• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A99 advantages over Ricoh GR

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.97 vs 4.81 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Fast startup
    ~0.70 vs 1.6 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,555 vs 972 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 290 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.13 vs 0.28 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.9 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    18 vs 4 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Ricoh GR advantages over Sony A99

  • Less expensive
    $799 vs $2800 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Thinner
    34 mm vs 78 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/4000 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Lighter weight
    243g vs 828g
    Lighter weight
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    300 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 17 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

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
  • 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
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

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.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D800

Sony A99
Nikon D800
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Ricoh GR
Nikon D800
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Integrated ND filter
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A99
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Ricoh GR
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • More dynamic range
  • Internal flash
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon D800E

Sony A99
Nikon D800E
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Ricoh GR
Nikon D800E
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Integrated ND filter
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon Coolpix A

Sony A99
Nikon Coolpix A
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
Ricoh GR
Nikon Coolpix A
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Bigger RAW buffer

Compared to Ricoh GR II

Sony A99
Ricoh GR II
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Ricoh GR
Ricoh GR II
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
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