Why You Should Buy the Ricoh GR IIIx Over the Fujifilm X100VI

The Fujifilm X100VI camera significantly impacted the market in early 2024, building on the success of its now-discontinued predecessor, the X100V. Creators worldwide have eagerly anticipated this new model, some waiting several months for their orders to be fulfilled.

Fujifilm is diligently working to meet the high demand for the X100VI, although production delays have resulted in longer-than-ideal wait times. Despite these challenges, the company is progressing more than it did when the previous X100V was launched. In today's world, where instant gratification is common, creators are eager to receive their cameras immediately after placing orders.

So, what makes the Fujifilm X100VI so special? Beyond its compact size, which is ideal for travel, this camera delivers exceptional quality at a competitive price. Its fixed lens offers a reliable point-and-shoot option that appeals to beginners and professionals seeking a streamlined shooting experience. It's popular and sought after — and the hype is real.

But still — waiting sucks, and there are many other excellent cameras available on the market. A highly popular alternative is the Ricoh GR IIIx, a camera system nearly identical to the Fujifilm X100VI in both specs and size. Creators are raving about its exceptional image quality and portability, placing this lesser-known brand squarely on everyone's radar.

Note: Reggie Ballesteros captured all the images; follow his work!

The Ricoh GR IIIx Is On The Rise

If you're unfamiliar with Ricoh, it's time to take note. Their cameras may not be as renowned as industry giants like Fujifilm, but they consistently deliver exceptional performance with nearly every model.

Compact and quick to shoot, the Ricoh GR IIIx is the camera market's latest rising star. It features a 40mm equivalent lens, an ideal focal length for lifestyle shots, street scenes, portraits, and landscapes. This lens captures just enough of the scene without overcrowding the frame. Photographers have cherished the GR series since its original analog version and the latest model encourages a more documentary-style approach to photography.

"The photographer takes snapshots of daily life with the GR as if keeping a diary, and expresses themself with those photographs as if writing an essay. The accumulation of photos of casual daily scenes becomes a record of subtle movements of the heart in daily life, a story that only the person can write." - Ricoh Blog

Great Size, Perfect Operation

The Ricoh GR IIIx may be small, but its APS-C sensor packs a powerful punch, offering quality comparable to larger mirrorless or DSLR cameras. It boasts impressive ISO performance, includes IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization), and excels in low-light conditions or fast-moving scenes, making shooting effortless.

Its ergonomic feel and quick startup speed make it an ideal companion for capturing quick movements in everyday life, rivaling the X100VI's similarly user-friendly and fuss-free design.

When placed side by side, the physical differences between the two cameras become obvious — the GR is small and discreet, extremely compact. In contrast, the X100VI is more of a statement piece, slightly more flashy. While the GR is designed to blend in, the X100VI, even in its all-black version, is likely to be worn as an accessory and often becomes a conversation starter. However, while I believe that photography shouldn't solely be about the appearances of hte cameras themselves, the aesthetic appeal might matter to those who value style.

What The Ricoh GR IIIx Lacks

While the fixed 40mm lens is a preferred focal length for many creators, it may feel restrictive to photographers seeking the versatility of interchangeable lenses. It simplifies capturing scenes, drawing subjects closer with sharp detail and decent bokeh. This fixed lens facilitates quick shooting and easy point-and-shoot style photography, limiting creative expression and the ability to use different lenses. Ultimately, the simplicity of the Ricoh GR IIIx boils down to personal preference.

Other drawbacks include its less-than-ideal battery life and less intuitive controls than those on the Fujifilm X100VI, making initial use challenging, especially for those new to the Ricoh ecosystem.

Perhaps the Ricoh camera's most significant limitation is its lack of a viewfinder. This becomes particularly problematic when shooting in bright sunlight, as the screen can wash out, making it difficult to see and compose shots without glare or unwanted flares.

Why The Ricoh Is So Popular

The Ricoh GR IIIx camera has become a staple for everyday creators due to its ideal portability, image quality, and features. It's particularly favored by street and travel photographers and anyone who values quality and reliability.

Despite being an APS-C camera, Ricoh's commitment to creating versatile, high-quality device results in a stellar APS-C sensor lives true. This allows users to capture beautiful images effortlessly and more affordably. The Ricoh's weight and design are reminiscent of a 35mm point-and-shoot film camera, offering the same look, feel, and ease of use for capturing stunning photos. The era of bulky cameras being preferable to a super compact shooter is over. The emphasis is now on a more lively shooting experience with less fuss, enhancing overall documentation.

While Ricoh doesn't offer many of the same popular Fujifilm simulations that the X100VI has, Ricoh offers a variety of their own simulations for plug-and-play JPEGS — including the option to craft your own recipes. Some creators might prefer this level of simplicity, though, as it makes it easy to edit RAW photos for a more personalized touch. However, whenever I can grab a stunning photo with a built-in preset for candid documentation, I'll take it. Check out Reggie's YouTube video on a popular recipe here.

The Ricoh GR IIIx Is Better For Photographers

If you're a hybrid shooter or content creator needing a camera to capture photos and videos, the X100VI might be a better choice.

The primary purpose of the GR camera is to simplify the shooting process, making it akin to a point-and-shoot for those who prefer a straightforward photography experience.

The X100VI is better equipped with video capabilities, catering to hybrid content creators who produce everything from home movies to social media videos. It features 4K video recording, a two-stop more effective built-in ND filter, and image stabilization up to 6.0 stops, offering more effective stabilization than the GR IIIx.