Nikon S2 vs Ricoh GR II

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Nikon S2 vs Ricoh GR II

1 inch 115.3mm²
14.2 megapixels
ISO 200 - 12,800

Go in depth with our full Nikon S2 Review.

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

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

Succeeded by the Ricoh GR III
Compare GR II vs GR III
Compare Nikon S2 vs Ricoh GR III

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Differences

Nikon S2 advantages over Ricoh GR II

In-camera panoramas
Yes vs No
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
On-sensor phase detect
Yes vs No
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Lighter weight
190g vs 248g
Lighter weight
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
Faster JPEG shooting
60.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Slow-motion videos
Yes vs No
Shoot slow-motion videos
Faster shutter
1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Ricoh GR II advantages over Nikon S2

Larger sensor
APS-C vs 1 inch
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 4.81 vs 2.85 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Yes vs No
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Integrated ND filter
Yes vs No
Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
Higher max flash sync
1/4000 vs 1/60 sec
Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
Shoots 24p video
Yes vs No
Gives your movies a big-screen feel
Higher-res screen
307k vs 154k pixels
More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
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 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Higher extended ISO
25600 vs 12800 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
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
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
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
Touchscreen
Neither provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Tiltable Screen
Neither provide
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
Top deck display
Neither provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
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

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read S2 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read GR II User Reviews

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Kit with 11-27.5mm Lens

Kit with 11-27.5mm Lens
Kit with 11-27.5mm and 30-110mm Lenses

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Ricoh GR II

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Review Excerpt

We haven’t reviewed the Nikon S2.
Read our Nikon S2 Preview

Shooting with a wide prime helps you see new shots; Good performance and fast autofocus; Excellent sharp, bright lens; Very customizable; In-camera Wi-Fi works with more than just Android and iOS; Supports Pentax wireless flash strobes
Fixed, wide prime lens isn't for everyone; Cramped controls; Burst capture is slower for JPEGs; Tends too warm under incandescent lighting; Wi-Fi app is poor, and web browser control has cluttered interface
Read our Ricoh GR II Review

The Competition

Compared to Ricoh GR

Nikon S2

Ricoh GR

$399
1 inch

Less expensive
In-camera panoramas

$799
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S2 vs Ricoh GR

Ricoh GR II

Ricoh GR

$538
APS-C

Built-in Wi-Fi
NFC

$799
APS-C

Compare Ricoh GR II vs Ricoh GR

Compared to Pentax Q7

Nikon S2

Pentax Q7

$399
1 inch

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$380
1/1.7 inch

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q7

Ricoh GR II

Pentax Q7

$538
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$380
1/1.7 inch

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Ricoh GR II vs Pentax Q7

Compared to Samsung NX Mini

Nikon S2

Samsung NX Mini

$399
1 inch

Less expensive
Bigger pixels

$600
1 inch

Touchscreen
Tiltable Screen

Compare Nikon S2 vs Samsung NX Mini

Ricoh GR II

Samsung NX Mini

$538
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$600
1 inch

Touchscreen
In-camera panoramas

Compare Ricoh GR II vs Samsung NX Mini

Compared to Pentax Q-S1

Nikon S2

Pentax Q-S1

$399
1 inch

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$350
1/1.7 inch

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q-S1

Ricoh GR II

Pentax Q-S1

$538
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$350
1/1.7 inch

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Ricoh GR II vs Pentax Q-S1

Compared to Fujifilm XF10

Nikon S2

Fujifilm XF10

$399
1 inch

Slower slow-motion
Thinner

$499
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Nikon S2 vs Fujifilm XF10

Ricoh GR II

Fujifilm XF10

$538
APS-C

Bigger pixels
NFC

$499
APS-C

Focus peaking
Shoot 4K video

Compare Ricoh GR II vs Fujifilm XF10

Compare Other Cameras?