and faster focusing, particularly in well-lit conditions and with moving subjects. The 6 fps burst speed capacity also enhances capturing action sequences, while the Ricoh GR’s 4 fps burst is more modest and constrained by its contrast AF’s speed.

Neither camera provides advanced subject tracking or animal eye autofocus, features now expected in modern mid-level cameras. Consequently, photographers focusing on wildlife or fast sports may find both units limited, but Sony A35 delivers a notable edge regarding AF speed and accuracy.

Lens Systems and Optical Versatility

Lens selection defines creative flexibility and photographic breadth.

• The Ricoh GR features a fixed 28mm equivalent f/2.8 prime lens with no zoom or interchangeability, ideal for street, documentary, and environmental portraits but restrictive for other needs.
• The Sony A35 offers full access to the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, supporting approximately 143 native lenses ranging from ultra-wide to super-telephoto plus third-party options.

Ricoh GR front Ricoh GR screen back Sony A35 front Sony A35 screen back

This fundamental difference aligns each camera with distinct user profiles. The Ricoh’s fixed prime enforces a prescribed photographic style emphasizing spontaneity and composition discipline, while Sony’s interchangeable system allows tailoring the setup for macro, portrait, wildlife, or wide-angle applications.

Further optical advantages emerge in macro capabilities. The Sony system supports dedicated macro lenses with greater magnification and close-focusing distances. The Ricoh GR does not specify macro focus range and lacks optical stabilization, which reduces handheld macro shooting viability.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, dustproofing, or waterproofing, requiring users to exercise caution in adverse weather.

• The Ricoh GR’s body is compact yet robustly built for its category, focusing on lightness and portability over ruggedness.
• The Sony A35 features a plastic-polycarbonate composite shell on a metal chassis, offering more substantial impact resistance but still no official weatherproofing.

The Ricoh’s smaller dimensions naturally reduce potential hardware vulnerabilities. However, the Sony’s more substantial physical footprint grants better protection against typical wear-and-tear found in DSLR use scenarios, including more secure grip retention during physically demanding shoots.

LCD and Viewfinder Characteristics

The absence of a built-in EVF on the Ricoh GR necessitates reliance on the LCD for framing or purchasing an optional external optical viewfinder accessory.

The Sony A35 integrates a 1150k-dot electronic viewfinder, offering full 100% coverage and 0.73x magnification, facilitating precise composition in bright light or when steady handheld shooting is required.

The Ricoh GR’s higher-resolution LCD slightly improves image review fidelity but lacks EVF advantages such as image preview under direct sunlight or quicker eye-level framing. This disparity significantly affects disciplines where EVFs enhance workflow, such as wildlife and sports.

Battery Life and Storage Capacities

Professional endurance and storage versatility are critical for extended sessions.

• The Ricoh GR is rated for approximately 290 shots per charge, typical for compact cameras but limiting compared to DSLR-style models.
• The Sony A35 achieves roughly 440 shots per battery charge, benefiting from DSLR battery efficiency and larger physical battery size.

Storage-wise, both cameras support one slot for SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. The Sony further accepts Memory Stick Duo formats, enhancing media flexibility.

The Ricoh GR’s relatively low battery capacity implicates carrying spares for lengthy outings, whereas the Sony’s longer battery life and established battery platform (NP-FW50) make it a better companion for daylong shoots.

Video Capture Features and Multimedia Usage

Regarding video, both cameras offer Full HD (1920 x 1080) recording capabilities but with notable distinctions.

• The Ricoh GR records MPEG-4 format at 30 fps max with no microphone input, limiting audio quality control.
• The Sony A35 supports MPEG-4, AVCHD, and H.264 codecs, with up to 60 fps in 1080p, and crucially provides an external microphone port enhancing sound capture quality.

While neither supports 4K video or advanced video features, the Sony A35’s higher frame rate options and audio input facilities better suit hybrid shooters wanting competent video functionality without investing in dedicated camcorders.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Modern cameras increasingly rely on wireless features for seamless workflow.

• The Ricoh GR is Eye-Fi connected, facilitating wireless photo transfer via compatible Eye-Fi cards, a somewhat dated solution offering limited network flexibility.
• The Sony A35 lacks built-in wireless or Bluetooth connectivity altogether.

