Another opportunity strikes me. When the iv comes out the price of iiis should drop. Maybe time to pick up a iii x or a backup iii. I’ve spent so much time fine tuning my film sims and I’m not sure if I’d have to start over with the iv’s new sensor.
I have asked Ricoh UK to be put on a preorder list but they won't - has anyone had any luck with the various UK Ricoh dealers? (Just checking here before I reach out.)
markhout wrote:
I have asked Ricoh UK to be put on a preorder list but they won't - has anyone had any luck with the various UK Ricoh dealers? (Just checking here before I reach out.)
Just call your local camera store. They will usually have a paper list of unofficial preorder priority and then fill their initial orders against that.
Why the new lens? I’ve been thinking about the new lens (still 7 elements, five groups, but three aspherical vs two). My question is this: what problem are they trying to solve. Speculation: improving light fall off—but this is easily handled in the GR iii; to align with a new sensor—this could create complexities or changes with the color science and the film recipe crowd (me) but could enable a monochrome down the road; sharper/improved resolution—but unless a 36-40MB sensor is coming, why bother? What are your thoughts?
tomaswvtommy wrote:
Why the new lens? I’ve been thinking about the new lens (still 7 elements, five groups, but three aspherical vs two). My question is this: what problem are they trying to solve. Speculation: improving light fall off—but this is easily handled in the GR iii; to align with a new sensor—this could create complexities or changes with the color science and the film recipe crowd (me) but could enable a monochrome down the road; sharper/improved resolution—but unless a 36-40MB sensor is coming, why bother? What are your thoughts?
I am quite surprised by this as well as I think the current one is very good. Any improvements are obviously welcome but a new lens was not the highest priority IMHO.
It's the only issue that truly plagues the camera. The rest don't alter its "shot-to-shot" experience. Battery life, while not great is definitely not a huge issue.
intangiblethin wrote:
The only thing they need to solve is AF.
It's the only issue that truly plagues the camera. The rest don't alter its "shot-to-shot" experience. Battery life, while not great is definitely not a huge issue.
Ask 5 users, and you'll get 5 different answers.
The main selling point of the Ricoh GR throughout all the film and digital iterations has been its snap focus and 28/2.8 lens for street. AF is secondary.
It's biggest weakness for the digital series is that it sucks in dust. Realistically, I don't know if they can actually solve that because of the retractable lens, but that's always been my concern.
tomaswvtommy wrote:
Why the new lens? I’ve been thinking about the new lens (still 7 elements, five groups, but three aspherical vs two). My question is this: what problem are they trying to solve. Speculation: improving light fall off—but this is easily handled in the GR iii; to align with a new sensor—this could create complexities or changes with the color science and the film recipe crowd (me) but could enable a monochrome down the road; sharper/improved resolution—but unless a 36-40MB sensor is coming, why bother? What are your thoughts?
Earlier in the thread, I also wondered about this and likewise speculated the only improvement I could imagine would be to light fall off/ vignetting. The current lens is amazingly sharp but there is quite a bit of correction for vignetting that does result in more noise in the corrected areas. It very well could also be that the lens re-design was started a while back and intended for a future higher resolution sensor, perhaps before Ricoh decided to stick with a similar MP sensor.
weatherproof wrote:
Ask 5 users, and you'll get 5 different answers.
The main selling point of the Ricoh GR throughout all the film and digital iterations has been its snap focus and 28/2.8 lens for street. AF is secondary.
It's biggest weakness for the digital series is that it sucks in dust. Realistically, I don't know if they can actually solve that because of the retractable lens, but that's always been my concern.
I definitely see your point, but the lack of accurate AF means you essentially need to use the camera in snap focus (which I happily do) or shoot static objects with AF.
You'd have greater optionality if the AF is accurate. I'm sure we've all experienced shots where we'll see a snappy green box, only for the shot to be out of focus.
524f44 wrote:
A number of nice refinements, but the return of the rocker switch is a deal killer for me. I had a GRII long ago, and found myself constantly hitting the rocker switch accidentally.
Same here! I thought Ricoh realized it was an issue and removed it in the GR II -- so why bring it back now? I get that making it weather resistant would be tough since such a small body needs ventilation, but honestly, I would've much preferred they brought back the built-in flash instead of the "rocker" switch.
Of course, improvements to the sensor, lens, and processor are always welcome, but that's not really what users were asking for. I can't imagine anyone thinking that an extra megapixel would make a real difference or that the lens wasn't already sharp enough. The current version already delivers great image quality. What really needs improvement is the autofocus, especially tracking. There is no continues tracking for Eye-AF! It should at least be on par with Fuji. Hopefully the new processor and updated algorithms will bring progress in that area.
Unless the GR4 improves the AF a lot more, otherwise I don't see I will get the GR4 from what I see now.
Same here. The GR III sensor handles low light much better. The GR II could get too noisy for my needs at times, and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t usually mind noise in images. It's not just about the megapixels.
ElvisD wrote:
Per PentaxRumors, the new model will have the DB-120 battery, estimated to increase shot capacity by ~25%.
That's encouraging, although I am not complaining about the current battery since I use my GR with the monitor off and an optical finder, thefore the battery lasts a long time.
But it's great to see the form factor staying consistent while the sensor, lens, battery, and processor. internal memory all got updates. It may not look like much has changed, but that's the idea...refining things gradually over time without losing what makes it work.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Same here. The GR III sensor handles low light much better. The GR II could get too noisy for my needs at times, and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t usually mind noise in images. It's not just about the megapixels.
Compare the GR2 and 3.
I see the photos from GR2 have more retro vibe but 3 is more in digital world.
Agreed the 3 handles low light and indoor much better, I finally can take some photos of my cats other than using my phone.
I am hearing the tracking AF is improved, which I think is a perfecet upgrade for this EVF-less body. I will certainly pick one up in 40mm if it is true. My GR3 is my backpack buddy.
