Ricoh GR III Camera Review

ISO: Day Scene

To supplement the test presented in the previous scene, we present two full-resolution scenes which can help to get a better understanding of the capabilities of the GR III.

The first scene was captured in diffuse daylight. The two seconds timer was used and focus locked before capturing the first image. All images were shot in RAW+ mode and developed in Lightroom. Default development settings were used. We used auto white balance, "Vivid" custom image with default settings, no in-camera noise reduction, and no lens corrections.

In-camera JPEGs

the images can be clicked for a larger view, and full-size files are linked below each image.

The findings of the previous section hold. Until ISO 3200, there is no noise to speak off, even on mostly uniform surfaces like the leaves at the bottom right. Noise is visible, but not distracting, up to ISO 12800. ISO 25600 is usable for web display, but noise will be visible on prints. ISO 102400 is best avoided, though it must be mentioned that the GR III retains excellent color accuracy even at this extreme ISO value.

Lightroom-processed RAW

the images can be clicked for a larger view, and full-size files are linked below each image.

Developing RAW files, even with default settings, shows that the GR III's sensor is capable of better results than what is offered by the JPEG engine. Images are just as sharp, but offer better contrast and tonal range. Color accuracy is comparable, however.

There is also a one stop advantage regarding noise, which is all but absent up to ISO 6400. The only drawback is that color accuracy suffers at ISO 51200 and 102400, gain values that are unlikely to be used anyway.

Verdict

The GR III handles noise superbly. The JPEG engine offers excellent color accuracy at all ISO value, no small feat, and users will be able to use ISO 3200 and below indiscriminately. ISO 6400 and 12800 are perfectly usable.

RAW files offer one stop better performances, at the cost of color rendition at the two highest ISO values.