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| Taken with Ricoh GR-D IV. 1/70th sec F/2.8 @ ISO 125. Shot RAW and converted in CS5 |
I enjoy reviewing cameras like a car guy would love reviewing cars. The only difference is that with a car, you usually only have it for an afternoon, and you can't really test to see if you can incorporate it into your daily living. Sure it drives great on the track, but how does it park in the garage or drive in rush hour traffic? It's different with a camera. It sits next to your desk while you work or next to your bed before you go to sleep. You can take it with you to lunch or dinner, or even just a coffee. You can see if you can incorporate a camera into your lifestyle. In a way, the camera you choose can reflect who you are...so what type of camera person are you?
I've had the privilege to review some pretty awesome cameras in the last year, from the exclusive Leica M Monochrom, to the super (deceivingly) simple Ricoh GR-D IV. Which camera did I enjoy shooting with the most? Which camera was the best camera? I would say the best imaging machine I shot with was the Leica M240. The best overall functional camera would be the Fujifilm X-E2 (I'm reviewing right now) and the best all-in-one non-interchangeable lens camera would be the Fujifilm X-100S. Does this mean these are the cameras I would buy for myself? Not necessarily. I guess the right question is: which is the best camera for me and my lifestyle?
The camera I wanted more than any other was the Ricoh GR, and specifically the Limited Edition model. Why? I will explain my choice and prepare a full review in the next few weeks. For now, let's just say the 2 main reasons I went with the GR was size and functionality. It's not only small enough to carry with me everywhere I go, but I can physically store it inside my pockets while I go anywhere! Second, I like it's functionality, specifically it's one-handed operation philosophy. Most cameras put the shooting controls on the right side, and the viewing controls on the left. Not with the Ricoh GR. You can physically operate the camera with just a single hand, freeing up your other hand to hold an umbrella or a wireless slave flash or a sandwich. Very few cameras can claim this ability.
So wait for my upcoming full review, and I'll try and incorporate a comparison (I'm working on getting another cool compact APS-C point and shoot) as well. In fact, I'll even include a second comparison to the older but still significant Ricoh GR-D IV. Yes, the GRD4 is a very powerful camera, and often can take better pictures than its big brother in certain situations. Thanks for dropping by. I'm working on a few cool articles and projects. Keep checking and follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Happy shooting.
Munetake
BHT
P.S. If you live in Vancouver, my friends down at Gastown Photo have a GR Limited Edition in stock and probably have the best price in the world (yes, I just said that). They also have the regular GR's in stock at a very, very good price as well. Let them know I sent you down. Thanks
Awaiting your full review on the limited edition.
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting to see if I can get a hold of a Nikon Coolpix A to compare it against the Ricoh, just for fun. If I can't, I'll finish the review by itself. First, I have to finish the XE-2 review!
DeleteFull review coming anytime soon?
ReplyDeleteHi Christopher,
ReplyDeleteYa, I'm really sorry. I was positive that Nikon was going to send me the Coolpix A so I could do a head-to-head, but alas, I don't think they will. The GR is my constant companion and I shoot with it almost every day (check out my post today on Instagram: http://instagram.com/p/n_S3GMhYlX/ ). I haven't formally started writing a re-review (I did review the original GR back in the summer), but I can do it with my eyes closed.
Sorry for the delay. I have my Leica T and Fujinon XF56 and XF23 reviews on the go, and then I get to re-review the Leica M-Monochrom and also the new Canon G1X mrk II. I should have some time somewhere in between....
If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks for your patience.
Best regards,
Munetake
BHT
I'm a Ricoh user. I bought the GRD IV twice (cause I was stupid enough to sell my first one). I also own a GR1. And I'm thinking in getting a GR over an X100s just because I love the GR series and they fit in my pocket, so that means I can carry them everywhere and still keep a low profile. The GR series really suit my style for my personal projects so I can't wait for the review.
ReplyDeleteHey Unshuttable,
DeleteI'm the same as you then. I have the original GR-1 (which I bought brand new), the GR-D IV, and I bought the new GR in the winter. I too love the shooting style of the GR series. I admit the X-100S is the better camera in terms of functions and features. But according to my shooting style, the GR is the better choice. Shooting stealth and shooting quickly is very important in street photography. Compact is also important. I've just started writing my re-review of the GR (I do have my original review posted from last summer), but I do have the extra accessories to review. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns, or you can wait for the review. Thanks for your comment...
BHT
Hi Unshuttable,
DeleteI just posted a quick comparison between the GR and GR-D IV shooting at lowest ISO. Besides the image size, there isn't a huge difference. Slight advantage to the GR for better dynamic range, but advantage to the GR-D IV for depth of field. However, by ISO 400, there difference is obvious, and also if you do a lot of cropping. I hope this helps.
BHT
Hey dude! awesome blog. I've been looking at getting my hands on a Ricoh. I'm replacing some film cams that I lovingly call my Mom cams or Party cams. I take them around, shoot street and party scenes. I love the Special edition but You've said several times it doesn't shoot well in low light... The flash that you use in your video should be better filler light, correct? Would it allow me to take fun party / night pics again? Or should I go for the VI for the smaller sensor... I'm torn.
ReplyDelete