GR III vs X100VI: The Pocketable Camera Battle That's Already Settled

Here's the verdict: if the Fujifilm X100VI is actually in stock when you need it, buy it. If you want something you can actually purchase today and slip into any pocket, get the Ricoh GR III. But honestly, in 2026, you should probably be looking at the newer Ricoh GR IV instead.

The X100VI has been out of stock more than it's been available since its February 2024 launch. The GR III is being phased out. And both cameras serve fundamentally different photographers, despite being lumped together as "compact cameras."

The X100VI: when you can actually find one

The X100VI exists in this weird space where everyone wants it but few can actually buy it. Fujifilm's viral hit continues to sell out within hours of restocks, often commanding premium prices from third-party sellers.

What's good: The X100VI feels like a complete camera that happens to be compact. Weather sealing protects everything except the lens. The hybrid viewfinder switches between optical and electronic modes. Battery life actually lasts a full shooting day with moderate use. The 35mm equivalent focal length works for most situations.

What's bad: Good luck finding one at retail price. The $1,599 MSRP has become $1,899 in practice due to shortages. You'll need a large coat pocket to carry it comfortably.

What's missing: Any reasonable expectation of availability. The camera is approaching its second birthday but remains consistently out of stock.

If you're invested in Fujifilm's ecosystem, the X100VI delivers that classic film simulation experience straight out of camera. Check out The 10 Fujifilm Recipes That Will Transform Your JPEGs (No Editing Required) to make the most of those built-in film modes.

The GR III: truly pocketable, truly available

The GR III represents the opposite philosophy: maximum image quality in minimum space. This camera actually fits in your trouser pocket and stays there without announcing itself.

What's good: Genuinely tiny. The 28mm equivalent lens produces sharp results. You can buy one today for around $1,200. The simplicity forces you to focus on composition over settings.

What's bad: No viewfinder means composing in bright light becomes difficult. The retractable lens can suck dust when extending. Battery life requires carrying spares. No weather sealing.

What's missing: Any kind of weather protection. A tilting screen. Reasonable battery endurance.

The 28mm focal length works brilliantly for street photography and environmental shots, but feels restrictive if you're used to the X100VI's 35mm perspective.

Why you should consider the GR IV instead

Here's what changed the entire comparison: Ricoh released the GR IV in September 2025 for $1,499. At that price, it's suddenly competing directly with the X100VI on cost.

The GR IV keeps everything good about the GR III but addresses the battery life issue and adds small improvements throughout. The GR IV HDF even includes a built-in highlight diffusion filter for $1,599.

If you're spending $1,500 anyway, the decision becomes: do you want the X100VI's features and 35mm lens, or the GR IV's superior portability and 28mm perspective?

The real decision framework

These cameras serve different masters:

Buy the X100VI if: You want a full-featured compact camera with weather sealing, excellent battery life, and that classic rangefinder experience. You're patient enough to wait for stock availability.

Buy the GR III if: True pocket portability matters more than features. You need something available now under $1,200. The 28mm focal length suits your shooting style.

Buy the GR IV if: You want the GR philosophy with modern conveniences. You're willing to spend $1,500 for the best pocket camera available today.

Final verdict

The X100VI is the better camera when you can actually buy it at retail price. But the GR series wins on the thing that matters most for a compact camera: you can actually carry it everywhere and buy it today.

In 2026, the smart money goes to the GR IV. You get nearly all the image quality benefits of either older camera, better battery life than the GR III, and actual availability. The X100VI remains a great camera trapped in supply chain hell.

For most photographers, a camera you can buy and carry beats a camera you can't find in stock. The GR IV delivers on both counts.