Ricoh GR III vs GR IIIx: Which One Should You Buy in 2025?

Ricoh GR III vs Ricoh GR IIIx: The Real-World Differences

1. Focal Length: The Heart of the Debate

• GR III: 28mm equivalent — wide, open, and great for capturing more of the scene.
• GR IIIx: 40mm equivalent — tighter, more intimate, closer to what your eye naturally sees.

If you’re shy on the streets, the GR IIIx gives you that extra “reach” without having to step into someone’s personal space. Great for portraits and isolating subjects. On the flip side, the GR III is better for shooting fast with snap focus and letting the environment speak in your photos.

Note: The GR III and GR IIIx share the same sensor, build, and features — the only real difference is the lens focal length. Choose 28mm (GR III) if you shoot more travel, landscape or wants more scene; choose 40mm (GR IIIx) for tighter framing and portraits. You can check out the Full review of Ricoh GR III here.

2. Snap Focus & Depth of Field

• The 28mm GR III is favored for hyperfocal shooting — more in focus, especially when stopped down.
• The 40mm GR IIIx is slightly less forgiving — shallower depth means you gotta nail focus more precisely.

“The GR III just feels more confident when zone focusing,”. And it shows when you want to react fast.

3. Use Case & Shooting Style

• GR III fits better for landscapes, environmental shots, and a broader view.
• GR IIIx shines in street portraits, candid shots, and isolating your subject from the background.

As People says: “My heart says 40mm, my head says 28mm.” It’s really about how close you like to be to your subject and how discreet you want to be.

4. Portability vs Redundancy

• If you already shoot Fuji with a 27mm lens (40mm equiv), the GR IIIx might overlap too much.
• The GR III offers a different visual perspective — and could shake things up if your current gear leans telephoto or mid-range.

People said switching to 28mm “reinvigorated their love for photography.”

5. Autofocus & Ergonomics

• Autofocus is slightly underwhelming compared to Fuji, on both models.
• But the GR IIIx felt better after firmware updates, per a few users.

Don’t expect it to match modern mirrorless cameras — but it nails the “pocketable yet powerful” ethos.

GR III vs GR IIIx — Figuring Out Which One Fits Better

So, you’ve got a Fujifilm X-E4 with the 27mm lens. It’s a great setup. But it’s not exactly something you can slip into your pocket and forget about. If you’re looking for something easier to carry every day, the Ricoh GR series probably caught your eye.

Now you’re stuck deciding: GR III or GR IIIx?
28mm or 40mm? Wide or not-so-wide?

Here’s what I’ve learned after going through the same thing.

GR IIIx – If You Like What You Already Have

If you like how your 27mm lens (40mm equivalent) feels, the GR IIIx is going to feel very familiar. You get just enough reach to take photos of people from a bit of a distance, which is nice if you’re shy about street photography.

It’s also easy to use. You’re not trying to fit too much into the frame. It works well for portraits, quick moments, and scenes where you want to focus on one thing.

Honestly, if you’re thinking about using the GR instead of your X-E4, the GR IIIx makes sense. It covers the same ground, but in a smaller, lighter package. And that’s probably what you’re looking for.

GR III – If You Want Something Different

28mm is wider than most people are used to. It can feel a little strange at first. You have to get closer to your subject. You have to think more about what’s in the background, what’s in the edges.

But that can be a good thing.

I was nervous about using 28mm too. But once I started using it, I found it fun. It helped me get more comfortable being out in the open. It forced me to try new things and change how I shoot.

Also, the GR III is great for fast street photography. There’s a setting called Snap Focus that lets you set a focus distance, and then the camera just takes the shot instantly, no waiting for autofocus. It’s super fast, and great for moments that happen quickly.

Which One Should You Get?

Ask yourself this:

• Do you want something that feels natural, like what you already shoot with?
  → Get the GR IIIx
• Or do you want to try a new focal length and see the world a bit differently?
  → Try the GR III

Still not sure? Just spend a day using your phone’s main camera. Most phones shoot at about 28mm. See how that feels. If it’s too wide, you’ll know.

GR IIIx = safe, familiar, good for portraits and people from a distance

GR III = wider, more challenging, but fun once you get used to it

One More Thing About the GR Series That Doesn’t Get Talked About Enough

A big reason the GR III and IIIx are so easy to fall for is what they don’t make you do. You don’t need to carry a bag. You don’t need to change lenses. You don’t even need to think that hard. Just take it out, and shoot.

And here’s something I didn’t realize until I spent more time with it: this camera doesn’t get in the way.

Pulling out a big camera? People notice. They shift, they stare, the moment changes.

But with the GR? No one blinks. It just looks like a compact, old camera. And because it fits in your pocket, it’s there when you need it — and gone when you don’t.

Snap Focus = Secret Weapon

There’s a mode called Snap Focus. Basically, you pick a distance — say, 1.5 meters — and the camera just instantly takes the shot at that focus point when you full-press the shutter. No waiting for autofocus.

It sounds small, but when things are moving fast — kids, dogs, life — it’s a lifesaver.

You can even keep regular autofocus on, and still use Snap Focus just by pressing the shutter faster. It’s like having a backup plan that’s always ready.

Extras That Actually Matter

There’s a built-in ND filter. Great for shooting in bright light or doing long exposures without carrying filters around.

There’s macro mode. Real macro, not just “close-up.” And it’s good.

You charge it with USB-C — seems obvious now, but the GR III had it back in 2019, way before everyone else.

Why It Sticks

Most gear comes and goes. This one… stays.

You start to trust it. It becomes the thing you reach for. Not because it’s perfect — but because it’s enough.

Small. Sharp. Quiet. Honest. Just like how you want your photos to feel.

Conclusion

If you prefer wide shots and versatility, go for the GR III with its 28mm lens. But if you want a more classic, slightly zoomed-in feel, especially for portraits, the GR IIIx with its 40mm lens is the better choice. Both offer excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a compact design—just pick based on your shooting style.

Ricoh GR III vs Ricoh GR IIIx Specs Comparison