Review of the Ricoh GR Battery Life

When it comes to compact, high-performance cameras, the Ricoh GR series has gained a cult following among street photographers, travel enthusiasts, and everyday users who appreciate its discreet design and exceptional image quality. However, a crucial aspect of any camera’s functionality that often defines its usability, especially in real-world scenarios, is battery life. In this in-depth review, we will explore the battery life of the Ricoh GR series, focusing on the GR III and GR IIIx models, addressing its strengths, limitations, practical management tips, and how it compares to other cameras in its class.

The Ricoh GR Battery: General Overview

The Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx use the DB-110 lithium-ion battery, a small rechargeable battery that powers both cameras. While the Ricoh GR is known for its compact size and portability, this small form factor comes at the expense of a large battery. The size of the battery is a direct consequence of the camera’s minimalist design, allowing the camera to remain lightweight and easy to carry.

Official Battery Life Estimate

According to Ricoh’s official specifications, the GR III and GR IIIx batteries are rated to last around 200-250 shots per charge. This figure is derived from standardized tests conducted under ideal conditions, with minimal power-consuming functions active. While this may seem limited compared to some larger mirrorless or DSLR cameras, the GR III’s battery life is fairly typical for a compact camera of its size, especially one with such powerful features, like its APS-C sensor.

However, the real-world performance of battery life can vary significantly based on multiple factors, including shooting habits, usage of features like Wi-Fi, image stabilization, and the LCD screen brightness.

Real-World Battery Life Performance

While the official battery life estimate of 200-250 shots is accurate under controlled conditions, many users have reported that, in real-world scenarios, the battery life can be somewhat shorter or longer, depending on how the camera is used.

Factors Affecting Battery Life

1. Shooting Style:
   • Continuous vs. Single Shots: Photographers who shoot in bursts or use the continuous shooting mode will deplete the battery much faster than those taking single shots or slow, deliberate photographs.
   • Autofocus Use: Using continuous autofocus (AF-C) or autofocus tracking will also drain the battery more quickly compared to single-shot autofocus (AF-S).
2. Use of Power-Hungry Features:
   • Image Stabilization: The Ricoh GR III features in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which significantly impacts battery life. Leaving stabilization on all the time, especially when it isn’t needed, will deplete your battery faster.
   • LCD Screen Brightness: The GR series relies on its large 3-inch LCD screen for composition and review, and if the brightness is set to a high level, it will reduce battery life considerably. The screen’s backlight is one of the most power-hungry components of the camera.
   • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Modern features like wireless connectivity, which allow for image transfer to mobile devices, are incredibly convenient but come at the cost of battery life. Using these features regularly during a shooting session can lead to a faster drain.
   • Sensor Cleaning: The Ricoh GR III automatically vibrates its sensor to remove dust each time it’s powered on. While a short process, it uses a small amount of battery, and frequent on/off cycles can add up over a day of shooting.
3. Power Management Settings:
   • Sleep Mode: By adjusting the sleep mode timer in the camera’s menu, you can significantly extend the battery life. Reducing the amount of time the camera remains active when not in use is a key factor in conserving power.
   • Shutter Half-Press Behavior: Ricoh GR III cameras allow users to keep the camera awake by half-pressing the shutter. While this can be useful in certain shooting situations, it can also cause unnecessary battery drain if the camera remains in an active state longer than necessary.
4. Temperature:
   • Cold Weather: Like most electronic devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, the Ricoh GR series is susceptible to cold weather. Low temperatures can cause the battery to deplete faster than it would in warmer environments. Carrying spare batteries and keeping them warm in your pocket can mitigate this issue.

How to Extend Battery Life on the Ricoh GR

While the battery life on the Ricoh GR series is decent for a compact camera, there are a few steps photographers can take to ensure they get the most out of each charge.

1. Carry Extra Batteries:
   • This may seem like an obvious solution, but carrying one or two extra DB-110 batteries is the simplest way to extend your shooting time. Given the small size of these batteries, they are easy to carry in a pocket or camera bag without adding significant weight.
2. Reduce LCD Brightness:
   • One of the easiest ways to extend battery life is by lowering the brightness of the LCD screen. While it’s important to have the screen bright enough to compose and review shots, lowering it to the minimum comfortable level will save a substantial amount of power.
3. Turn Off Image Stabilization When Not Needed:
   • If you’re shooting in bright conditions or using a fast shutter speed, in-body image stabilization may not be necessary. Disabling IBIS can reduce power consumption significantly.
4. Use Airplane Mode:
   • Disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you’re not transferring images to your smartphone or using remote shooting features can help prolong battery life. Turning on airplane mode is a quick way to achieve this.
5. Avoid Excessive Reviewing:
   • Constantly reviewing your shots on the LCD screen after each click can quickly drain the battery. Minimizing the amount of time spent reviewing images or disabling auto-review can help conserve power.
6. Set the Camera to Sleep Mode Quickly:
   • Adjusting the sleep mode to activate after a short period of inactivity can save a lot of battery power. You can set the camera to go to sleep after 1 or 3 minutes of inactivity, and this can be one of the most effective ways to extend battery life.
7. Use an External Power Bank:
   • Another option is to carry a portable power bank. The Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx can be charged via the USB-C port, which means you can charge the camera on the go with a standard USB-C cable and a power bank. This is especially useful for travel photographers who might not have access to a power outlet during the day.
8. Turn Off Sensor Cleaning:
   • While sensor cleaning is important, you don’t need to activate it every single time you power the camera on and off. You can manually disable automatic sensor cleaning in the menu and only perform it when necessary, which will slightly improve battery efficiency.

