Eyewanders
- Comment
I was initially on the fence about this one, particularly with the increased price over previous models on launch, but due to the readdition of phase-detection (along with the standard contrast-detection) to the new hybrid AF system, I decided to take the plunge. My *only* gripe about the previous two models (GR, and GRII) were the loss of phase-detection; as stellar as they are, the AF isnt as on par as the older, smaller sensor versions, the GRDigitalIII and GRDigitalIV. That has now changed and I can report that though its not as fast as those older model at least in lowlight, it can finally focus in near darkness just like those older models, though it takes it a couple moments to do so. Using the assist-light helps considerably but I never use that merely because no one like to look at a green light pointed at them when its dark and it rather takes away from the nature of these cameras - unobtrusive, quick, stealthy. Ive yet to test wifi features and such and have only played with the camera for the better part of a day. The original 2013 GR is the first camera I ever pre-ordered and I did not regret that decision. It doesnt seem that Ill regret this one either. 5-stars for initial impressions. Ill expand on this review in a few weeks or months after Ive really gotten to know it. I love this camera line. A shooters camera through and through. ________________________ Update (brief) 3/26/2019: Just wanted to ad a couple thoughts though Ive still not had the opportunity to really test this thing. The wireless connectivity is proving fincky at best currently - evidently a major app update is coming from Ricoh in April which should address some issue. I really dont use these features so cannot speak to them well. The IBIS is fantastic and shots Ive taken as high as ISO6400 are ridiculously good IQ, much more than expected. Previously Ive held ISO to 800 (sometimes 1600 subject depending) but that has gone out the window. These cameras have *always* produced high-ISO noise that is far, far more pleasingly and film-grain-like as compared to other digital sensor/lens combinations found on any other camera, but now that is more true than ever. I was looking at 100% crops of images (both RAW and B&W JPG, more on that in a moment) and simply marveling at the natural looking noise - it resembles film grain now more than ever (Im still a film shooter about 90% of the time or more) and not only in B&W JPG files... even RAW color transitions have a look to them that just "works" for me. The JPG filter modes have been expanded further, particularly the B&W styles (4 or 5 different ones now, rather than just 2) and they look great. The touchscreen works great (even though Im not a huge fan of touchscreen) and the added focus options related to it are quite handy. I particularly like the scroll-wheel addition on the former d-pad. Its lovely to use and I can see myself preferring it to the old toggle that has been removed. Overall, whilst going through menus and shooting options thereve been a few times Ive literally said aloud "oh wow - that was a good idea, Ricoh". So yeah, Im enjoying this little beast.