Why I Bought the Ricoh GR IIIx

As a full-time photographer, I already have two cameras that serve me well: the Canon R5, my workhorse for professional shoots, and the Fuji X100F, my everyday carry. But when it comes to sports and outdoor activities like biking, skiing, hiking, I often find myself leaving both at home. The R5 is too big unless it’s a paid shoot, and even the X100F sometimes feels like too much when I want to travel light without a bag. That’s where the Ricoh GR IIIx comes in.

I picked up this camera specifically because of its compact size and the 40mm equivalent lens, which keeps me within my preferred 35-50mm focal range. It’s the perfect balance between portability and image quality, making it my go-to for documenting life on the move.

Not a Review, But…

One of the reasons I picked up the Ricoh GR IIIx over the GR III is the 40mm focal length. I find I enjoy shooting with more reach generally rather than wide, so this was the better choice for me.

While the Ricoh GR IIIx doesn’t have as many features as other point-and-shoot cameras, it makes up for it with a larger sensor and lightning-fast performance. I also appreciate that it has a fixed lens with no zoom. Some of my favorite images have come from my Fuji X100F, which is also a fixed-lens camera. More options can sometimes slow you down, and since this camera is meant to be easy and quick, I actually love that it keeps things simple.

I haven’t taken it out on enough real-world adventures yet, but I’m excited to see how it holds up during my biking, skiing, and running trips!

This isn’t a full review, but I will say that the image quality is right on par with my X100F. The real highlight, though, is how insanely quick it is to use. The startup time is almost instant, which means I can capture moments before they disappear—something that’s crucial when you’re mid-run or biking on a trail.

Accessories I Picked Up

To make the most of my Ricoh GR IIIx and protect it from the elements, I grabbed a few accessories. Since this is sort of my action camera and will be joining me on bike rides, getting tossed into pockets and bags, I thought it would be smart to protect it slightly.

Wrist Strap – This wrist strap is great as it gives you the option to unclip it from the camera super easily. I actually unclipped the original one and used a clip my best buddy got made for me in Morocco (shout out Ola). I love the ability to attach and remove the strap.
Lens Protective Cover – A must-have to keep dust, sand, and moisture out, since dust on the sensor is a common issue with this camera. While it can get fingerprints on it pretty easily, I would rather clean this protective lens rather than trying to get into the lens inside the camera!
Back Screen Protector – Since this camera will be going in and out of pockets and bags constantly, I wanted to keep the screen scratch-free. This one was a no-brainer. I could picture the screen getting scratched up against zippers, GoPros, tools, etc. Screen protector for the win!
Lens Cap – Just an extra layer of protection for when the camera isn’t in use. The only downside to this is that sometimes I forget it's on, and the lens pushes it off when turning on. I might get a little safety attachment piece for this in the future!

How This Fits in My Kit

The Ricoh GR IIIx won’t replace any of my other cameras. I’ll still use my Fuji X100F for photowalks and daily shooting, and my R5 remains my go-to for client work. But when I’m out doing sports or just want the lightest setup possible, this will be my go-to.

If you’re interested in picking up any of the accessories I mentioned, grab them through my affiliate links below! It helps me out a little, and it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thanks for the support!

Ricoh GRiiix - https://amzn.to/4kNRBgI
Wrist Strap - https://amzn.to/4kPpyNV
Lens Protective Cover - https://amzn.to/4kPpyNV
Back Screen Protector - https://amzn.to/3Fuv9sP
Lens Cap - https://amzn.to/3FrtWT8

Ricoh GR IIIx – My Go-To Camera for Biking, Skiing & Running