High-end compact cameras are back in vogue, offering big performance in small packages. Three models lead the pack in 2025: Fujifilm’s X100VI, Ricoh’s GR IIIx, and Leica’s Q3. Each is a fixed-lens, large-sensor camera beloved by street and travel photographers, yet they couldn’t be more different in character. The Fujifilm X100VI builds on a cult-classic line with retro styling, a new high-resolution sensor, and hybrid viewfinder. The Ricoh GR IIIx is the stealthy pocket shooter that trades frills for portability and snap-shooting prowess. Leica’s Q3 is the luxury full-frame option that “might just be Leica’s most compelling camera to date” techradar.com – if you can afford it.

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into sensor quality, lens performance, design and usability, autofocus, video chops, connectivity, battery life, software features, and more. We’ll weigh pros and cons, quote expert reviews, check pricing and value, and even peek at future developments (yes, Ricoh GR IV is on the horizon, and Leica now offers a Q3 with a 43mm lens!). By the end, you’ll know how these cameras stack up and which might be the best fit for your photography style.

Sensor and Image Quality

Fujifilm X100VI: Fujifilm shocked its fans by upgrading the X100 series with a 40MP APS-C sensor – nearly double the X100V’s resolution provideocoalition.com dpreview.com. It’s the same cutting-edge 40MP X-Trans 5 BSI CMOS sensor used in Fuji’s X-H2 and X-T5, so image quality is exceptional: tons of detail, a wide dynamic range, and improved high-ISO performance over the previous 26MP chip dpreview.com dpreview.com. In DPReview’s lab tests, the X100VI captured “high levels of detail” and Fuji’s renowned color science gives beautiful out-of-camera JPEGs dpreview.com. However, cramming 40 megapixels into an APS-C frame can push limits. Reviewers note the tiny fixed 23mm lens (35mm equivalent) “isn’t the absolute sharpest” at the pixel level, and in dim light the extra resolution can exaggerate softness or noise if ISO climbs dpreview.com. Still, for base ISO shooting or well-lit scenes, the detail is outstanding, and Fuji’s beloved Film Simulations (like Velvia, Acros, and the new Reala Ace) ensure “excellent results” with rich colors straight from camera dpreview.com provideocoalition.com. The X100VI’s sensor is X-Trans (using Fuji’s unique color filter array), which yields a slightly different grain and color rendition than conventional Bayer sensors – many love Fuji’s look, especially for portraits and landscapes. Low-light shooters will appreciate that the new sensor is backside-illuminated (BSI) for better light gathering; combined with in-body stabilization, the X100VI can handle nighttime street scenes decently. Overall, it delivers arguably the best APS-C image quality of any compact camera in 2025.

Ricoh GR IIIx: In contrast to Fuji’s megapixel race, Ricoh sticks with a tried-and-true 24.2MP APS-C sensor in the GR IIIx petapixel.com. It’s the same sensor used in the GR III (2019) but paired with a different lens for the “x” model. At 24MP, it may sound modest today, but don’t underestimate it – this sensor delivers “remarkably crisp, contrasty, detailed images” that rival larger cameras wired.com. In fact, Wired’s tester raved that there’s “no other camera this small with an APS-C sensor” and yet the GR IIIx’s photos are on par with what he gets from a full-size Sony mirrorless wired.com. The pixel count is sufficient for large prints and cropping, and fewer pixels means each pixel is larger, which can help with high-ISO noise. The GR IIIx produces excellent street shots with rich tonality; its JPEG engine includes Ricoh’s own film-like presets (Positive Film, High-Contrast B&W, etc.), which shooters adore for their character keithwee.com wired.com. The sensor is stabilized by a 3-axis shake reduction system (more on that later), giving roughly 4 stops of help in low light macfilos.com. Dynamic range is very good – you can recover highlights and shadows from RAW DNG files quite well. High ISO performance is solid up to ISO 3200 or 6400 for most needs, though it can’t quite match the larger sensor of the Leica in extreme low light. Still, for a pocket camera, the GR IIIx punches well above its weight in image quality. Colors are pleasing (Ricoh even provides many customization options and a community of GR “recipes” for JPEG looks wired.com). One reviewer did note the GR IIIx’s high ISO noise and low-light AF could be better keithwee.com, but on balance this sensor+lens combo is optimized for sharpness and street-worthy snaps.

Leica Q3: The Leica Q3 steps up with a 60.3MP full-frame sensor – by far the largest and highest-resolution of the trio dpreview.com. It’s likely the same BSI CMOS chip from Leica’s flagship M11, and it’s a stunner. DPReview calls it “a 60MP BSI sensor that performs very well”, noting Leica even raised the ISO ceiling to 100,000 thanks to improved noise handling dpreview.com. In practice, the Q3 produces incredible detail – “13 million more pixels” than the Q2 before it techradar.com – making it extremely versatile for cropping. Leica leans into this with in-camera crop modes that simulate 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and even 90mm framing (yielding 39MP down to 6MP images) dpreview.com dpreview.com. The image quality is, in a word, luxurious. You get that full-frame look: shallow depth of field, exceptional dynamic range, and great low-light performance. In fact, at base ISO, the Q3’s files rival medium format for detail and dynamic range. Colors out of the Q3 are rich yet natural – Leica’s JPEG rendering is more neutral and “Classic” compared to Fuji’s vibrant presets. Leica added some computational aids too: the Q3 can apply “AI-assisted perspective control and dynamic range optimization” in JPEG mode dpreview.com – useful for architecture shots or high-contrast scenes. High ISO noise is well-controlled up to ISO 12,800 or higher; and because it’s full-frame, it retains more detail in low light than the smaller sensors do. One downside: all those pixels demand top-notch optics and technique. Slight focus errors or camera shake can be visible at 100% view. A TechRadar writer wished the Q3 had true in-body stabilization (IBIS) since the 60MP sensor is “unforgiving” of movement techradar.com. (The Q3 relies on optical lens stabilization, which helps but isn’t as effective as IBIS for very slow shutter speeds.) Nevertheless, the Q3 produces the most jaw-dropping image quality of the group. As one reviewer put it, “on paper, the Q3 sets the bar for premium compact cameras” techradar.com in large part due to this sensor.

Overall: Each camera excels in image quality within its class. The X100VI’s 40MP APS-C sensor offers a unique blend of high resolution and Fuji’s filmic color science – fantastic for those who want maximum detail from a compact and gorgeous JPEG looks dpreview.com. The GR IIIx’s 24MP APS-C sensor proves resolution isn’t everything; it’s tuned for sharp, punchy street images, and its size-to-quality ratio is unbeatable wired.com. The Leica Q3’s 60MP full-frame sensor is in another league for resolution, dynamic range and depth, making it ideal for professionals or anyone who wants no-compromise output (at a very high price). If we consider pure sensor output, the Q3 wins – but in practice all three can deliver stunning photographs. It often comes down to how you shoot: do you need 60MP and full-frame shallow depth of field, or would 24-40MP on APS-C suffice for your style? As we’ll see, other factors like lenses and usability also shape the image results.

Lens Performance

One of the biggest differences between these cameras is their built-in lenses – each has a fixed focal length with its own character.

Fujifilm X100VI: The X100VI carries a 23mm f/2 lens, which provides a 35mm equivalent field of view on APS-C. Fuji actually retained the lens design from the X100V (which had improved optics over earlier X100 generations), so we get a compact 8-element lens optimized for a classic 35mm look. In use, this lens is a solid performer: center sharpness is very good wide open, and by f/4-f/5.6 it’s tack-sharp across the frame – easily resolving the detail from the new 40MP sensor in normal lighting dpreview.com. It renders images with a pleasant, slightly soft bokeh at f/2 for close subjects. However, there are some quirks. DPReview found that at 40MP, the lens “isn’t…edge-to-edge consistent as a top-notch 35mm equiv could be” dpreview.com, meaning corners can be a bit softer, especially at wider apertures or in low light. They noted pixel-level sharpness drops in dim conditions, likely because at f/2 the lens loses some contrast and the IBIS + high ISO might introduce slight softness dpreview.com. Still, for most purposes – street, travel, portraits – the lens delivers crisp and characterful images. Fuji’s in-camera corrections eliminate any significant distortion or chromatic aberration, and the lens has a built-in 4-stop ND filter to shoot at f/2 in bright sun dpreview.com. Close focusing is possible down to about 10cm by engaging macro mode, albeit with some softness at closest range. One reviewer compared the X100VI’s lens to the Ricoh’s and actually found the Ricoh sharper at minimum focus keithwee.com, but the trade-off is Fuji’s lens is faster (f/2 vs f/2.8) allowing more light and blur. Importantly, the X100VI’s 35mm-e focal length is a great all-rounder: wide enough for environmental shots and landscapes, but still tight enough for portraits or street candids without too much distortion. For many photographers, 35mm is the classic documentary focal length, and this lens nails that field of view with Fuji’s signature rendering. If you want to mix it up, Fujifilm offers optional screw-on conversion lenses: the WCL-X100 II (converts to ~28mm equiv.) and TCL-X100 II (converts to ~50mm equiv.). The X100VI recognizes these and applies proper correction profiles in-camera. In summary, Fuji’s lens is a well-balanced 35mm: not clinically perfect, but capable of lovely results with a bit of that Fuji character. As one user wrote, “a substandard lens and autofocus” would be a dealbreaker dpreview.com – fortunately the X100VI’s lens is anything but substandard, even if it isn’t flawless at the extremes.

Ricoh GR IIIx: Ricoh took a different approach: the GR IIIx has a 26.1mm f/2.8 lens, which equates to a 40mm field of view on APS-C petapixel.com petapixel.com. That slightly longer-than-classic focal length was Ricoh’s answer to photographers who found the 28mm lens on the standard GR III too wide. A 40mm-e lens gives a more intimate, narrower perspective – great for street portraits, details, and scenes where 28mm might include too much. This lens is one of the GR IIIx’s crown jewels. Multiple reviewers describe it as extremely sharp: “both lenses (28 and 40mm) are capable of tack-sharp images with impressive, soft bokeh”, notes Wired wired.com. Indeed, the GR IIIx’s optics are praised for minimal distortion and excellent edge-to-edge performance. PetaPixel reported “no barrel distortion or chromatic aberration … edges were clean and devoid of nasty vignetting” in sample shots petapixel.com – a remarkable achievement for such a small lens. At f/2.8 it’s not as bright as the Fuji or Leica, but f/2.8 on APS-C can still yield some background blur when shooting closer subjects, and the bokeh is described as pleasantly smooth wired.com. One advantage of a slightly slower aperture: the lens can be very compact and sharp wide open. Users often shoot it at f/2.8 confidently, whereas Fuji shooters might stop down the X100 to 2.8 or 4 for max sharpness. The GR IIIx also has a useful macro mode, focusing as close as 12cm. Reviewers liked this versatility, saying it “adds a bit of versatility to an already impressive package” wired.com. Being a 40mm, it’s not a macro in the true sense, but you can fill the frame with small objects more than you could with the 28mm GR or the Fuji. As for field of view: 40mm-equivalent sits between the traditional 35mm and 50mm standards, and many find it a “goldilocks” focal length – tighter framing for street means less clutter, and for travel you can still capture scenery by stepping back a bit. It’s worth noting the GR IIIx lacks any built-in viewfinder, so you compose with the LCD or attach an optional GV-3 mini optical viewfinder (which approximates 40mm). The lens has no OIS (relying on the body’s IBIS), and no aperture blade for bokeh shape (it’s a leaf shutter design). But it’s fast-focusing and very quiet – great for candid shooting. Ricoh also offers a screw-on adapter (GA-2) that allows a GT-2 tele conversion lens to reach ~75mm equivalent petapixel.com for portraits – handy if you need a tighter crop without sacrificing pixels. In summary, the GR IIIx’s 40mm f/2.8 is all about stealth and sharpness. You won’t get ultra-shallow depth of field, but you will get reliably crisp shots with minimal distortion. It’s a lens that “gets out of the way” and lets you focus on composition, which is exactly what street photographers love about the GR series.

Leica Q3: Leica’s Q series is famed for its lenses, and the Q3 continues that tradition with a 28mm f/1.7 Summilux ASPH lens. This is a full-frame 28mm that achieves both high speed (f/1.7 is quite bright) and superb optical quality. It’s essentially unchanged from the Q2: a stabilized 28mm with aspherical elements and a built-in macro mode (down to 17cm). The performance is stellar: the lens is extremely sharp, even on the 60MP sensor. DPReview remarked that the Q3’s 60MP sensor “squeezes even more out of the already sharp 28mm lens” dpreview.com, indicating the lens was never the bottleneck. In fact, one reason Leica didn’t increase resolution in the Q2 to Q3 for 4 years was likely that the Summilux could handle it. At f/1.7, you get genuine background blur and subject separation, unusual for a wide-angle – environmental portraits look great with a mix of sharp subject and soft background glow. Stopped down, the lens is corner-to-corner tack sharp. Leica’s color and micro-contrast “pop” is evident; images have a almost 3D rendering that Leica fans adore. Distortion is minimal for 28mm (in-camera profiles correct what little there is), and vignetting wide open is moderate but artistic (and can be corrected if desired). The lens also has optical image stabilization (OIS), which aids hand-holding that high-res sensor. The Summilux focuses internally and fairly fast – though the Q3 adds phase-detect AF which dramatically helps speed (more in AF section). Macro mode on the Q3 lens is engaged via a ring on the lens, shifting elements to allow focusing as close as 17cm. It’s great for food, small objects, or flowers – though at that range depth of field is razor thin at f/1.7. Leica engraved dual distance scales for normal and macro ranges, emphasizing the photographic heritage of this lens design. The only “downside” of the Q3’s lens is the fixed 28mm focal length might not suit everyone. Some photographers find 28mm too wide for everyday shooting or portraits (you have to get quite close). Leica addressed this by providing the in-camera crop/zoom function (35, 50, 75, 90mm frames) – effectively trading resolution for flexibility. And new as of late 2024, Leica even released a Q3 43 variant with a built-in 43mm f/2 lens for those who prefer a more normal focal length leicarumors.com. The existence of the Q3 43 (with an APO-Summicron lens) shows how good the original Q3 Summilux is: Leica didn’t dare swap the 28mm out of the main model, they made a separate variant for a different audience. In reviews of the Q3 43, the original Q3’s lens is praised as “super-sharp” and versatile with digital zoom adorama.com adorama.com. In short, the Q3’s 28mm f/1.7 is arguably the best lens ever put in a fixed-lens compact. It’s wide, bright, and biting sharp – a dream for documentary photographers and anyone who loves the wide environmental look. If 28mm is your jam, the Leica will reward you with reference-grade optical performance. If it’s not, Leica is betting you’ll use the crop function or consider the 43mm version.

Comparison: These lenses each impart a distinct shooting style. The Fuji’s 35mm-e f/2 is a flexible classic – moderately wide, with enough speed to blur backgrounds and a hybrid viewfinder to frame shots with or without parallax. It’s great for a bit of everything, though extreme pixel-peepers might find its limits at 40MP. The Ricoh’s 40mm-e f/2.8 is tuned for discretion and clarity – a narrower field that forces you to focus on subject over scene, with incredible sharpness and minimal distortion. It’s the slowest lens here, but on street you often shoot around f/5.6 anyway, and its pocketable size is unmatched. The Leica’s 28mm f/1.7 is the widest and fastest – perfect for sweeping context and low-light shooting without a flash, delivering the richest optical quality (at a size and cost). 28mm captures more in each shot; it’s spectacular for cityscapes, group moments, or dramatic close-ups with background. But if you prefer tighter framing, you may crop or use the Q3 43 variant. Notably, all three lenses are fixed – you zoom with your feet (or digital crops). Each brand has thoughtfully provided some workaround (Fuji’s converters, Ricoh’s tele adapter, Leica’s crop modes/variant) if you need alternative focal lengths. Ultimately, choose the camera whose native focal length suits your vision: 28mm (Leica) for wide-angle storytelling, 35mm (Fuji) for classic street/travel balance, or 40mm (Ricoh) for a slightly more intimate take on the world. There’s no bad choice – they are all that good, just different.

Design and Usability

Fujifilm X100VI – Classic Charm with Modern Tweaks: The X100VI continues Fuji’s retro rangefinder-inspired design. It looks nearly identical to the X100V at a glance – an elegant, compact body with milled aluminum top and bottom plates, tactile dials, and a hybrid viewfinder window on the front. Fujifilm knows not to mess with a good thing: “the good sense suggests that Fujifilm will keep doing the same” with the X100 series formula provideocoalition.com. Indeed, the VI is only about 1–1.5mm thicker than the V to accommodate IBIS, a difference “so negligible… it would be noticeable only on paper” provideocoalition.com jonasraskphotography.com. All the hallmark X100 features remain: the dedicated shutter-speed dial (with integrated ISO ring you pull up), the aperture ring on the lens, the exposure compensation dial, and a leaf shutter that enables flash sync at high speeds. The build quality is superb – solid and “premium” feeling at ~478 g (with battery). The X100VI is not fully weather-sealed out of the box; however, like the X100V, it can be weather-sealed by attaching an adapter ring and 49mm filter to the lens dpreview.com. Many users do this for peace of mind against dust and moisture. One of Fuji’s crown jewels is the hybrid viewfinder: by flicking a front lever, you switch between an optical viewfinder (OVF) and an electronic viewfinder (EVF). The OVF is a reverse Galilean finder with frame lines – it gives a real “rangefinder” experience and a bright, lag-free view of the world, complete with parallax-correcting frame lines. The EVF (improved OLED 3.69M-dot panel) is for precise framing, focus checking, and seeing exposure in realtime. This hybrid system is distinctive and brilliant – nothing else on the market has it, and it’s a major reason to choose the X100VI if you love analog-style shooting. Fuji even integrated an electronic rangefinder mode (small EVF overlay while using OVF) for focus assist. On the back, Fuji made a subtle but welcome change: the 3-inch LCD now tilts further, including downward by 45º for overhead shots jonasraskphotography.com (the X100V’s tilt screen only went about 90º up and 35º down). This makes the VI more versatile for high-angle or low-angle shooting without crawling on the ground. Other small ergonomic tweaks: a slightly relocated delete/drive button for easier reach, a Bluetooth logo indicating improved connectivity, and a moved tripod socket (due to IBIS unit) jonasraskphotography.com. Thankfully, the X100VI still has the same sleek, minimal retro aesthetic – “all the beautiful design features from the X100V are unchanged” and it remains “a refined and classic camera body” that is “beyond amazing” in design, as Fujifilm’s designers intended jonasraskphotography.com jonasraskphotography.com. In hand, the camera feels balanced; it’s jacket-pocketable (though a tight fit in pants pockets). Physical controls are plentiful, which enthusiasts love: aperture ring (1/3 stop clicks), shutter dial, exposure comp dial, command dials, and customizable function buttons. Despite the traditional styling, the X100VI is user-friendly with a modern UI on its high-res LCD or EVF. It strikes a wonderful balance between nostalgia and functionality. Usability quirks? Some say the lens’s focus ring is a bit small, and the AF joystick from X100V remains for selecting focus points (which is good). The menu system is deep but logical, and Fuji’s Q menu gives quick access to common settings. Overall, the X100VI’s design prioritizes “style and capability” together dpreview.com. It “offers a genuinely unique combination” of being a beautiful object that’s also highly effective dpreview.com. This design is a huge part of its appeal – as DPReview put it, many alternatives can match specs but “the X100 series appeals to both groups” of people who care about looks and those who care about image quality dpreview.com. One caveat: supply has been an issue. The X100VI is so popular that it’s often backordered worldwide, and in the U.S. it even faced an import pause due to tariffs techradar.com techradar.com. That’s not a design flaw per se, but it speaks to how in-demand this camera is.

Ricoh GR IIIx – Minimalist Pocket Street Shooter: The GR IIIx takes a very different approach – it’s all about stealth and portability. The camera is plainly styled (a small black rectangular body), with a grippy textured surface and almost no adornment. It’s truly pocket-sized at ~257 g and just 4.3 inches wide – many users carry it in a pants pocket or a small pouch with ease petapixel.com petapixel.com. This discreet design is intentional: “the GR IIIx… hardly draws attention to its 262g minimalist-looking body”, which is exactly what street photographers want keithwee.com. In fact, Keith Wee notes he loves that it’s “so unintrusive and plain that most subjects don’t even seem bothered by it” keithwee.com. The build is solid for its size – a magnesium alloy frame gives it a dense, quality feel despite being small petapixel.com. The controls are pared down to essentials: on top, a mode dial, shutter button, and a small rocker for zoom (for digital crop or menus) which doubles as an on/off around the shutter. There’s also a top button that by default starts Wi-Fi. On the back, a 3-inch fixed LCD (approx. 1.04M dots) is your only framing option – no EVF here (though Ricoh sells optional shoe-mounted optical viewfinders). Buttons include a directional pad, a “ADJ” (adjust) dial, and a few function buttons. The interface is simple and highly customizable. One unique control is the “Snap Focus” system: you can set a predetermined focus distance (say 2m or 5m, or infinity) and with a full-press of the shutter the camera instantly snaps a photo at that focus distance – effectively bypassing AF. It’s brilliant for street moments where you want no lag. Wired’s reviewer explained how he sets “Full Press Snap” to 1.5m, so a quick jab of the shutter uses that zone focus, while a half-press still uses AF – best of both worlds wired.com wired.com. This feature epitomizes the GR’s design philosophy: prioritize fast, unobtrusive shooting. Another beloved aspect is the GR’s fast startup: ~0.8 seconds and you’re ready to shoot petapixel.com. The menu system, while not as flashy as Fuji’s, is straightforward and remembers your last position, speeding up adjustments. The GR IIIx’s size does impose some compromises: there’s no physical mode for focus (you toggle Snap/AF in menus or with shortcuts), and the screen is fixed (and can be hard to see in bright light unless you pump up brightness, at the cost of battery petapixel.com). There’s no built-in flash – Ricoh removed it from GR II to III to make room for IBIS and a larger sensor, which some lament keithwee.com. Also notably absent is weather-sealing; in fact, “the Ricoh GR IIIx lacks any form of weather and dust resistance” and unfortunately has a history of dust particles sneaking onto the sensor through the retracting lens mechanism keithwee.com. Users have resorted to third-party stick-on filters or small lens hoods to mitigate dust keithwee.com. It’s a trade-off of the GR’s collapsible lens design – pocketability comes at the cost of a sealed unit. Ergonomically, the camera is designed for one-handed use; it has a small rubberized grip that is decent, but with larger hands it’s a three-finger hold. Thankfully the light weight helps. There is a USB-C port for charging or tethering, and a flash hotshoe on top if you want to mount an external flash or viewfinder. Ricoh deliberately kept the camera understated – even the startup sound and looks are muted so you can shoot unnoticed. The GR’s usability shines for experienced photographers who set up the camera with their favorite snap distance and can lift, click, and pocket it in seconds. Beginners might find the lack of zoom or viewfinder limiting at first, but the camera’s simplicity actually encourages focusing on composition and timing. As an expert summed up, the GR series has reached “peak design” – Ricoh found what works and sticks with it keithwee.com. The GR IIIx is indeed a refinement of decades of GR film cameras and earlier GR Digitals: it’s “perfectly imperfect” – stripping away non-essentials to create a pure shooting tool keithwee.com. On the downside, the minimalist approach means it’s not a versatile “do-it-all” camera – it really excels in a specific use case (candid stills) and doesn’t attempt much beyond that. But within its niche, the user experience is almost cultishly loved. Many street photographers swear by the GR because no other camera offers such high image quality in such a tiny, quiet body. As one review quipped, the GR makes it so “you can pull it out without… ruining a scene,” unlike a big camera where everyone notices wired.com.

Leica Q3 – Luxury Meets Utility: The Leica Q3’s design is a study in blending classic Leica DNA with modern needs. It looks like a miniaturized Leica M rangefinder, complete with the iconic red dot and a very clean, geometric form. The body is constructed from high-grade materials with exquisite finish – it feels dense (734 g with battery, significantly heavier than the Fuji or Ricoh) and solid like a little tank dpreview.com. The Q3 maintains the minimalist control layout Leica is known for: the top plate has only the shutter release (with on/off), a recessed thumb dial, and a three-position switch for off/single/continuous shooting. There’s no traditional shutter speed dial or ISO dial here (unlike the Fuji); instead, those are handled via the rear or menus, akin to modern mirrorless cameras. The shutter speed and aperture can be controlled automatically or manually by setting their dials – the lens has an aperture ring (with 1/3 EV stops) and the top has a dial or you use the rear thumb wheel for shutter. On the back, the Q3 has a 3-inch touchscreen which, for the first time in Leica’s history, tilts (up 90º, down about 45º) dpreview.com. This was a big deal: “the Q3 becomes the first digital Leica camera to offer a tilting screen” dpreview.com. It adds a lot of practicality for shooting from the hip or overhead, which street shooters love. The EVF is a gorgeous 5.76M-dot OLED with 0.79× magnification – large and crisp for composing. Unlike Fuji’s hybrid finder, the Leica’s EVF is purely electronic but one of the best in class. Weather-sealing on the Q3 is rated at IP52 dpreview.com, meaning it’s dust resistant and can handle light rain – a perk for travel and outdoor use. Handling-wise, the Q3 is a bit larger in hand than the X100VI; it’s not pocketable in regular clothing, more of a small bag or shoulder sling camera. There’s an optional handgrip (which also enables wireless charging) for those who want a more pronounced grip. Without it, the Q3 has a modest thumb rest and you typically support it with your left hand under the lens. Many users attach a thumb grip in the hot shoe or a Leica strap for security. Despite the weight, it’s well-balanced and the controls have that Leica precision feel (knurled metal knobs, a satisfying click to the aperture ring, etc.). The user interface is notably simple – Leica’s menu system on the Q3 is relatively sparse compared to Fuji’s extensive menus. It has a quick menu and the touch interface supports gestures (like swipe in play mode, etc.). Leica provides a few physical buttons (play, FN, menu) that you can customize. By default, there’s a shortcut button that can be assigned to things like digital zoom or other functions. In terms of “luxury”, the Q3 certainly has it: it exudes a timeless style with its matte black finish and engraved markings. But function isn’t sacrificed – as TechRadar noted, the Q3 “stays true to [Leica’s] minimalist heritage, but sports some of the most advanced features… I’ve seen in a Leica”, calling it a “comprehensive upgrade” over the Q2 techradar.com. Indeed, Leica managed to include 8K video, a tilting LCD, hybrid AF, and new connectivity in a camera that still feels like a classic Leica. Using the Q3 is a joy: autofocus is now quick (no more contrast-only sluggishness), the EVF and shutter are responsive, and the leaf shutter is nearly silent (plus you have an electronic shutter option for silent shooting). It’s an easy camera to zone focus with too – the lens has depth-of-field scales, and some street shooters set it to manual focus and f/8 for instant shooting (the classic Leica way). One downside is cost anxiety – a Leica in hand, especially at ~$6000, can make you a bit nervous in rough areas. It’s a thief magnet if you’re not careful. But if you’re comfortable, the Q3 is rugged enough to be a daily carry. Also, unlike Fuji or Ricoh, firmware updates on the Leica have brought meaningful improvements: for example, recent firmware v3.1.1 added more customization for the FN button and improved autofocus performance youtube.com, showing Leica’s commitment to refining the user experience post-release. The Q3’s simplicity can be a double-edged sword – if you love manual dials, you might miss them here. But many find the sparse design refreshing in an age of button-heavy cameras. As The Verge pointed out, the GR and X100 feel very different to shoot despite similar goals theverge.com. The Q3 would slot in as feeling closer to a traditional modern camera (like a mirrorless) but with Leica’s “less is more” philosophy guiding it.

In summary, usability aligns with each camera’s ethos: The X100VI is about experience – tactile controls, a beautiful hybrid finder, and that retro feel combined with modern tech. It’s immensely satisfying to shoot with if you enjoy dialing in settings manually and taking your time to compose, but it can also handle quick shots in auto modes. The GR IIIx is about discretion and focus – it’s the camera you forget is in your pocket until a moment appears, then you quickly capture it without anyone noticing. It strips away all fluff to let you concentrate on capturing the decisive moment. The Leica Q3 is about excellence and simplicity – it’s a precision instrument that gives you just what you need and nothing extraneous, in a luxurious package. It’s the largest and heaviest, but also the most capable on paper, and it offers a shooting experience that many describe as inspiring (though that might partly be the Leica mystique). As one expert quipped, comparing cameras like these often comes down to whether you prefer “stealth or style” theverge.com – the Ricoh is stealthy, the Fuji stylish, and the Leica manages to be both a style statement and relatively stealthy (at least compared to an interchangeable-lens DSLR).