Battery Charging and Alternatives

The Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx come with a USB-C cable for charging the camera directly, allowing users to charge the camera without removing the battery. This is a convenient option for those who don’t want to carry an external battery charger, but there are both pros and cons to charging in-camera.

Pros:

• Convenience: Charging the battery directly in the camera eliminates the need for carrying a separate battery charger, making it ideal for travelers or minimalists.
• USB-C Compatibility: The camera’s USB-C port allows for versatile charging options, including using a computer, wall charger, or portable power bank.

Cons:

• Tied to the Camera: When charging in-camera, you can’t use the camera while the battery is charging, which could be inconvenient if you want to shoot while topping up the battery.
• Slower Charging: Charging via USB is generally slower than using an external charger, which can be problematic if you need to quickly get back to shooting.

For those who need more flexibility, it’s worth investing in an external charger, such as the Ricoh BJ-11 Battery Charger, which allows you to charge additional batteries without tying up your camera.

Comparisons to Other Cameras in the Same Category

Battery life is a common concern for compact cameras, especially those with large APS-C sensors like the Ricoh GR series. How does the GR III and GR IIIx stack up against its competition in terms of battery life?

Fuji X100V:

The Fuji X100V, another compact camera with an APS-C sensor, has a CIPA-rated battery life of about 350 shots. This is notably higher than the Ricoh GR’s 200-250 shots per charge, but the Fuji X100V is also a slightly larger camera with a built-in viewfinder, which allows users to shoot without relying solely on the LCD screen, conserving battery life in the process.

Sony RX100 VII:

The Sony RX100 VII is a popular choice for those seeking a premium compact camera. Despite its smaller sensor (1-inch compared to the APS-C of the GR), it offers approximately 260 shots per charge. This is slightly better than the Ricoh GR series, though the RX100 VII’s zoom lens and more complex electronic systems could explain why it doesn’t offer a more significant battery advantage.

Canon G5 X Mark II:

The Canon G5 X Mark II is another compact competitor, offering around 230 shots per charge. This places it slightly above the Ricoh GR in terms of battery performance, but again, the GR’s larger sensor and more advanced features, such as in-body stabilization, likely account for the slight difference in battery longevity.

User Experience and Feedback on Battery Life

When it comes to user experience, opinions on the Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx’s battery life are generally mixed. While some photographers are content with the battery life considering the camera’s compact size and powerful features, others find it to be a limiting factor, particularly during long shooting sessions or when traveling without easy access to charging.

Positive Feedback on Battery Life:

1. Portability and Power Trade-Off: Many users accept the battery life as a fair trade-off for the camera’s incredibly compact design and APS-C sensor. The Ricoh GR series is renowned for being one of the few truly pocketable cameras with a professional-grade sensor, and for many, carrying a couple of extra batteries is a small price to pay for the image quality and portability it offers.
2. Efficiency of USB-C Charging: A number of users appreciate the inclusion of USB-C charging, which makes it easy to top up the battery on the go using a power bank or even a laptop. For travelers or street photographers who may not always be near a power outlet, this feature is invaluable. USB-C is becoming a universal standard, and having a camera that can be charged with the same cable as other devices (such as a phone or laptop) simplifies packing and reduces the number of chargers needed.
3. Battery Conservation Features: Some users commend the Ricoh GR for its efficient sleep mode and customizable power settings. By tweaking these settings, such as reducing the LCD brightness or shortening the sleep timer, users have found they can stretch the battery life to better suit their shooting style.

Negative Feedback on Battery Life:

1. Frequent Battery Changes: For photographers who frequently shoot for extended periods or in fast-paced environments, the 200-250 shot range can feel restrictive. Street photographers, in particular, often report the need to carry at least two or three extra batteries for a full day of shooting. This is seen as a significant drawback, especially when compared to larger mirrorless or DSLR cameras, which can shoot 500+ photos on a single charge.
2. Inconsistent Real-World Performance: Some users report that the battery life can feel inconsistent, especially when using features like image stabilization or Wi-Fi. While Ricoh’s estimated shot count might hold true under controlled conditions, real-world usage tends to vary widely. For instance, heavy use of the LCD screen for both shooting and reviewing photos can drastically reduce battery life, causing frustration for users who expect the camera to last longer.
3. Shortage of External Chargers in the Box: A common complaint is that Ricoh does not include an external battery charger with the camera, requiring users to purchase the BJ-11 Battery Charger separately if they want to charge batteries outside the camera. While USB-C charging is a welcome feature, it limits the ability to charge multiple batteries simultaneously without purchasing additional accessories.

