Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 vs Sony A7S III: A Hands-On, In-Depth Comparison for Savvy Photographers

When it comes to choosing a camera, the marketplace offers a dizzying array of options that span a wide spectrum of capabilities, sensor sizes, and user intentions. Today, I’m diving deep into two wildly different but fascinating cameras: the Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 and the Sony Alpha A7S III. These aren’t cameras trying to do the exact same job, nor are they from the same era or price bracket - but that makes this comparison uniquely valuable if you’re evaluating real-world usage against your specific photography needs and budget.

Having tested each extensively under a variety of conditions - i.e., portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, street, macro, astro, video, and professional assignment scenarios - this article will cut through marketing jargon and provide actionable insights for enthusiasts and pros alike. I’ll also rely on sensor and autofocus analysis, my hands-on shooting experience, and build quality evaluations to help you clearly understand when and why you might choose one camera over the other.

From physical handling and ergonomics to image quality, autofocus, video capabilities, and beyond: this comparison will leave no stone unturned.

First Impressions and Handling: Form Meets Function

Let’s kick off with the physical presence and user experience of these two models.

Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5

The Ricoh GXR system is a somewhat unconventional concept by today’s standards. The GXR GR module uniquely pairs the camera body with a fixed 28mm F2.5 lens integrated as a single unit, resulting in a compact, minimalist design. The rangefinder-style mirrorless form is lightweight and diminutive, weighing only about 140 grams and sized at 113x70x56 mm, making it extremely pocketable.

The grip is modest but well thought-out for a fixed lens compact aimed at street and travel photographers prioritizing discretion and portability. The lack of an in-built electronic viewfinder makes it a bit less versatile in bright sunlight conditions, but the fixed 3-inch TFT LCD provides basic framing options.

Sony A7S III

In stark contrast, the Sony A7S III embraces the modern full-frame mirrorless pro aesthetic with an SLR-style body built for rugged professional use. It’s much larger (129x97x81 mm) and heavier (699 grams) than the Ricoh, built with durable magnesium alloy and weather resistance. The grip is substantial and comfortable, geared toward prolonged handheld use.

Sony incorporates a 3-inch fully articulating, high-resolution touchscreen (1440k dots) and a high-res electronic viewfinder (9440k dots) with full coverage, great for critical composing and manual focusing. From a usability standpoint, this camera demands and rewards a serious shooting workflow and is ready for any professional assignment.

Sensor and Image Quality: When Size and Tech Matter

Understanding sensor technology and its implications on image quality is key when comparing the GXR GR Lens A12 with the A7S III.

Sensor Size and Pixel Pitch

• Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 sports an APS-C CMOS sensor sized at 23.6x15.7 mm, with 12 megapixels resolution.
• Sony A7S III utilizes a larger 35.6x23.8 mm full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor, also at 12 megapixels.

Although the resolution is equal, the A7S III’s full-frame sensor has roughly 2.3x the surface area compared to the Ricoh’s APS-C. This translates directly into superior light-gathering capability, lower noise levels at high ISO, and wider dynamic range.

Dynamic Range and ISO Performance

Sony’s BSI (Backside Illuminated) technology and the updated Bionz XR processor push the full-frame sensor’s dynamic range to an excellent 13.3 stops per DxOMark results, while Ricoh’s sensor - though respectable - lags behind, particularly in low-light sensitivity.

Maximum ISO on the Ricoh tops out at ISO 3200 native, whereas the Sony’s ISO native range flies from ISO 80 to 102,400 and can be pushed to a stunning 409,600. In real-world shooting, this translates to cleaner images in very dim conditions on the Sony, without heavy noise reduction artifacts.

Color Depth and Image Processing

The Sony also features 23.6 bits color depth allowing smoother gradations and better color fidelity, important for professional work and post-processing leeway. The Ricoh uses Ricoh’s GR Engine III processor, which performs decently but shows limitations on color depth and highlight recovery.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Controls That Work for You

Handling a camera well can mean the difference between missing and capturing a perfect moment.

Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12

The Ricoh is simplified: dedicated dials for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation align well with traditional manual photographers’ expectations. While there’s no touch or tilt screen and only basic buttons, the simplicity benefits those craving a straightforward tactile experience, especially enthusiasts focused on fixed-focal-length photography.

The lack of an internal viewfinder prompts reliance on the rear LCD, which can feel limiting in bright daylight or fast shooting scenarios.

Sony A7S III

Sony’s user interface delivers on flexibility and customization: numerous dials, buttons, and a joystick for autofocus point selection give you rapid access to settings. The LCD touchscreen supports gesture controls and focusing with a tap, vastly speeding up workflow.

The robust electronic viewfinder with eye AF makes critical focus achievable in practically every situation, something I’ve praised repeatedly during wildlife and portrait shoots with fast-moving subjects.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Under Pressure

Autofocus capabilities often delineate amateur use from professional-grade shooting - especially in dynamic environments.

Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12

Ricoh’s autofocus system relies solely on contrast detection - a method that is accurate for static subjects but slower and less reliable in continuous or tricky lighting. The camera offers face detection but only in single AF mode, and no eye or animal eye detection is available.

Continuous autofocus works for simple scenes but falters tracking fast-moving subjects, and there’s no native phase-detection autofocus. For static shooting and street photography where precision and quiet operation matter more than speed, the Ricoh holds up well.

Sony A7S III

Sony’s autofocus employs a hybrid system combining contrast and 759 phase-detection points, covering almost the entire frame. It supports real-time eye AF for both humans and animals, and face and object tracking are second to none.

During wildlife and sports photography tests, the Sony never lost track of subjects - even in low light - while maintaining sharp focus during high-speed bursts at 10fps. This camera gives you industry-leading autofocus performance for all genres demanding speed and accuracy.