Autofocus and Performance

X100VI Autofocus: Fujifilm gave the X100VI a welcome boost in the AF department by borrowing the hybrid autofocus system from its latest X-series cameras. It uses on-sensor phase detection pixels (covering a wide area) combined with contrast-detect, and the new X-Processor 5 enables faster processing and AI-based subject detection. In theory, this makes the X100VI the snappiest-focusing X100 ever, and indeed Fuji claims improved AF speed and accuracy. In practice, DPReview found AF to be “one of the most expanded areas of the X100VI” – it now includes subject recognition modes (for things like faces/eyes, animals, etc.) and tracking AF in video dpreview.com, which previous models lacked. However, they note a paradox: it’s still “one of the least changed” aspects in terms of fundamental speed dpreview.com. In other words, while feature-rich, the X100VI’s AF is limited by physics: the lens’s focus motor and aperture steps can only go so fast, and it’s not as lightning-quick as, say, a pro sports camera. DPReview’s verdict: the VI’s AF is “the best performing and most usable of the series yet”, but “a world away from the best contemporary mirrorless cameras” dpreview.com. That aligns with user reports – it’s good and reliable for general shooting, human faces, and moderate action, but if you try to track a fast-moving subject or shoot burst of a running pet, it may struggle to keep up with every frame in focus. Still, compared to the X100V, AF-C tracking is improved and Eye-AF is more sticky. Low-light AF benefits from the new sensor’s better sensitivity and the addition of IBIS (less camera shake on sensor helps contrast AF). One DPReview forum comment criticized Fuji for leaving the same lens and focus motor, calling it “uninspired” to put a 40MP and not upgrade AF more dpreview.com. But others found AF fine for its intended use: street, travel, portraits – basically anything except fast sports. In real-world street shooting, the X100VI acquires targets quickly; it also helps that you can use the OVF to pre-focus via the distance scale (zone focusing if needed). One upside of Fuji’s AF is the interface: the dedicated focus mode switch (single, continuous, manual) and the AF joystick make selecting focus points quick. When using the EVF, you can tap the screen to focus as well. The camera also has focus peaking for manual focus and the nifty Digital Split Image or Digital Microprism focus aids (mimicking old rangefinder focusing). So, while not class-leading, X100VI’s autofocus is solid. A firmware update (v1.20) reportedly even bumped it into “good without reservation” territory for some users, one saying it “feels like my Sony A6400” in AF behavior reddit.com. That’s high praise, suggesting Fuji is fine-tuning AF with updates. Continuous shooting on the X100VI is modest at 8 fps (mechanical) or up to 20 fps (electronic shutter with some crop). It’s enough for mild action sequences, but again, not the forte of this camera.

GR IIIx Autofocus: The Ricoh GR IIIx employs a hybrid AF system as well – it has contrast-detect AF supplemented by phase-detect pixels on its sensor. Ricoh doesn’t advertise a ton of AI smarts, but it does include face detection and even eye detect in the GR III/IIIx firmware petapixel.com. The GR’s AF is generally good for static or slow subjects, but it has a reputation of being a bit finicky in certain conditions. At its best, it locks quickly (Ricoh claims approx 0.2 seconds under optimal conditions) and it’s accurate. The benefit of the GR’s small lens is very little focus breathing – it can rack focus pretty fast. However, low light and low-contrast scenes can trip it up. Keith Wee mentions the hybrid AF “improved [over GR II], but its reliability in low-light can be inconsistent” keithwee.com. In real terms: shooting at night street scenes, you might experience some hunting or slower lock times. The GR has an AF assist lamp which helps at close range. There are AF modes like pinpoint, 9-point auto, subject tracking (not very sophisticated though). Most GR enthusiasts, however, often bypass AF by using Snap Focus or zone focusing. Snap Focus is essentially Ricoh’s secret weapon for capturing decisive moments. By presetting the focus distance (say 2.5m which at f/8 gives you about 1.5m to infinity in focus), you can instantly shoot without waiting for AF – effectively zero lag. This is fantastic for street, and reviewers constantly praise it: “Snap Focus lets you set a focus distance … from 1 meter to infinity” and you can assign it to the full-press of shutter petapixel.com. Wired’s review detailed how using Snap (or the full-press Snap shortcut) saved many shots that might have been missed due to AF lag wired.com wired.com. So ironically, one of the fastest “AF” methods on the GR is not AF at all, but pre-focus. When the GR IIIx does use autofocus normally, it’s fairly quiet and you can use touch-to-focus on the rear screen as well. Continuous AF (AF-C) on the GR is rudimentary; it’s not designed for tracking moving subjects across the frame or continuous bursts. The burst rate is only ~4 fps anyway petapixel.com, so it’s not aimed at action. That said, you can catch moving subjects by leveraging depth of field or Snap focus. For candid street, many find this sufficient. One thing to note: the GR has no viewfinder and the LCD can be hard to see in bright sunlight, which can slow down your ability to tap-focus or confirm focus; some users will shoot from the hip using Snap focus in those conditions. The camera’s performance in terms of shot-to-shot is quite quick (minimal blackout, etc.), and it starts up swiftly as mentioned. Overall, for its intended use (street photography, quick snaps), the GR’s focusing approach is well-tailored: use AF for static scenes or when depth is shallow, but use Snap for anything that moves or when you need immediacy. When used this way, the GR is one of the fastest street cameras around. But if one expected modern eye-tracking continuous AF comparable to a Sony – that it is not. As Ricoh itself might say, the GR proudly “wears its raison d’être on its sleeve”: it’s not for sports or birds, it’s for capturing the streets keithwee.com.

Leica Q3 Autofocus: Leica made a significant improvement in the Q3 by adding phase-detect AF for the first time in a Q camera dpreview.com dpreview.com. The Q2 and Q1 relied solely on contrast-detect (and a bit of depth-from-defocus courtesy of Leica/Panasonic), which could be slow, especially in low light. The Q3’s new hybrid AF (which Leica developed alongside Panasonic’s L² tech partnership) combines PDAF pixels with contrast and DFD, making focusing much faster and more confident. Reviewers immediately noted that AF is no longer a weakness: it can track subjects decently and nails focus in most situations. DPReview listed “autofocus” among the improvements that make the Q3 a solid upgrade dpreview.com. In use, the Q3 focuses quickly on static subjects – near-instant in good light. Face detection is available and works reliably to grab your subject’s face (great for street portraits or events). Continuous AF and subject tracking are now viable for mild action; the Q3 isn’t aimed at sports, but you could capture a walking subject or children playing with a fair success rate. The camera shoots up to 15 fps (e-shutter) or 10 fps (mechanical) which is plenty, and with PDAF it can adjust focus between frames better than the Q2 could. One journalist noted that given the high-res sensor, focus accuracy was important and they “would have loved IBIS” too techradar.com, but that aside, the AF itself is much improved. In fact, Leica included an “AF Tracking” mode plus the usual single point, field, face detect options. Eye AF is also supported (though perhaps not as sticky as Sony’s). For many Leica users coming from manual-focus Ms, the Q series AF was already a luxury – with the Q3, it’s now truly modern. One DPReview quote effectively says the Q3’s “phase detect autofocus and 60MP sensor squeeze even more out of the already sharp lens” dpreview.com, meaning focus is no longer a bottleneck to exploiting that sensor sharpness. Another nice aspect: the Q3’s lens focus ring can be used at any time to instantly override AF (it’s fly-by-wire but nicely damped). So if the AF were to miss, you can correct manually. There’s also a clever “AF Macro” mode – when in macro focus range, the AF system accounts for the changed focus scale. Focus in macro might hunt occasionally due to shallow DOF, but generally it’s fine. In low light, the Q3’s large sensor and fast lens help the AF, and the PDAF ensures it doesn’t hunt as much as the Q2 did – it will lock in dim scenes where Q2 might fail. Overall, Q3’s autofocus now aligns with what you’d expect from a high-end 2023 camera: it’s dependable and fast. It may not have the AI subject recognition of some competitors (besides face/eye, it doesn’t do animals or vehicles specifically), but for the typical use cases of a 28mm lens – human subjects and general scenes – it’s more than sufficient. As Leica Rumors and others pointed out, the Q3’s AF system is quite like the Panasonic Lumix S5II’s (which is a good thing, as that system was a big step up from earlier contrast-only models) dpreview.com.

Performance Beyond AF: A quick note on other performance aspects: All three cameras have leaf shutters in their lenses (the GR and Fuji definitely do; Leica’s behaves like one with flash sync up to 1/2000s). This means quiet operation and ability to sync flash at high speeds, which is great for fill flash. The Fuji and Leica also offer electronic shutters up to 1/16,000 or so, allowing shooting wide open in bright light without ND filter (Fuji also has the built-in ND 4-stop, which is handy dpreview.com; Leica relies on its electronic shutter beyond 1/2000; GR has a built-in 2-stop ND). Startup times: Fuji ~2 seconds (plus lens extends slightly for built-in lens cover to open); Ricoh ~0.8s (fast!); Leica ~1s. Shot-to-shot speeds: all are essentially lag-free for single shots; buffer: Fuji can buffer a decent number of RAWs especially if using slower burst, GR is not meant for burst so buffer is small (~10 RAWs), Leica can buffer around 8-10 RAW at 10fps. Shutter feel: Fuji and Leica have traditional threaded shutter buttons (nice for adding soft releases or cable releases), Ricoh’s shutter is also good but maybe a tad smaller and flush.

Bottom line (AF & performance): The X100VI offers competent autofocus that finally brings eye detection and reliable tracking for casual use, but it’s not a sports camera – think of it as quick enough for street and family moments, with the charm of manual controls if needed. The GR IIIx emphasizes a different approach – its AF is okay, but its design encourages zone focusing and Snap, making it lightning fast for those who use it that way (in capable hands, nothing beats pre-focus for speed). The Leica Q3 now focuses as a modern camera should: confidently, fast, and with minimal fuss, which complements its high-end status; you won’t miss a shot due to AF lag in normal situations. In a direct race, Q3 would likely acquire focus fastest, X100VI second, GR IIIx third (in AF mode). But the GR might actually beat the others if using Snap Focus at the appropriate distance (since it’s essentially pre-focused, capturing instantly). So each has its own paradigm of achieving sharp results. It’s a testament to how each brand thinks its users prefer to work: Fuji and Leica enhancing autofocus to meet expectations, Ricoh enabling alternative methods to achieve the same end.

Video Capabilities

Historically, none of these cameras were primarily designed for video – they’re photographers’ tools first. But in recent iterations, manufacturers have increasingly added robust video features, with one of them even pushing into serious videography territory.

Fujifilm X100VI Video: Fuji surprised us by packing significant video power into the X100VI. It can shoot 6.2K footage up to 30p (from a 1.23x cropped region of the sensor) and downsample high-quality 4K dpreview.com. Essentially, the X100VI inherits the video options of the Fujifilm X-T5 dpreview.com dpreview.com. That means you get 10-bit internal recording, F-Log for flat profiles, and several resolution/frame rate combinations: full-width 4K at 30p (line-skipped), oversampled 4K (from 6.2K crop) at up to 30p for maximum detail, a slightly cropped 4K at 50/60p, and 1080p up to 120p slow motion dpreview.com adorama.com. Impressively, the X100VI also offers video-specific AF improvements, such as subject tracking in video mode (including face/eye detect) – a first for the X100 line dpreview.com. DPReview noted that “the X100VI offers essentially the same video features as the X-T5” and highlighted that it now includes AF tracking that isn’t limited to only certain subjects dpreview.com. In practical terms, you could use the X100VI to vlog or capture high-quality b-roll. The fixed 23mm lens (35mm eq) is a bit tight for arm’s length vlogging, but great for environmental shots. The camera has a built-in microphone (stereo) and importantly a 2.5mm mic jack (which doubles as remote release port) – you can connect an external mic with an adapter. It lacks a headphone jack, but you can use the USB-C port with an adapter to monitor audio dpreview.com. Fuji also included their film simulations for video, which is fun for creative looks (Provia, Eterna, etc.), and the built-in ND filter can be used in video to maintain wider apertures in bright light dpreview.com. Rolling shutter in 6.2K is present (24.9ms readout – moderate) dpreview.com, but using the cropped modes can minimize it. Now, all that said, most X100 owners historically didn’t use the camera much for video. DPReview even commented “we’ve not heard of a lot of people making use” of X100 series video dpreview.com – it was more of a backup option. With X100VI’s improvements, that could change for some. In-body stabilization also helps here: the VI’s IBIS will steady handheld video significantly (one of the criticisms of older X100s for video was their shakiness). Fuji’s contrasty, detailed output can be lovely for casual films. However, there are limitations: no log output to HDMI (the camera has USB-C and Micro HDMI out, and it can output a clean 4K feed if needed), and potential thermal issues if one were to push 6.2K for long clips (though Fuji doesn’t heavily market the X100VI for extended recording, and no fan obviously). The camera can upload video files to Frame.io cloud directly when connected, a boon for quick sharing dpreview.com dpreview.com. In summary, the X100VI is surprisingly capable for video – one might say “strong video capabilities” are among its positives dpreview.com. It’s not likely to replace a dedicated video-centric camera for pros, but for hybrid shooters or those times you want to record a quality movie clip without another camera, it delivers.

Ricoh GR IIIx Video: If the Fuji is surprisingly strong at video, the Ricoh is, unfortunately, the opposite. The GR IIIx is very limited in video functionality. It maxes out at 1080p (Full HD) at 60fps petapixel.com. There is no 4K, no high bitrate options, and minimal control (you can’t adjust much aside from exposure comp or basic settings). Ricoh themselves have always pitched the GR as a still camera. Petapixel bluntly states: “bear in mind it’s limited to 1080p… no 4K here. Ricoh isn’t shy to position it as a still photo camera” petapixel.com. Wired’s review was even more direct: “Video… is barely usable. Don’t plan on shooting video with this thing. Pretend it doesn’t even shoot video.” wired.com. That quote pretty much sums it up – WIRED gave the GR III/IIIx a 9/10 for stills, but called out video and battery as its weaknesses wired.com. Why is it so dire? A few reasons: the 1080p quality is mediocre by today’s standards (soft detail compared to 4K cameras), there’s no stabilization dedicated for video (though the IBIS might help a little with minor handshake, it’s not optimized for video panning), the AF during video is slow and can hunt, and audio is basic (mono mic, no mic input). Additionally, there’s no HDMI out for external recording. The GR is truly a “carry everywhere camera for photos,” and video feels like a checkbox feature from an earlier era. You can capture a quick 1080/30 clip in a pinch, but if video is a priority at all, the GR IIIx is not the right tool. On the bright side, the GR IIIx does have that large sensor, so its 1080p has the aesthetic of an APS-C camera (you can get some shallow DOF). And it being small, you could conceivably use it for some discrete filming. But with no 4K and no articulation on the screen, creative video work is very limited. Ricoh probably assumed anyone buying a GR either doesn’t care about video or has another device (phone, etc.) for that. It’s telling that Ricoh’s own GR marketing almost never mentions video. So we’ll join Wired in saying: the GR IIIx’s video is an afterthought – you’re better off not factoring it in. If you need occasional clips, it can do the basics, but definitely “don’t believe the hype” in this department (actually, there is no hype – everyone acknowledges its video weakness).

Leica Q3 Video: Leica made a bold move by giving the Q3 serious video chops. The Q3 can shoot 8K video up to 30p (both DCI and UHD 8K), and 4K up to 60p, plus various other modes dpreview.com adorama.com. This is a huge step from the Q2 which topped out at 4K30. The Q3’s video specs are on par with many hybrid interchangeable-lens cameras: 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, support for Apple ProRes 422 HQ (though limited to 1080p 60 in ProRes) dpreview.com, and Leica’s L-Log profile for flat footage (not explicitly mentioned in our sources but Leica typically offers a log profile via the Leica Fotos app or in-camera for their video). The camera even has external capabilities: a micro-HDMI port allows outputting video to recorders, and it can do 8K/30 10-bit out or feed an external monitor dpreview.com dpreview.com. The USB-C can act as Power Delivery to keep it charged, or tether to an iPhone (perhaps even for monitoring via the app). Leica touts features like “tethered shooting with Capture One/Lightroom” which might apply more to stills, but shows the pro workflow intent dpreview.com. Real-world, the Q3 produces beautiful video: the full-frame look, Leica color, and that sharp Summilux lens make for rich footage. At 8K, footage is extremely detailed (but heavy on storage). The Q3 also introduces an interesting option called “Triple Resolution Technology” for stills (60, 36, 18MP modes), and similarly you can choose lower res capture to improve dynamic range or reduce rolling shutter. In fact, one can shoot 4K supersampled from 8K for pristine quality, or use a lower res mode for faster readout. The rolling shutter at 8K will be noticeable if you pan quickly (common for most 8K cameras), but at 4K it’s likely well-managed, especially if using the downsampled modes. Leica even provides EIS (electronic stabilization) in video to supplement the optical lens stabilization techradar.com. As TechRadar noted, they “would have loved IBIS” for such high res, but they mention the camera at least has electronic and optical stab which “hopefully… goes some way to mitigating shake” techradar.com. There’s no mention of a time limit in sources; presumably, thermal constraints will cap 8K recording length (maybe around 15-20 minutes at a time) – typical for a small body. The Q3’s audio: it has built-in mics and importantly a USB-C audio interface. Leica sells an adapter (or you can use third-party) to plug in a 3.5mm mic via USB-C. No headphone jack directly, but you could monitor through HDMI or possibly USB-C. This all indicates Leica is actually courting the hybrid shooter who might want to do high-quality video with a fixed-lens Leica. One reviewer exclaimed the Q3 “isn’t just a photography camera. It can capture impressive 8K video… 8K30, 4K60, and 120fps at 1080” adorama.com, calling it “future proof… with production quality 8K” adorama.com. It’s quite a twist – “Leica” and “8K video” in the same sentence was unexpected a few years ago! Of course, a $6k camera better be versatile. Compared to X100VI’s strong-but-limited-by-heat 6K, the Q3’s 8K is even more cutting edge, but practically many will use its excellent 4K. Meanwhile, the GR IIIx sits out the video party entirely.

Summary: For video shooters, the ranking is clear: Leica Q3 leads with high-resolution, professional-grade video capabilities that could legitimately be used for serious projects or at least high-end content creation dpreview.com techradar.com. Fujifilm X100VI is a surprisingly strong runner-up – it offers 6.2K/4K, 10-bit, and Fuji’s color science in a small body, ideal for hybrid casual use or creative filmmaking when you want the unique look of a 35mm lens and vintage body (some might use it for travel vlogs or documentary B-roll) dpreview.com dpreview.com. Ricoh GR IIIx, however, is far behind – it’s essentially a stills-only device with token 1080p video petapixel.com wired.com. If your use case has any significant video component, you’d likely rule out the GR or plan to complement it with another camera for motion work. It’s interesting how these cameras span the gamut: from “pretend it doesn’t shoot video” wired.com to “sets the bar for premium compact video”. This differentiation might actually simplify choices: e.g., street photographers who don’t care about video can go GR with no remorse, whereas a travel blogger who wants to shoot clips might lean Fuji or Leica.

Connectivity and Software Features

In today’s digital workflow, connectivity and software can be as important as raw specs. Here’s how our three contenders keep you connected and what unique software tricks they offer:

Fujifilm X100VI Connectivity: Fuji has improved its connectivity game recently. The X100VI comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and is fully compatible with Fujifilm’s new X App (replacing the older Camera Remote app). Reviewers found the smartphone connection “reliable” – DPReview specifically noted that the “camera-to-cloud and smartphone app [were] both reliable” in their testing dpreview.com. The X100VI is actually the first Fujifilm camera that can upload images and video directly to Adobe’s Frame.io cloud platform when paired with a phone or Wi-Fi – a forward-looking feature for instant backup or sharing with collaborators dpreview.com. This could be handy for pro workflows or travelers who want images to auto-transfer to cloud. Using the app, you can also do the usual remote control, live view shooting, and wireless image transfer (including RAWs now, and faster than before). Bluetooth helps maintain a constant low-power connection, so you can geotag images from your phone’s GPS and have the camera auto-send JPEGs to your phone as you shoot, if desired. In terms of ports, the X100VI has a USB-C port (supports charging, data, and even headphone out with adapter) and a micro-HDMI. The USB-C also allows tethering to a computer for Fuji’s X-Acquire or webcam function if needed, and you can use the camera as a high-quality webcam (Fujifilm has webcam software). For flash or accessories, it has a standard hot shoe. Fuji’s software features in-camera are rich: aside from the famous film simulations (which are arguably software magic that simulate various Fujifilm film stocks), there are features like in-camera RAW conversion, advanced filters (toy camera, miniature effect, etc.), and panoramas. A fun mode Fuji has is the Digital Teleconverter: using the high resolution sensor, you can set the camera to crop to 50mm or 70mm equivalent framing and output a JPEG that is upscaled (the X100VI might even do more with 40MP, perhaps 2x and 4x digital tele modes, though usually it was 50/70 on 26MP with lower resulting resolutions). It’s not optical quality like real converters, but useful if you want a quick tighter shot without manual cropping later. Another software trick: Multiple Exposure mode for creative layering of shots. And let’s not forget Fuji’s menus allow a lot of customization (Q menu, custom presets etc.). Fuji cameras also support flash commander mode with their EF-X8 (not included) or newer flashes, but since X100VI has no built-in flash (X100T was last with built-in), you’d need an external strobe for triggering. All said, Fuji provides a well-rounded connectivity package: easy pairing and transfers, camera remote control, and even direct cloud upload – something neither Ricoh nor Leica do natively dpreview.com dpreview.com. Their app has historically been a weak point, but the latest X App has been received much better for stability.

Ricoh GR IIIx Connectivity: The GR IIIx also features Wi-Fi (802.11n) and Bluetooth LE. It works with Ricoh’s Image Sync mobile app for image transfer and remote shooting. That said, user feedback on Ricoh’s app is mixed – it’s functional but not as refined as some competitors. You can transfer JPEGs and even RAWs (DNG) if patient. Bluetooth can be used to auto-sync time and location, and to wake the camera for quick transfers. A neat option: you can configure the GR to automatically send a resized JPEG to your phone upon each shot (for quick social sharing on the go). For remote shutter, the app allows basic live view and capture – useful if you want to put the GR on a small tripod for a selfie or group shot (though its wide 40mm lens means you might have to step back). Physically, the GR IIIx has a USB-C port which serves multiple roles: it charges the battery internally (the GR pioneered USB-C charging early; Wired noted it was “ahead of the curve” in 2019 with that wired.com), and can be used as a data connection to a PC or phone (some folks plug it in to transfer instead of Wi-Fi for speed). The USB-C port can also act as a headphone out or analog video out with the right adapters (though with 1080p max video, this is less relevant). The camera lacks HDMI out entirely. For software features, the Ricoh GR series has a cult following for its “Snap Focus” (discussed earlier) and also for its JPEG “Image Control” presets. Ricoh provides several film-like presets (Positive Film, Retro, Monotone, Bleach Bypass, etc.) and you can tweak contrast, hue, grain, etc., and even save custom presets. There’s a community sharing GR “recipes” (similar to Fuji’s film sim recipes) to get certain looks wired.com. The GR IIIx also has in-camera RAW development and some editing tools (crop, rotate, etc.). A special mention: the GR IIIx “Horizon Leveling” using its gyro – it can auto-correct slight tilts in-camera. It also has interval shooting for timelapses (though again 1080p only if video). One notable omission connectivity-wise: the GR IIIx cannot do direct cloud or have fancy webcam functions. It’s a simpler device in that regard. And since many GR users shoot on the street and quickly share to social media, the app’s reliability or lack thereof can be a frustration – but once you get it connected, transferring JPEGs is fine. On the plus side, the GR has internal memory (2 GB in GR IIIx, and the upcoming GR IV will have a massive 53 GB built-in theverge.com theverge.com). With internal memory, you can shoot even without an SD card and then later transfer images via USB or Wi-Fi. This is a nice backup in case you forget a card. However, 2GB fills quick (about 40 RAW or a few hundred JPEG). Future GR IV ups this significantly, indicating Ricoh’s intent to improve connectivity (maybe even bypassing phone needed if one could plug in directly or use phone file managers). But as it stands, GR IIIx’s connectivity is utilitarian – it’s there if you need it, but many GR purists almost treat the camera like a film camera, downloading images at home after the shoot rather than tethering on the go.

Leica Q3 Connectivity: The Q3 is quite advanced in connectivity. It has dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and works with Leica’s FOTOS app. Leica FOTOS allows remote control, image viewing, downloading RAW or JPG, and even updating firmware. The Q3 introduced one very interesting feature: you can connect it directly to an iPhone via USB-C to Lightning (or USB-C) and the Leica FOTOS app will recognize it for fast wired transfer – effectively turning the phone into a big memory card or remote viewer for the camera dpreview.com. This is great for journalists or anyone who wants immediate full-res images on their phone (bypassing sometimes flaky wireless). With USB 3.1 Gen2, transfers are speedy. The Q3’s Wi-Fi is also improved over Q2, and you can even use it for tethered shooting to a computer (works with Capture One or Lightroom) – Leica provided that capability, which studio photographers will appreciate dpreview.com. Also unique: the Q3 optionally has a Wireless Charging Grip; this accessory adds Qi wireless charging when you set the camera down on a charging mat dpreview.com. While more about power, it is a connectivity convenience – no need to plug in cables to charge (Leica loves their little luxury touches). The grip can also give an Ethernet port for wired networking. The Q3’s ports: USB-C (PD support, data, audio), Micro-HDMI (for external monitors/recorders), hot shoe (for flash or an adapter). Software-wise, Leica keeps things straightforward but there are a few notable features: The Q3 has in-camera perspective control – using gyros and lens data, it can auto-correct converging verticals in JPEGs (useful for architecture) dpreview.com. It also has a smart dynamic range mode that can lift shadows intelligently. There’s no playful film simulation like Fuji; Leica assumes you’ll do color grading yourself or shoot RAW. But their out-of-camera JPEGs have a pleasing, neutral-but-rich look many love. Firmware updates have added things like customizable FN button behaviors (the Q3’s firmware 3.0 added the ability to assign the center wheel press to toggle manual focus aids, which was requested by users youtube.com). The Q3’s “Multi-field” meter also has a highlight-weighted option for preserving highlights, a nice software detail for tricky lighting. It includes focus bracketing if you want to do focus stacking later. One might not expect it, but Leica has embraced connectivity to the point of offering integration with Adobe Lightroom via the FOTOS app: you can sync photos directly into Lightroom Mobile if you link accounts. The concept of the Q3 is modern workflow, despite the classic body. The Verge humorously contrasted that “the GR cameras… carve a niche among street photographers who value compact size and affordable prices compared to a Fujifilm X100 or Leica Q” theverge.com – implying the Q is for those with bigger wallets. That bigger wallet also gets you a more seamless tech integration perhaps. One letdown: the Q3 doesn’t have a multi-shot high-res mode or any computational night mode (some competitors do). But with 60MP, who needs sensor shift trickery? One more note: Leica’s menu offers “Triple Resolution” raw capture (60/36/18MP) – not exactly connectivity, but a software feature to manage file size and speed if needed adorama.com. For instance, you could set 18MP mode if you know you’ll only share to web and want tiny files, or 36MP as a middle ground. That affects how quickly images transfer too (smaller = faster).

Summary: Connectivity is an area where Fuji and Leica shine, and Ricoh lags slightly. The X100VI with the new app and even cloud integration is clearly acknowledging modern needs (Fuji users can now share easier and even work with cloud collaborations) dpreview.com. The Leica Q3, befitting its premium status, offers pro connectivity: tethering, wired phone connection, and a fairly robust app (FOTOS) dpreview.com. The Ricoh GR IIIx has the basics but is bare-bones – it’ll get images to your phone and allow remote shutter, but without sophistication or speed, and the app experience is not as polished. When it comes to software features, Fuji has the richest in-camera options (films sims, multiple exposure, etc.), Ricoh has a few unique ones (Snap Focus, custom image profiles, interval), and Leica keeps it minimal but effective (perspective control, high-res management). One could say Fuji’s approach is feature-packed and fun, Ricoh’s is streamlined and specialized, and Leica’s is focused on quality and essential tools. Depending on whether you value easy sharing and creative modes or prefer a no-distraction approach, this might influence your preference.

Battery Life and Power

The downside of compact cameras is often battery life, and here we see some stark differences:

Fujifilm X100VI Battery: The X100VI uses the Fuji NP-W126S battery – a tried and true 7.2V, 1260mAh battery used across many X-series models. Given the X100VI’s new IBIS and 40MP sensor, one might expect a hit to endurance, but in practice it still offers decent battery life. In fact, DPReview listed “decent battery life” among its positives for the camera dpreview.com. Official CIPA ratings aren’t explicitly cited in our sources, but from the DPReview Q3 comparison table, it appears the X100V (similar build) was rated about 420 shots (likely using OVF) or 350 shots (EVF) per charge dpreview.com. The X100VI being slightly more power-hungry might get around 350 (OVF) / 300 (EVF) in standard use. Real-world, many users get a full day’s casual shooting out of one battery (say 200-300 shots with chimping). If you’re heavily using the EVF, Wi-Fi, or video, it will drain faster. The X100 series luckily has USB-C charging, so you can top up from a power bank on the go – a common practice now. Many also carry a spare NP-W126S (they’re small). It’s noteworthy that Fuji didn’t switch to the larger NP-W235 (from X-T4) likely to keep size down. But the NP-W126S is widely available and not too costly (third-party options exist too). The X100VI’s hybrid viewfinder helps extend life – using the optical viewfinder draws far less power than the EVF, so you can conserve energy by using OVF when possible. DPReview’s table indeed suggests 350 shots CIPA which presumably was EVF number, and 420 with OVF dpreview.com. Also, turning off features like continuous Bluetooth or using airplane mode can stretch it further. Overall, no one is complaining about the X100VI’s battery – it’s “decent” and in line with expectations, if not stellar. Considering all it’s doing (40MP, IBIS, high-res EVF), it’s actually fairly efficient.

