Everyone’s talking about the new Ricoh GR IV right now… but honestly? I didn’t care. I bought the Ricoh GR III HDF right before the GR IV came out, and that decision reminded me what photography really is about.

Other photographers are talking about the new sensor, the improved stabilisation, the slightly better battery life… and for a moment, I almost fell into that same trap. But deep down, I knew what I actually needed was not another “perfect” camera because I already own the Sony A7R V and the Sony A7C II. I needed something small that I could take with me every day while still being inspired to take photos with it.

Buying the GR III reminded me what photography is supposed to feel like: intuitive, imperfect, and raw. It’s about the joy of grabbing a tiny camera, walking outside, and just shooting whatever catches your eye.

Escaping the Gear-Chasing Trap

I feel like this is such a universal problem for photographers: The constant chase for the next upgrade.

We scroll through YouTube or Instagram, and suddenly, the gear we own feels outdated.

It’s crazy, right? One minute you’re thrilled with your setup, and the next you’re convinced you “need” something new because the autofocus is 0.02 seconds faster or the ISO performance improved by half a stop. 😅

But here’s the truth: the chase never ends. There will always be another camera, another lens, another piece of tech that makes you feel like what you have isn’t enough.

I was tired of that feeling. I wanted to simplify.

So instead of waiting for the next big release, I went backwards. I bought the Ricoh GR III, a camera that had already proven itself, a camera that so many photographers loved because of how it made them feel when shooting.

I didn’t want to obsess over specs anymore. I just wanted to fall in love with the act of capturing my everyday life.

And that’s when everything changed.

Once I stopped thinking about the next upgrade, I started paying attention to what actually matters. Light, moments, emotions, stories… I found myself grabbing the GR III every morning, without overthinking settings or setup. No pressure, no client expectations, no heavy gear. Just pure creative freedom.

Self-Portraits. Edited with my Moody Greens Lightroom Preset

Why I Fell in Love with the GR III

Okay, let’s talk about the camera itself because it deserves it.

The Ricoh GR III is TINY. Like, fits-in-your-pocket tiny. And that, for me, is everything. 😍

I live in Bali, and I’m always moving around cafes, rice terraces, beach walks, sunsets, and little moments I want to remember. Carrying my Sony A7R V or A7C II everywhere isn’t realistic. Those cameras are amazing, don’t get me wrong, but they’re not exactly something you throw in your tote bag before running errands or going out with friends.

The GR III changed that completely!

This camera comes with me everywhere. I take it out when I go for breakfast, when I’m out shooting self-portraits in nature or even when I’m just people-watching in Ubud, Bali.

And because it’s so small and discreet, people barely even notice it. Which is amazing for travel photography and storytelling.

Last summer, I took it with me to Spain and London. I hadn’t seen my friends and family for a long time since living in Bali, and this little camera captured so many moments I’ll never forget! My solo walks around the North Coast of Spain, its landscapes, sunsets in Ibiza…

These aren’t photos I would’ve taken with my big cameras. I just wouldn’t have carried them.

That’s the beauty of the GR III. It becomes part of your life. You don’t plan a photoshoot around it. You just live your life, and photography happens naturally.

And creatively, it made me feel so free again. It reminded me that photography doesn’t always have to be commercial or perfect. It can be emotional, messy, spontaneous and still beautiful.

Self-Portrait. Edited with my Ricoh Journal Lightroom Presets

GR III vs GR IV – The Real Talk

Now, let’s talk about the comparison, because that’s what everyone’s curious about.

The GR IV does have improvements: slightly better image stabilisation (IBIS), a bit cleaner files at high ISO, better battery life, and a faster processor. It’s definitely a nice camera, but those differences are honestly minor in real life.

Here’s the thing: the GR III already nails what matters most.

The image quality is beautiful, the lens is sharp, and the colours straight out of the camera are incredible when shooting using recipes (I love this feature), or shooting in RAW, which is how I mostly shoot to apply my own Lightroom Presets.

And let’s be real, if you’re buying a Ricoh, it’s probably not for video. Neither the GR III nor the GR IV is meant for that. The video capabilities are actually BAD. And not 1080p at all…

For me, the stabilisation upgrade in the GR IV didn’t justify the price jump. The only thing I’ll admit: the GR III battery life is… terrible. 😂 It’s honestly one of the worst parts of the camera. But that’s easily fixable. I just bought three extra batteries and rotate them during the day. Problem solved.

So yeah, for me, the GR IV wasn’t worth the upgrade. The GR III already does exactly what I need it to do and more.

Edited with my Ricoh Journal Lightroom Presets

The Real Lesson: Presence Over Perfection

At the end of the day, buying the Ricoh GR III wasn’t just a gear decision; it was a mindset shift.

It reminded me that photography isn’t about the newest sensor or the sharpest image. It’s about being present. It’s about having something that inspires you to actually use it.

This tiny camera has become an extension of me. It fits into my lifestyle, my travels, my quiet creative days in Bali, and those unexpected moments that turn into memories.

And maybe that’s the real message of this article: Sometimes the best upgrade you can make isn’t a new camera. It’s falling back in love with the one you already have.

The GR III brought me back to that joy, the kind that’s not about numbers or megapixels, but about emotion and light.

So yes, even in 2025, the Ricoh GR III is still my favourite travel camera. Not because it’s perfect, but because it goes with you everywhere, allowing you to shoot and capture moments that you would have missed otherwise…

🎬 Watch the vlog at the beginning of this article to see the full story! With many photography examples, and real talk about why this little camera changed how I shoot and how I see photography.

Remember to subscribe to my Youtube channel if we share the same passion for photography, the creative industry, and you like travelling! I share weekly videos and vlogs about these topics. See you there! 😊

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