• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A99 advantages over Ricoh GR III

  • 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.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.97 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.9 fps vs 4.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    5.9 fps vs 4.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    18 vs 9 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Ricoh GR III advantages over Sony A99

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 78 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    6 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    257g vs 828g
    Lighter weight
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Longer exposure
    1200 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 17 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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.
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A850

Sony A99
Sony A850
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Ricoh GR III
Sony A850
  • $932
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon D800

Sony A99
Nikon D800
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Ricoh GR III
Nikon D800
  • $932
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $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
  • $2084
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Ricoh GR III
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $932
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2084
  • 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 III
Nikon D800E
  • $932
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon D810

Sony A99
Nikon D810
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2251
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Ricoh GR III
Nikon D810
  • $932
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2251
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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