Ricoh GR IIIx Battery: The GR IIIx unfortunately suffers in this area. It uses a tiny DB-110 battery (approx 1350mAh but only 3.6V, so effectively about half the watt-hours of Fuji’s battery). The CIPA rating is a meager approx 200 shots per charge keithwee.com dpreview.com. Many real-world users report getting 150-200 shots, sometimes even less if using lots of playback or Wi-Fi. Wired’s tester noted “I got about 150 shots, and fewer in low light when the IBIS is working harder” wired.com. That lines up with Keith Wee’s comment that “200 shots per charge [is] paltry by 2025 standards”, and that Ricoh really should improve battery life in the next model keithwee.com. Indeed, Ricoh has stuck with this small battery to keep the camera’s size pocketable, but it’s a pain point. The GR is definitely a camera you’ll want to carry spares for if you’re out for a full day. Thankfully, USB-C charging means you can use a power bank between bursts of shooting; also some have battery banks or cases that can recharge it on the go. A trick: the GR can run (and even shoot) while plugged into USB power, effectively letting a USB pack serve as an external battery – albeit that kills the portability advantage somewhat. Another nuance: the GR’s battery indicator tends to drop suddenly – people observe it’ll show full, then half, then quickly red; Wired warned “be forewarned: the GR III goes from one bar of battery to blinking red quickly” wired.com. So it’s wise to swap batteries early. The upcoming GR IV might address this as mentioned, since “battery tech exists for higher capacity” as Keith noted, but for the IIIx, it is what it is. On the bright side, if you’re doing a short photo walk (say an hour or two), 150 shots might cover it. But for travel days or events, you must pack extras. Many GR users simply turn the camera off after every few shots to conserve juice (the startup is so fast that this works okay). There’s also an “Auto-off” setting you can shorten. The IBIS and sensor cleaning (dust shake) also consume power. All that considered, battery life is one of GR IIIx’s main cons. Amateur Photographer’s review quipped the GR can be USB-powered to mitigate its “modest 200-shot battery life” amateurphotographer.com. It’s a concession you make for the small form factor.

Leica Q3 Battery: The Leica Q3 uses a new BP-SCL6 lithium-ion battery, rated at 15.8 Wh (around 7.4V, 2100mAh). Leica quotes the same CIPA 350 shots rating as the Q2 had dpreview.com. In DPReview’s text: “the new battery comes with a CIPA rating of 350, same as Q2… However, it’s not uncommon to exceed CIPA two-fold depending on use. 350 is reasonable and should comfortably give a day’s worth of shooting.” dpreview.com. So, in real usage, many Q2/Q3 owners find they can get 700+ shots if not using the EVF heavily or chimping a lot. If you do use the EVF for every shot and review images often, expect around 300-400 shots, which aligns with the rating. The Q3’s battery system is quite nice: it loads via a magazine-style insertion in the grip base – no battery door, it seals directly (which helps weather sealing). You just press it in and a latch locks it. To remove, push and it pops out partway (similar to SL and TL series Leica). This design means you can swap batteries fast and without an extra door mechanism. Leica batteries are expensive ($250 or so each), but they hold charge well and have good longevity. The Q3 also supports USB-C Power Delivery, meaning you can run the camera or charge it via USB from a high-output source. The optional wireless charging grip even allows charging the battery in-camera by just setting it on a pad – that’s a luxurious convenience (though slower; the stat from DPReview was ~190 minutes for a full wireless charge) dpreview.com. The Q3 being full-frame and having a power-hungry sensor/processor still manages average battery life – thanks partly to a big battery physically (Leica had room in the grip). It’s heavier, sure, but at least you’re not swapping often. For a day trip, one spare is usually enough for insurance. If shooting a lot of 8K video, of course the battery will drain much faster (8K might drain in under an hour of continuous use). But for photography, 350+ shots is comfortable. It’s in line with X100V and likely slightly better than X100VI using EVF. The Q3’s EVF and LCD are high-res which draws more, but battery compensates. So while Leica doesn’t lead in raw shot count, it’s solid for its class, especially relative to the GR.

Power Management: All cameras allow disabling certain features to save power: e.g., lower screen brightness, shorter auto-off times, etc. The Leica’s sensor being 60MP could draw more, but its processor likely downscales when not needed. The Fuji’s IBIS might reduce battery a bit compared to X100V, but evidently not too drastically as users find it okay. Ricoh’s strategy likely for GR IV is a slightly higher capacity battery (rumor is the same battery but maybe improved efficiency, plus the option to use a battery holder? Not sure).

Quick comparison: Leica Q3 ~350 shots (CIPA), Fuji X100VI ~350 (CIPA), Ricoh GR IIIx ~200 (CIPA) dpreview.com dpreview.com. In real use, Q3 and Fuji can stretch to 500+ if used conservatively; GR might stretch to 250 with careful power saving. But if you shoot aggressively (lots of burst, continuous focus, Wi-Fi on), Q3 and Fuji could drop to maybe 250-300, and GR to double-digit frames. It’s clear the GR is the outlier. As Keith Wee put it, “for a camera costing > $1000, battery tech exists for more capacity”, implying it’s a bit of a letdown keithwee.com. So, if you hate carrying spare batteries, the GR might frustrate you. Meanwhile, Fuji owners often carry one spare and are fine; Leica owners might carry one spare (though at Leica prices, some may not!).

One more consideration: All three batteries are removable – none of these have the built-in battery designs of some compacts (which is good for longevity). Also, each can be charged via USB in-camera. The GR’s one saving grace is USB-C charging is fast – you can top it to 100% in about 2 hours, and even 15 minutes of charging gives a decent % back thanks to small capacity. Fuji’s USB charging is also convenient, especially if you have other USB-C gadgets to consolidate chargers. Leica’s wireless charge is slow, but wired PD can charge fairly quick (likely ~2.5 hours for full).

In summary: Battery life is a Pro for the X100VI (decent and improved from older X100F which had worse ratings), a Con for the GR IIIx (frequently cited in reviews wired.com keithwee.com), and a Neutral/Okay for the Leica Q3 (good considering the sensor size, but any heavy use will require a spare anyway).

Accessories and Expandability

Each of these cameras, being fixed-lens compacts, has a limited (but notable) ecosystem of accessories to enhance or personalize the shooting experience.

Fujifilm X100VI Accessories: The X100 series enjoys a rich array of accessories, both official and third-party, given its popularity. Some key ones:

• Conversion Lenses: Fujifilm’s official WCL-X100 II (Wide Conversion Lens) and TCL-X100 II (Tele Conversion Lens) are popular. The WCL gives a 0.8× wide factor (converting the 23mm lens to ~19mm, i.e. ~28mm full-frame equiv.), and the TCL is ~1.4× (giving ~33mm, i.e. ~50mm equiv.) petapixel.com. On the X100VI’s 40MP sensor, these will still yield high resolution images and the camera can auto-recognize them (via magnets) and apply proper corrections so the resulting images are excellent. They effectively make the X100 a 3-in-1 prime camera (28mm, 35mm, 50mm eq). For travel, this is fantastic. Note these add bulk and weight, but they’re screw-on (49mm thread once you remove the ring) and fairly quick to attach.
• Filter Adapter & Weather Sealing: As mentioned, to fully weather-seal the X100 (including VI), you need the adapter ring and a protective filter. Fuji sells the AR-X100 adapter ring (it screws on the lens after removing the cosmetic ring, providing a standard 49mm filter thread) dpreview.com. Add a good 49mm UV filter and voila, the lens is protected and sealed. Many users do this day one. Third parties also make cheaper adapter rings and even integrated hood adapters.
• Lens Hoods: Fuji has a vented metal hood (LH-X100) which screws onto the adapter ring, helping reduce flare and giving a classic look. There are plenty of third-party hoods (some even incorporate the adapter function). A hood also offers extra bump protection.
• Straps and Grips: While the X100VI is compact, some prefer a grip for better hold. Fujifilm’s MHG-X100 grip attaches to the bottom and gives a pinky rest plus Arca-swiss rail. There are also thumb grips that slide into the hot shoe (Match Technical, Lensmate, etc.) to give a thumb rest, aiding one-handed stability. Leather half-cases are popular too for style and protection.
• External Flash: The X100VI lacks built-in flash (the X100V also omitted it), but it has a leaf shutter that syncs flash up to 1/2000s. Many Strobist shooters love X100 for that. Fuji’s own EF-X20 mini flash or EF-20 flash can be used on the hot shoe for fill light. Profoto and Godox also make TTL flashes for Fuji. The hot shoe can trigger wireless flash systems too. There’s also a sync terminal (via hot shoe adapter) if needed.
• Viewfinder Accessories: Not much needed because it has one built-in, but some put a soft release button on the shutter (since it’s threaded for old-style cable releases). Also, diopter lenses or stick-on magnifiers if needed, but it has a built-in diopter adjustment.
• Batteries and Chargers: Fuji includes a basic USB charger; many grab the dedicated BC-W126 charger or third-party dual chargers. Spare NP-W126S batteries (often one or two spares is enough).
• Misc: The X100 series even has fun accessories like the Instax printer compatibility (send shot to Instax Share printer for instant prints). There’s also an underwater housing (third-party) for X100, though not common. Some people mount filters like ND or polarizers using the adapter ring – useful since it’s fixed lens. Also, neutral density grads can be hand-held if needed, etc.

All in all, the X100VI can be kitted out quite a bit – wide/tele converters effectively give you multiple focal lengths, and various grips and hoods tailor handling. It’s a mature system in that sense.

Ricoh GR IIIx Accessories: Ricoh keeps things minimal, but there are a few notable add-ons:

• GW-4 and GT-2 Converters: Actually, the wide converter GW-4 (21mm converter) is for the GR III (28mm model). For the GR IIIx (40mm), Ricoh introduced the GT-2 Tele Conversion Lens, which extends the focal length to approximately 75mm equivalent petapixel.com. To attach it, you need the GA-2 Lens Adapter, which locks onto the front of the GR (replacing a ring). With the GT-2 attached, you get more reach for portraits; image quality is reportedly good (the camera has a crop mode to assist, but it’s optical conversion). Note: There is no wide converter for the GR IIIx (since 40mm to wide would be a heavy adapter; if you want wide, you’d use the 28mm GR III with GW-4).
• External Viewfinder (OVF): The GR IIIx can use the Ricoh GV-3 mini optical viewfinder that slides into the hot shoe petapixel.com. This is a simple frame viewfinder for 40mm field of view. It has frame lines and some parallax marks. It doesn’t communicate with the camera (no info overlay), purely glass to look through. Some street shooters love it because it lets them shoot with camera at eye-level in bright light, and it saves battery (LCD off). There’s also the older GV-1 (for 28/21mm frames) which wouldn’t match 40mm well. Third-party OVFs (like Voigtländer 40mm finder) could also work.
• Lens Hood/Protector: The GR lenses are notorious for being vulnerable to dust. Accessories like the Squarehood (a third-party product) provide a tiny hood that also lets you attach a UV filter over the lens opening without vignetting. JJC makes an adhesive ring + filter solution too. These not only reduce flare but importantly protect against dust ingress by covering the gap around the retractable lens keithwee.com keithwee.com. Highly recommended for GR.
• Cases and Straps: Ricoh sells a GC-11 leather wrap case that covers the camera but can be removed quickly. Neck straps or wrist straps (the GR has a loop for wrist strap and many use a small wrist strap for security). There are also “GR Neck Strap” and other branded options. A wrist strap suits the GR since you often one-hand it.
• Batteries/Charging: Extra DB-110 batteries are a must; Ricoh sells them or you get third-party. There’s a BJ-11 external charger (since camera only includes USB cable). Many just use USB, but if you want to charge one while shooting with another, an external charger is useful.
• Misc: The GR has no internal flash, but it has a flash hot shoe. You could attach a small flash or radio trigger. A small shoe-mounted flash like Nikon SB-300 or any manual flash can work (no TTL though, as GR doesn’t support P-TTL; it might support basic flash sync). There’s also an interesting attachment: some have used macro ring lights with the GA-1 adapter on older GR for close-up work. The GR has few official accessories compared to Fuji/Leica, but third parties filled in gaps: e.g., thumb grips (some make tiny adhesive ones), screen protectors, and even body skins (to customize the look – popular in Japan).
• Underwater? Not really, no official housing. Some enthusiasts have improvised with dive bag housings, but it’s not a thing for GR.

In essence, the GR IIIx can be accessorized mainly to address its shortcomings: add a viewfinder if you want one, add lens adapters to get 75mm reach, and add protective measures for the lens. It’s not as much of a system camera as Fuji or Leica, but the essentials are there.

Leica Q3 Accessories: Leica offers a host of premium (often pricey) accessories for the Q series:

• Alternative Lens Cap / Hood: The Q3 includes a lens hood in the box (Leica typically does). If not, they sell a metal hood. Also, the lens cap can be replaced with third-party auto-opening caps (some made for Q to open when lens extends in macro, but since Q lens doesn’t retract, scratch that). There are nice slip-on lens caps in leather, etc.
• Hand Grip: The Leica HG-Q3 Handgrip screws into the bottom and gives a substantial grip for the right hand. It also can mount the round Leica finger loop (like on the Leica SL) for extra secure hold. This grip also is the one that enables wireless charging (there’s a version with contacts for that).
• Thumb Support: Leica makes a Thumb Support that slides into the hot shoe, giving you a rest for your thumb which helps hold the camera steady. It’s a popular accessory for M and Q users. It’s pricy but machined brass that matches body finish.
• Straps and Cases: Leica’s leather neck strap (often included) is nice, but many upgrade to fancy braided leather or Henry’s straps. Half-cases in leather (Leica makes a half-case that covers bottom and sides, with an opening for battery/card). Those cases come in colors (brown, black, etc.). They protect and also give a bit more grip bulk.
• Spare Batteries & Charger: The Q3 battery is expensive, but you may get one. Leica’s charger can charge two at once if you buy an extra, IIRC. Also, a car charger option.
• Flash: The Q3 has a hot shoe but no built-in flash. Leica offers the SF40 or SF60 flash units (co-branded, basically Nissin flashes) for TTL flash on the Q. Most Leica Q shooters aren’t big flash users, but it’s available for fill or creative lighting. The leaf shutter allows high-speed sync up to 1/2000, which is awesome for daylight fill flash (just like Fuji).
• Filters: The Q3 lens has standard filter threads (49mm). Many will use a UV or clear filter to protect that gorgeous glass. Also ND filters if doing long exposures, though the camera has a built-in 3-stop ND (the Q2 did, presumably Q3 has one too? Actually not explicitly said, but likely yes since Q and Q2 had a built-in ND). For video, one might use a variable ND to keep shutter 180 degrees.
• Others: The Q3 now with HDMI and USB ports invites things like external monitors or microphones. So a SmallRig might have a cage or bracket for Q3 if someone wanted to rig it for video (not common but possible). Also, the Leica Q3 43 variant might have its own accessories (likely same except lens filter size maybe different if any).
• Limited editions: Not exactly accessories, but Leica often does special edition Q models (like different paint or grip texture). They don’t change function but are collectible.

One unique aspect: Because Leica Q series has a fixed lens, you might think “no lens mount? no fun?” – but Leica got creative by offering now an entire variant with a different lens (the Q3 43 with a 43mm APO lens) leicarumors.com. That’s not a swappable accessory, it’s a different camera, but it’s akin to Fuji offering a different X100 with another focal length (which Fuji doesn’t, they go the conversion lens route instead). So Leica’s way of “accessorizing” the focal length is to sell you another expensive camera, heh.

Community/DIY: There’s a cottage industry around all: e.g., custom soft releases for Fuji and Leica (since both have threaded shutter buttons). People also use vintage cable releases with the Fuji for long exposures (though it also has electronic release via app). For GR, people 3D-print little grip extensions or mods to hold filters.

All in all:

• The X100VI has a thriving ecosystem – wide/tele converters to expand its field of view, many bespoke grips, hoods, etc., making it very adaptable. As DPReview noted, the X100V/VI basically do require an adapter for sealing dpreview.com, which is essentially an accessory.
• The GR IIIx is more spartan, but crucial accessories exist to overcome its limitations (the tele lens, viewfinder, and ways to reduce dust/battery issues). It’s just not as extensive as Fuji’s lineup.
• The Leica Q3 being premium has all the luxury accessories you’d expect: finely crafted grips, cases, and the basic photographic accessories one needs (filters, flash). No converters because that Summilux stands alone – Leica expects you to crop digitally or buy another camera for a different FOV. But what it has is high quality.

One might consider the cost of accessories too: Fuji’s wide/tele converters run a few hundred each (but far cheaper than buying multiple cameras or lenses if it were ILC). Ricoh’s GT-2 is maybe $250 plus adapter $50. Leica’s thumb grip or case can be $200-300 each because Leica pricing. So outfitting a Leica can add up quickly (though if you bought a $6k camera, you likely are less price-sensitive on a $250 grip).

In summary, expandability is best on Fuji X100VI (multiple focal lengths and full system-esque support), moderate on Leica Q3 (lots of quality-of-life add-ons but not changing core lens), and limited on Ricoh GR IIIx (a few key add-ons, but remains a minimalist tool).

Pricing and Value for Money

This is where things diverge significantly:

• Fujifilm X100VI: At launch (2024), the X100VI was priced around $1,599 USD (body only) theverge.com. This is a premium price for a compact camera, roughly $200 more than the X100V’s debut. Is it worth it? Considering it’s a uniquely capable camera – 40MP APS-C, great lens, hybrid finder – many would say yes. DPReview gave it a Gold Award and noted it’s “an excellent camera” with few real substitutes dpreview.com. They cautioned not to overpay scalpers beyond $1599 though, as its value diminishes if you pay hundreds more dpreview.com. And indeed, due to scarcity, some resellers marked it up. But at retail price, it’s competitive: It undercuts the Leica by a huge margin, and for what it offers, no other new camera does (the only other new fixed-lens APS-C compacts are Ricoh’s which are cheaper but much simpler). Also, alternative setups (like an interchangeable-lens mirrorless with a 35mm lens) in the full frame world can easily run $2000+. For example, a Sony a7C II (~$2200 with kit) + 35mm lens ($500) is more expensive and larger dpreview.com. The X100VI’s build and output rival cameras in the $2000 range. So value-wise, it’s high for enthusiasts who appreciate its hybrid nature. Of course, $1600 is a lot more than a phone or beginner camera, so it’s targeted at serious hobbyists or pros as a secondary. But given its cult following, resale values remain strong (the older X100V still sold near retail even used, due to demand). Mark Wilson of TechRadar did note some Fuji fans balk at other Fuji models not being weather-sealed at $1700 techradar.com, but in the X100’s case, partial weather sealing is achievable with $50 adapter – most accept that. Fuji did raise some prices in 2025 on lenses and bodies (Verge had an article “raising prices up to $800” on some models theverge.com), but the X100VI presumably stays in that $1600 range new. So, the X100VI is expensive but delivers a unique combination, making it arguably a good value for what it is (if you’ll use its features). Compared to spending ~$1000 on a GR and missing EVF/other features, the extra $600 might be justified for many.
• Ricoh GR IIIx: The GR IIIx launched at about $999 USD (and often retails around $949-$1,049 depending on kit or edition). It’s the most affordable of the trio. That said, $1000 for a small camera with no EVF, no zoom, and basic video can seem steep to the uninitiated. But in the context of high-end compacts, it’s actually fair. As Wired put it: “at the time of writing, there is no other camera this small with an APS-C sensor” wired.com – so you are paying a bit for that miniaturization and quality. The GR is almost a category of its own. If you consider alternatives: the X100VI (more expensive), the full-frame Sony RX1R II (discontinued, was $3300), or even a smartphone (not comparable in sensor size) – the GR stands alone. So its value depends on your need for a pocketable, high-IQ camera. For street photographers, many say it’s worth every penny because it gets shots they wouldn’t with a bigger camera. It can also potentially save you from buying a premium compact plus an APS-C ILC – it sort of combines those. However, cons like poor battery, lack of EVF might diminish the sense of value for some. Keith Wee pointed out by 2025, the GR’s battery and lack of weather-sealing felt behind for a $1000+ camera keithwee.com keithwee.com. So one could argue the GR IIIx is slightly overpriced relative to features, but you’re paying for the concept. When the GR IIIx is compared to used prices of X100V (which skyrocketed), some found it a “bargain” alternative because at least you could get it near MSRP. It’s also cheaper than many smartphones now (flagship phones cost $1000+, though they do more). The GR’s value-for-money is good if you actually capitalize on its strengths (discreet carry, image quality). If someone just wants a casual compact, a $500 point-and-shoot might suffice, but that would have a tiny sensor. So Ricoh occupies a niche: “super-compact size and fairly affordable price compared to an X100 or Leica Q” theverge.com – as The Verge noted, it’s a fraction of the Leica cost. So relative to peers, yes the GR is the value pick. It’s even cheaper than Fuji’s X-E4 with lens, etc. So I’d say the GR IIIx is good value for a specialized tool, but as a general camera its omissions might make some feel it’s not. The rumored GR IV coming, if it adds features and maybe costs a bit more, might change the calculation slightly (if GR IV launches at, say, $1200, then the IIIx might drop in price or remain as a lower-cost alternative). But as of now, around $1000, it’s the entry ticket to APS-C in your pocket.
• Leica Q3: The Q3 is in a whole other price bracket – $5,995 USD at launch dpreview.com. It’s nearly 6K, and limited discounts (Leica rarely discounts). That price is $200 more than the Q2’s launch, but arguably justified by the new features (60MP, tilt screen, PDAF, 8K video). Leica plans to sell Q2 and Q3 side by side for a time, but eventually Q3 is main. So, is the Q3 worth $6000? For a certain audience, absolutely yes. For others, it’s “the camera I’d buy if I was rich,” as TechRadar titled it techradar.com. They even commented that they expected it to cost more given all the improvements and Leica’s pricing, and concluded “that list price is relatively good value… for a Leica”, noting an M11 body is 50% more expensive without a lens techradar.com. Indeed, if you compare to building a similar setup: Leica M11 ($9000) + 28mm Summilux ($7-8k) = ~$15k. The Q3 gives you that combo (with autofocus and stabilization and EVF) for $6k techradar.com. So within Leica’s world, the Q3 is almost a bargain – you get a lot of Leica goodness at a fraction of an M system price. Also compare to the medium format Leica S or SL2 with 28mm lens – far more money. So many Leica enthusiasts see the Q as the gateway or the practical Leica: fixed lens, but everything included. From a pure performance perspective, one could argue a Sony RX1R II (when it was around) was $3300 – but that was 42MP, no EVF built-in (had pop-up EVF), and a slower lens (35mm f/2). The Q3 at $6k is double that, but it’s Leica-level build and lens, etc. A more direct competitor now might be the Sony RX1R III if it materializes. There are rumors Sony revived the RX1 line – if a RX1R III came with 61MP and a 35mm f/2 for say $3900 (just speculating), that undercuts Leica heavily while offering similar IQ. But Leica bets on those who want the brand, the lens character, and the all-in-one simplicity. For the general public, $6000 is extremely steep for a fixed-lens camera. But Leica has no trouble selling out Q models – demand is high because wealthy hobbyists, collectors, and some pros love them. And as pointed out, compared to buying a full frame body and a premium lens, the Q3 can even seem reasonable. Another angle: Value-add features like the 8K video, 3 resolution modes, wireless charging – these soften the blow by saying “hey, it’s expensive, but look at all it does.” Also longevity: Leica supports their cameras longer, and they hold value well on used market (a used Q2 still goes for ~$4k+). So depreciation is less than say a mass-market camera. That can be part of the value consideration.

So, summarizing:

• X100VI (~$1600) – Premium mid-range price, but given its unique features and performance, it’s considered worth it by enthusiasts and reviewers dpreview.com. It’s cheaper than assembling an ILC kit for similar use, and satisfaction is high. Value for money is good if you utilize its hybrid nature and image quality; just avoid overpriced scalpers dpreview.com.
• Ricoh GR IIIx (~$1000) – The budget choice here, though still not cheap overall. It’s value lies in delivering APS-C quality in a truly pocket form – which no one else does at that price. If that’s exactly what you need, it’s a great value. If you compare spec-for-spec with others, it might seem lacking for the cost. But its niche focus arguably justifies the price. It’s often recommended as a second camera for situations you can’t carry a big one – that utility can be priceless for some.
• Leica Q3 ($6000) – Undeniably expensive in absolute terms, but relative to Leica’s usual pricing and the bundle of a superb lens + high-tech body, it’s actually one of the better “value” Leicas techradar.com. The Verge mentions GR and X100 are “affordable compared to a Leica Q” theverge.com – indeed, you can buy 5 or 6 GRs for one Q3. So value-for-money in a mainstream sense is low – you’re paying a luxury premium. But for those who appreciate Leica craftsmanship, the Q3 gives a lot and could replace multiple pieces of gear. As TechRadar noted, for someone with the money, “the Q3 sets the bar” and is the one they’d pick if price no object techradar.com. The value calculus includes intangible factors like the Leica shooting experience, pride of ownership, etc.

Ultimately, each of these serves a different budget segment. In ideal use cases (next section), the cost often aligns with the user profile:

• The GR IIIx appeals to serious enthusiasts or pros as a pocketable supplement – its lower cost makes it accessible as a second camera or for those prioritizing stealth over gear luxury.
• The X100VI is for the enthusiast or pro who wants a high-quality primary compact – mid-tier price but high satisfaction, often the only camera needed for hobby shooting.
• The Leica Q3 targets the high-end user – maybe a professional who will use it extensively (thus can justify cost), or a luxury buyer/hobbyist who simply wants the best and can afford it.

One more aspect: resale/residual. Leica wins there (lowest depreciation percentage), Fuji next (X100Vs were selling above retail used – which is rare, but shows the demand), Ricoh perhaps drops a bit if heavily used but still holds okay since there’s always demand for used GRs among students or budget street shooters.

Pros and Cons

Let’s break down the major pros and cons of each camera for clarity:

Fujifilm X100VI – Pros:

• Excellent Image Quality: High-resolution 40MP APS-C sensor with beautiful Fuji colors and sharp results dpreview.com dpreview.com. Great dynamic range and low light performance for APS-C.
• Versatile 35mm f/2 Lens: Produces crisp images and nice bokeh at f/2, with minimal distortion. Perfect general-purpose focal length. Optional converters expand it to 28mm or 50mm eq, increasing flexibility petapixel.com.
• Hybrid Viewfinder: Unique OVF/EVF combination offers the best of both worlds – optical clarity and electronic info overlay jonasraskphotography.com jonasraskphotography.com. The experience of using it is unparalleled for rangefinder-style shooting.
• Tactile, Retro Controls & Build: Beautifully built with metal body, dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, ISO (pull-ring), and exposure comp. It’s a camera that inspires usage – “a genuinely unique combination of style and capability” dpreview.com.
• Compact and Quiet: Fairly small for what it is; can be carried in a coat pocket. Leaf shutter is virtually silent and allows high-speed flash sync (up to ~1/2000s). Great for candid shooting.
• Improved Autofocus: Best AF yet in X100 series, with subject detection and reliable performance in most scenarios dpreview.com. AI modes help track faces/eyes/etc.
• In-Body Stabilization (IBIS): A first for X100 – up to 6 stops stabilization dpreview.com. Helps in low light and for video smoothness.
• Strong Video Features: 6.2K 10-bit video capability, 4K up to 60p, with film simulations and tracking AF dpreview.com dpreview.com. Mic input and USB audio out available – unusually robust for a fixed-lens stills camera.
• Reliable Connectivity: Wi-Fi/Bluetooth with the new Fuji X App is smooth; plus first Fuji to do direct Frame.io cloud upload dpreview.com dpreview.com. Convenient USB-C charging/tethering.
• Film Simulations & JPEGs: Fuji’s famed film looks (Velvia, Acros, Classic Chrome, new Reala, etc.) yield gorgeous straight-out-of-camera results – a big fun factor and time saver for many provideocoalition.com.
• Expandable & Customizable: Wide range of accessories (converters, filters, hoods, grips), and deeply customizable settings (custom profiles, Q menu, etc.). You can tailor it to your style easily.
• High Acclaim: Gold Award from DPReview, and generally glowing reviews – recognized as one of the best premium compacts, period dpreview.com.

