Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to provide a detailed evaluation and comparison of two different camera models that fall into the same category - Large Sensor Compact. Although these cameras are from the same category, they were introduced by different brands - Leica and Ricoh. Although Leica D-Lux and Ricoh GR III are both equipped with the same CMOS sensor, they boast of different resolution. Thus, Leica D-Lux has a sensor with a resolution of 13.0 MP, while Ricoh GR III has a different resolution of 24.0 MP.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Leica D-Lux and Ricoh GR III and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Leica D-Lux Key Features:
Ricoh GR III Key Features:
NFC | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
Timelapse Recording | Yes vs No | Creative shooting |
Continuous Shooting | 11 fps vs No fps | 11 fps faster |
Flash Range | 7 vs No | 7 better flash range |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/16000 vs 1/4000 | Faster shutter speed |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 | Higher Resolution Video |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.7 vs No | 0.7 better magnification |
Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP vs 13.0 MP | 45.8% more pixels |
Sensor Area | 366.6 mm2 vs 224.9 mm2 | 38.7% larger pixel area |
Screen Resolution | 1,037k dots vs 921k dots | 11.2% higher resolution screen |
Touch Screen | Yes vs No | Easy control of camera functions |
Weight | 257 g vs 405 g | 148 g lighter |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
Viewfinder | Electronic | Optical (optional) | Better framing and control |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Built-in stabilization |
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type | No flexible viewing angles |
Microphone Port | No | No | No microphone port |
Headphone Port | No | No | No headphone port |
Built-In Flash | No | No | No built-in flash |
Environmental Sealing | No | No | No environmental sealing |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Leica D-Lux and Ricoh GR III from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Ricoh GR III is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 148g less than the Leica D-Lux. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Leica D-Lux and Ricoh GR III any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Leica D-Lux features a 13.0 MP Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor . Ricoh GR III, in its turn, comes with a 24.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Leica D-Lux and Ricoh GR III by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Ricoh GR III is equipped with a sensor that is 0.6x larger than the one featured in Leica D-Lux. Compared to the cameras with smaller sensor area, the ones with larger sensors ensure more control on the blurry background and depth of field if you shoot in the same aperture and focal length. Thus, the first model has a significant advantage here.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Leica D-Lux and Ricoh GR III in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Leica D-Lux | Ricoh GR III |
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Portrait Photography |
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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No Significant DisadvantagesAdvantages:
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No Significant DisadvantagesAdvantages:
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No Significant Advantages
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Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Leica D-Lux or Ricoh GR III, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Leica D-Lux and Ricoh GR III here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Ricoh GR III deserves a higher Total Score than the Leica D-Lux. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Leica D-Lux | Ricoh GR III | |
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General | ||
Brand | Leica | Ricoh |
Model | D-Lux | GR III |
Announced | Sep 23, 2014 | Sep 25, 2018 |
Body Type | Large sensor compact | Large sensor compact |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Size | Four Thirds | APS-C |
Sensor Dimensions | 17.3 x 13 mm | 23.5 x 15.6 mm |
Sensor Area | 224.90 mm2 | 366.60 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 13.0 MP | 24.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 4112 x 3088 | 6000 x 4000 |
Max Native ISO | 25,600 | 0 |
Max Boosted ISO | n/a | n/a |
Min Native ISO | 200 | 0 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Fixed lens | Fixed lens |
Number of Lenses | n/a | n/a |
Focal Length Multiplier | n/a | n/a |
Macro Focus Range | 3 | 6 |
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 49 | n/a |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 921k dots | 1,037k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Electronic | Optical (optional) |
ViewFinder Resolution | 2,764k dots | 0k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | % |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.7 | |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 60 s | 30 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/16000 s | 1/4000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 11.0 fps | fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 7 | 0 |
Flash Modes | Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, on w/redeye reduction, slow sync, slow sync w/redeye reduction | Auto, Flash On, Flash On+Red-eye, Slow-speed Sync, Slow Sync+Red-eye |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 3840 x 2160 (30p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 | 1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 1920 x 1080 |
Video Formats | MPEG-4 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 1 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 405 g | 257 g |
Physical Dimensions | 118 x 66 x 55 mm | 109 x 62 x 33 mm |
Battery Life | 300 shots | n/a |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | n/a |
Battery Model | n/a | n/a |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | ||
Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) | Internal, SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported) |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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