Neither camera supports NFC or GPS tagging. Both provide USB 2.0 and HDMI ports for data transfer and external monitor connection, sufficient for tethered shooting or playback on external displays.

For serious professionals requiring immediate image offload or remote control functions, these models fall short of contemporary standards, requiring alternative solutions such as wired tethering or post-shoot card transfers.

Comprehensive Performance Synthesis

The following chart synthesizes technical and practical benchmarks, based on comprehensive DxOMark testing and field experience.

Suitability Across Photography Disciplines

Analyzing each camera’s strengths against specific use cases yields application-tailored recommendations.

Portrait Photography

• Ricoh GR: Natural color rendering and wide-ish prime lens yield pleasing environmental portraits; however, no eye-detection AF and fixed focal length limit traditional close portraiture. Bokeh quality is moderate due to f/2.8 aperture.
• Sony A35: Extensive lens selection, including fast primes, combined with face detection AF, enables superior portrait capture flexibility and eye focus accuracy.

Verdict: Sony A35 preferred for controlled portrait work requiring framing variation and subject tracking.

Landscape Photography

• Ricoh GR: Excellent dynamic range and compactness promote usability as a travel landscape camera.
• Sony A35: Comparable sensor performance but advantaged by interchangeable wide-angle lenses and EVF for critical composition.

Verdict: Balanced; GR optimal for hikers/travelers prioritizing light weight; A35 recommended when lens adaptability outweighs portability.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Ricoh GR: Limited by slow contrast AF and fixed wide focal length; not designed for subject tracking or reach.
• Sony A35: Faster hybrid AF, burst mode (6fps), and telephoto lens compatibility align with entry-level action shooting needs.

Verdict: Sony A35 decidedly better suited.

Street Photography

• Ricoh GR: Compact, muted design, and silent-ish shutter facilitate candid shooting.
• Sony A35: Bulkier and less discreet but superior AF and EVF inheritance.

Verdict: Ricoh GR excels in discreet, quick shots.

Macro Photography

• Ricoh GR: No dedicated macro focus range or stabilization.
• Sony A35: Access to specialized macro lenses and IS enhances macro pursuits.

Verdict: Sony A35’s interchangeable system gives clear advantage.

Night and Astro Photography

• Ricoh GR: Extended ISO range and good sensor dynamic range benefit low-light; lack of EVF impacts precise composition.
• Sony A35: EVF assists in darkness; less dynamic range but supports sensor stabilization.

Verdict: Equal footing depending on user preference for framing methods.

Video Usage

• Ricoh GR: Limited to MPEG-4 1080p/30fps without mic input.
• Sony A35: Superior codec options, 60fps 1080p, and microphone input.

Verdict: Sony A35 superior for video.

Travel and General Purpose

• Ricoh GR: Best-in-class portability, lightweight, and image quality for travel.
• Sony A35: More versatile with lens selection but heavier and more complex.

Verdict: Ricoh GR for light travel, Sony for comprehensive work.

Professional Workflows

• Ricoh GR: Raw image support fine; limited tethering and control options.
• Sony A35: Raw plus tethering via USB; more mature ecosystem.

Verdict: Sony A35 more suitable where integration matters.

Final Recommendations Tailored by Photographer Type

Conclusion

The Ricoh GR and Sony SLT-A35 serve distinct photographic philosophies through markedly different designs and capabilities. The Ricoh GR’s compact form factor, superior sensor dynamic range, and image quality position it as a compelling choice for photographers valuing portability, simplicity, and high-quality fixed wide-angle imagery. By contrast, the Sony A35’s versatile lens system, superior autofocus, EVF, and extended video functionality grant it an edge in situations demanding flexibility and operational control.

Choosing between these cameras depends primarily on your shooting style, subject matter, and willingness to compromise either on size or system adaptability. While the Ricoh GR excels in street, travel, and low-light photography for minimalists, the Sony SLT-A35 remains a capable all-rounder for entry-level DSLR users seeking higher responsiveness and lens options.

This detailed technical and practical contrast should empower photographers and enthusiasts to align their investment with their photographic ambitions, backed by real-world testing, sensor data, ergonomic analysis, and operational nuance only attainable through extensive hands-on experience.

If you have further niche requirements or seek assistance integrating these models into specific workflows, feel free to reach out for personalized advice.