Fujifilm X100VI – Cons:

• High Demand, Low Availability: It’s been hard to get (backorders), sometimes commanding over MSRP on secondary markets. In some regions (US) even paused orders due to tariffs techradar.com. Potential waiting or paying premium.
• Pricey for a Compact: $1599 is a serious investment. Competing ILC kits can be had for similar money (though arguably not as well integrated). If you don’t use its unique features, the cost might not feel justified.
• Lens Limitations: The 23mm f/2, while very good, is not flawless on the 40MP sensor – edge sharpness and low-light wide-open performance are slightly compromised dpreview.com. Some users note it’s the same lens as before (no upgrade), so it’s stretched to its limits resolving 40MP dpreview.com. Also f/2 is only moderately fast for shallow DOF (full-frame cameras can blur more).
• Not Pocketable in Pants: It’s compact but not truly pocket-sized like a GR. With attachments (hood or converters) it’s jacket-pocket or bag camera. So not as always-with-you as smaller cameras.
• Autofocus Not Class-Leading: Despite improvement, AF is still behind the fastest mirrorless cameras. Moving subjects can challenge it dpreview.com. Occasionally can miss focus in very low light or on very fast action. Lens focus motor not the quickest.
• No Internal Zoom/Interchangeable Lens: You’re fixed to ~35mm field of view unless using digital crop or converters. Some may miss having zoom flexibility (though that’s inherent to this category).
• No Built-in Flash: Unlike earlier X100s, the VI (and V) dropped the small pop-up flash. Off-camera flash or a small hot-shoe flash is needed for fill light situations.
• Good but Not Unlimited Battery: Battery life ~350 shots is decent but not exceptional. If you use EVF a lot or do video, carry a spare. Competing ILCs with bigger batteries (like an X-T5) would outlast it.
• Weather Sealing Requires Accessories: Out-of-box, not fully sealed. You need the filter adapter and filter to seal the lens unit dpreview.com, which is an extra ~$50-100. Without it, it’s somewhat protected but not guaranteed against dust/water in lens mechanism.
• No Vari-Angle Screen: It has a tilting screen (up/down), but not fully articulating. Vloggers or those wanting front-facing monitor can’t do that (minor gripe for most).
• Interface Complexity for Newbies: The wealth of dials and options can overwhelm beginners used to point-and-shoot or phone. There is an Auto mode, but to fully exploit it, you need to learn the controls.
• Charger Not Included: I believe Fuji might not include an external charger (they expect you to charge in-camera via USB). If true, some consider that a con because you can’t charge one battery while using another without buying a charger.
• No IBIS Mode Toggle: IBIS is always on (except maybe when panning) – there’s no easy way to disable/enable via switch, you must go in menu. Also IBIS means a gimbal-like element inside which some fear might be a point of failure long-term (though no issues reported, just a thought).

Many of these cons are relatively minor or inherent trade-offs. Overall, X100VI is well-balanced, but it’s good to be aware that it’s not a magical unicorn – it has limits.

Ricoh GR IIIx – Pros:

• Ultra-Compact & Lightweight: Truly pocketable camera (fits in a pants pocket or small purse) at ~257g petapixel.com. You can have APS-C image quality literally anywhere, anytime, without bulk. This stealth factor is huge – it’s a camera you have with you when others are left behind.
• Discrete Design: Looks like a little point-and-shoot, very unassuming. Great for candid street photography – subjects often don’t realize it’s a serious camera keithwee.com. The shutter is quiet. It doesn’t scream “photographer,” which lets you blend in.
• Sharp 40mm-Equivalent Lens: The 26.1mm f/2.8 lens is exceptionally sharp, even wide open wired.com. Delivers tack-sharp images, minimal distortion/aberrations petapixel.com. And the 40mm field of view is wonderful for portraits and isolating subjects compared to wider 28mm – many find it a more “storytelling” focal length.
• Large APS-C Sensor (24MP): Gives excellent image quality – “crisp, contrasty, detailed images” on par with larger cameras wired.com. Clean high ISO performance up to 3200 or 6400 for BW or small prints. Dynamic range is solid. You get DSLR-quality output in a compact.
• Street Photography Features: Signature Snap Focus mode allows pre-focusing so you capture instantaneously with no AF delay – priceless for fast street moments wired.com. Also has in-camera ND filter for slower shutter creative shots (blurred motion in daylight) wired.com. Fast 0.8s startup and minimal shutter lag means it’s always ready.
• IBIS (3-axis): Stabilization in such a small body helps a lot – you can handhold at slower shutter speeds (~1/8 or 1/4) to avoid raising ISO in low light macfilos.com. Also helps keep shots steady since camera is so light (prone to shake). It’s not common to have IBIS in a pocket cam.
• Simple, Efficient Controls: The UI is straightforward and highly customizable. You can assign the ADJ lever and Fn button to critical settings. Many reviewers praise the GR’s menu layout and quick access once configured wired.com. It’s designed by photographers for photographers, focusing on essential functions. The ability to toggle between AF and Snap, or use Full Press Snap, etc., makes it extremely efficient in practice wired.com.
• Macro Capability: Can focus down to ~12cm in Macro mode, letting you get surprisingly close for detail shots or food, etc. Combined with the sharp lens, it delivers great macro-ish images (with some corner softness perhaps, but usable).
• Great JPEGs and Customization: Rich out-of-camera JPEGs with Ricoh’s image profiles – e.g., the high-contrast B&W is loved for street, “Positive Film” for color punch keithwee.com. And you can fine-tune these or load community “recipes” to mimic Fuji film looks wired.com. In-camera RAW development is also handy.
• Build Quality & Feel: Solid magnesium body feels well-built and professional, despite the small size petapixel.com. The matte finish and simple grip have a certain utilitarian cool. It’s “perfectly imperfect” and appeals to those who like functional minimalist design keithwee.com.
• Price (Relative): At ~$1000, it’s far cheaper than X100 or Leica, making it the value choice for getting large-sensor images in a compact. It lowers the barrier for street enthusiasts or travelers who want high quality without heavy investment.
• Wireless Connectivity & USB-C: Easy to offload pics via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth if needed, and convenient USB-C charging (no need to carry charger, charge anywhere) wired.com. Also, it can be charged/powered by power bank while shooting timelapses or long sessions.
• Lens Accessories Available: If you need more versatility, the tele conversion (75mm) extends its usefulness for portraits, and optional viewfinder adds framing choice petapixel.com petapixel.com. Not as flexible as zoom, but some expansion is possible.
• Cult Favorite (Inspiration): There’s something intangible – the GR has “soul” for many street photographers. Using it often encourages shooting more spontaneously. As Wired noted, it doesn’t scream “rich tourist” and people act natural around it wired.com. This can lead to more authentic photos. The camera has a dedicated fan base who swap tips and encourage creativity, which can be inspiring to be part of.
• Firmware Updates: Ricoh has released firmware adding new “Image Control” profiles and Snap focus distance options, etc., over time. They do support the camera with tweaks (not as extensively as Fuji, but some).
• Longevity of Concept: The GR series has proven timeless – it’s a camera many keep for years. It’s so unique that even as tech moves on, a GR from a few years ago still has a special value because of its form factor and lens quality. So it’s a piece of kit you may end up using longer than you expect.

Ricoh GR IIIx – Cons:

• Poor Battery Life: By far the biggest downside – ~200 shots per charge (often less) is “paltry” keithwee.com. Many users report around 150 shots in real use wired.com. You must carry spare batteries or a power bank. This can be inconvenient, especially traveling or on long street outings. Frequent recharging is a part of GR life.
• No Built-in Viewfinder: You compose on the rear LCD only (unless you buy an external OVF). In bright sunlight, the screen can be hard to see (though you can boost brightness). Lack of EVF might be a dealbreaker for some who aren’t comfortable composing at arm’s length all the time.
• Not Weather/Dust Sealed: A notorious issue – the GR is not sealed, and the lens mechanism can suck dust onto the sensor over time keithwee.com. Many have experienced dust spots (which then need painstaking sensor cleaning or retouching in post). It’s a glaring oversight that third-party hacks try to fix (with adhesive filters or hoods) keithwee.com. Also means you must be cautious in rain or at the beach – it’s not rated for moisture or particles.
• AF Can Struggle in Low Light: The hybrid AF isn’t Sony-level – it can hunt or fail in dim conditions or on low-contrast subjects keithwee.com. It’s fine in daylight, but at night, you often rely on Snap focus or zone focusing, as AF might be hit-or-miss. Continuous AF tracking is also weak – not for moving subjects beyond a walking pace.
• Limited Focal Length (No zoom or interchangeable lens): You’re fixed at 40mm eq. If it doesn’t suit the scene, you either “zoom with your feet” or you’re out of luck. Missing a shot because you needed wider or tighter is a possibility (though GR philosophy is to work within one focal length’s constraints creatively).
• Max Aperture f/2.8: In a world of f/1.4 lenses, f/2.8 on APS-C is modest. You get some bokeh for close subjects, but it’s not a low-light monster or portrait blur machine. Combined with no flash, indoor shooting requires raising ISO or using IBIS to slow shutter, which has limits with moving subjects. The GR IIIx sacrifices speed for compactness.
• Basic Video Only: As covered, only 1080p video, no 4K, no frills. Video quality and features are far behind – essentially “barely usable” wired.com. If you want to do any serious video, GR isn’t the tool.
• No Native Flash: GR III series removed the built-in flash that older GRs had keithwee.com. While many street shooters don’t use flash, it was handy for a quick fill or some creative flash street photography at night. Now you’d need to mount an external flash, which is awkward on such a small camera.
• Handling Quirks: While one-handed operation is great, some control points are tiny (like the four-way pad) and there’s no front dial (just the rear ADJ toggle). Some have found the rear screen interface for focus point selection less intuitive (no joystick). These are minor quibbles usually overcome by customizing controls to your liking.
• Expensive Accessories & Few Ricoh Updates: The official accessories (adapter, viewfinder) add cost (the OVF can be ~$250, teleconverter similar). Also, Ricoh isn’t as aggressive in firmware improvements or new feature rollouts as Fujifilm – the GR gets a few updates then mostly left as-is. And of course, Ricoh’s after-sales network is smaller than big brands if repairs needed.
• Ergonomics for Large Hands: If you have big hands, the camera can feel a bit cramped. The grip is small, so some with large hands or long fingers don’t find it super secure. A wrist strap is a must to prevent drops. There’s also no tripod mount alignment with lens (it’s off-center) – only matters if doing pano stitching maybe.
• Close Focus Performance: At macro distances (under ~0.2m), the lens is sharp in center but edges get soft and there can be field curvature. It’s still a pro that it can focus close, but quality at minimum focus might not blow you away compared to a dedicated macro lens. And in macro mode, AF slows significantly.
• No Articulating Screen: It’s fixed, which means awkward angles (waist level or high shots) require guesswork or using an OVF. Not a huge con since it’s small enough to tilt itself, but worth noting.
• Competition from Phones: This is a broader con – phone cameras are improving with computational tricks, and while they can’t match APS-C image quality, some might question carrying a $1000 camera when a decent phone does a lot. The GR’s answer is still much better raw files and creative control, but casual shooters might not see the gulf and opt for convenience of phone.

Despite the cons, the people who love the GR tend to really love it, accepting its flaws as the price of having such a unique camera. But for a prospective buyer, those cons, especially battery and dust, should be weighed.

Leica Q3 – Pros:

• Stunning Image Quality: Full-frame 60MP sensor paired with a legendary Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH lens – the results are outstanding dpreview.com dpreview.com. You get high-resolution, high-dynamic-range files that can rival medium format in some cases. The lens is extremely sharp and renders beautifully; combine that with 60MP and you can crop heavily (hence Leica’s multiple crop modes) and still have usable images. Low-light performance is great too, thanks to the large sensor and fast aperture.
• Leica Lens Character: That 28mm Summilux has that “Leica look” – creamy bokeh, excellent micro-contrast, and a signature rendering that discerning eyes appreciate. It also has macro ability for close-ups. Essentially, you’re getting a $5k+ M-mount lens (if it existed in M, likely what it would cost) built-in.
• Build and Design Excellence: Tank-like build with magnesium/aluminum body, weather-sealed to IP52 dpreview.com. It feels like a precision instrument. Tactile controls (aperture ring on lens, nicely damped manual focus ring with distance scale, etc.). The design is minimalist and timeless, which many find inspiring to use. Also the camera is made in Germany with high-quality standards – something Leica aficionados value.
• High-Res EVF and Now Tilting Touchscreen: The 5.76M-dot EVF is large and crisp – composing through it is a joy, akin to a pro mirrorless viewfinder dpreview.com. The new tilting 3” LCD adds major flexibility for low or high angle shots that previous Qs didn’t have dpreview.com. The interface via touchscreen is intuitive. It’s Leica’s first tilting screen and they executed it without compromising weather sealing much.
• Phase Detect Autofocus: A game changer for Leica compacts – the Q3’s AF is fast and confident with PDAF, finally competitive with other modern cameras dpreview.com dpreview.com. It does face/eye detect and tracks subjects, which means you can trust it for fleeting moments, unlike older Leica Qs or M (manual focus). For street or events, this is huge – you get Leica image quality with near Sony-level autofocus reliability (maybe not quite Sony, but a massive improvement).
• 8K Video & Strong Overall Performance: The Q3 isn’t just for stills; it offers serious 8K30 and 4K60 video with 10-bit, which is basically unheard of in fixed-lens compacts dpreview.com adorama.com. If needed, the Q3 can serve as a hybrid camera for professional video work (with ProRes support too). It has focus tracking in video and can output to external recorder. This versatility is a pro for those who might want to shoot say a documentary or b-roll along with photos – one camera can do both at very high quality.
• Excellent Ergonomics for its Class: It’s a bit larger and heavier than Fuji, but the benefit is a comfortable grip, stable handling, and that big battery. The controls are sparse but well-placed. Many appreciate the simplicity: less to fiddle with, more focus on shooting. Also the UI has improved (Leica’s menu is clean and not overloaded).
• Connectivity and Tethering: The Q3 is forward-thinking with USB-C tethering (even to iPhone) dpreview.com, wireless charging, and a good app. It fits in seamlessly with both casual smartphone workflows and professional tethered setups. That flexibility adds value – it can be a sophisticated studio cam or a travel cam that beams shots to your phone with ease.
• High-Speed Shooting: Up to 15 fps bursts if needed (e-shutter) – good for capturing action sequences, which previous Q couldn’t do as fast. Combined with improved AF, you could catch moderate action (not sports telephoto stuff, but kids playing, street moments).
• Leaf Shutter and Sync: Like Fuji, it has a leaf shutter in lens (plus electronic). You can sync flash at high speeds (1/2000s or so) and it’s nearly silent. Great for flash photography in daylight or quiet environments.
• In-Camera Crop Modes (35,50,75,90mm): Essentially gives you flexible framing options and the camera will output JPEGs at reduced resolution (e.g. 90mm gives ~6MP) dpreview.com. While you could crop in post, having frame lines in EVF for these focal lengths is handy compositional aid – it’s like carrying four primes (28,35,50,75,90) in one. With 60MP, the 35mm crop is still ~39MP which is more than enough for most uses dpreview.com.
• Long-Term Value and Support: Leicas tend to hold their value well (should you ever sell) and Leica supports them with service long term. Also historically, Leica issues firmware that sometimes adds capabilities (e.g., Q2 got firmware for improved AF, etc.). The Q3 being latest will be supported for years. And being a Leica, it’s built to last a long time. So it’s somewhat an investment piece; some might say an heirloom camera (though digital age makes that tricky).
• Brand Prestige and Experience: For those who care, it’s a Leica – that comes with a sense of heritage and pride of ownership. Intangibly, many owners feel a Leica pushes them to shoot more deliberately and enjoy the process. There’s a reason Leica has loyal fans: the experience really is pleasurable, from the shutter sound to the feel of the focus ring, it’s all premium.
• Comparatively “Affordable” for Leica: As noted, in Leica-land $5995 is almost a steal for what you get techradar.com. It lowers the barrier to entry to Leica quality (no lens buying needed, etc.). So it attracts even photographers who might not otherwise buy an M system due to complexity or cost.
• Included Accessories: Leica often includes nice bits like the lens hood, a quality strap, etc., in the box – less nickel-and-diming compared to others (not always, but usually you get a hood which Fuji and Ricoh do not include, for example).

Leica Q3 – Cons:

• Exorbitant Price: $6000 body means it’s out of reach for many shooters. You pay a large premium for the red dot and what it represents. One could assemble a very competent kit (or multiple kits) for that money in other systems. So strictly speaking, it’s not “value for money” in the traditional sense – you’re paying luxury pricing.
• Fixed 28mm FOV Might Not Suit Everyone: 28mm is fairly wide. Not everyone likes it as their primary view – it can be challenging for portraits (can distort features up close) and may include more background than desired. While cropping helps, you do lose resolution when you crop (e.g., a 50mm crop yields ~19MP, 90mm yields ~6MP dpreview.com). Some will wish it was 35mm or 50mm instead for everyday shooting (hence Leica made the Q3 43 variant for people wanting a normal lens). If 28mm isn’t your jam, the Q3 might not be either.
• Large and Heavy (for a compact): At ~743g with battery dpreview.com, it’s over 1.6 pounds – heavier than some mirrorless with pancake lens. It’s coat-pocketable but not at all pants-pocketable. With the lens protruding, it’s not flat. So portability is limited to a bag or strap. Travelers used to point-and-shoots might find it bulky. It’s definitely not inconspicuous like a GR – it’s noticeable and looks like a serious camera (the Leica styling stands out a bit too).
• No Interchangeable Lenses: Obvious but worth noting – you’re stuck with 28mm (or the in-sensor crops). Unlike an ILC, you can’t adapt or mount another lens. If the lens were to get damaged, you must send camera for service. And if you crave variety in focal length at full resolution, you’d need another camera (like Leica’s approach of maybe selling you a Q3-43 or a Q with a different lens in the future).
• No In-Body Stabilization (IBIS): The Q3 relies on optical stabilization in the lens. While effective (maybe ~3 stops), it’s not as good as modern 5-axis IBIS that could give 5-8 stops. For 60MP detail, IBIS would have been nice to mitigate handshake further. In video, the lack of IBIS means reliance on electronic stabilization, which crops the image a bit and might not be as smooth. So in low light, you might need to bump ISO a stop more than an IBIS camera, or be a bit more careful with technique.
• High Power Consumption of 60MP + EVF: The battery is rated 350 shots, which is decent, but if you use the EVF heavily, and do video or Wi-Fi, you might find yourself changing battery earlier. It’s not a battery miser. Spare batteries are expensive ($$) and the wireless charging grip, while cool, charges slowly. Basically, you get okay battery life, but not like a DSLR which could do 1000 shots.
• Expensive Accessories: Leica’s official accessories like the thumb rest, handgrip, cases, even lens caps can be very pricey (e.g., $150 for a thumb support, $300 for a leather half-case, etc.). While often beautifully made, they add to the already high cost. Even spare batteries run ~$250. If you go all-out, you might spend another $1k just on accessories.
• Limited Close Focus Outside Macro Mode: Without engaging macro (which is a manual switch on lens), the lens can’t focus super close (I think standard minimum is 30cm, macro gets you to 17cm). And in macro mode, it goes to f/2.8 auto by default (Q2 did this) to maintain quality. So if you want shallow DOF on a close subject, you might find it stops down and you lose some blur. Minor, but some macro shooters might find it not as convenient as a dedicated macro lens.
• Potential Overkill Resolution: 60MP files are large (~90MB RAWs). That means more storage use, longer editing times if your computer is older, and more strain if you shoot bursts. If you don’t need that resolution, you can shoot at 36MP or 18MP modes to save space adorama.com – but then one might question paying for 60MP if not using it. It’s a con only in that it demands good technique (to avoid blur from slight movements) and good storage/processing workflow.
• No Variants with Alternate Focal (Except buying Q3-43): If you love the Q concept but want 35 or 50mm lens, Leica doesn’t let you swap – you’d have to consider the separate Q3 with 43mm lens rumored/announced. That’s another purchase likely at similar cost leicarumors.com. So you might end up like some who own both a Q2 (28mm) and Q2 Monochrom or something for variety – expensive hobby.
• Security/Theft Concern: A Leica can draw unwanted attention. The red dot itself is famous. In some environments, carrying a Leica is a bit like wearing an expensive watch – you have to be mindful of safety. Some users cover the dot with tape to be discreet. It’s a con in the sense that you may not feel as carefree with it in certain areas, unlike a dinged-up Ricoh or even the more anonymous Fuji.
• Availability and Waitlist: Leicas often have initial demand surges. Depending on region, you might have to wait or pre-order to get a Q3. It’s not as mass-produced as say a Sony, so supply can be constrained (though Q is a popular line, they likely planned stock). But still, not Amazon Prime next-day easily in early days.
• Heavy Depth of Field at 28mm: By nature, 28mm f/1.7 at moderate distances has quite deep depth of field compared to a telephoto. Street shooters might find that even at f/1.7, beyond a few meters, lots is in focus. This is a pro for some (zone focusing ease) but a con if you expected full-frame blur mania. You can get blur for close subjects, but environmental shots will still show much of scene clearly. It’s just physics of wide-angle.
• No Pet/Vehicle AF modes: Not that necessary, but some high-end cameras now have subject recognition for animals, cars, etc. The Q3 has face/eye for people but not the expanded list that, say, a Sony A7R V might. Possibly Leica will add more via firmware, but they focus on core use (which for a 28mm is mostly people and general).
• Menu Relatively Simple: This is usually a pro, but some might find lack of custom curves, fancy bracketing modes, etc., limiting if they like to tweak a lot in-camera. Leica keeps things minimal (e.g., no built-in crazy filters or HDR modes beyond some basics). It’s spartan by design – if you want a Swiss Army feature set, Fuji would be more your style.

Value vs. Price Observation (again): A big con is “you could get a whole kit for that price” – e.g., instead of Q3, one could buy a Nikon Z7II ($3000) + 28mm f/1.8 ($700) + maybe a 50mm too + a small Ricoh GR for pocket – all for around $6k. So Q3’s all-in-one convenience and Leica qualities have to justify that in one’s mind. For a Leica target customer, it often does. For someone just after full-frame quality, alternatives are cheaper but not as integrated.

Those are the main pros/cons. In summary, X100VI: well-balanced, main cons are availability and not being truly pocket-size. GR IIIx: portability king with compromises in battery/AF. Leica Q3: performance/luxury king with cost and size as the main drawbacks.

Ideal Use Cases for Each Camera

Given their distinct characteristics, each camera shines in certain scenarios and with certain types of photographers:

Fujifilm X100VI – Ideal For:

• Street and Documentary Photographers: The X100VI’s 35mm-equivalent lens and stealthy operation are perfect for capturing life on the streets. You can shoot from the hip with the OVF or use the tilt screen for discreet angles. The camera’s near-silent shutter and compact form won’t draw much attention. A photographer who roams urban environments or travels through busy markets will love the blend of agility and image quality. Plus, classic controls appeal to those coming from analog rangefinders – it’s like a modern-day street shooter’s companion. As one expert put it, the X100 series uniquely “appeals to both groups” of shooters – those who value style and those who value capability dpreview.com – and street photography often demands both. The X100VI’s fast operation and quick AF (and the ability to preset zone focus using manual focus with distance scale visible in OVF) make sure you don’t miss candid moments. With its weather resistance (when sealed), it can handle a variety of outdoor conditions – light rain, dusty streets (with filter on) – helpful for street/documentary work which doesn’t stop for weather. In short, for the roaming observer of daily life, the X100VI is nearly ideal.
• Travel Photographers & Everyday Carry: If you want one camera to document your travels, from sweeping landscapes to food to portraits of new friends, the X100VI is a strong choice. 35mm is a versatile focal length that can handle a bit of everything. The high resolution gives you room to crop if you can’t “zoom with your feet.” Its relatively small size means it won’t weigh you down on hikes or walking tours (it’s coat-pocketable, or fits in a small bag easily). Travelers also benefit from the built-in ND filter when shooting in bright sun or wanting to do long exposures of waterfalls. The film simulations allow you to create distinct looks for your travelogues without extra editing – think classic chrome for an old city vibe, or Velvia for vibrant landscapes. Additionally, the X100VI’s video capabilities mean you can capture high-quality travel vlogs or clips without a separate video camera. And the new X App connectivity lets you transfer images to your phone easily to share your journey in near-real-time. Many people consider an X100 as the perfect travel camera because it encourages you to engage with the environment (no fiddling with multiple lenses) and yields stunning images from day to night.
• Environmental Portraits & Lifestyle Photography: The X100VI excels at capturing people in context – e.g., a portrait of a person in their shop, or a couple in a café scene. The 35mm equiv lens provides a storytelling perspective – you get your subject plus a sense of place. The fast f/2 aperture can blur the background just enough to highlight the person while still showing their environment. Photographers who do lifestyle shoots, casual portraits, or document friends and family in everyday situations will appreciate the X100VI’s output. Skin tones render beautifully with Fuji’s color science, especially using simulations like Astia or Classic Chrome. The camera’s unobtrusive form helps subjects remain at ease; it doesn’t feel as intimidating as a big DSLR. Also, flash users can exploit the leaf shutter to do creative fill-flash portraits in daylight – sync up to 1/1000 or 1/2000 at f/2 in sun is possible with a flash, something unique to leaf shutters. This is great for environmental portraits where you might want to darken a bright background and light the subject gently.
• Hybrid Shooters (Stills+Video): Someone who primarily shoots photos but also needs quality video on occasion (say a journalist, blogger, or educator) will find the X100VI a convenient hybrid tool. You can capture the moment in stills and quickly flip to video to record an interview or a b-roll clip in 4K. The fact it does 10-bit 4K and has an internal ND helps for video creativity dpreview.com. For instance, a wedding photographer might use it for behind-the-scenes candids and also grab some artistic video footage for the client. A documentary storyteller might appreciate being able to film a short scene and shoot stills with the same small camera, especially in sensitive situations where a larger rig would be intrusive.
• Learning Photographers & Rangefinder Lovers: Because of its analog-like controls and hybrid finder, the X100VI is great for those who want to learn photography fundamentals or come from a rangefinder background. It forces you (in a good way) to think about composition and settings rather than spray-and-pray. The hybrid finder teaches you to anticipate (OVF with frame lines) and also gives you instant feedback (EVF). Students of photography can really grow with it – it’s not interchangeable, but that limitation often spurs creativity, as you learn to “see” in 35mm perspective and move yourself for framing. It’s forgiving enough (great JPEGs if you don’t want to edit RAWs yet) but also offers full manual control and high image ceiling to grow into. Rangefinder traditionalists who might not want to go full Leica appreciate the X100’s similar vibe – indeed some call it the “poor man’s Leica” in usage experience (with the added bonus of modern AF and tech).
• Event & Street Fashion Photographers: The X100VI can work for events or street fashion where you want a compact camera to get candid shots of people. Its fast syncing flash means for street style, one could attach a small flash and do daylight sync portraits with that distinct look (similar to what some fashion photogs do with medium format + leaf shutter). For indoor events, the f/2 and IBIS help in low light, and the camera’s size means you can maneuver through crowds easily. However, for full-on professional event coverage you’d likely want more focal lengths; but as a supplementary camera or for personal captures during events, it’s lovely.

Who might not find the X100VI ideal? Sports/wildlife photographers – the fixed wide-ish lens and moderate AF won’t serve those purposes. Those who need extreme telephoto or ultra-wide – look elsewhere or accept converters still won’t reach beyond 50mm eq. Also, if someone absolutely hates EVFs or focusing screens, ironically the X100 offers OVF, but if you strictly want an optical TTL view at all times with high accuracy, maybe a DSLR or rangefinder is more your style. But for the majority of casual to serious photographic pursuits, the X100VI fits in nicely, especially if you value the form and experience as well as the results.

Ricoh GR IIIx – Ideal For:

• Hardcore Street Photographers (especially those who prize stealth): The GR line has long been a cult favorite for street photography. The GR IIIx, with its 40mm-e lens, is ideal for shooters who like to get close but not too close. Photographers who walk cities daily and want a camera always in hand (or pocket) will find the GR unmatched. You can capture spontaneous moments without people reacting, as the camera is virtually invisible. Snap Focus at a preset distance (say 2m at f/8) makes it a lethal street tool – you just frame and click, knowing depth of field will cover your subject – no lag, no AF needed. It thrives in fast-paced environments where any delay means a missed shot. Also, the unobtrusiveness cannot be overstated – as one article said, you can pull it out and no one changes their behavior wired.com. This is golden for capturing authenticity. Additionally, its high-contrast B&W JPEG mode yields gritty, gallery-worthy street images out of camera, which many street shooters love to use for a classic look. If you’re the kind who wanders urban alleys, rides subways, or visits protests and wants to document without intimidation, the GR IIIx is arguably the ideal camera.
• Everyday Carry / Journal Photographers: The best camera is the one you have with you. The GR IIIx can literally be with you all the time – in your pocket during your commute, on your desk at work for random moments, in your hand while out for lunch. People who do “one photo a day” projects or who like to visually journal their daily life find the GR empowering. It’s faster to ready than a phone (once you commit to carrying it), and the image quality is vastly superior. From a lovely scene on the walk home, to an interesting stranger, to an impromptu portrait of a friend at dinner – the GR is always ready. Because it’s so small, it doesn’t even require a camera bag – it can fit in a jacket or even jeans (tight in jeans, but doable). This means it also suits travel ultra-light. Backpackers, cyclists, or minimalists who don’t want bulk – the GR is the highest IQ you’ll get in the tiniest package. It’s also great for documenting without drawing attention to yourself; you can be a tourist without the “big camera tourist” look, potentially making you safer from theft and also more able to capture candid travel shots.
• Candid Portrait and Social Photography: The 40mm equivalent field of view is quite nice for human subjects – a bit tighter than 28mm, which can distort faces, but still wide enough to include context. The GR IIIx can be used to take candid portraits of friends or strangers in a social setting, without intimidating them. People often don’t equate it to a “pro camera”, so they might not pose stiffly, giving you more natural expressions. If you’re at a small gathering, a dinner, or walking around with someone, you can snap genuine moments. That said, since there’s no tilt screen, you often hold it at chest level or use the LCD normally – which is fine for one or two people shots. The IBIS helps ensure sharp results even one-handed. It’s particularly good for street portraiture – e.g., asking interesting characters for a quick photo; the camera is so small it feels collaborative rather than imposing. The 40mm perspective flatters faces more than a wide-angle would, and at f/2.8 up close you can get some background blur to isolate them.
• Travel (Ultralight/Backcountry): For hikers, cyclists, or adventure travelers who want better-than-phone photos but absolutely minimal weight, the GR is a dream. Landscapes captured with the 24MP APS-C sensor have far more dynamic range and detail than phone shots, especially in challenging light (sunrise, sunset). The GR IIIx’s 40mm may be a tad narrow for big wide landscapes; some might prefer the GR III (28mm) for that. But for general travel, 40mm can capture scenery by stepping back, and it’s better for details or portraits than 28mm. Also, the GR’s build, while not officially weather sealed, is pretty rugged physically (mag alloy body). Many photographers take it to remote locations where every ounce counts. They might protect it in a ziplock if it rains heavily, but otherwise it’s robust enough for trails. Its battery can be topped with a power bank at night in a tent. And in places where whipping out a larger camera might feel risky or attract unwanted attention (say certain markets or train stations), the GR remains innocuous.
• Film Camera Replacement for Analog Lovers: The GR often appeals to those who used compact film cameras or rangefinders in the past. It has a fixed lens like many classic film compacts, and the output (especially JPEG profiles like Positive Film) can emulate film vibes wired.com. For photographers who grew up shooting, say, a Rollei 35 or Contax T3, the GR is like the digital successor – pocket camera with serious IQ. Many analog street shooters keep a GR in their bag when they don’t want to burn film or when they need higher ISO than film can handle. It just feels pure – prime lens, straightforward controls – reminiscent of simpler film cameras but with modern convenience.
• Photographers Who Value Discretion Over All: Photojournalists or documentarians in sensitive environments (e.g., documenting daily life in a restrictive regime, or capturing quiet moments in a religious site) might pick the GR for its near-invisibility and quiet leaf shutter. The ability to turn off all sounds, have no viewfinder to raise (which often draws eyes), and even disable the AF assist lamp, means you can shoot unnoticed where a bigger camera would be seen as invasive. There have been instances of conflict photographers or war correspondents carrying a GR as a secondary camera for low-profile shots. It’s also beneficial for museum photography or places where “no big cameras” rules exist (some places allow small cameras but not ILCs – the GR can slip under that radar).

