The Diary Edition of the Ricoh GR III doesn’t try to grab attention. It’s quiet in the best way. The grey and brown body feels warm and familiar something you’d want to keep close. It’s small, well built, and easy to carry. The grip feels good in the hand not slippery, not sticky. Just right.
What’s the difference between the regular GR III and the Diary Edition?
The Ricoh GR III Diary Edition is a special edition of the standard Ricoh GR III camera same sensor, same performance but with a different cosmetic finish and a few minor extras.
Here’s what makes the Diary Edition different:
Aesthetic Changes:
- Body color: Warm grey with a textured metallic finish softer and more neutral than the standard black.
- Grip: Deep brown leather-like grip (vs. black rubber on the regular one).
- Lens ring: Comes with a silver metallic ring instead of black.
Start-up Screen:
- It has a special startup animation that says “Diary Edition” — purely cosmetic, no functional change.
- It also displays the number of photos you’ve shot that day.
What’s Inside:
- Same 24.2MP APS-C sensor.
- Same 28mm f/2.8 lens (full-frame equivalent).
- Same controls, film simulations, snap focus, and image quality.
What’s in the Box (for the “Kit” version):
- Some Diary Editions come bundled with a matching leather wrist strap and a special metallic lens ring it’s a nicer unboxing experience.
The Diary Edition is the Ricoh GR III dressed up a little.
If you like the 28mm focal length and want something that looks a bit more special (without being flashy), this is it.
Performance-wise? Identical to the regular GR III.
How is the Diary Edition (GR III) different from the Urban Edition (GR IIIx)?
The GR IIIx—called the Urban Edition—is built the same way. Same sensor, same size. But the lens is 40mm. That’s better for faces and small details. In crowded places, though, it can feel a little cramped. You don’t see as much.
If you like to step back and take in the full scene, the Diary Edition makes more sense. It’s easy to use, and it doesn’t get in the way. It lets you focus on what’s in front of you—not on the camera.
Pick the one that matches how you see. That’s really all that matters.
Main Takeaway:
The only functional difference between the Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx (Diary vs Urban Editions) is the focal length:
- GR III (Diary Edition) = 28mm (equivalent)
- GR IIIx (Urban Edition) = 40mm (equivalent)
Everything else sensor, UI, build quality, image output (besides FOV) — is essentially identical. The editions (Diary or Urban) are cosmetic variations with minor UI touches like startup screens. For full comparison on focal length, check out the Ricoh GR III vs GR IIIx post here.
Focal Length Sentiment Analysis:
28mm (GR III / Diary Edition):
- Considered the soul of the GR series.
- Widely praised for street, indoor, and everyday scenes.
- Better for cramped spaces, cityscapes, storytelling with context.
- More dynamic but harder to compose with not for everyone.
- Compared to smartphone wide-angle, but with far better quality.
40mm (GR IIIx / Urban Edition):
- Seen as more classic, tight, and easier for composition.
- More compression, less distortion — good for portraits, isolating subjects, and architecture.
- Slightly limited indoors due to narrower field of view.
- Ideal for those who already love 50mm but want something more flexible.
- Requires more deliberate framing.
Diary Edition (GR III 28 MM) vs Urban Edition (GR IIIx 40MM) Sample Images:
Aesthetic Preferences (Diary vs Urban):
- Diary Edition: Generally loved for its unique colorway and leatherette finish considered more premium and stylish.
- Urban Edition: Still attractive, with a modern, understated finish.
- For me: “Diary looks better. The Urban is just nice.”
Buying Insights (based on use cases):
| Preference | Recommended Edition |
|---|---|
| Street + Candid + Daily Life | GR III (28mm) |
| Portraits + Architecture + Tight Scenes | GR IIIx (40mm) |
| Aesthetic / collector appeal | Diary Edition |
| Practical, modern stealth look | Urban Edition |
Conclusion:
Functionally, the GR III and GR IIIx are the same — your choice should come down to focal length:
- Choose 28mm (GR III Diary Edition) if you want wide, flexible street photography and tight indoor spaces.
- Choose 40mm (GR IIIx Urban Edition) if you prefer more classic framing and controlled compositions.
Aesthetics? That’s up to taste — both Diary and Urban Editions deliver the same Ricoh magic inside. Also, make sure to check out the full review of Ricoh GR III here to get more information before making a purchase.
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