Shooting Styles: Which Camera Works Best for Which Photography Genre?

Let’s look at detailed performance for major photography styles, considering features, sensor, autofocus, and ergonomics.

Portrait Photography

• Ricoh: Excellent color reproduction but limited by 28mm fixed lens - often too wide for tight portraits. The aperture max f/2.5 delivers pleasing background separation, but bokeh is less smooth compared to full frames. Skin tones are natural with slight warmth, though low-light portraits struggle.
• Sony: Outstanding for portraits with 759 AF points plus eye/animal detection and beautiful bokeh from compatible fast full-frame lenses. Skin tones render beautifully with rich hues and smooth gradation, especially in studio and natural light.

Winner: Sony A7S III, hands down for portrait pros.

Landscape Photography

• Ricoh: The APS-C sensor and decent dynamic range offer good landscapes at daylight ISO levels but fewer megapixels limit large print sizes. The fixed 28mm lens captures wide vistas well but lacks ultra-wide or telephoto versatility.
• Sony: Full-frame 12MP can deliver exceptional tonal gradation and wide dynamic range, notably retaining shadow and highlight details. The weather sealing and lens ecosystem provide excellent reliability in harsh outdoor conditions.

Winner: Sony, for landscape pros seeking detail and durability.

Wildlife Photography

• Ricoh: Limited by slower contrast AF and fixed wide lens - generally unsuitable for wildlife where telephoto reach and AF speed are critical.
• Sony: Top-tier with fast burst rates (10 fps), accurate subject tracking, eye and animal eye AF, and access to a vast range of telephoto lenses. Weather sealing aids in field conditions.

Winner: Sony decisively.

Sports Photography

• Ricoh: Max 5 FPS and contrast AF make it unsuitable for fast-moving sports.
• Sony: Fast burst shooting, superb AF tracking, and high ISO performance excel in indoor and nighttime sports arenas.

Winner: Sony.

Street Photography

• Ricoh: Its small size, quiet shutter, and simplicity excel for street photography. The fast fixed 28mm lens is a classic street focal length.
• Sony: Bigger and heavier, which may attract unwanted attention. However, articulated screen and superior AF can help capture fleeting moments.

Winner: Ricoh, for stealth and portability; Sony for versatility if you can handle the size.

Macro Photography

• Neither camera has built-in macro capabilities or specialized focusing modes like focus stacking. Sony’s lens ecosystem offers dedicated macro lenses, giving it an advantage.

Night / Astro Photography

• Ricoh: Limited ISO range up to 3200 and no IBIS make astrophotography challenging.
• Sony: Outstanding low-light sensitivity, boosted ISO, and 5-axis sensor stabilization are ideal for night skies and long exposures.

Winner: Sony.

Video Capabilities

• Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 records up to 720p only at 24fps with limited codec support. No microphone input or image stabilization makes it more of a photo-first device.
• Sony A7S III targets video professionals with 4K up to 120fps, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, multiple codecs including H.265, advanced autofocus during video, and microphone/headphone jacks. The articulating touchscreen aids framing and live monitoring.

Winner: Sony, without question.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for the Elements?

The Ricoh GXR is primarily a compact for casual or street use; it lacks environmental sealing and has a plastic body. It’s lightweight but delicate in rugged environments.

Sony’s A7S III features solid magnesium alloy construction with weather sealing against dust and moisture, making it suitable for professional outdoor work in challenging conditions.

Battery Life and Storage

• Ricoh: Rated for approximately 320 shots per charge with a single SD card slot.
• Sony: More impressive, rated around 600 shots per charge using the larger NP-FZ100 battery and dual storage slots (dual SD or CFexpress Type A) provide flexibility and increased buffer space.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

• Ricoh lacks wireless connectivity, limiting remote operation or direct file transfer.
• Sony offers built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 3.2 for faster data transfer, wireless flash triggering, and remote control apps to streamline professional workflows.

Price and Value Considerations

The Ricoh is priced as a niche advanced compact for street and everyday photography with a vintage allure. It’s affordable and ideal for hobbyists or enthusiasts on a budget wanting a sharp prime lens fixed in a compact body.

The Sony A7S III is a professional-grade powerhouse, commanding a premium price justified by its technology, versatility, and future-proofing. If you need video capabilities and top-tier low-light performance, its value is hard to match despite the cost.

Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

Here are real-world sample images from both cameras under various conditions.

Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 screen back Sony A7S III front Sony A7S III screen back

You’ll notice the Sony images exhibit superior dynamic range and cleaner high ISO noise levels, while the Ricoh photos have character and color fidelity, especially in bright daylight.

Summary: Which Camera Is Right for You?

Final Thoughts: Experience Matters

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15+ years, I can attest that sensor size, autofocus sophistication, and ergonomics matter immensely, but so do user intent and budget.

The Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 remains a cult classic for enthusiasts who prize simplicity, compactness, and a classic fixed 28mm field of view. It shines in street and travel photography where stealth and charm go hand-in-hand.

The Sony A7S III is a tour de force for professionals needing top video performance, exceptional low-light capabilities, and reliable autofocus across the board. It’s arguably one of the best full-frame mirrorless cameras for hybrid photo/video work today.

Choosing between these vastly different cameras depends entirely on your shooting style, technical needs, and wallet. Hopefully, this extensive comparison has clarified the strengths and limitations of each, so you can confidently choose the camera best suited to your next photographic adventure.

If you want to dig deeper on any segment or have questions about specific shooting scenarios, feel free to reach out. Your best camera is always the one that inspires and performs exactly how you need it to - make sure you’re buying the best, not just the most hyped.

Happy shooting!