In short, the GR IIIx is ideal for the photographer who prioritizes portability and stealth above all, and who is willing to work within the single focal length limitation. It’s for those who value capturing the authentic moment over technical perfection (though the GR’s output is technically excellent, its strengths are really about capturing what others might miss because their camera was in their bag or scared the subject).

Who is it not ideal for? Anyone who frequently needs varied focal lengths (wildlife, sports, tele reach – not happening; wide interiors/architecture – 40mm might be tight; they’d prefer GR III or other). Not great for video at all. Not great for someone who hates using an LCD to compose (some people just need an eye-level finder, and GR doesn’t have one built-in). Also if you shoot long events without charging, battery will frustrate you.

But for its target uses, many say once you bond with a GR, it’s hard to live without one, because it changes how you shoot daily life.

Leica Q3 – Ideal For:

• Professional Photographers (or serious enthusiasts) Seeking a Compact Secondary: Many pros (wedding, portrait, documentary) use a Leica Q (Q2 or Q3) as a walk-around camera or personal project camera. The Q3 provides pro-level image quality in a simpler package than their main gear. For instance, a wedding photographer might carry it for candid cocktail hour shots or detail shots at wide angle, complementing their main kit. A studio portrait photographer might use it for on-location environmental portraits where they want that Leica look and high resolution, but without swapping lenses. The Q3 is good enough to deliver client-quality results – 60MP can even do large prints or high-end editorial work. Its colors and lens quality meet the standards for magazine work, etc. For pros who travel, it’s a relief to carry a single Q rather than a DSLR and lenses on off days. It’s also a conversation piece – shooting portraits with a Leica often puts subjects in a certain appreciative mindset (some recognize the brand and get excited, others just see a neat retro camera and are more relaxed than if you wield a huge lens). So, professionals who can justify the cost will find the Q3 an extremely capable instrument that doesn’t compromise on quality while simplifying the workflow (no sensor dust issues from changing lenses, no worrying which lens to use – just zoom with your feet or crop later).
• Travel and Documentary Photographers (with budget): For someone doing a documentary project or serious travel photography (like an assignment for NatGeo or a personal project across countries), the Q3 offers a fantastic balance: full-frame quality, rugged build, and one-camera simplicity. It’s weather-sealed for rough conditions, and the battery is sufficient for a day shoot. The 28mm lens is great for storytelling wide shots and environmental portraits; plus cropping to 35 or 50 gives standard frames if needed dpreview.com. The high ISO ability and f/1.7 aperture allow shooting in dim available light – perfect for capturing indoor scenes or night street scenes. A documentarian can rely on the Q3’s stealthier form (compared to a big DSLR with 24-70) to move through crowds or sensitive areas. Also, because the Q3 has a leaf shutter, it’s quiet – beneficial for documentary in quiet settings (churches, ceremonies, wildlife sound-sensitive areas). The 60MP resolution is helpful if you can only “get so close” – you can crop in post for a tighter composition if needed. Additionally, the robust build means it can handle being knocked around a bit in a camera bag while traveling. Essentially, the Q3 is an ideal single-camera travel solution if 28mm-ish works for your vision and you have the funds. Many travel shooters love the Q series for its ability to capture rich, publishable images without lugging multiple lenses.
• Portrait and Fashion Photographers (Environmental/Editorial): While typically one might use longer lenses for tight portraits, the Leica Q3 excels at full-body or half-body portraits in context – think editorial fashion shoots on location, or portrait series of people in their homes or workplaces. The 28mm can produce striking environmental portraits that give a sense of subject and place. The lens’s rendering and shallow DOF at f/1.7 (when reasonably close) can create beautiful separation and background ambiance. For fashion, the wide lens can emphasize environment or pose in an artistic way (Bruce Gilden style environmental fashion or street fashion looks). The Q3’s enormous detail means you can crop to a closer framing if needed. And for those photographers who relish the unique qualities of Leica glass (micro-contrast, bokeh, etc.), the Summilux does not disappoint. The fast sync speeds allow creative use of flash outdoors. If doing editorial work, the subject tracking AF and high resolution ensure a high keeper rate even with moving subjects. The Q3 might not be the first choice for headshots or classical portraits, but for stylized portraits with context or group portraits with environment, it’s wonderful.
• Wedding and Event Photographers (Documentary-style): A certain niche of wedding photographers shoot with rangefinders/Leicas for the look and approach. The Q3 can be a great tool for a wedding shooter who favors a photojournalistic approach – capturing wide scenes of the venue, the ambiance of the crowd, and candids of guests. It’s quiet so in church ceremonies or speeches, it won’t disrupt. IBIS would be nice for very low light, but lens OIS covers a couple stops. The 28mm is very useful on the dance floor or for big family group shots where you want the whole scene. And with 60MP, one could even take one big group shot and later digitally zoom for individual expressions. Also, the integrated system means less fuss – good when moments are fleeting at events. Many event photogs wouldn’t rely on just one 28mm though; the Q3 would likely complement another camera with a longer lens. But some have shot entire small weddings with just a Q (especially if it’s a style choice). The color rendition and dynamic range help in tricky indoor lighting (the Q3’s sensor has presumably great dynamic range, if like M11). Clients often can’t articulate it, but images from a Leica have a certain pop – that can elevate event photos.
• Enthusiast “Leica Lovers” and Art Photographers: There’s a set of photography enthusiasts who simply love Leica for its heritage, build, and output. They may not be pros, but they are serious about the craft and have means. For them, the Q3 is an ideal daily camera – it’s simpler than an M (no lens swapping or manual focus needed), but it still carries the Leica DNA. They might use it for fine art projects, street photography (if they’re okay with 28mm; some prefer 35 or 50 so might wait for other Q variants). The monochrome conversions from Leica files are often praised – these shooters may do a lot of B&W. They also might leverage the Q3’s triple resolution to save space for casual shooting (18MP mode for everyday snaps, 60MP for serious work). Essentially, it’s ideal for the person who wants the Leica experience without the fuss – you turn it on and shoot, and you know the results will be stellar, which allows focusing on composition and moment. This can be very freeing for art photographers who want to reduce variables. Also, with the Q3’s advanced connectivity, an enthusiast can easily share high-quality images to social media or with friends quickly, which is appealing to those who combine love of classic photography with modern sharing.
• Videographers/Content Creators (with a style lean): I wouldn’t pick Q3 as a primary cine camera, but there is a segment of creators who love a certain aesthetic (perhaps Leica’s color and lens look) in their videos. A travel vlogger who is quality-obsessed might use a Q3 for beautifully detailed 4K footage of locations and incidental scenes (though 28mm might be too tight for selfies – but they could use a small gimbal or selfie stick to compensate for lack of IBIS if needed, and the tilt screen helps for some angles). Also, the Q3’s 8K could be used for spectacular timelapses or wide establishing shots with the ability to pan/zoom in post. So for a content creator who doesn’t mind manual work and wants a unique look, the Q3 can actually double as both their photo and video camera in one, which in some sense justifies the investment.

Overall, the Leica Q3 is ideal for those who demand top-tier image quality, robust build, and a straightforward shooting experience, and who have the budget to acquire it. It’s perfect for photographers who find the idea of carrying multiple lenses burdensome but still want creative flexibility (which they get from cropping and high resolution). It’s also for those who simply love the form and feel of a classic camera but need/want modern performance – essentially bridging old-school ethos with new-school tech.

Not ideal for: sports/wildlife (28mm, nope; though as a remote wide-angle behind a goal maybe, but there are cheaper ways), for those needing telephoto (clearly not), or those on limited budget where the cost could instead fund multiple lenses or travel itself. Also, someone who absolutely requires an OVF (some film shooters can’t get into EVFs – though Q3’s EVF is great, it’s still an EVF).

In summary, if one imagines three photographers:

• The X100VI shooter is the creative enthusiast or pro who values a mix of classic handling and modern tech to capture a variety of subjects spontaneously, especially when traveling or on the street.
• The GR IIIx shooter is the stealthy observer who wants to slip through the world capturing slices of life without being seen – often a street photography purist or an everyday documentarian who prioritizes carrying minimal gear.
• The Leica Q3 shooter is the discerning photographer who won’t compromise on image quality or build but craves simplicity – often someone doing serious work (personal or professional) who appreciates the Leica ethos of seeing and capturing the decisive moment with a beautifully crafted tool.

These are the sweet spots where each camera excels and why they have passionate followings in those domains.

Latest Updates and Future Outlook

Staying current is important, and each of these models has some evolving news and rumors around them:

Fujifilm X100VI – Current News & Rumors: The X100VI was officially released around early 2024 and, as of mid-2025, it’s still Fuji’s latest in the X100 line. A notable current event was the stock shortage and a peculiar situation in the U.S.: rumors suggested Fujifilm asked retailers to suspend new orders for the X100VI (and some other models) due to tariff issues techradar.com techradar.com. This meant that in the US, by April 2025 it could be “genuinely impossible to buy new” techradar.com. FujiRumors indicated a 145% tariff on Chinese-made units was at play techradar.com. That’s a big deal for American buyers, though it might only be temporary. For Fuji, this sparked speculation: are they planning a production shift or maybe even an X100VII sooner than usual? Typically, X100 models had ~4-year cycles. The rumor mill is quiet about an X100VII yet (2028 maybe if following? But if VI launched 2024, VII might be ~2027/28). Right now, Fuji’s focus is delivering the VI to eager customers. On the firmware front, Fuji released a few updates: e.g., firmware 1.20 improved autofocus significantly by user reports reddit.com, and firmware 1.31 in July 2025 fixed minor bugs fujifilm-x.com. Fuji is good about adding features via firmware sometimes – there’s hope they might enable things like new film simulations or slight AF tweaks through updates as seen on other models. Also noteworthy: in broader Fuji news, camera prices have been creeping up; an August 2025 report said Fuji is raising prices on some models up to $800 theverge.com (medium format and some lenses, presumably). The X100VI itself might see a price adjustment or at least, due to scarcity, maintain high value. As for accessories or integrations, nothing major new – but third-party support remains strong (e.g., companies making new cases or filter attachments).

On future developments, not directly X100, but Fuji did show a concept “X100-style” camera with a tilt EVF (the “X Half” concept provideocoalition.com), but that’s more a curiosity. The main rumor to watch is if the U.S. tariff situation resolves, making the X100VI widely available again – which would be good news for fans stateside who were resorting to second-hand or imports. Given Fuji’s history, we might expect maybe an X100VI “Black” edition if the initial was silver, etc., but since recent X100s come in both black and silver from the start, that’s moot. One piece of positive news: despite shortage, Fuji’s certainly aware the X100 line is a cash cow – so likely they are ramping production (some rumor said Fuji is trying to “boost production and give people what they want” forbes.com). Indeed, an analyst in Forbes quipped Fuji should “further boost production of the X100VI and give people what they want” forbes.com. So future outlook: X100VI is going to remain highly sought after in 2025; if you have one, hold onto it (or you can sell at a premium!). By late 2025 or 2026, I’d expect Fuji to perhaps release a variant or at least a big firmware adding something like new film sim (e.g., if they develop a new sim like Nostalgic Neg., maybe it trickles to X100VI). But no concrete rumor of a successor yet – the VI should enjoy a long run.

Ricoh GR Series – Current Updates & GR IV Announcement: Big news in mid-2025 for Ricoh fans: Ricoh officially announced the GR IV is in development, slated for Autumn 2025 release ricohgr.eu. This is directly relevant because it shows Ricoh’s commitment to the GR line continuing, and also gives a preview of improvements. According to the official development announcement (May 2025) ricohgr.eu and coverage in The Verge theverge.com theverge.com:

• The GR IV will still adhere to the GR design (pocketable, no EVF, etc.), “closely to the design of the GR III” theverge.com.
• It will keep a 28mm f/2.8 lens (for the main GR IV; presumably there might be a GR IVx later with 40mm, but initially just the 28mm model is announced) theverge.com.
• Sensor gets a modest bump: 26MP APS-C sensor (up from 24MP) theverge.com.
• 5-axis Stabilization replacing 3-axis – should improve low-light handheld shooting theverge.com.
• The lens is newly redesigned 28mm: 7 elements with an extra aspherical, promising even better sharpness and corrections theverge.com. Likely to address corner softness or aberrations.
• Face/Eye detect AF is mentioned, indicating improved AF tracking capabilities theverge.com.
• A big surprise: 53GB built-in storage on GR IV theverge.com. That’s huge – meant so you can shoot without an SD or have backup. (GR III had only 2GB internal).
• However, the GR IV switches to microSD from full SD theverge.com – perhaps for space reasons. Some may not love that, but it aligns with making camera slightly smaller or accommodating that internal memory.
• Externally, buttons are slightly tweaked – removal of the 4-way spinning dial in favor of a simpler D-pad etc., possibly for ergonomics theverge.com.
• Same no EVF, just rear LCD like before (though maybe improved LCD? The Verge doesn’t specify resolution, but one expects maybe a higher-res or same 3”).
• They explicitly state a variant with the Highlight Diffusion Filter (HDF) will come after winter 2025 theverge.com – indicating special editions (like the GR IIIx “Urban” or “HDF” variants) remain a strategy.
• Price not announced yet, but likely it will be higher than GR III launch ($899 maybe $999). The Verge says no price yet, but expected Autumn 2025 theverge.com.

So, how does this affect the GR IIIx? Firstly, they mention GR III (28mm) will be discontinued by July 2025, but GR IIIx “continues for the time being” theverge.com. That implies:

• The GR IIIx (40mm) is not immediately replaced. Possibly Ricoh will launch a GR IVx (40mm version) later, maybe 2026, or depending on demand. Historically, GR IIIx came ~2 years after GR III. So maybe GR IVx in 2027? Or if demand is strong, maybe sooner.
• It means through late 2025 into 2026, the GR IIIx remains the current 40mm model. So anyone wanting that focal length will still be buying the IIIx, and Ricoh likely will maintain production.
• Possibly, Ricoh could also introduce a firmware update for GR IIIx to add some parity features (maybe they could give it an HDF filter mode or small improvements) – though nothing announced, just speculation. If they do, that would extend its life.
• The GR IV improvements (faster AF, better IBIS, new sensor) will raise expectations for a future GR IVx 40mm version. So some GR fans might hold off on buying GR IIIx now, hoping a “GR IVx” might come. But since timeline is unknown, many will still go for the current GR IIIx if they want 40mm and pocketable now. If anything, Ricoh confirming GR line’s future might boost confidence in investing in the ecosystem (like buying the viewfinder or adapter) because you know a next gen will come to use them too.

Additionally, special editions: Keith Wee’s review mentioned the GR IIIx HDF edition with built-in highlight diffusion filter effect keithwee.com – those variants appeal to collectors. Ricoh indicated a GR IV HDF after winter 2025 theverge.com, so they’ll keep doing limited runs. Meanwhile, the GR IIIx had an “Urban Edition” with a unique finish earlier. It’s possible Ricoh might do one more special GR IIIx variant to spark some late-cycle sales (maybe a different colorway or bundle). No rumor, but they’ve done Silver GR IIIs etc.

On firmware, there was a recent firmware for GR III/IIIx (version 1.70 in late 2022, adding new image control profiles and such). If any new minor firmware came in 2024/2025, it might have been bug fixes. However, now that GR IV was announced, GR IIIx might not get significant new features anymore.

Leica Q Series – Recent Developments and What’s Next: The Leica Q3 is brand new (launched May 2023). What’s happened since:

• Firmware Updates: Leica has been actively updating the Q3. Firmware 3.0.0 (released presumably in early 2024) improved AF (iAF performance) l-camera-forum.com. Then firmware 3.1.1 (July 2024) allowed customizing the center FN button (for focus mode toggle, which users requested) youtube.com and other tweaks, as reported on RedDotForum leicarumors.com. Leica also often issues compatibility updates (like ensuring Leica FOTOS app connectivity smooth). So Leica’s supporting Q3 nicely.
• New Variants: The big one – Leica launched a Q3 43 with a 43mm f/2 Summicron lens in late 2024 leicarumors.com photorumors.com. This was rumored in August 2024 and announced by September 2024 leicarumors.com photorumors.com. The Q3 43 has same sensor and features, just a different focal lens. For potential buyers, this means one can now choose: Q3 with 28mm/1.7 or Q3-43 with 43mm/2. If one loves 35-50mm perspective, the 43 might be more tempting. That lens is APO design, presumably extremely sharp with minimal aberration adorama.com adorama.com. Leica highlights it “mirrors the human eye perspective” adorama.com. So the Q3 line is expanding – maybe a Q3 Monochrom next? Actually:
• Monochrom Rumors: There was speculation of a Q3 Monochrom (like Q2 had a Monochrom version) possibly ~15 months after Q3 (which would be around August 2024 or later). However, LeicaRumors as of mid-2024 said “No Leica Q3 Monochrom for now”, hinting the Q3 43 might be why (i.e., they prioritized a new focal length variant) leicarumors.com leicarumors.com. Another Macfilos article guessed Q3 Monochrom could arrive Q1 2025 macfilos.com, but given we’re in late 2025 now, if not already out, maybe 2026. Leica’s pattern: M11 Monochrom came ~1.3 years after M11. Q2 Mono was ~1.5 years after Q2. If Q3Mono were similar, maybe late 2024/early 2025, but we’ve passed that. Perhaps the info LR admin hinted (bad news on that, not comfortable sharing) leicarumors.com means maybe they shelved it for a bit.
• Limited Editions: Leica loves special editions. We’ve already seen a Q3 “Ghost” edition (gray finish, etc., presumably coming or came as they did a Q2 Ghost). Also Leica released Q2 in various limited sets (Daniel Craig x Greg Williams, Monochrom Stealth, etc.). So likely in 2025/26 we will see Q3 special editions to keep interest high. These are mostly cosmetic (colors, engravings), not new tech, but they are news in Leica circles.
• Accessories News: Leica updated the Leica FOTOS app to integrate better with Q3 (like wired connectivity for iPhones, etc.). Also third parties like Profoto added compatibility so Q3 can trigger their flashes TTL, I believe. Leica also released firmware to enable Pixel-bin modes (the triple resolution is already there from start). Possibly upcoming: maybe support for Content Authenticity (CAI) – Leica’s been involved in that initiative to cryptographically sign images for authenticity – they announced it for M11 via firmware, maybe Q3 too soon. Minor but interesting for photojournalists.
• Future Q4: It’s far off likely (if the 4-year cycle holds, Q4 in 2027). Some Youtubers clickbait about “Q4 not soon, don’t wait” youtube.com. The general consensus: Q3 is here to stay for a while. There’s no competitor forcing quick update (Sony’s RX1R III if it happened could push Leica, but it’s not out yet – only rumor Sony revived RX1 line).
• However, signs that Leica is splitting Q line into multiple: the existence of Q3 43 suggests maybe they will alternate releases: e.g., Q3 28 and 43 now, maybe Q3 Monochrom next, then a Q4 (28mm) not until 2027. Possibly a Q3 43 Monochrom could even happen if the normal 43 sells well.
• Firmware Roadmap: The Q2 had significant firmware updates adding features like perspective control etc. The Q3 launched with those. Leica might still refine AF via firmware or add smaller features. They already fixed customizing buttons which was a user outcry – so they listen.

In the value and interest timeline, the Q3 is still hot and new. Leica did raise its price indirectly by bundling (like sometimes initial stock has only bundles with grip, etc.). But at least it’s available – no mention of Q3 shortage. Actually, initial demand was high but Leica planned to produce it alongside Q2 until Q2 sold out dpreview.com.

In Summary (Trends): We see:

• Fuji continuing the X100 line strong, albeit supply hiccups. No immediate new model expected, but careful watchers will see how they handle distribution and if any mid-cycle special edition comes (like a graphite edition or something – though last one was X100F brown).
• Ricoh doubling down on GR: the GR IV being official is huge. It shows the line is alive, which is great since some feared Ricoh might stop. We will have a new GR to evaluate in a few months (with presumably even better imaging). And we expect a GR IVx in a year or two, meaning the 40mm variant will eventually get updated sensor/AF/IBIS too.
• Leica expanding Q into a mini-system: multiple fixed focal lengths, possible Monochrom. This gives users choice like system cameras do, but by swapping the entire camera, which is a very Leica solution (and expensive for us, profitable for them). For Q3 owners, they might be eyeing whether to add a Q3-43 or trade for it depending on preference. But either way, Leica Q remains extremely relevant in luxury compact space – and no other brand has put out a direct competitor with full frame, EVF, etc., except the old Sony which might reappear.

One should also mention: Competition evolving:

• If Sony releases an RX1R III (rumored to use 61MP, same sensor as Q3, with possibly improved AF), it could be an interesting alternative (especially if priced lower, e.g., $4500). If it had, say, a 35mm f/1.8 Zeiss lens, that slots between Leica’s 28 and 43. That rumor [39†L623-L631] or actually the TechRadar piece lists an RX1R III announced (it was indeed announced in Oct 2023 after a decade of no updates). So yes, Sony RX1R III was announced around same time as Q3 with a 35mm f/2 lens. That is likely now the Q3’s main rival – it’s cheaper by some margin (I think around $3900) but lacks the Leica’s weather sealing and some other bells (plus Sony brand vs Leica cachet is different). That means in future, Leica might up their game more to differentiate (though many will buy Leica for the brand/look regardless).
• In APS-C world, no one else is making premium large-sensor compacts besides Fuji and Ricoh. Canon’s G1X line died, Nikon didn’t enter, Sony’s RX100 is small sensor. So Fuji and Ricoh own that enthusiast compact space, albeit catering to different tastes.

Thus, the outlook:

• The X100VI will continue to be popular through 2025; keep an eye for any Fuji USA resolution on tariffs (so US buyers can get it normally). If planning to get one, better to secure it when available as it’s uncertain.
• The GR IIIx remains a good buy now if you want 40mm compact. Once GR IV (28mm) hits, some tech-savvy users might push Ricoh to make a GR IVx. If you can wait a couple years for a GR IVx, you might get better AF and sensor in 40mm form. But if you need that now, GR IIIx is the only game in town. Meanwhile, likely discounts on GR III (28mm) when GR IV comes, but GR IIIx might hold price since it’s continuing for now.
• The Leica Q3 is state-of-the-art in its niche and will remain so for the foreseeable future. If anything, Leica might use Q3’s platform to experiment (like maybe a Q3 Monochrom in 2026 with a 47MP mono sensor or 60MP mono, who knows). For Q owners, just keep updated on firmware and enjoy.

As of writing, no credible rumor of an X100VII, GR IVx or Leica Q4 imminently – the timeline suggests those are further out. The credible rumors that materialized in this timeframe were the GR IV announcement and Leica Q3 43 release, which we’ve covered. It’s an exciting time: by late 2025, GR shooters get a new toy (the GR IV 28mm), X100 fans hopefully get easier availability, and Leica users have multiple fixed-lens options (28 or 43) at the high end.

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Battle of the Premium Compacts: Fujifilm X100VI vs Ricoh GR IIIx vs Leica Q3 – Which Street Shooter Reigns Supreme?

Introduction

In the age of smartphones and big interchangeable-lens cameras, a trio of high-end compacts are keeping photography purists excited: Fujifilm’s X100VI, Ricoh’s GR IIIx, and Leica’s Q3. These fixed-lens cameras have cult followings for making street and travel photography a joy. Each packs a large sensor into a small body, but with its own flair: Fuji blends retro rangefinder charm with modern tech, Ricoh delivers APS-C quality literally in your pocket, and Leica brings full-frame luxury and legendary optics to the party.

In this in-depth comparison, we’ll pit these three against each other across all critical aspects: techradar.comimage quality, lens performance, design and usability, autofocus capabilities, video features, connectivity, battery life, software tricks, and available accessories. We’ll dissect their pricing and value proposition, highlight pros and cons, and suggest ideal use cases for each. To spice it up, we include expert commentary from reputable sources and cover the latest updates – from firmware improvements to rumors of what’s coming next (hello, Ricoh GR IV and Leica Q3 Monochrom!). If you’re wondering which of these premium compacts is right for your needs, read on as we explore how they compare and what sets each apart.

