Camera Tests: Ricoh GR Digital III and Pansonic Lumix DMC-FX60

There couldn't be two cameras any more different than the two we're testing today.  On the one hand, the Ricoh GR Digital III is an expert compact that doesn't compromise on features to make a tool for the most advanced photographers; while on the the other, the Panasonic FX60 is a shiny little number that's automatic all the way and perfect for anybody who wants an easy life. 

The Ricoh GR Digital III does have some automatic features, of course, but you won't find an intelligent auto mode, or scene recognition or face detection … or a zoom for that matter!  But it does have PSAM modes, controls that allow you to quickly manipulate the very customizable settings.

At the other end of the scale, the Panasonic Lumix FX60 will take care of everything for you: it adapts automatically to the scene you're photographing, recognizes your friends' faces to make sure they're correctly focused and leaves zooming (12-125 mm) to you before you press the button and take a shot.  It's the descendent of the FX40 which received a very bad press, so it's going to have to do a lot to restore the brand's reputation, despite using some very similar components.

> Test: Ricoh GR Digital III
> Test: Panasonic FX60

> Product Survey: Compact Digital Cameras 2009