Ricoh recently announced the latest in their series of high quality, ultra-portable digital cameras, the GR III. Smaller than its predecessor, this new Ricoh compact camera has a 24-megapixel APS-C format CMOS image sensor, 28mm (equivalent) prime lens and a host of features normally found on...

Ricoh might not be the first brand that pops to mind when thinking about photography, but its GRII camera won the hearts of photographers around the world with its excellent image quality, sturdy but stylish build, and enviously compact body.

With smartphones getting better in taking snapshots of your family gatherings and travels, it is tough to look at compact cameras as an alternative. Not when you have to bring one more piece of equipment for a trip.

The Ricoh GR III got enhancements under the hood, but I'm not sure how that will translate into actual use and functionality. I understand the low profile look, but I think some of the functionality and practicality aren't jiving so far with how I've seen folks use the previous camera.

If you're a fan of the GR line you'll love what Ricoh has done here. With fast operation, dependable image quality, a crisp and responsive touchscreen and an even smaller body than before, the GR III has masses going for it.

Very good detail in images; Effective Shake Reduction system; Very fast operation; Tiny; rugged body; Low image noise at moderate ISOs

Terrible battery life; Autofocus could be better; Vignetting even at smaller apertures; LCD screen doesn't tilt; Relatively poor video recording

GR fans, or GRists as Ricoh call them, will love this update of an iconic camera. But in the world of multi-lens camera phones the wider appeal of this fixed lens compact will probably be limited.

Small size with big sensor; Great for one-handed shooting

A lot of money; No tiltable screen or eyelevel viewfinder; No built-in flash

"In development" announcements have recently become popular with camera and lens manufacturers as the way to reassure fans that they're really working on something great after long months (or years) of silence. But Ricoh's announcement that a GR III -- the update to its GR II fixed-focal-length, APS-C compact -- is "currently under development" with few details seems a little desperate for Photokina 2018, especially since it's not slated to ship until early 2019.

Look for it in 2019.

A fixed-lens compact camera (no zoom, if you're unfamiliar) won't be for everyone. But for those in the know, the GR III's fast aperture and new optic combined with three-axis stabilisation open the door to great image quality potential. Shame there's no vari-angle LCD screen, weather-sealing and a joystick control - but we can't have absolutely everything at this small scale, eh?

Large APS-C sensor means great quality; Fast aperture with high-quality fixed lens further assures quality; Close-up macro without accessory; Touchscreen controls bring the GR into a far more usable and modern state;

Screen gets overly hot in use; No vari-angle LCD screen; Lacks viewfinder; No weather-sealing; Autofocus not fastest on market; New high ISO sensitivities are pointless - far too much image noise!;

Introduction; Ricoh GR history; Battery; Tracking AF; Internal memory; LCD quality; USB-C; Lens character; Macro; Low-light AF; Manual and Snap focus; Bokeh; Street photography; AA filter simulation; Image stabilization and dust removal; Video; Image quality; No pop-up flash; Conclusion;

Introduction; Ricoh GR history; Battery; Tracking AF; Internal memory; LCD quality; USB-C; Lens character; Macro; Low-light AF; Manual and Snap focus; Bokeh; Street photography; AA filter simulation; Image stabilization and dust removal; Video; Image quality; No pop-up flash; Conclusion;