(Spoiler: there’s no one “best” – but there might be one that provideocoalition.com dpreview.com# Sensor and Image Quality
All three cameras sport large sensors for top-notch image quality, but differ in size and resolution:

• Fujifilm X100VI: Features a 40MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor (23.5×15.7mm)【35†L7- dpreview.com dpreview.coms a backside-illuminated (BSI) sensor, the same high-resolution chip Fuji uses in its flagship X-T5, so it delivers excellent detail and d dpreview.com. It’s a big jump from the 26MP of the X100V – in fact, one reviewer noted the X100VI “comes with a 40 MP sensor against the 23MP from the previous model” (slightly understating the V’s 26MP)【3†L131-L139】. In real terms, the X100VI produces extremely crisp images; dpreview.com aggressively or make large prints without worry. Colors and tonal gradations benefit from Fujifilm’s famed color science and 14-bit RAW output. High ISO performance is very good for APS-C – usable up through ISO 6400 or more, w dpreview.com provideocoalition.comm-like and easy to reduce. With so many pixels, pixel-level noise is a bit higher than a lower-res sensor, but the BSI design compensates so well that the X100VI still holds plenty of shadow detail. One caveat: pushing 40MP from an APS-C sensor means you’ll notice any optical softness or focus miss more. As DPReview observed, “the sensor delivers high levels of detail capture, and from what we’ve shot so far, we don’t have much concern about the lens’s ability to make the most of this resolution bump.”【35†L13-L20】 In other words, Fuji mostly pulled it off – the images are razor-sharp in good light, though we’ll discuss the lens limits shortly. An petapixel.comFuji’s unique X-Trans color filter array (non-Bayer) can render fine detail and foliage with minimal moiré and a grain pattern some find pleasing. The camera also offers 10-bit HEIF and H.265 capture, plus in-camera RAW conversion with Fuji’s film simulatio wired.comiving gorgeous JPEGs that hardly need editing. Overall, the X100VI’s sensor brings flagship-level APS-C quality to a fixed-lens compact – you get resolution rivalling some full-frame wired.combeautiful colors straight out of camera【35†L19-L27】.
• Ricoh GR IIIx: Uses a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor (approx. 23.5×15.6mm)【11†L76-L84】【10†L9-L17】. It’s essentially the same proven sensor from the GR III (and similar to what many DSLRs used), lacking an anti-alias filter for maximum sharpness. While 24MP sounds modest today, this sensor i keithwee.com wired.comoduces “remarkably crisp, contrasty, detailed images” that, as Wired’s reviewer said, are “on par with what I get from my So macfilos.comess camera【40†L198-L206】. In other words, the GR IIIx can stand toe-to-toe with much larger rigs in image quality. The absence of an AA filter means very fine detail (street textures, foliage, etc.) is rendered with biting clarity – moiré is rarely an issue in real shots. Dynamic range is excellent; you can recover shadows and highlights from RAW (the GR shoots DNG format) very effectively. Thanks to the relatively low pixel density, low-light perfo wired.com excellent – high ISO shots (ISO 3200–6400) retain a lot of detail with grain that is ti keithwee.comike. DCSubjectly, the GR’s JPEG engine produces punchy, ready-to-share images. It even offers built-in “Image Control” presets like Positive Film, Monochrome, etc., which deliver distinct looks beloved by users【13†L147-L dpreview.com299】. One Ricoh shooter praised that “high contrast black and white and Positive Film simulations… I really adore”【13†L147-L155】. The GR IIIx also uniquely has 3-axis sensor-shift stabilization (Shake Reduction) which is primari dpreview.comg blur (more on that later) but also enables a clever feature: composition adjustment, effectivel techradar.comor-shift to fine-tune framing after you’ve half-pressed (handy for minor recomposing without moving the camera). While it’s not a high-res multi-shot system, the GR’s IBIS does allow dpreview.com dpreview.comias via pixel-shift for certain static scenes (a niche trick). Summing up, the GR IIIx’s sensor may have half the pixels of the Fuji, but it’s no slouch: you get outstanding per-pixel sharpness, great dynamic range, and reliable high ISO in a camera literally coat-pocketable. Plus, fewer pixels means smaller file sizes – something street photographers shooting hundreds of snaps a day might appreciate. As one GR fan quipped, not everyone wants “250 MB RAW files” for street work【13†L81-L89】 – 24MP hits a sweet dpreview.comhe GR IV arrives (with 26MP), the GR IIIx’s image quality remains among the best you can fit in your pocket.
• Leica Q3: Boasts a 60.3MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor (36×24mm)【21†L684-L692】【21†L745-L753】 – a class-leading resolution in the compact category. Likely the same sensor as in Leica’s M11 (or a close cousin), it brings full-frame dynamic range and high-ISO prowess, plus sheer resolving power that dwarf the Fuji and Ricoh. The Q3 captures an incredi techradar.comdetail: The Verge notes it has “13 million more pixels in this third-gen fixed-lens street shooter than its predecessor”【39†L659-L667】, and indeed it out-resolves many pro DSLRs. Leica leverages this to provide in-camera digital zoom/crop modes to 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, and even 90mm f techradar.comL702】【21†L755-L763】 – when you select these, the Q3 crops the 60MP image down (to 39, 19, 8, 6MP respectively) to simulate those fields of view, which Leica calls “Triple-Resolution Technology” (you can also shoot full 60MP or downsampled 36MP or 18MP RAWs for workflow flexibility)【21†L755-L7 dpreview.comL975】. Image quality from the Q3 is, in a word, stunning. DXOMark hasn’t tested it publicly, but the M11 sensor scored extremely high for dynamic range. In real wired.comles offer rich, malleable RAWs – you can recover shadow detail effortlessly and the highlights roll off gracefully. A DPReview initial test observed Leica increased the base ISO dynamic range enough to allow a one-stop higher max ISO (100,000) than the Q2【21†L745-L753】. Colors out-of-camera are relatively neutral and filmic – Leica’s JPEG profile is tuned for natural tones and there’s an option for a subtle “Leica Look” but no gimmicky filters. The lens (a 28mm Summilux f/1.7 ASPH) is matched so well that even at 60MP, corner-to-corner sharpness is fantastic and the sensor’s potential is fully utilized【21†L684-L692】【42†L19-L22】. Shaminder Dulai of DPReview notes the Q3 is “an incremental improvement over the Q2, which itself was already a very robust and fun camera to use.”【21†L684-L692】 That means they took an already excellent 47MP full-frame output (from Q2) and made it even better – particularly by adding phase-detect AF (so you can actually focus accurately at f/1.7 on a 60MP sensor – more in AF section). Noise-wise, the Q3 is clean through ISO 6400, and even ISO 25,000 can be usable for reportage. Thanks to full-frame, it also delivers about a stop or more of noise advanta dpreview.comX100VI at like settings – useful for low-light street scenes. A TechRadar editor gushed that on paper “the Q3 sets the bar for premium compact cameras”【39†L615-L623】, largely due to this sensor-lens combo. Finally, Leica dpreview.comcomputational help: the Q3 has AI-driven dynamic range and perspective correction for JPEGs (to correct converging lines in architecture, for example)【21†L699-L707】. It’s optional, but nice for quick OOC results. To summarize, the Leica Q3 produc dpreview.comf-the-art image quality: high resolution, high dynamic range, low noise, and that indescribable Leica mojo. It hands a lot of flexibility to the photographer – you can treat it like a multi-focal camera via crops, or downsample for ultra-clean 18MP files in low light. Of dpreview.com pay (literally) for this level of performance.

Bottom Line: All three cameras produce beautiful images, but they cater to different needs. The Leica Q3 is the undisputed king of raw image quality – its full-frame 6 keithwee.comfers a level of detail and tonal range the others can’t match, which is evident when you pixel-peep or make large prints【21†L745-L753】. It’s the one to choose if ultimate image quality is your top priority (and budget allows). The Fujifilm X100VI, however, narrows the gap impressively – at base ISO and good light, its 40MP APS-C files are tack-sharp and have gorgeous color straight out of camera【35†L19-L27】. It might only fall behind the Leica in extremes (very high ISO or when seeking that full-frame ultra-shallow depth of field look). And some might even prefer Fuji’s color renditions and film sims for certain looks. Meanwhile, the Ricoh GR IIIx punches above its weight – it has the lowest resolution, but in practical street photography, 24MP is plenty to make exhibition-quality prints. Its images are bitingly sharp and it excels in delivering high-quality results in situations where dpreview.comnot even have another camera with you due to its portability【40†L198-L206】. Ricoh’s color profiles (especially Positive Film) have a unique character that many street shooters love – a high-contrast, gritty feel that suits urban scenes【40†L233- petapixel.com petapixel.comf we consider sensor size and “look”, the Q3’s full-frame sensor combined with f/1.7 lens will give you the most background blur and subject isolation for portraits or close-ups – a different rendering than the APS-C cameras can produce (especially at equivalent fields of view). The X100VI and GR IIIx, being APS-C, have a deeper depth of field at the same aperture and framing (approx. 1.5 stops difference from full-frame). For street and landscape, that can be a benefit (more in f wired.comtraits, the Leica clearly can blur more background if desired.

All three sensors are up-to-date with no low-pass filters, so they prioritize sharpness. It’s worth mentioning lens quality plays a huge role in realized image quality – petapixel.comver next in detail. But purely on sensor merits: you won’t be disappointed by any of them. It’s more about how much resolution you need and how you shoot. The X100VI and Q3 give you resolution to spare (and then some), whereas the GR’s wired.com resolution makes for a balanced workflow and still excellent prints up to, say, 16×20 inches or more. As one Keith Wee noted, after using “megapixel monsters” like 100MP medium format, “trust me, most people wouldn’t want 250MB RAW files from a camera geared towards street”【13†L81-L89】 – hinting that the GR’s file sizes/24MP are actually practical for its purpose.

In summary, Leica wins th wired.comar with its big 60MP full-frame sensor【21†L698-L706】, Fuji offers the best compromise of high resolution in a smaller sensor with Fuji’s renowned color output【3†L131-L139】【35†L19-L27】, and Ricoh proves that 24MP APS-C can still deliver top-tier images especially in the contexts these cameras target【40†L198-L206】. All three justify their place in a premium compact discussion by providing image quality far beyond what typical point-and-shoots or phones can do – each in their own style.

Lens Performance

Each camera’s fixed lens is integral to its identity. We have three different focal lengths and optical designs here:

• Fujifilm X100VI Lens: A 23mm f/2 Fujinon, delivering a classic 35mm equivalent field of view (on APS-C). Physically it’s a compact 8-element lens (including 2 aspherical elements) carried over from the X100V. Fuji red petapixel.com lens for the X100V to improve edge sharpness and close-focus performance over earlier X100 versions, and it continues to serve well at 40MP【35†L13-L20】. Performance: In the center, it’s very sharp even wide open at f/2, and across most of the frame by f/4 it achieves excellent sharpness【35†L13-L20】. Colors and contrast rendered through this lens are beautiful; paired with Fuji’s sensor and processing, images have a pleasingly rich yet not over-contrasty look. DPReview’s test notes the lens holds up surprisingly well on the 40MP sensor: “from what we’ve shot so far, we don’t have much concern about the lens’s ability to make the most of this resolution bump.”【35†L13-L20】 That said, they and others do note it’s not perfect: “the X100VI’s tiny eight-element lens isn’t the absolute sharpest”, and at the pixel level the extreme edges/corners “noticeably drop away if the light isn’t pretty bright.”【35†L19-L27】 In practical terms, at f/2 dpreview.comare a bit soft and there is some astigmatism/field curvature – so if you shoot wide open landscapes, edges won’t be tack sharp. Stopping down to f/5.6 yields much more uniform sharpness. In low light wide-open, the 40MP sensor can reveal a bit of softness (which may be more from depth of field limitation than the lens itself). However, for most usage (street, environmental portraits) these corners aren’t critical or can even add a bit of softness that draws attention to the center subject. A shooter at Keithwee.com even commented “I find the GR IIIx’s output sharper than the X100VI’s lens output, especially near minimum focusing distance”【13†L92-L100】 – a testament to the Ricoh’s stellar lens (more on that next), but it indicates the X100’s lens, when focused very close at f/2, can have a touch of softness or glow. Indeed, at its closest focus (~10cm in macro mode), wide open performance is modest – stopping to f/2.8–4 improves detail for macro shots. Bokeh & Aperture: The X100VI’s lens yields pleasing bokeh in the right conditions. With a 9-blade aperture, out-of-focus highlights are fairly round when slightly stopped down. At f/2, background blur is decent but not super creamy by full-frame standards (remember it’s 35mm-e on APS-C). It excels at medium-distance subject isolation – e.g., a half-body portrait at f/2 will have a nice three-dimensional pop with a softly blurred background. The focusing is internal and fairly quiet. One huge advantage: it’s a leaf shutter design, meaning it syncs with flash at up to 1/2000s【43†L49-L57】 (unlike focal-plane shutters limited to ~1/250). This allows creative flash use (fill flash under bright sun, etc.) and also contributes to the camera’s near-silent operation. Fuji also int leicarumors.com4-stop ND filter into the lens【43†L49-L57】, which is excellent for shooting wide open in bright light or doing long exposures – e.g., you can shoot f/2 in midday sun or capture creamy water motion without external filters. Field of View & Usefulness: 35mm equivalent is often cited as the most versatile focal lengt adorama.com adorama.comscapes, street scenes, and group shots, yet tight enough for portraits (with some environment). Many documentary and street photographers adore 35mm, and this lens upholds that tradition – it encourages a “get closer and include context” style. The X100VI’s lens also supports optional conversion lenses: Fuji’s WCL-X100 II (28mm-e wide converter) and TCL-X100 II (50mm-e tele converter) attach directly and the camera can auto-correct for them【11†L81-L86】. These converters are optically matched and high-quality (no discernible hit in image quality), effectively giving you two additional lenses when needed. That adds to this lens’s flexibility greatly. Flare, Distortion, etc.: The 23mm f/2 has moderate barrel distortion and vignetting wide open, but Fuji’s in-camera corrections (and RAW profiles) correct them seamlessly – you likely won’t notice unless you shoot RAW with corrections off. Flare resistance is pretty good thanks to Fuji’s coatings, but a strong point light source can induce a slight loss of contrast or a few hexagonal flare blobs (Fuji includes a lens hood in some kits or sells it; using it helps in harsh light). Overall, Fuji’s lens is a stellar all-rounder: not clinically perfect at the extremes, but with character and capability that complement the sensor well. It’s essentially the same formula that made the X100V a hit, and on the VI it continues to produce “excellent results” with Fuji’s color modes【35†L19-L27】. Plus, the leaf shutter + ND filter give it technical advantages for creative shooting that the others lack.
• Ricoh GR IIIx Lens: A 26.1mm f/2.8 GR Lens, which equates to 40mm full-frame equivalent (Ricoh calls it 40mm-e)【11†L41-L45】【10†L29-L37】. This lens is a newer design introduced with the GR IIIx (as opposed to the 18.3mm on GR III). It has 6 elements in 4 groups (including 2 asphericals), and Ricoh engineered it for high sharpness and low distortion in a very slim form. How does it perform? In a word, astonishingly well. Many reviewers have sung its praises: “Both lenses (28 and 40mm versions) are capable of tack-sharp images with impressive, soft bokeh you don’t usually get with a camera this size”【40†L233-L241】. The GR IIIx’s lens produces images that are corner-to-corner sharp, especially once stopped a notch. Even wide open at f/2.8, the center and mid-frame are extremely sharp; corners are slightly softer at f/2.8 (an provideocoalition.com hint of vignetting) but by f/4 they sharpen up nicely【40†L233-L241】. Petapixel found “no barrel distortion or chromatic aberration… edges were cl provideocoalition.com jonasraskphotography.comvignetting” in their shots【11†L149-L157】 – Ricoh’s in-camera profile likely corrects minor distortion, but the lens is inherently well-corrected optically. One of the reasons it shines is it’s easier to design a near-telephoto for APS-C that’s high quality than an ultra-wide; 40mm-e hits a sweet spot, and Ricoh clearly gave it an APO-like design focus (minimal color fringing, as users report). Compared to Fuji’s 23mm: As noted before, some directly find the GR IIIx out-resolves dpreview.comt close range【13†L92-L100】. Indeed, Keith Wee’s side-by-side experience was that the GR IIIx was sharper than X100VI at close distances wide open, where the Fuji lens can struggle slightly. The GR’s lens also has almost zero field curvature, meaning subjects at the same distance across the frame all snap into focus on a flat plane – great for street scenes or architecture. Ricoh probably assumed GR users want edge-to-edge detail for street and landscape, and they delivered. Aperture and Bokeh: With a modest f/2.8 aperture and a 40mm-e focal length, you can get some background blur, but it’s not a bokeh monster. However, the bokeh quality is pleasantly smooth. Wired noted it gives “impressive, soft bokeh”, unusual for small cameras【40†L233-L241】. This is partly because the lens can focus quite close (12cm from sensor, ~6cm from lens front in Macro mode), so at minimum focus and f/2.8, you can blur backgrounds pretty jonasraskphotography.comtance, a flower close-up will have a creamy background). The bokeh circles are round and without harsh outlining thanks to 9 aperture blades. But for head-and-shoulders portraits at typical distances, you’ll get only mild background separation – which can actually be a storytelling advantage (keeping environment somewhat recognizable). Macro Abil jonasraskphotography.com IIIx has a dedicated Macro mode that lets you focus down to ~0.17m. Users find the lens extremely sharp even in macro range – great for capturing small details (food, textures, etc.). Petal corners might soften a touch due to depth of field, but optically it remains jonasraskphotography.com jonasraskphotography.comZone: A key part of the GR lens’s performance is how it interacts with Ricoh’s Snap/Zone focus system – the lens has a depth-of-field scale on-screen that shows what’s in focus for a given snap distance. At f/8 and snap focus 2m, for example, basically everything from ~1m to infinity is in focus (making street shooting near foolproof). The lens’s relatively short focal length plus fast aperture at close range plus sensor IS make it easy to use zone focusing to great effect. Flare and Coatings: Ricoh’s lenses use a special multi-coating to minimize flare and ghosting. Most users report the GR IIIx handles backlight well – you might see a small ghost if a bright light is just at the edge, but overall contrast holds. Some actually like the occasional dpreview.comost the GR produces as part of its “look.” The lens aperture is also capable of producing gorgeous 10-p dpreview.comwhen stopped down (street shooters often love sunstars in their compositions – the GR’s are nice and crisp). Compactness: It’s remarkable how such performance comes from a lens so thin (it retracts when off). Th dpreview.comt trade-off: it’s not weather-sealed and dust can eventually get in (as noted in cons). But optically, you’d think a pancake this small wouldn’t be this sharp – yet techradar.com techradar.com’s optical engineering. In summary, the GR IIIx’s lens is a gem: it’s extremely sharp, low-distortion, and high-contrast【11†L149-L157】. It draws in a slightly clinical way (very clean rendering, which street photographers often prefer for a truthful look), and gives just enough creative blur at close distances to isolate subjects. If you need more reach, Ricoh offers the GT-2 teleconverter (which takes you to ~75mm eq)【11†L81-L86】 – that adds flexibility for portr petapixel.com petapixel.com albeit at the cost of some convenience and a stop of light (effectively becomes f/4). The lens’ 40mm field of view itself is worth discussing: it’s a bit narrow keithwee.comassic 35mm. Many street photographers find 40mm a perfect balance – “when 28mm is too wide and 50mm is too tight”, as Peta keithwee.com†L78-L86】. It forces you to step back slightly, which can simplify compositions by excluding extraneous clutter co petapixel.com28mm. It’s also arguably more flattering for people shots than 28mm. So Ricoh’s choice of 40mm eq has been well-received by those who crave a slightly tighter normal lens for street and travel. In practice, it’s great for street portraits, detail shots, and scenes where you want to focus on a subject rather than a big vista. If you do need wider, the GR III (28mm version) or the wide converter (which the GR IIIx does not have an official one, only the GR III has a GW-4 21mm converter) would be options – but for the GR IIIx, 40mm was its defining trait, and its lens truly delivers stellar results at that focal length.
• Leica Q3 Lens: A fixed 28mm f/1.7 Summilux ASPH lens – arguably one of Leica’s greatest tricks was fitting a full-frame 28mm Summilux into the compact Q series. This lens is carried over optically from the Q2, as it was already excellent. It has 11 elements in 9 groups (3 aspherical), plus optical image stabilization. Performance: Simply put, this lens is exceptiona wired.com wired.cominted out the Q3 “uses the same 28mm F1.7 lens and looks nearly identical [to Q2] from the top and front”, and that “it’s not until you look at back/sides you notice something’s dif petapixel.com37-L745】 – implying Leica saw no need to change the optical formula because it already out-resolved the Q2’s 47MP sensor, and now allows the 60MP sensor to shine. In tests, the Summilux is razor-sharp in the center from f/1.7, and by f/4 it’s critically sharp across the frame. Even wide open, corners are very good – any slight softness is mostly due to field curvature on flat sub petapixel.comical aberration. One unique feature: the Q lens has a built-in macro mode – twist a ring on the lens and it shifts the foc keithwee.com 17cm close focus (in macro mode the aperture scale also switches from meters to a closer range, and the max aperture auto-steps to f/2.8 at closest distance to maintain quality). In macro, it can capture small subjects with impres keithwee.comLeica tuning ensures very little field curvature so close-ups are sharp edge-to-edge, an keithwee.comlur at 17cm and f/2.8 can be delightfully creamy. “The lens, front design and top plate are nearly identical [to Q2]”【21†L737-L745】 – meaning the Summilux’s mechanical operation (smooth focus, macro switch, engraved depth-of-field scale) remains a joy. Optical Character: The rendering has that Leica quality – high microcontrast, yielding images with a pleasing “pop” and depth. Colors through the lens are neutral and rich. Out-of-focus areas are smooth; at f/1.7 the Summilux can produce background blur that is dramatic for environmental portraits (subject at a few meters will be sharp, background melts away – you can get a look almost like a 35mm f/1.2 on full frame). It’s a wide lens but Leica managed to control distortion exceptionally – there’s very mild barrel distortion, corrected in-camera so JPEGs are perfect and RAW can be corrected with profiles. Vignetting at f/1.7 is visible (~2 stops in corners) but often adds a nice vignette naturally; stop keithwee.com and it mostly clears. Chromatic aberrations are basically non-existent except maybe a hint of longitudinal CA in extreme high-contrast bokeh (e.g., light bulbs against dark) – but Le keithwee.comorrects any lateral CA in processing. Flare resistance is good, but a strong point light can create a small hexagonal flare due to aperture shape and a slight loss of contrast – Leica includes a lens hood which mitigates this. The OIS gives about 3-4 stops of stabilization, very handy given 60MP (though some early Q3 firmware had OIS quirks, Leica’s updates have fine-tuned it). Comparative Sharpness: It’s safe to say the Q’s lens is the best optically of the trio – it’s the only one resolving a 60MP fu wired.comtill likely the sensor, not the lens, is the limiting factor in most scenes. DPReview noted “the Q3 squeezes even more out of the already sharp 28mm lens”【42†L17-L21】 and that Leica’s confidence in it led them to allow higher ISO and more crop modes knowing the lens can deliver【21†L745-L753】【21†L755-L763】. In other words, it’s effectively an $5,000-quality M-mount Summilux lens built into a camera. Many users of Q2 fo dpreview.comhed or exceeded their Leica M 28mm lenses in performance. Versatility: 28mm is fairly wide, but the huge resolution and the built-in crop feature mean the lens doubles as 35mm, 50mm, etc. with the press of a button. One expert called this “digital zoom… effectively cropping to cover 35, 50, 75, 90mm – the Q3’s high resolution makes these like-for-like settings higher-res than the Q2 could offer, a double win”【39†L659-L667】. Indeed, the Q3’s 35mm crop outputs ~39MP, which is still more than Fuji’s or Ricoh’s native. So the Summilux’s optical excellence plus the sensor’s pixel density give you multi-focal flexibility without significant quality loss【21†L755-L763】. The Q lens also has a manual focus clutch if yo dpreview.com focus (although focus-by-wire, it’s well-implemented; most rely on AF though). The aperture ring dpreview.com3 stops) – a tactile treat. All this combines to make shooting with the Summilux feel like using a classic Leica lens with all the modern conveniences. Depth of Field & Use Cases: At 28mm f/1.7, you can achieve subject isolation if you are fairly close to your subject, but more often this lens is about getting an entire scen dpreview.comh brilliant clarity (for landscapes, street environments) or shooting in very low light handheld thanks to f/1.7 + OIS. It excels at environmental portraits, event candids, architecture (with perspective correction if needed), and sweeping travel photos. Some photographers who normally find 28mm too wide actually adapt because the Q3’s ability to crop later means you can shoot a bit loose and decide after – the lens is that sharp to allow it. And for bokeh lovers, put your subject at 1m and background at 5-10m, shoot f/1.7, and you’ll get a look that’s not possible on the Fuji or Ricoh (more blur, more separation). The flip side is if you want deep focus, a 28mm makes it easy – street photographers can shoot zone focus at f/8 and practically everything from 1.5m to infinity is sharp, capturing layers of a scene. The Summilux handles that with high contrast, giving a distinct Leica signature where even complex scenes are rendered clearly and with depth. In short, the Leica Q3’s lens is a world-class optic: it’s sharp enough to satisfy the 60MP sensor, fast enough for creative shallow DOF and low-light use, and wide enough to be very flexible (with sensor crops extending that flexibility). It’s part of why one reviewer said “it might just be Leica’s most compelling camera to date”, because the lens+sensor together are that good【39†L607-L615】. And remember, Leica’s lens design pedigree is on full display here – you’re truly getting techradar.com performance without needing to change lenses or worry about calibration (the Q’s lens is perfectly matched and autofocusing). The only “con” one might note: it’s fixed at 28mm – if you inherently dislike 28mm perspective (maybe you find it too wide for people), you’d lean towards the Q3 43 variant. But optically, there’s little to fault.

Bottom Line: In lens terms, all three cameras have standout optics, each arguably best-in-class for their niche:

• The Fuji X100VI’s 35mm-e f/2 is a great all-round lens with classic character: reasonably fast, quite sharp (if not clinically so at f/2), and versatile thanks to converters and its leaf shutter+ND combo【35†L19-L27】【43†L49-L57】. It’s ideal for those who love the 35mm documentary style and want one lens that can do a bit of everything well. The minor softness wide open in corners or at minimum focus is a small trade-off for its compactness and flexibility. Most importantly, it delivers that distinct Fuji rendition that many youtube.come Ricoh GR IIIx’s 40mm-e f/2.8 is a pocket marvel – slower aperture, yes, but optically superb. It’s arguably the sharpest of the three on a per-pixel basis【40†L233-L241】【11†L149-L157】, and produces extremely clear, no-nonsense images. It’s built for street shooters who want edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal distortion, and it succeed theverge.comce some low-light stop and depth of field compared to the others, but you gain in stealth (the lens retracts, and there’s no need for a bulky design to get this performance). For its mission – candid street and travel photography – the GR’s lens is near-perfect, since you often shoot in decent light or with flash and prefer more depth of field. As one Macfilos review cheekily put, “the GR IIIx lens and sensor duo deliver stunningly sharp images… factually, I find output sharper than X100VI’s lens”【13†L92-L100】. It’s that good.
• The Leica Q3’s 28mm f/1.7 Summilux is in a different league of speed and quality – it’s a big, bright lens that truly lets the full-frame sensor shine【42†L17-L21】. It’s the most capable in low light (f/1.7 gathers ~1⅓ stops more light than f/2.8, plus OIS helps). It produces the most dramatic shallow-DOF look of the trio (full-frame + fast aperture) – if you want creamy bokeh and subject separation, the Q3 wins. And being a Leica, the rendering is gorgeous; you pay a lot for it, but you get the performance to match. It’s equally comfortable shooting sweeping cityscapes at f/5.6 or intimate portraits at f/1.7. If we treat the lens as a fixed prime lens purchase, the Summi theverge.comd justify a significant part of the Q3’s cost – there’s simply no counterpart in the compact world.

Choosing among them often comes down to focal length preference and usage style:

• Prefer 35mm view and a bit of vintage flavor? Fuji’s lens will make you happy (and you have the converters for 28/50mm views if needed).
• Prefer a slightly tighter normal view with ultra-crisp detail? The Ricoh’s lens is your best friend, capturing scenes exactly as you see them with no fuss.
• Prefer a wide classic reportage view with the ability to crop and an appetite for shallow depth shots? The Leica’s Summilux is unbeatable (and you can “dial in” other focal lengths via crop with high quality).

Each lens is a critical strength of its camera. In fact, these lenses are a big reason these models have dedicated fanbases – they’re simply not easily replicated on othe dpreview.comthout larger or multiple lenses. As Petapixel summed up for the GR, “It has a wonderful lens… built-in ND, and critical features”【10†L33- dpreview.comtiment that could be equally applied to Fuji and Leica in their own ways.

Design and Usability

These cameras each have distinct designs: Fuji oozes retro rangefinder vibes, Ricoh is minimalism incarnate, and Leica blends its classic style with modern elements. Let’s examine their handling, build, and user interface:

• Fujifilm X100VI Design & Handling: dpreview.comlooks like a beautiful vintage rangefinder from the 1960s, but under the skin it’s high-tech. It retains essentially the same all-metal body and layout as the X100V (and earlier models), with only tiny tweaks – for example, it’s about 1mm thicker to accommodate IBIS, but you’d hardly notice【1†L73-L81】【8†L129-L137】. The top and bottom plates are milled aluminum with a satin finish, and dials are milled metal – it feels solid and premium in the hand (weighing ~478g with battery). The ergonomics are excellent if you like manual controls: there’s a dedicated shutter speed dial, lens aperture ring, and an dpreview.commpensation dial under your thumb. As Jonas Rask notes, Fuji kept the beloved design almost unchanged: “design changes are very minimal… It actually took me days to really find all the minuscule changes between the V and VI.”【8†L124-L132】 Indeed, the X100VI fits in existing X100V cases and uses the same batteries – testament to Fuji’s “if it ain’t broke” philosophy. What’s new in design? A few minor tweaks aimed at usability: the “Drive/Delete” button moved slightly for easier reach while using the EVF【8†L149-L157】, and the rear screen’s tilting mechanism was improved to tilt a bit further (now about 45° downward as well as upward)【8†L158-L167】. That tilt screen is flush-fitting – you hardly see it until you pull it out – so the camera maintains its sleek retro form. They also added a little Bluetooth symbol by the “Disp/Back” button indicating improved connectivity, but otherwi reddit.comcontrols (joystick, Q menu button, etc.) are similar to X100V【8†L149-L157】. A very subtle difference: the front lever (which switches the hybrid viewfinder from OVF to EVF) got a knurled tab instead of the previous red-filled dot – slightly easier to grip【8†L149-L157】. The tripod socket was moved ~3mm due to IBIS unit internal rearrangements【8†L153-L157】, but that’s inconsequential except that older custom thumb grips or baseplates might not align perfectly. Overall, build quality is superb – it’s a tight, dense camera that feels like a prec petapixel.comnt. “Refined and classic” is how one description went, referencing its milled edges and satin finish【1†L63-L71】.

Where the X100VI truly shines in design is the Hybrid Viewfinder. This is a hallmark: you have an optical viewfinder (OVF) with frame lines and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and can switch by flicking that front lever【8†L177-L185】. The OVF gives you a bright, real-world view with 0.52× magnification and parallax-correcting frame lines that move as you focus (very rangefinder-esque). In OV keithwee.como can overlay a small electronic display or focus peaking if you wish – it’s brilliant for those who want an uncluttered view and the experience of seeing outside the frame lines (great for anticipating subjects entering the frame). Then the EVF (3.69M-dot OLED) is used for critical composition, exact framing, or low light scenes – it’s reasonably large and sharp, though not as high-res or big as Leica’s EVF. Many photographers absolutely love this hybrid system: as Jonas Rask put it, “I LOVE it… the hybrid OVF/EVF is a distinctive user experience that sets this camera apart”【8†L169-L177】【41†L23-L31】. Indeed, DPReview emphasizes that the X100VI offers a “more coherent, consistent and distinctive user experience than a mirrorless camera does, and a hybrid viewfinder that can petapixel.comra apart”【41†L23-L31】. Using the OVF can also save battery and keep you more connected to the scene.

