Ricoh GR vs Panasonic GM1

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Ricoh GR vs Panasonic GM1

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APS-C 369.7mm²
16.2 megapixels
28.00mm (35mm eq.)

Go in depth with our full Ricoh GR Review.
See real-world photos taken with the GR.

4/3 224.9mm²
16.0 megapixels
ISO 200 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Panasonic GM1 Review.
How does it shoot? Panasonic GM1 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the GM1.
Compare Panasonic GM1 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Panasonic GM1 conclusion.

Succeeded by the Ricoh GR II
Compare GR vs GR II

Succeeded by the Panasonic GM5
Compare GM1 vs GM5

Compare RICOH GR II vs PANASONIC GM5

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Differences

Ricoh GR advantages over Panasonic GM1

Larger sensor
APS-C vs 4/3
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 4.81 vs 3.77 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
GR test data on DxO Mark GM1 test data on DxO Mark

972 vs 660 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
More dynamic range

More dynamic range

Cameras with more dynamic range allow you to take photos with dramatic differences in highlight and shadow areas while retaining detail in both.

Think of a brilliant sunset on a rocky beach: Bright sunset in the background, with dark rocks in the foreground. High dynamic range means more of the extremes will be faithfully reproduced.

Dynamic range test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
GR test data on DxO Mark GM1 test data on DxO Mark

13.5 vs 11.7 evs
Retain detail in highlight and shadows
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

290 vs 230 shots
Capture more photos
Integrated ND filter
Yes vs No
Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
Higher max flash sync
1/4000 vs 1/50 sec
Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
Hot shoe
Hot shoe vs None
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos
Longer exposure
300 vs 60 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Bulb shutter
Bulb vs No bulb
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
Bigger JPEG buffer
Unlimited vs 10 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Panasonic GM1 advantages over Ricoh GR

Focus peaking
Peaker vs Non-peaker
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Fast startup
~0.90 vs 1.6 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
Less shutter lag
0.19 vs 0.28 sec
Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
Faster JPEG shooting
9.9 fps vs 4.0 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
10.3 fps vs 6.1 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Bigger RAW buffer
7 vs 4 shots
Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
Faster shutter
1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Rear display
Both provide
Review photos on the back of the camera
RAW file ability
Both provide
Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Manual focus
Both provide
AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Eye-level viewfinder
Neither provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Neither provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Tiltable Screen
Neither provide
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
External Mic Jack
Neither provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Ricoh GR

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Buy the Panasonic GM1

Kit with 12-32mm Lens

Review Excerpt

The most compact APS-C camera on the market; Bright, sharp 28mm f/2.8 prime lens with almost no distortion; Excellent image quality; Extremely customizable; Fast autofocus; Strong built-in flash plus hot shoe.
Fixed prime lens is not for everybody; Crowded and small controls; Burst performance is limited; Muted colors and cool white balance; Has issues with moire and false color.
Read our Ricoh GR Review

Large Four Thirds sensor is impressive for a camera this small; Shares sensor and processor of GX7; Excellent image quality with class-leading high ISO performance; Responsive all-around performer; AF system is fast and accurate; Easy to use and responsive touchscreen; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features; Lightweight and pocketable design makes it easy to carry everywhere.
Can be awkward to use with larger lenses; Rear dial is easy to accidentally press; Lacks a hot-shoe for EVF or external flash; Weak built-in flash; 1/50s flash sync; No 1080p60 video; No external headphone jack or mic input.
Read our Panasonic GM1 Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon Coolpix A

Ricoh GR

Nikon Coolpix A

$799
APS-C

Less expensive
Longer stills battery life

$1097
APS-C

Higher effective ISO
Bigger RAW buffer

Compare Ricoh GR vs Nikon Coolpix A

Panasonic GM1

Nikon Coolpix A

$479
4/3

Focus peaking
Less expensive

$1097
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Nikon Coolpix A

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Ricoh GR

Panasonic GM5

$799
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$898
4/3

Focus peaking
Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Ricoh GR vs Panasonic GM5

Panasonic GM1

Panasonic GM5

$479
4/3

Less expensive
Internal flash

$898
4/3

Eye-level viewfinder
In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Panasonic GM5

Compared to Panasonic GF7

Ricoh GR

Panasonic GF7

$799
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$590
4/3

Focus peaking
Less expensive

Compare Ricoh GR vs Panasonic GF7

Panasonic GM1

Panasonic GF7

$479
4/3

$590
4/3

Less expensive
In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Panasonic GF7

Compared to Ricoh GR II

Ricoh GR

Ricoh GR II

$799
APS-C

$538
APS-C

Built-in Wi-Fi
NFC

Compare Ricoh GR vs Ricoh GR II

Panasonic GM1

Ricoh GR II

$479
4/3

Focus peaking
Touchscreen

$538
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Ricoh GR II

Compared to Fujifilm X70

Ricoh GR

Fujifilm X70

$799
APS-C

Integrated ND filter
Higher max flash sync

$699
APS-C

Focus peaking
Touchscreen

Compare Ricoh GR vs Fujifilm X70

Panasonic GM1

Fujifilm X70

$479
4/3

Thinner
Longer exposure

$699
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Fujifilm X70

Compare Other Cameras?