Street Photography and Travel: Battery Life in Real-World Use Cases

The Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx are beloved by street photographers and travelers alike, thanks to their compact form factor, stealthy design, and excellent image quality. However, battery life is a major concern for both groups, as long periods of shooting or being away from power sources can expose the camera’s limitations.

Street Photography:

Street photographers value spontaneity and readiness, often relying on their camera to be ready at a moment’s notice. The GR series, with its fast autofocus and discreet design, is perfect for this purpose, but its battery life can sometimes be a hindrance. Street photographers frequently note that the camera can struggle to last an entire day of shooting, especially if the photographer is actively composing, shooting, and reviewing images throughout the day.

Some street photographers report adopting a more methodical shooting approach to conserve battery, minimizing the use of the LCD for reviewing photos and carefully managing power settings. By doing so, they can stretch the battery to last longer, but many still recommend carrying at least two spare batteries.

Travel Photography:

For travel photographers, who may not always have access to power outlets, the relatively short battery life of the Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx can pose a challenge. While the camera’s size and weight make it ideal for travel, the need to carry multiple batteries can detract from its overall portability.

Travelers often recommend carrying a power bank in addition to spare batteries, as the ability to charge the camera via USB-C is seen as a major advantage when on the go. The flexibility of being able to charge from a power bank while taking breaks, or overnight in a hotel room without needing an external charger, helps mitigate the battery life concerns for those on the move.

Comparison to Mirrorless Cameras: How Does the GR Series Hold Up?

When comparing the Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx to other mirrorless cameras in terms of battery life, it’s important to remember that the GR is a compact, fixed-lens camera. It occupies a unique space between point-and-shoot cameras and larger mirrorless systems.

Mirrorless Cameras:

Many modern mirrorless cameras, such as those from Sony (like the A6000 series) or Fuji (like the X-T30), offer better battery life in comparison. These cameras typically feature larger batteries and may even offer the option to use an external battery grip for extended shooting time. However, the Ricoh GR is much smaller and more portable than these cameras, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize size over battery longevity.

Third-Party Battery Solutions: Are They Worth It?

Given the battery life limitations of the Ricoh GR series, many users look into third-party battery solutions as a way to save money and increase shooting time. Third-party manufacturers often produce cheaper alternatives to the official Ricoh DB-110 battery, but these come with potential risks and drawbacks.

Pros of Third-Party Batteries:

1. Cost-Effective: Third-party batteries are usually much cheaper than official Ricoh batteries, allowing photographers to stock up on spares without spending a lot.
2. Wider Availability: Third-party batteries are often more widely available and may come in multi-pack deals, making them an attractive option for frequent shooters.

Cons of Third-Party Batteries:

1. Potentially Lower Quality: Some third-party batteries may not hold a charge as long as the official Ricoh batteries or may degrade more quickly over time.
2. Compatibility Issues: While most third-party batteries work fine, there are occasional reports of compatibility issues, such as batteries that do not communicate properly with the camera or charge inconsistently.
3. Safety Concerns: Lower-quality third-party batteries could pose safety risks, such as overheating or malfunctioning, especially when used in demanding conditions like hot weather.

Future Prospects: Can Ricoh Improve Battery Life?

Looking forward, it’s possible that future iterations of the Ricoh GR series could see improvements in battery life. One avenue could be advancements in battery technology that allow for greater capacity without increasing the size of the battery. Alternatively, Ricoh could explore further optimization of the camera’s internal power management systems, ensuring that features like autofocus, image stabilization, and Wi-Fi consume less power.

However, given the size constraints of the Ricoh GR series, significant increases in battery life may be difficult to achieve without compromising the compact form factor that makes these cameras so appealing. For now, the best solution remains to carefully manage power usage, carry spare batteries, and take advantage of USB-C charging.

Conclusion

The battery life of the Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx is a topic that provokes mixed feelings among photographers. While the 200-250 shot battery life is typical for a camera of its size, it can feel limiting, especially for street photographers and travelers who rely on the camera for long periods of shooting. The DB-110 battery, while small and efficient, requires careful power management and often necessitates carrying multiple spares or an external power source.

Despite these limitations, the Ricoh GR’s exceptional image quality, compact size, and feature set make it a favorite among photographers who value portability and discretion. By adopting a few simple power-saving strategies—such as reducing screen brightness, using airplane mode, and managing the camera’s sleep settings—users can extend battery life and get the most out of this impressive compact camera.

Ultimately, the Ricoh GR series remains one of the most versatile and capable compact cameras on the market, and while its battery life may require a bit of planning and preparation, the trade-offs are more than worth it for many users. For those willing to carry a few extra batteries or a portable charger, the Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx offer an unrivaled combination of image quality, portability, and performance.