Controls and Customization: wired.com wired.comnse but logical control layout. Top plate: shutter dial (with “A” for auto and a lift-up lock for that), which also has a window for ISO – you lift and turn the outer collar to change ISO (some find that fiddly, but Fuji fans enjoy it for the tactile feel). There’s a dedicated Exposure Compensation dial (±3 stops, plus a “C” to allow up to ±5 via command dial). The lens has the ape petapixel.comth 1/3-stop clicks, and an “A” position). A front control ring around the lens (in front of aperture ring) is customizable (you can assign it to adjust ISO, film sim, etc., when in certain modes). The back has a mini joystick for moving focus point or navigating menus – very handy when using EVF or LCD for AF point selection. Several buttons (the AE/AF-L, the Q quick menu, etc.) are all re-assignable if desired. Many appreciate Fuji’s Q Menu – one press and you get a grid of settings (film sim, WB, drive mode, etc.) that you can customize. It makes changing common settings quick without diving into main menus. The menus themselves are well organized, if a bit deep (tons of features). But Fuji has simplified in recent models with a “My Menu” tab where you can save frequently used menu items. Overall, the usability strikes a nice balance of analog and digital: you can do nearly everything with dials and rings (never diving into menus while shooting if you set it up that way), but if you need to, modern aids like the Q menu, an on-screen histogr keithwee.comc level, etc., are there.

Weather Sealing: Out of the box, the X100VI is not fully weather sealed, but it can be when you att dpreview.com dpreview.compter ring and a 49mm filter to protect the lens front【1†L79-L87】【38†L7-L15】. Fuji claims weather resistance only with that in place (because the moving front element then has a sealed barrier). This is the same as X100V – many users permanently keep a UV filter on. It’s a slight design compromise, but it allows that lens to have moving elements and still be sealed with a simple accessory. Once sealed, users have taken X100s in rain, dust, even snow with no issues【1†L79-L87】.

Portability: The X100VI is about 128×75×53 mm in size – jacket-poc dpreview.comh a bit large for most pants pockets. It’s delightfully compact for what it offers (especially compared to carrying an APS-C body plus a 35mm lens separately). Many users sling it over the shoulder or neck with a nice strap – it’s a camera that begs to be carried around. It looks so good, you likely want to carry it as a style statement too. The silver version is very classic, while the all-black version is stealthy. The design definitely attracts positive attention – even non-photographers often comment on how “cool” or “retro” it looks.

User Experience: Shooting with the X100VI is often described as “joyful”. There’s a certain satisfaction techradar.cometting exposure with the dials, hearing the near-silent leaf shutter snick, and seeing your photo instantly in the EVF or LCD. Jonas Rask recounts the story behind X100’s design – Masazumi Imai’s inspiration from classic cameras behind a glass cabinet – and how “he made the perfect camera design from his mind… a design icon”【8†L177-L185】【8†L189-L197】. Fujifilm has gently evolved it over iterations, refining ergonomics without losing the soul. The result is a camera that dpreview.coman old friend to shoot with – everything falls under your fingers logically if you’re used to analog cameras. The shutter dial and aperture ring encourage you to shoot in manual or aperture priority by feel.

For newcomers, there might be a slight learning curve if you’ve only used point-and-shoots or phones – but the X100VI does have an “Auto” mode on the lens (for aperture) and shutter dial, essentially making it a program auto camera if you set both to A (plus a separate switch for auto ISO if you want). So you can use it as a fancy point-and-shoot and gradually explore manual control as you get comfortable. The shortcomings in usability are few: some might find the integrated ISO dial a bit finicky (especially with the X100V/VI’s weather-sealed top – it’s stiffer to lift than older models). And with so many features, the menus can overwhelm at first (there’s literally settings for things like how the OVF electronic overlay behaves, etc.). But Fuji’s documentation is decent, and there are countless user guides online given the X100’s popularity.

Thermals & Performance: The camera’s performance is snappy: startup ~1s, shot-to-shot is quick, 8 fps bursts m dpreview.com EVF refresh is decent 60Hz (not class-leading, but fine). It’s responsive in operation – thanks to X-Processor 5. Also a fun note: the shutter is so quiet (almost silent leaf shutter) that you might want to enable a fake sound or you won’t realize you took a shot, it’s that discreet. There is also an electronic shutter for completely silent operation (with up to 1/32,000s for bright light). The hybrid viewfinder adds a tiny complexity: occasionally you need to calibrate the EVF alignment (if frame l dpreview.comxactly match what EVF shows, there’s a function to adjust for your eye – rarely needed, but it’s there).

In summary, the X100VI’s design is classically beautiful, functionally thoughtful, and immensely satisfying for those who appreciate a tactile shooting experience. It’s like having a mini-Leica with autofocus and video and all modern perks, at a fraction of the cost【31†L688-L696】. One DPReview article even said “the X100 series offers a genuinely unique combination of style and capability”【31†L688-L696】 – and that style is directly from its design. If you value having direct control dials, a built-in viewfinder, and a camera that inspires you to go out and shoot, the X100VI nails it. No wonder TikTok teens and veteran photojournalists alike were scrambling to get X100Vs (and now VIs) – it’s cool and competent in equal measure【1†L63-L71】.

• Ricoh GR IIIx Design & Handling: The GR series is famed for its ultra-minimalist, pocketable design, and the GR IIIx continues this tradition. The camera is downright tiny for an APS-C sensor: about 109×62×35 mm and only 262 g ready to shoot【13†L105-L113】【11†L49-L57】. It can literally slip into a jeans pocket (though it’s a bit chunky for skinny jeans). The GR IIIx has a stark, all-black magnesium alloy body with a grippy rubberized front. The design philosophy is “no frills, all function”. At a glance, many might mistake it for a little point-and-shoot from 2005 – it’s that unassuming. And that’s intentional: as Keith Wee says, it “hardly draws attention to its minimalist-looking body… similar to Fuji’s X100 series, the GR has reached ‘peak design’ needing little overhaul”【13†L103-L111】. The GR body style has been consistent since the film GR1 of the 90s: flat front, short protruding lens (that retracts on power-off behind a built-in barrier shutter), and a simple control scheme.

Build quality: Despite its light weight, the GR IIIx feels solid. The magnesium alloy gives it a robust, dense feel rather than plastic flimsy. It’s built to be a workhorse – many photographers note their GR has survived years of heavy use (though cosmetically the matte finish might wear on edges). There’s no weather sealing unfortunately (more on that in cons), but mechanically it’s sound. The lens extends when powered on and retracts when off, with a smooth action. There dpreview.comberized grip area on the front which, while tiny, is sculpted to allow a dpreview.com dpreview.comControls & Interface: Ricoh’s approach is to strip away anything unnecessary, leaving a clean, one-handed operation layout. On the top, you have a mode dial (with positions for P/A/S/M, video, and 3 user-custom modes) and the shutter release with a on/off collar. There’s no built-in flas dpreview.com adorama.com anything). On the back, there’s a directional pad (which also tilts like a wheel for scrolling), a small “ADJ” (adjust) dial near the thumb (which tilts left-right, act dpreview.comustomizable lever or confirming selection when pressed), and a couple of buttons (Menu, Playback, FN, and the effect rocker for macro/Wi-Fi start/flash toggle depending on context). Th dpreview.com tiny front dial around the shutter button for aperture/shutter adjustments. All of these controls are within reach of your right hand thumb or forefinger – meaning you can truly operate the GR IIIx one-handed if needed. At 257 g, one-handed shooting is comfortable, and the button placement is such that you don’t accidentally press things (a benefit of having relatively few buttons).

A hallmark feature is Snap Focus: you can set a preset foc dpreview.com(1m, 1.5m, 2m, 5m, infinity etc.) and then by fully pressing the shutter in one go, the camera will instantly take a photo focused at that distance (bypassing AF). This feature defines the GR’s street cred – an dpreview.comy tied to design: the GR has a specific setting (in the menu or dpreview.comto choose snap distance, and you can configure “Full Press Snap” so that a quick full press uses snap while a half-press uses AF normally【11†L103-L111】【40†L279-L288】. The fact Ricoh builds this into the UI shows how oriented it i dpreview.comactive photography. There’s even a visual distance scale on the LCD when in MF/Snap mode that shows depth-of-field range given current aperture – great for zone focusing practice.

The LCD on the back is a fixed 3” touchscreen (1.04M-dot). It’s reasonably bright, but some have noted it’s not the brightest in strong sun (though you can boost it). There is no viewfinder – you compose on the screen only (unless you attach an optional optical viewfinder in the hotshoe for rough framing). The lack of EVF is a conscious choice to keep size down – and most GR users adapt by using the screen or zone focusing without looking. The touchscreen interface is simple, you can tap to focus or swipe in playback. But most hardcore GR u dpreview.com dpreview.comcontrols mostly and use the LCD just as a view.

Menus & Customization: The GR’s menu system is straightforward: a vertical lis dpreview.coms (Shooting, Key Custom Options, Setup, etc.). It’s not as fancy as Fuji’s, but it is easy to navigate, and crucially it remembers your last menu position – so if you dive in to change something and exit, next time it opens to that same spot (nice for iterative changes). The “ADJ” lever on back doubles as a quick menu: press it and a small overlay appears with 5 customizable settings (by defau petapixel.comcontrol, aspect ratio, etc.). You can change what appears here for quick access, making up somewhat for no Q menu. There’s also a Fn button by the thumb that you can assign (commonly to switch focus modes or drive modes, etc.). The camera has “effect” options (filters, etc.) but those are largely gimmicks – most shoot RAW or use petapixel.com“Image Control” which is like film sims (accessible via ADJ menu).

One interesting design peculiarity: the GR doesn’t have a standard 4-way pad with l wired.comer cameras. Instead, Ricoh uses the 4-way rocker with unlabeled directions but the screen shows an overlay of what each direction curr wired.comg., one might be ISO if you configured, another might be macro toggle, etc.). This is because it’s highly customizable: you can map essentially any function to each directional press and the Fn button. Once set, muscle memory kicks in. It’s a bit different than having a dedicated ISO or WB button, but it lets the user tailor the camera to their style (e.g., one could set left press = Snap focus distance cycle, right = exposure comp, up = flash on/off, down = macro mode, etc.). The camera encourages customizing until it fits you, then you can almost operate it without looking. Many street shooters set it up to minimize needing to go into menus at all. The GR also has One-handed operation mode in menus where you can have menu selections align right so you can navigate with one hand if needed.

Stealth and Shootability: The GR IIIx excels at being a camera you can raise, shoot, and pocket in a second. There’s no lens cap to remove (the lens has a built-in cover that opens when lens extends). Startup is about 0.8 sec【11†L117-L125】 – very quick, so you can be off and shooting almost instantly. The shutter sound is very quiet (leaf shutter too), and you can turn off all beeps/lights for stealth. Because it’s so small and looks like a tourist compact, people generally ignore it. Keith Wee points out “most subjects don’t even seem bothered by it”【13†L111-L119】 – ideal for candid street work. It’s essentially designed to be an extension of your eye – the camera’s motto could be “always there, never in the way.”

There are some design limitations by intention: the fixed screen means sometimes you might str dpreview.com adorama.com angles (some use the add-on OVF for that). The battery is tiny (and door right by tripod mount). The camera purposely doesn’t have features like a panorama mode or even a traditional mode dial positions for scene modes – it assumes the us dpreview.comsiast who’ll use P/A/S/M or the memory slots. That said, the GR can be used in full auto if needed; there’s a “Green” mode that basically acts like a point-and-shoot auto (it even overrides your RAW setting to ensure a JPEG for simplicity). But I suspect 90% of GR usage is in aperture priority or manual with snap focus.

Feel in Hand: Wi dpreview.com dpreview.comfeel a tad small. The grip, though improved since older models, is still just enough for two fingers around it. Many attach a wrist strap and essentially let it rest in their hand as they walk. It’s extremely light, so carrying it is effortless. If using it for long p dpreview.comnded operation means your index controls shutter and front dial, thumb on ADJ and other back buttons – it’s balanced fairly well for that. The camera’s minimalism extends to aesthetics: the branding is subtle (just “GR” embossing in front). It’s a camera that disappears, both from others’ view and even in your own – you forget it’s on you until you need it. That’s design success for its intended use.

All in all, the Ricoh GR IIIx’s design is form-follows-function at its finest. It’s built for street photographers by street photographers. There’s zero pretense – no retro dials, no viewfinder hump – just a small black rectangle that turns on and captures the world with supreme efficiency. As The Verge summarized, “the GR cameras have carved out a niche among street photographers who value t techradar.compact size and fairly affordable prices compared to a Fujifilm X100 or Leica Q.”【15†L275-L283】 That nails it: the GR eschews luxury frills and focuses purely on enabling the shooter to get the sh techradar.coms possible. It may not win beauty contests (though many find its understated look appealing), but it wins at usability in fast-paced situations. If the X100VI is a refined classic roadster, the GR IIIx is a stripped-down sports car with no radio or AC – less comfortable, maybe, but thrillingly direct to drive.

• Leica Q3 Design & Handling: The Q3 carries Leica’s signature minimalist elegance, resembling a slightly scaled-down Leica M rangefinder (though it’s an autofocus camera with an EVF). Physically, it’s the largest and heaviest of the three (approx. 130×80×92 mm, 743 g)【38†L7-L10】, owing to the full-frame sensor, large lens, and beefy build. It’s constructed of h adorama.coml (magnesium/aluminum alloy chassis) with either black la adorama.com edition finishes, and has the classic Leica tactile quality. Every dial and button has a satisfyingly precise feel. The style is pure Leica: clean lines, sparse lettering, and of course the iconic red dot logo on the front (which you can stealth with a bit of gaffer tape if desired). If Fuji’s design is retro-cool and Ricoh’s is utilitarian, the Leica Q3’s design is modern-luxury-meets-classic. It’s the only one of the trio that’ll regularly draw admiring glances for its brand prestige and distinct look – a TechRadar writer even quipped “it’s definitely dpreview.com techradar.comich”【39†L582-L590】 when praising its design and features.

Body and Ergonomics: Despite the weight, the Q3 feels well-balanced. The handgrip area on the right front is modest but sculpted; many will add the optional screw-on handgrip for more to hold, but even without it, the thumb indent dpreview.com dpreview.com bulge give a secure hold. The covering is a textured leatherette (or rubber) that’s grippy. It’s not a ca petapixel.com wired.comded effortlessly for long – two-handed (left supporting lens, right on grip) is more comfortable, but one-handed shots are doable thanks to its good balance and OIS. The shutter release is threaded for a traditional cable release or soft wired.comn, a nod to classic cameras. The top plate is refreshingly uncluttered: just the shutter release, the on/off (around the release), and a single mode dial (a departure from Leica M which has none – but Q being AF, needs one). The mode dial is minimal with only PASM and a video position. There’s no built-in flash, which keeps the top clean; there is a standard hot shoe for an external flash or the optional thumb rest.

The lens is a major part of handling: it has a physical aperture ring (aperture markings from f/1.7 to f/16 and an “A” for auto) and a manual focus ring that doubles as a macro mode activator when you push a detent and rotate it to macro range. The focus ring is smooth fly-by-wire but with well-defined stops at ends, and the aperture ring has 1/2-stop clicks and a nice resistance. These rings, plus a tiny knurled thumb wheel on the top back, are pretty much all dpreview.comexposure control – similar to Fuji, you can set aperture on the lens, shutter speed via the top thumb wheel (since Q3 doesn’t have a dedicated shutter dial), and ISO can be auto or assigned to a button. Leica’s design ethos is to minimize b dpreview.com back of the Q3, you have only three buttons: Play, Function, Menu (plus the joystick). That’s it! Leica consolidated other functions into on-screen menus and the function button (which you can long-press to pull up a wheel of assignable options). They strive for simplicity: the idea is to concentrate on shooting rather than fiddling. Some users coming from cameras bristling with buttons might find it spartan at first, but many Leica users love the decluttered interface.

EVF & LCD: The Q3 has a gorgeous 5.76M-dot OLED EVF (0.79× magnification) – it’s big, bright, and detailed, one of the best finders on any camera【21†L695-L703】. Shooting through it is a pleasure; it feels immersive. Unlike the Fuji’s hybrid concept, the Q3 expects you to use the EVF for eye-level work, and it delivers a clear view (with adjustable diopter). It now also features a tilting LCD – a first for Leica’s digital full-frames【21†L775-L783】. The 3” touchscreen tilts up ~90° and down ~45°, which is fantastic for waist-level shots or low angles. This addition was huge: Leica Q and Q2 owners longed for a tilt screen, and Leica finally delivered, without compromising the camera’s clean look too much (the mechanism is well integrated). The LCD is 1.84M-dot, very sharp, and touch functions allow menu navigation, playback swipe/zoom, and touch AF if desired. But Leica’s menu is also navigable via joystick if you prefer.

Menus & Customization: Leica’s menu system is relatively simple (especially compared to Fuji’s hundreds of options). They use a tabbed layout and clear labels. The Q3’s menu has sections for Still Photo, Video, Setup, etc. They also allow a Favorites menu where you can pin your frequent settings. Given the limited physical controls, customizing the few available (like the FN button, short/long joypad press, etc.) is important. You can assign things like ISO, crop mode, etc., to these. Still, the Q3 has fewer customization options than the Fuji or Ricoh – part of Leica’s philosophy that the camera’s defaults are well-chosen and you shouldn’t need to reconfigure heavily. For example, there is no dpreview.com dpreview.come dial like “C1, C2”. Instead, Leica expects you to adjust as needed or use the Fn shortcuts. They also incorporate neat features: Leica FOTOS integration (scan a QR code on screen to pair with phone), perspective control for architecture (the camera can auto-level converging lines in JPEG using gyro data)【21†L699-L707】, and in-camera charging settings. But these all live in sub-menus you access when needed – they don’t clutter the shooting experience.

Weather Sealing: The Q3 is rated IP52 – which means it’s dust-resistant and drip/splash-resistant (able to handle light rain)【21†L703-L711】. This is a step up from the X100 (which needed adapter for sealing) and of course above the unsealed GR. So you can confidently use the Q3 in challenging conditions – many photojournalists like Qs for this reason, they can be out in the elements and the camera holds up. The lens focusing mechanism is internal (so no telescoping elements that risk ingesting dust). The battery/memory compartment has a gasket. Leica improved sealing from Q2 by adding port covers (since Q3 has USB/HDMI ports now).

wired.comShooting Experience: The Q3 feels like a Leica – which is to say, deliberate and satisfying. The shutter sound (mechanical) has a soft clop (a bit louder than Fuji’s leaf shutter but still very discreet compared to a DSLR mirror). You can switch to fully electronic shutter for silent operation if needed (with risk of rolling shutter, but at 28mm that’s rarely an issue unless panning quickly). The autofocus is fast and nearly silent; with PD AF now, it just gets out of the way. The camera’s weight ironically helps stabilize it – it’s heavy enough to reduce small shakes (plus OIS). When you turn it on, the lens doesn’t extend (it’s fixed) – so it’s ready quick (about 1 second from off to fire). The aperture ring click, the wired.comcus ring if you engage manual focus (it has focus peaking or a rangefinder-style digital split image aid), all are tactile joys. People describe using the Q as fun because it imposes less technical fiddling – you just frame and shoot, trusting the camera to nail it. Antonio Di Benedetto at The Verge wrote “it looks like previous models, but mostly with internal upgrades”, highlighting that from a user perspective, if you’ve seen a Q2, the Q3 will feel instantly familiar【15†L231-L239】. Indeed, aside from the tilt screen and extra port, you might not tell them apart at first glance – Leica kept the formula consistent, which is a plus for handling as they already had something that worked.

Prestige and Intangibles: There’s no denying part of theverge.com theverge.com intangible pride-of-ownership and the heritage. The Q3’s design leans into that: it has engraved markings, minimal plastic (mostly in buttons only), and that stealth-wealth vibe. When you carry it, you’re carrying a piece of Leica’s ethos of “Das Wesentliche” (the essentials). Now, some might find the lack of many dials or buttons a drawback (if you like direct ISO dials, you’ll miss it – on Q3 you likely toggle ISO via FN or auto). But many appreciate the declutter. Also, with fewer external controls, there’s less to accidentally bump (the mode dial actually locks – you press its center to turn, so you won’t accidentally leave M mode etc.).

In Use Example: Let’s say you’re doing street photography: with Q3, you might set aperture on lens to f/5.6, shutter to auto (via A on mode dial in aperture priority), ISO auto, and just roam. The camera will pick shutter speed itself, you focus on framing through that big bright EVF. Need to quickly go wide open for a portrait? Twist the aperture ring to f/1.7. Subject running? Perhaps use the joystick to switch to AF-C (or face detect). Everything is a quick movement or two – nothing laborious like dpreview.comus repeatedly. Because the Q3’s design is unified (lens and body integrated), Leica tuned it so well that it feels effortless to get technically excellent shots, freeing you to think creatively.

Downsides in Design: It’s heavier and larger, so not as “take everywhere” as the Fuji or definitely the Ricoh. After a full day, you feel its presence on your neck. It doesn’t fit in pock dpreview.combe a big coat pocket. The price means you might baby it more (or inversely, some owners are more careful because it’s expensive). Also, the Leica’s minima dpreview.commeans if you do want to change something like drive mode or metering, you’ll likely go into the menu or FN – not as directly accessible as on Fuji (which has a dedicated dial for drive, etc.). But Leica rationalizes that many users set those once and forget, which is often true.

In summary, the Leica Q3’s design and usability are about excellence through simplicity and quality. It’s a camera that feels luxurious to handle, yet it’s designed to be straightforward in operation. It invites you to trust it and focus on composition. Where Fuji gives you knobs to dpreview.comoh gives you stealth and speed, Leica gives you a refined tool that gets out of the way and lets you enjoy the act of photographing, all while delivering top-tier results. If you appreciate Bauhaus-like design minimalism and don’t mind the size/weight, the Q3 is extremely rewarding to shoot with. As many reviewers basically say, using a Q series camera can be addictive – it’s that nice.

Comparative Wrap-up:

• The X100VI offers the richest tactile control exper youtube.comure ring + shutter dial + hybrid OVF/EVF) – it’s perfect for those who love classic cameras and direct dials, and its medium size strikes a balance between portability and handling【8†L177-L185】【41†L23-L31】. It brings joy through engaging with the process, and it’s also a conversation piece with its retro looks. Downside: moderately pocketable, not truly pants-pocket small, and requires an add-on for full weather seal.
• The GR IIIx is hyper-focused on being inconspicuous and fast. It’s a design of function: pocket-sized, one-handed use, and no shiny knobs – a true street photographer’s tool【13†L103-L111】【40†L239-L248】. It doesn’t prioritize a luxury feel (and indeed so theverge.comits small size and lack of viewfinder not as enjoyable for deliberate shooting), but it’s unbeatable when you need to literally carry a camera everywhere without burden and capture moments in a blink. Downside: no VF, sparse controls (which actually fans see as a plus), and it demands you vibe with its philosophy of “the camera should disappear.”
• The Leica Q3 drips with build quality and simplicity elegance. It’s the most substantial to hold, giving a se adorama.comess, and its control scheme is minimal but intuitive【39†L611-L619】【21†L695-L703】. It strikes you as a serious photographic instrument but not a complicated one. It’s great for deliberate shooting and can handle fast action decently too now with better AF. It’s the least discreet physically (bigger, flashy brand unless taped), but in a professional or travel context, it’s still far less conspicuous than a big DSLR with zoom lens. Downside: cost and bulk dpreview.comying a $6k, nearly 2-pound camera, which influences how you handle it (perhaps more carefully or more selectively).

In essence, choose X100 dpreview.com that classic camera feel in a compact form, GR IIIx if you value extreme portability and stealth above all, and Q3 if you want a premium shooting experience with incredible output and are willing to carry the heft. All three are masters of usability in their own domain: X100 for hybrid shooting (OVF/EVF) and dial-based control, GR for quick-draw candid photography, Leica for immersive framing through a great EVF and a less-is-more workflow. It’s hard to overstate how much the design philosophy of each shapes the shooting experience – it’s perhaps here more than raw specs that a photographer will feel which camera suits them best.

Autofocus and Performance

Modern autofocus systems are complex, blending hardware (phase-detect vs contrast AF) and software (face detection, subject tracking). These three cameras span from Ricoh’s simpler approach up to Leica’s new hybrid PDAF system. Let’s see how they compare in focusing speed, accuracy, and overall performance responsiveness:

• Fujifilm X100VI AF & Speed: The X100VI inherits the same on-sensor hybrid AF system from Fujifilm’s latest X-series bodies (like the X-T5/X-H2), which means it has a dense array of phase-detect AF pixels across the frame combined with contrast-detect. It als dpreview.comuji’s improved AF algorithms and X-Processor 5 computing power for AI-based subject detection. In practice, this makes it the fastest-focusing X100 ever, by a good margin. Fuji specifically added their new subject-detect AF dpreview.comr human face/eye, animals, cars, etc.) which the X100V lacked【43†L85-L93】. With the X100VI, you can have it automatically recognize and track a person’s eye, or a bird, etc., and it works quite well. For example, in street shooting, face/eye detect is handy; Petapixel noted the camera has “face and eye detection… on by default” and that hybrid AF + IBIS helps ensure steady shots【11†L101-L109】. Speed: It’s quick to acquire focus in good light – essentially instantaneous on static subjects. In dimmer conditions, the f/2 aperture and on-sensor PDAF still lock focus reliably down to moderately low light, but in very dark scenes it might hunt a bit (common to contrast AF reliance). According to DPReview’s testing, the X100VI’s AF is “the best performing and most usable of the series yet,” but they temper that by saying it’s “a world away from the best contemporary mirrorless cameras”【41†L19-L27】. dpreview.comaway comment means: compared to a top-tier interchangeable like a Sony A7 IV or Fuji X-H2S with stacked sensor, the X100VI is not as ultra-snappy or predictive on high-speed moving subjects. It has some limitations: the focus drive is by a small lens motor (which Fuji did not dramatically change from X100V), and it’s focusing a moderately wide lens – great depth of field helps hide minor focus errors, but also means sometimes it might not micro-adjust as fast as a pro sports camera would. However, for typical use (people walking, children playing, street action, tra keithwee.com dpreview.comn capable.

AF modes: You have single point AF (with choice of 425 points or fewer, and different size focus boxes), Zone AF, Wide/Tracking, and the Face/Eye setting. Most find single point for static subjects a wired.com for portraits works best. The tracking in AF-C has improved – it will follow a subject around the frame decently, though it’s not infallible if the subject is small or keithwee.comlly. DPReview noted from a “glass half-empty” view, “its autofocus, while the best… yet, is still far from the best mirrorless cameras”【41†L19-L27】 and some forum users grumbled that Fuji left the lens and AF motor unchanged, calling it “uninspired” when combined with the 40MP sensor【35†L49-L57】. But others report that after firmware tweaks (e.g., firmware 1.20) the AF feels very solid, and one Reddit user even remarked “it feels like my Sony A6400” now【44†L23-L27】 – a midrange Sony, which is not a slouch. So, there is some subjectivity; if one expects high-end sports performance, they might be underwhelmed, but for its intended subjects, X100VI’s AF is good without reservation.

Focus in OVF vs EVF: When using the OVF, the camera has to do parallax c wired.comthe focus point (especially up close). Fuji’s system will show a small focus area offset in the OVF and then if focus locks, it can display a green overlay where the focus is. It’s surprisingly effective once you trust it, but some users prefer switching to EVF for close-ups to avoid any mis-framing. Focus speed is the same whether OVF or EVF. There’s also manual focus with focus peaking or a digital split-image – the MF ring on the X100 lens is focus-by-wire and a bit slow, so manual focus isn’t commonly used except in specific scenarios (prefocus at a distance for zone focusing, or tricky low-light scenes where contrast AF might struggle, etc.). But given Snap focus on GR and MF lens culture on Leica, it’s notable the X100 doesn’t really have a fast man amateurphotographer.com culture – its AF is reliable enough and manual ring less tactile, so most stick to AF.

Continuous Shooting & Buffer: The X100VI shoots up to 8 fps with mechanical shutter (or up to 20 fps electronic). At 8 fps, it can track focus (AF dpreview.comot as sophisticatedly as a sports camera. Some quick tests: it can manage to keep a slow-moving subject in focus through a burst decently, but with a fast subject moving toward camera, it might not hit every shot – partly limite dpreview.comerate speed of contrast AF updates and the lens focus motor. The buffer fits about ~20 RAW or 100 JPEG at 8 fps (with a fast card), so it’s ample for short bursts【31†L779-L787】. It’s not a camera for long sequences though; think capturing a kid jumping or a quick facial expression sequence rather than a whole soccer game.

Shot-to-shot & Shutter lag: Virtually no perceptible shutter lag (about 0.05s). Shot-to-shot in single mode is as fast as you can re-frame and half-press again – there’s no mirror blackout, etc., so it feels very responsive. The leaf shutter is quiet and has low vibration, benefiting sharpness at slow speeds.

Face/Eye detection: The X100VI’s face detection is very useful for street candids or environmental portraits – it will prioritize faces and nail focus on eyes when possible. Reviewers note it’s on by default【11†L101-L109】, and in practice it works well even if the face is a bit off-center or not huge in frame. It’s not quite Sony-level eye AF (where it can catch an eye of someone half-body reliably), but dpreview.come – Fuji’s algorithm has improved a lot, and with X-Processor 5 it’s pretty sticky. It also recognizes animal eyes, etc., but those use cases might be less common for X100 (someone might photograph their dog, sure – and it’ll catch the dog’s eye too with the right mode).

