Ricoh GR II Image Quality

As expected, very similar image quality from the two Ricohs, as they share the same or very similar sensor and processor. We do however see minor differences in color, contrast and noise processing which are likely the result of firmware tweaks. Color is better from the newer model, and while both cameras apply strong default noise reduction in the red channel, the older one does a bit better with fine detail in our tricky red-leaf fabric whereas the newer one produces better contrast in that swatch. Both show subtle moiré patterns in the red-leaf fabric and elsewhere, thanks to the lack of an anti-aliasing filter.

Here we compare the 16-megapixel Ricoh GR II with its traditional Bayer-filtered APS-C sensor to the 16-megapixel Fuji X70 which uses an X-Trans-filtered APS-C sensor. Both produce excellent quality images at base ISO, but there are obvious differences (and be aware that the Fuji's base ISO is higher). The Ricoh does a little better with fine detail in the mosaic crop as well as in the pink fabric, while the Fuji does better with fine detail in the red-leaf fabric and produces less obvious sharpening halos around high-contrast edges. Colors are also warmer and brighter from the Fuji X70.

These two rivals share the same sensor size and resolution, and similar lenses as well. The Ricoh however produces a sharper, crisper image, while the Nikon's is a little soft, with warmer colors as well. The Nikon however does much better with our tricky red-leaf swatch, and it produces fewer sharpening halos.

The Panasonic LX100 uses a smaller 16-megapixel 4/3"-type sensor, and on top of that, it doesn't use as much of its sensor area as most cameras at a given aspect ratio, yielding an effective resolution of only about 12.7 megapixels here. Thus, the Ricoh GR II is able to resolve a bit more detail. The Ricoh also produces slightly lower noise (but keep in mind the LX100's higher base ISO), as well as much better color. The LX100 does however do better with our tricky red-leaf swatch, smoothing out noise and fabric threads but retaining better contrast detail, and it produces lower sharpening artifacts.

At base ISO, the Sigma DP1 with its full color Foveon APS-C sensor produces phenomenal detail and crispness with no color interpolation artifacts, and the fine detail in our troublesome red-leaf fabric is outstanding. The Ricoh however produces slightly lower noise already here at base ISO, and its overall color is more accurate.

Again, very similar images from the two Ricohs at ISO 1600 with minor differences in color and contrast, but like we saw at base ISO, the older model does a bit better with fine detail in red-leaf swatch, though both blur much of it it away.

At ISO 1600, the Fuji X70 produces slightly higher luminance noise but lower chrominance noise, yet it still manages to reproduce much better detail in our red-leaf fabric. The Fuji image is also brighter and crisper looking, with more "pop".

The Nikon produces a much brighter-looking image at ISO 1600, but colors are warmer and details are fuzzier than the Ricoh GR II, except in the red-leaf swatch where the Coolpix A holds on to a lot more detail.

The Ricoh GR II pulls further ahead of the Panasonic LX100 at ISO 1600, with lower noise levels as well as better detail and color in most areas, but the Panasonic arguably continues to deliver a better rendering of the red-leaf swatch, even though it is quite smudged.

Here, we see the Achilles' heel of the Foveon full-color sensor: Very poor high ISO performance. While detail is still pretty good, noise is high and colors are drab with some odd discoloration at well. You can get much better results by processing the RAW file using Sigma's proprietary software, but noise is still quite a bit higher and colors muted compared to the Ricoh GR II.

Again, slightly better contrast, colors and detail from the Ricoh GR II versus slightly better rendering of our red-leaf fabric from the GR at ISO 3200. Noise in flatter areas also looks more even and natural from the GR II.

The Fuji X70 produces a slightly cleaner image with brighter colors and much better detail in the red-leaf fabric, though the GR II arguably does a bit better with fine detail in the mosaic, while producing fewer demosaicing artifacts.

The Ricoh produces a cleaner, sharper, more detailed image with more neutral colors while the Nikon produces warmer, brighter colors. The GR II blurs away almost all detail in our red-leaf fabric at this sensitivity, though, while the Nikon manages to produce a reasonable facsimile.

Here at ISO 3200, the Ricoh is the clear winner with better detail and brighter, more accurate colors. The LX100's strong noise reduction produces a smoother image, but a lot of fine detail is lost or distorted as a result.

Again, it's no contest between the traditional Bayer-sensored Ricoh GR II and the Foveon-sensored at ISO 3200. The Sigma just can't compete at high ISOs, producing very noisy images with terrible color. Even the RAW file conversion suffers from high noise and dreadful color reproduction.