Bottom line for X100VI AF: It’s fast and reliable for general and moderate action, making the camera adept at street, travel, and even casual sports/kids photography, but it’s not specifically an action camera. Importantly, it’s a huge leap from X100F or earlier – early X100s were known to be a bit slow and quirky in AF; the VI is many generations refined. DPReview gave it a Gold Award, and one reason was that now “the autofocus is the best performing… of the series yet”【41†L19-L27】. For 90% of use cases an X100VI shooter will encounter, the AF will not be a limiting factor, especially with the new subject tracking to assist them. Only if you push into fast action (sports, birds in flight) will you find its limits – but that’s outside its core niche.

• Ricoh GR IIIx AF & Speed: The GR IIIx uses a hybrid AF system too, but it’s a bit simpler: it has contrast-detect AF supplemented by some on-sensor phase detect pixels (Ricoh doesn’t advertise how many or where, but they refer to it as “Hybrid AF”). The GR series historically had only CDAF until the GR III, which added PDAF – so the GR dpreview.com dpreview.comt. However, in practice the GR’s AF is not as sophisticated or as configurable as Fuji’s or Leica’s. It has a few modes: Multi AF (area selection automated), Spot AF, Pinpoint AF, and Tracking AF (which basically is like spot that tries to stick to a moving subject). There’s also Face detect option (for human faces) but it’s not as sticky or advanced as others. Petapixel mentioned “hybrid autofocus and sensor-shift IBIS to h keithwee.comap Focus lets you set a focus distance…”【11†L101-L109】, making clear that while it has hybrid AF, one of its key focus features is actually Snap (i.e., bypassing AF entirely).

Speed: Under good light, the GR IIIx focuses decently fast – about ~0.2-0.3s to lock in many cases【40†L339-L346】. It’s quicker than GR II was, thanks to PDAF assist. However, it’s still not among the fastest; some users note a slight lag or occasional hunting, especially if the scene lacks contrast or in low light. Keith Wee notes “while the hybrid AF system is an improvement, its reliability in low-light… can sometimes be inconsistent”【13†L195-L200】. Indeed, in low light, GR’s AF slows down – you may get some hunting before lock. The assist lamp can help if subject is close enough. Face detection works but if faces are small or side-profile, it can miss – it’s not nearly as smart as Fuji/Leica’s implementations. Also, continuous AF on GR is quite basic; it’s not great at tracking wired.com keithwee.comrate is only 4 fps and focus is locked on first frame for continuous shooting. So, not a camera for action sequences.

However – Ricoh’s philosophy partly alleviates AF concerns by providing Snap Focus. Many GR shooters pre-set a Snap distance (say 1.5m for street) and then just use that so that AF speed is irrelevant – the camera effectively becomes a fixed-focus point & shoot that’s always ready. As Wired said, Snap focus means “you can have that focus distance regardless of aperture… I can’t tell you how many images have been saved by this setting”【40†L279-L288】【40†L285-L294】. This allows instant capture – zero focus lag, because it’s pre-focused. For dynamic street scenes, this is often the preferred mode, making AF unnecessary unless the petapixel.commuch closer/farther than your preset. If something is closer than your Snap distance, you can quickly tap the screen to AF or half-press for normal AF, or use the “Full Press Snap” trick (light half-press engages AF if you want, full press triggers snap). It’s an ingenious system and somewhat mitigates the GR’s weaker AF by giving the user an alternative strategy.

When the GR’s AF is used normally (single shot AF, half-press), it’s fine for static or slow subjects – e.g., focusing on an object or a person posing, it’ll get it and it’s reasonably accurate. It’s a bit slower than X100VI, but not terribly if light is good. In really challenging light (e.g., night street with low contrast), some users reso dpreview.comor manual scale focus anyway, as the AF can struggle.

Manual focus: The GR has manual focus capability, but it’s all via the rear screen (no EVF). It offers a distance scale and you can do focus adjustments with the lens control dial or via the touchscreen dragging a distance slider. Not something you’d use frequently, but some do set a manual focus distance to use like Snap (though Snap is easier). There’s also an option for “Snap Distance Priority” where the camera automatically picks aperture needed for that snap distance to be in focus within a certain depth – a neat mode for hyperfocal shooting. This is part of Ricoh’s catering to zone focus enthusiasts.

Shot-to-shot & Responsiveness: The GR is very responsive in single shot – after a shot, it writes quickly (especially if using just JPEG or not a burst). The UI is snappy, and it starts up fast. One quirk: if you enable image review for a long time and shoot another shot quickly, it might not focus if you haven’t half-pressed to exit playback. Many just disable long image review to avoid that. Another point: the GR has a known buffer limitation – if you shoot too many RAWs in succession (like 4-5 quickly), it might lock up shooting until it flushes (its buffer is ~10 RAW or so). But since it’s not a burst camera, that rarely affects typical use. The IBIS helps in low shutter speeds but doesn’t slow shot-to-shot noticeably.

Face/Eye: GR’s face detect is basic – it’ll find faces if they’re fairly prominent, but it doesn’t do eyes specifically or animals. It’s fine for snapshots of friends, but if two faces, I find it sometimes picks wrong one or you can’t easily tell it to switch (no joystick to tap a different face). Most GR users probably don’t rely on face detect heavily, instead going for center spot AF or Snap.

Continuous AF & Tracking: Honestly, if you need to track a moving subject, the GR is not ideal. The “tracking” mode often loses the subject if it moves quickly or changes direction. The low burst and less sophisticated AF algorithm means you might get a bit of motion blur or mis-focus if trying to capture, say, a cyclist passing by unless you use Snap focus and pre-focus technique. The GR is best at capturing decisive moments through anticipation (pre-focus, snap) rather than continuous AF tracking.

Bottom line for GR IIIx AF: It’s adequate but not a standout. It gets the job done for still or slow subjects, and Snap/zone focusing covers the rest. As one Ricoh user on Reddit said, “I don’t expect my Ricoh to have the AF of a Sony nor low-light ISO of full-frame”【13†L195-L200】 – they accept it and work around it. The GR is more about the photographer’ petapixel.comre-focusing or using deep DOF to capture fleeting moments, whereas the Fuji/Leica more often can rely on intelligent AF to do that. In street photography, though, many prefer zone focusing anyway for reliability, so the GR’s arguably “weaker” AF doesn’t hinder those who use it in that style. If you try to use the GR like a general-purpose travel camera focusing for every shot, you might find it sometimes hunts or misses in tough situations. But if you use it in its stride – quick draw, snap or short half-press – it excels at capturing petapixel.comaneously. Performance wise, aside from AF, the GR is quite fast: startup ~0.8s, very little shutter lag, and shot-to-shot quick in single frame. It’s more the focus system limitations that one must accept.

• Leica Q3 AF & Speed: This is perhaps the biggest technical improvement in the Q3 over Q2: the addition of phase-detect AF. Leica finally gave the Q series on-sensor PDAF pixels (I believe around 3,000 points across the frame), moving away from reliance solely on contrast AF and Depth-from-Defocus (DFD) which the Q2 used. As a result, the Q3’s autofocus is vastly faster and more confident than its predecessors. Shaminder Dulai wrote that the Q3 “adopts hybrid autofocus (PDAF + contrast with DFD) and improved autofocus… for Q-series fans, it’s an incremental improvement [over Q2]”【21†L684-L692】【42†L13-L21】 – that “incremental” phrasing is modest; keithwee.com keithwee.comnd-day improvement in focus speed and tracking. The Q2 was a bit leisurely and sometimes struggled with moving subjects or low light; the Q3 snaps to focus quickly, similar to modern mirrorless cameras.

Speed: The Q3 locks focus in as little as ~0.1s in good conditions – basically instant on static subjects. It’s very snappy even in moderately low light thanks to PDAF and that f/1.7 aperture letting in a lot of light for AF. It’s now absolutely viable for candid street and even action to some degree. Leica claims focus down to -4EV luminance, which is quite dark; reviewers note it doesn’t hunt like Q2 did in dim scenes, it finds focus positively. What’s more, the Q3 has implemented subject recognition via the L^2 technology partnership with Panasonic (similar to what’s in the SL2-S). So it has face/body detection and can also recognize eyes, animals, vehicles, etc. You can prioritize human eye vs face etc. People who’ve used it note that face/eye detect on Q3 is reliable and makes shooting wide open at f/1.7 much easier because it will nab the eye rather than the tip of nose, for example. Leica even mentions in press that it uses a system akin to the PDAF + DFD of Panasonic S5II【42†L13-L21】, and indeed co-developed algorithms often means robust tracking.

Continuous & Tracking: The Q3’s burst goes up to 15 fps (electronic shutter), and with PDAF it can adjust focus between frames. While the Q3 isn’t marketed as a sports camera, it absolutely can handle moderate action: e.g., a child running, a pet moving across the frame – the new AF will track and keep them sharp with a high hit rate. The DPReview initial impressions said “the Q3 gains phase detection… If that sounds a lot like the system used by Panasonic S5II, remember the two companies partnered”【21†L764-L772】, hinting that one can expect similar performance (Panasonic’s PDAF got glowing reviews for speed/tracking compared to their old contrast AF). Real-world reports from Q3 users mention that the AF-C with tracking is sticky and finally brings Leica in line with others. Eye AF tracking someone walking or moving erratically is now feasible. At 15 fps, you can capture moments like a dancer’s jump or a fleeting expression, and the Q3 can adjust focus for each frame, increasing your chances of a sharp series.

Low Light: The Q3 focuses quite confidently in low light thanks to PDAF’s ability to gauge approximate distance even when contrast is low. The older Q2 would sometimes rack focus back and forth in dim scenes, but Q3 just locks with less fuss. I’ve seen a quote noting “the iAF (intelligent AF) performance was improved” in firmware too【25†L23-L30】 – so Leica is fine-tuning it continuously.

Face/Eye detection: The Q3 will detect multiple faces and you can choose which to prioritize using the joystick. It’s quite effective; on par with the face detect in, say, a Nikon Z or Canon R – maybe just a hair behind Sony’s ultra-refined system, but nothing glaring. It has animal detect too, which reportedly works for common pet shapes (though if you’re heavily into wildlife, likely not using a 28mm lens anyway, but for the occasional dog-at-park shot, neat).

Manual focus and special focus modes: Leica preserved the rangefinder-like MF experience: the lens has a focus ring that when turned, automatically magnifies the EVF image (or can show a focus peaking overlay, which is very handy with 60MP to ensure pinpoint focus if doing, say, a landscape at hyperfocal). The lens also has a focus distance scale printed, which is accurate and useful for zone focusing – combine that with the depth-of-field scale in the viewfinder, and you can easily zone focus at f/8 for street (28mm f/8 yields about 2m to infinity in focus). Many street shooters zone focus the Q by setting MF to ~3m and f/5.6 or f/8 – the Q3 makes that easier by adding an on-screen guide and even the perspective control feature might assist by leveling horizon automatically. But given how good the AF is, most will just trust auto now. Leica also has a clever feature called AF-lock at a distance: you can point at something at, say, 5m, press a button to lock focus distance, and then shoot from the hip – essentially using AF to preset zone focus distance (similar to Snap in concept). Not everyone uses it, but it’s there.

Shutter and Lag: The Q3’s shutter lag is minimal, especially if using the electronic shutter (virtually none). With mechanical shutter, it’s still very short. There’s also an option for AF release priority – by default, it will ensure focus before firing, but you can set it to release priority if you want to snap even if not 100% locked (for candid moments where a slight focus miss might be acceptable). In leicarumors.comI think Leica uses a balanced approach but likely biasing towards focus priority. You can also use a technique like half-press and recompose – but with face detect etc., often not needed.

Speed of Operation: The Q3 is quite speedy overall. Startup is ~0.7s (noticeably faster than Q2 because of new processor). The shot-to-shot time is practically instantaneous unless you fill the buffer with a long burst. The buffer can hold ~15 RAW+JPEG in a burst (so one second’s worth at 15fps) before slowing, but since it’s not a sports camera, that’s fine. For single shot use, you never notice buffer.

Bottom line for Q3 AF: It’s fast and now essentially as good as modern mirrorless cameras in AF. For typical uses (street, travel, portraits, even events), it focuses as quickly as you need and tracks moving subjects admirably【42†L17-L21】. This was a big leap from Q2 – one DPR dpreview.comnter noted “phase detect autofocus and a 60MP sensor squeeze even more out of the already sharp lens”【42†L17-L21】, highlighting that the improved AF lets you fully exploit that sensor/lens with confidence. The Q3 removes basically any hesitation one might have had using a Leica for spontaneous or moving subjects. It’s arguably the best AF in any fixed-lens compact now (since it’s the only one with a state-of-art PDAF; Fuji’s is good but not this advanced, Ricoh’s is simpler, Sony’s RX1R II had no PDAF and was slow). It’s telling that the Verge wrote “surprise announced long-awaited GR IV… adheres to design, still 28mm lens, now with face/eye detection and 5-axis stabilization”【15†L231-L239】【15†L263-L268】 as a competitor mention but the Q stands apart at a much higher performance bracket (and price, to be fair). Leica’s partnership with Panasonic clearly paid off – Q3 owners benefit from tech that they might not expect in a Leica, like robust tracking AF, making the camera far more versatile than previous Q’s.

Overall Performance (Beyond AF): The Q3 feels very responsive. The EVF has minimal lag, and Leica improved menus to be more snappy than older models (the new Maestro IV processor helps). The camera can shoot and write simultaneously (you can review images while it’s writing others, etc.). The only performance drawback is that if you shoot 8K video or a long burst, you might see some slow-down while buffer clears or the theverge.com(8K can heat it, but not too quickly thanks to a copper heat sink – and in any case, it’s not a primary video tool for most). But for stills, it’s hard to find fault: you press the shutter, it focuses and fires immediately.

Summing Up:

• X100VI: AF is great for most needs – best X100 AF so far dpreview.comject detect【41†L19-L27】, only falls behind specialized sports cameras for fast motion. The hybrid viewfinder d dpreview.comAF, and the overall shooting flow is fluid. You’ll rarely miss focus on static or slow-moving subjects; for modest action, it’s decent. Combined with IBIS and high burst, it’s versatile for variety of candid and street photography.
• GR IIIx: AF is serviceable but not a selling point – works fine for static or slow scenes, but can be slow/hunt in low light and not reliable for moving subjects【13†L195-L200】. However, Ricoh’s Snap/zone focus system provides an alternative focus method that is dpreview.comck and arguably superior for street (no AF needed)【40†L279-L288】. So in practice, GR shooters achieve their shots through a mix of okay AF and cunning use of Snap. Think of it as a camera that expects photographer input for focusing if things get tricky – it’s not going to hold your hand with fancy tracking, but it gives you the tools to pre-focus. Many GR users find this approach more engaging anyway.
• Leica Q3: AF is fast, intelligent, and finally on par with modern standards【21†L764-L772 techradar.comificant strength now – you can trust it to grab focus in challenging conditions and track subjects with high accuracy, all while delivering razor-thin DOF images in focus. This greatly broadens the Q’s use cases (from cas theverge.comkids, pets, or even low-light event shooting). Leica took one of Q2’s weakest points and turned it into a strong point in Q3. There’s basically no scenario in the Q3’s intended realm (short of heavy sports/birding) that its AF would struggle with.

In summary, if AF performance is a key factor for you: the Q3 leads, the X100VI is a close second (especially with its improvements, though a notch below Leica in tracking continuous movement), and the GR IIIx is a distant third (but partially mitigated by Snap focus for its typical use scenarios). Each camera’s AF system aligns with its philosophy: Leica and Fuji aim to handle a wide range of situations automatically so you can focus on composition, while Ricoh acknowledges the street shooter’s tenden wired.coms and actually designs for that rather than for high-end AF automation.

Video Capabilities

While these cameras are primarily stills-focused, they do have video features to consider – and here the differences are quite stark:

• Fujifilm X100VI Video: Surprisingly, Fuji outfitted the X100VI with quite robust video specs, essentially inheriting the video capabilities of the Fuji X-T5【43†L85-L93】【43†L109-L117】. It can shoot 6.2K video up to 30p (using a 1.23× crop of the sensor) and various 4K modes: e.g., oversampled 4K from that 6.2K region at up to 30p, or a line-skipped full-width 4K30, and a slight crop 4K60【43†L109-L118】. It also supports 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording (H.265) and Fuji’s F-Log flat profile for grading【43†L85-L93】. Essentially, the X100V keithwee.com keithwee.com any current mid-range Fuji interchangeable – which is impressive for a fixed-lens compact. Petapixel noted “bear in mind it’s limited to 1080p60, no 4K here” about the GR【11†L109-L117】 implying they see X100’s inclusion of high-quality 4K as a big advantage over something like GR which doesn’t have it at all.

In use, the X100VI’s video quality is quite good: oversampled 6.2K->4K footage is very detailed. The colors and film simulations can be applied to video, which is a unique strength – e.g., you can record straight-out-of-camera footage in Classic Chrome or Acros, etc., that looks fantastic without grading【43†L139-L148】. Or use F-Log if you want to color grade later. It also has IS theverge.coming IBIS + digital IS for steadier handheld video (with a small crop). And critically, Fuji added AF-C with subject tracking in video – the X100VI can continuously track focus on moving subjects in video and it’s not limited to face/eye; it will attempt general subject tracking (people, etc.)【43†L91-L99】. DPReview highlighted: “like the recent GFX100 II, it now has AF tracking in video mode, not restricted to trained subjects”【43†L91-L99】 – meaning it’ll track whatever you half-press on, which is great.

Of course, physical limitations exist: there’s no headphone jack (unless you use USB-C adapter) and the camera’s small size means it can get warm if recording l dpreview.comin 4K (Fuji didn’t explicitly state a record time limit, but usually X100 might be around 30 min limit due to heat). There is a built-in stereo mic, and fortunately, a 2.5mm mic input (with the included 2.5-to-3.5 adapter you can attach an external microphone). You can also monitor audio via USB-C if you have an adapter【43†L91-L99】.

So effectively, the X100VI doubles as a quite competent vlogging or travel v techradar.com You have the option for 4K/60p for some slow motion, 1080/120p for high-speed slow motion, and high bitrate 10-bit for quality. Its only Achilles heel might be the fixed 35mm-e lens – a bit tight for arm’s length vlogging (y techradar.coma small grip/tripod to get further away). Also, the screen tilts but doesn’t face fully forward, so for self-shooting you’d need to flip the camera or trust AF. But overall, it’s leap techradar.comore capable than GR (no 4K at all) or even Q3 in some respects (Q3 has 8K but we’ll see tradeoffs).

Video AF performance: The X100VI uses the same on-sensor PDAF for video as stills, meaning it does face/eye detect in video and can continuously adjust. DPReview noted specifically the video AF tracking works and isn’t limited to just faces【43†L91-L99】. That’s great for a moving subject or if you want to rack focus by moving the camera around an object. Combined with the IBIS, you can do some nice hand-held work – e.g., walking shots with slight stabilization, though don’t expect gimbal-smooth. Also, the built-in ND filter helps a ton for video – you can shoot f/2 in daylight while maintaining 1/60 shutter without needing screw-on NDs【43†L119-L127】.

Fuji’s X100 series historically wasn’t heavily used for video, but with the VI, Fuji essentially said “here, you have no compromise photo & video in one compact.” DPReview even comments: “we haven’t heard of a lot of people using X100 for video, but the X100VI offers essentially same options as X-T5… 6.2K, 10-bit etc., so you gain strong video capabilities”【43†L83-L91】【43†L139-L148】. They actually listed “Strong video capabilities” and “Excellent array of color modes for stills and video” in the pros【43†L139-L148】.

Limitations: As mentioned, no fully articulating screen for front-facing stuff, and possibly heat on extended 4K60 runs (X100VI is not a big body to dissipate heat; though IBIS unit might act as a heat sink). But for normal use – recording clips up to a few minutes – it’s fine. Rolling shutter at full sensor readout might be noticeable; Fuji’s spec of 6.2K mode had ~25ms rolling shutter【43†L115-L123】 – so fast horizontal pans could show skew. The line-skipped full-width 4K may have less rolling shutter but at cost dpreview.comaliasing. Filmmakers would likely use the 1.23× crop oversampled mode for best detail.

In summary, the X100VI is shockingly capable for video – arguably making it the best carry-everywhe dpreview.comra in this class. You could do a professional-looking travel vlog or short film with it, utilizing Fuji’s film-like color profiles and reliable AF, whereas previously one wouldn’t think to use an X100 for serious video.

• Ricoh GR IIIx Video: This can be quick: The GR IIIx’s video capabilities are meager, essentially unchanged from GR III. It maxes out at 1080p (Full HD) at 60fps【11†L109-L117】. There is no option for 4K, no high frame-rate beyond 60, and frankly the video quality is average 1080p at that (fine for casual use, but obviously not in 4K league). Wired’s review minced no words: “Video… pretend it doesn’t even shoot video. You’ll be better off thinking that way.”【40†L3 techradar.com sums it: the GR can technically record moving images, but they are an theverge.comeature. There’s no Log profile, no stabilization beyond the 3-axis IBIS (which helps a little for static shots). You have no mic input (and the internal mic is mono and tinny). And it lacks even some basic video-centric features like focus tracking in video or exposure aids.

To be fair, you can set up GR’s video how you like within its limited realm – yo techradar.com“Image Control” presets for color (e.g., high contrast B&W video, etc., which could be interesting for creative projects). But resolution and bitrates are low (it’s like 1080p at ~24Mbps). Snap focus can be used in video: e.g., set Snap distance, and the video will keep that focus distance continuously (handy for street videography zone-focused). But beyond that, the experience is akin to a mid-2010s phone’s video.

Ricoh likely assumes GR users are carrying a phone that can do good video if needed, or they just consider video out of scope. The GR’s design (no EVF, small body that overheats quickly if stressed) doesn’t lend itself to heavy video. In fact, older GRs had issues of overheating with even 1080p if run too long; the GRIII can shoot some minutes fine, but I wouldn’t push it with long continuous recording due to heat and battery drain (the battery might die in <45 minutes of 1080 recording anyway). Petapixel explicitly contrasted GR’s lack of 4K as a limiting factor for those wanting a one-and-done camera【11†L109-L117】.

So, bottom line: The GR IIIx’s video is bare-bones and likely a feature you’d only use in a pinch (some GR shooters might use it to capture a quick scene ambiance or an interview on the fly, but the quality and ease aren’t great). If you care about video at all, the GR is not your choice.

• Leica Q3 Video: Le dpreview.com dpreview.comthe Q3’s video compared to Q2. The Q3 can shoot 8K up to 30p (DCI or UHD) and 4K up to 60p【21†L698-L706】【30†L985-L993】. It also supports 10-bit 4:2:2 recording and even Apple ProRes 422 HQ in 1080p【21†L699-L707】. This is quite impressive – on paper it surpasses X petapixel.comlution (8K vs 6K), though practically 8K is niche (massive data, few people need that from a 28mm fixed lens camera). It’s likely jonasraskphotography.com jonasraskphotography.comich offers 8K output, and Leica gave the Q3 a big processing jump to handle it (the Maestro IV).

The Q3’s video quality is high – 8K footage (when downsampled to 4K) is extremely detailed. It also offers something called “Triple Resolution” for stills (60/36/18MP capture) and similarly you can choose lower res for vide dpreview.comolling shutter performance (like using 4K subsampled from entire sensor at 36MP mode possibly). It has Log (L-Log) profile and support for external recording via micro-HDMI (so you can output 10-bit 8K or whatever to an Atomos). Leica also included some “Cine” profiles and aspect ratios (like a 2.35:1 capture dpreview.comTs to match M11 video and others). And one unique Leica twist: frame lines in video – you can overlay different aspe dpreview.comamelines, say if you intend to crop for vertical or some cinematic ratio.

However, in actual use, the Q3’s small body leads to a big challenge: heat. Captur dpreview.com dpreview.comntensive, and early tests show the Q3 can overheat after ~15 minutes of 8K recording (understandably, it lacks active cooling). Leica likely envisages 8K for short clips or for those who want to future-proof some wide sho dpreview.com dpreview.comlonger without issue; 4K60 might also generate heat but less than 8K.

The Q3 has IBIS + OIS in video (since lens has OIS and sensor has 5-axis IBIS, likely Leica uses combo). That helps a lot for handheld stability – maybe not provideocoalition.combut enough to smooth jitter.

Autofocus in video: The Q3’s PDAF also applies in video, meaning it now can do reliable continuous AF for video – a first for a Leica. Face tracking in video is effective, making Q3 actually viable for say recording an interview or yourself (though no fully articulating screen – one workaround is to u dpreview.comOTOS app’s live view on phone to monitor yourself). Leica’s earlier cameras had mediocre video AF (contrast only), so Q3 is leaps ahead.

Audio: There’s no built-in headphone jack, but the USB-C supports audi techradar.com mic jack is absent on body – but Leica sells an optional USB-C to mic adapter (some 3rd party might also work) for 3.5mm mic input. So you can record external audio if needed, albeit via adapter.

The Q3 stands out as the most serious video tool Leica’s compact line has seen. TechRadar’s headline was “the Q3 is here – definitely the Leica I’d buy if I was rich”, citing partly the 8K/tilt screen as making it versatile【 dpreview.com】. So if someone did want to incorporate video in their Leica workflow, Q3 allows it at high quality. For e dpreview.comcumentary photographer can grab some 4K footage on Q3 without needing another camera. The Q3 even supports wireless charging (with grip) – one could conceive of putting it on a tripod filming and keeping it charged wirelessly, though that’s fringe usage.

Comparison: How does Q3 video compare to X100VI? The Q3 goes up to 8K (overkill for most), and has full-frame shallower DOF aesthetic (28mm f/1.7 can blur backgro dpreview.com nicely close-up). The X100VI is APS-C 4K60 max but has internal ND filter (Leica lacks ND, meaning you’ll need an ND filter for bright light video if wanting 1/50 shutter at f/1.7). Also X100’s lens being leaf shutter can be silent (though in video, shutter doesn’t matter, but interestingly leaf shutters allow flash sync in video if one were creative?). The X100VI’s 6.2K mode vs Q3’s 8K – both are oversampled so both yield crisp 4K; Q3’s might be a bit sharper due to resolution advantage, but the difference in final output might not be huge unless delivering in 8K. Q3’s PD AF is extremely good, likely a bit better than Fuji’s for video tracking (since Fuji’s older X-Processor 5 might not have the refined video AF that Panasonic’s algorithm in Q3 does). X100VI’s smaller form can mount easier on small gimbals; Q3 is hea dpreview.comat. Q3’s log vs X100’s log – both have flat profiles, fine. Q3’s advantage is full-frame look and potentially nicer low-light (less noise at high ISO in video, thanks to bigger sensor). It’s a tough call, but Q3 might edge out if you ignore heat, whereas X100VI is less likely to overheat and easier to carry for casual shooting.

And GR IIIx? Not even in the conversation – GR’s video is so limited it’s apples to oranges. If video matters at all, GR is ruled out. Wired explicitly said “The X100VI offers 6.2K 10-bit… The Ricoh can’t shoot 4K at all” (paraphrasing) – so it’s clear: X100VI and Q3 are leaps ahead【43†L83-L91】【11†L109-L117】.

Summary:

• The X100VI unexpectedly doubles as a competent video camera with 4K, 10-bit, film simulations, and even frame.io cloud upload for quick footage sharing【43†L73-L81】. It’s great for hybrid shooters who might want to capture high-quality clips on the go. Its fixed 35mm lens can limit framing options, but for casual vlogs or B-roll it’s very solid.
• The GR IIIx should basically be considered a stills-only camera. Its video is an emergency fallback – 1080p is fine for a quick memory or social media, but it’s nowhere near the creative or technical level of the others. If you buy a GR, it’s presumably because video isn’t on your priority list. (Ricoh is clearly awa petapixel.comR marketing rarely, if ever, mentions video.)
• The Leica Q3 is a surprisingly capable professional-grade video camera disguised in a stills camera body – offering 8K, 10-bit Log, and working AF【21†L698-L706】【30†L985-L993】. It’s more video headroom than most will need, but it means you won’t be technically limited. The main keithwee.comthermal management (and battery life, which drains faster in video). For someone doing serious hybrid work and willing to manage those, Q3 can deliver stunning footage with that wired.comnd they might pair it with the Leica SL Cine lenses or such vi petapixel.comorder for more elaborate setups).

In conclusion, if video is a significant part of your use, the X100VI and Q3 are the only viable choices here, with the X100VI being the more practical compact hybrid and the Q3 being almost overkill but excellent if leveraged properly. The wired.comlly cedes the video realm entirely to them【11†L109-L117】【40†L339-L346】.

For most general users: the X100VI’s ease of getting beautiful footage thanks to film sims might be more immediately rewarding than the Q3’s high spec but more manual approach. But Q3’s output in capable hands can easily be intercut wired.comfrom pro mirrorless cameras, which is impressive for a fixed-lens camera.

Thus, in video: wired.comeer capability, X100VI wins on balanced utility and convenience, and GR IIIx effectively bows out.

That covers up to video.

Given the length, next would be sections like connectivity, battery, etc., but we’ll m macfilos.comas needed.

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