Pocketability in a camera has got to be the most underrated aspect of all specs. I had a GR several years ago and it was worth the price just for the fun factor alone.
Every time I think I don't need a Ricoh GR, I see a review like this that makes me feel like I should at least consider it. I can't put my finger on it, but there's something about this particular line of cameras that seems unique and appealing to me
@M Tech While I can agree with you on the poor battery life (and I was not familiar with the dust problem, so thank you for informing me!), I am not too worried about the lackluster video quality. I honestly feel that Ricoh's seemingly sole focus on photo quality makes the GR line of cameras stand out in the market. Plus, video does eat up a good chunk of battery life
Great review, but Chris, the camera has 3 custom user setting modes on the dial, making it super easy to make multiple snap focus modes if that's a high-priority for you!
If you added all of the items Chris complains about (evf, flip out screen, bigger battery, etc) the camera would become heavier, bigger and more expensive. Thank goodness Ricoh doesn't listen to youtube reviewers. Choose the right tool for the job. The griiix is perfect for a unique niche of shooters
Still think the original 28mm lens suits the GR series more as a street photography camera. I also think a tilt screen would definitely help with the hip shooting!
I got the X and kinda wish I got the 28mm but when I shoot people I definitely am glad I got the 40mm. Definitely a toss up between the 2 but the 28 is definitely more versatile
I shot thousands of rolls with M series Leicas and they didn't even have a screen. Winogrand did it all with a flick of his wrist. We should all aspire to be as swift.
The GRIII is what it is whether you go for the 28mm or 40mm equiv lens. The optical quality of the 28mm is drop dead outstanding (reminds me of the Olympus XA 35/2.8 capsule film camera). The first generation GR after the acquisition of Pentax by Ricoh clearly benefited from Pentax's excellent lens designs and I am sure this 40mm is the same. As a GR shooter since 2013 and owner of the GR and GRIII I have consistently created fantastically sharp and colourful photos with the cameras. In some ways it reminds me a lot of the build and optical quality of a Leica. If you need an EVF, or a zoom lens, or even an interchangeable lens then either of the GRIIIs are not for you. If you want an experience which allows you to concentrate on the scene with the kind of minimal intervention by the camera normally associated with a Leica body, then for a lot, lot less money this is the camera for you - and it is possible to create professional results (which I have) from these amazing photographic tools.
Quite right. It is what it is and there's something very compelling about it even though it isn't what I personally want as a rounded tool. I can see exactly why you love it. The price is only relevant to those that aren't sure they want it or are struggling to afford it. Which probably describes most of us from time to time when purchasing stuff.
When I saw the files from my gr3 I was shocked. I have had Leica and Hasselblad cameras, but the enjoyment I get from this tiny camera I have never experienced before. You have to hand it to the Ricoh design team for they sure do know what a street photographer wants and needs. Can’t wait to get the gr3x !.
My XA is pretty soft wide open, I bet the GR is miles better. I love the form factor. Seriously considering this little baby digital camera. One overlooked aspect is how little "effort" is required to take the camera out and snap a pic. With other cameras it's probably in a bag, got a lens cap on it, and you convince yourself "it wasn't worth capturing" thus missing pictures.
@@rockstardonut777 Exactly. I carry mine in my jacket pocket and it is pretty much instant on as soon as I press the power button. The sensor is drop dead fantastic. I like to call it 'maleable' because you can bring out so much in shadows and highlights in post processing raw files.
Thanks for this comment. But I can't work out how this could work in practice. I think what he means is if you have 5m set, it works at say, f3.2, at 2.5m f5.6 and f8 for 1m. It would only take a second in av, tav or manual to get a quick shot off in focus, even easier if there were some kind of hold down button to activate snap mode and use the dial to change the distance. It's a bit fiddly atm, as you have to change the snap distance AND the aperture. I don't see how P mode is going to help as sometimes, say at 5m you would prefer f2.8 or f4, you don't always want the maximum aperture and iso...
I love my GRiii, for street photography it is excellent. I enjoy city weekend breaks and I travel light so the GRiii is perfect, it's a camera for spontaneous image grabbing.
I've been watching you guys for over 10 years, now I just click on the video, press like, add to a list and leave. Then I'll watch it someday while doing dishes and thinking about all the cameras I wish I had but can't afford. 😅
Now they've I've watched i have this to compliment: the Ricoh is everything i wish Sony would do with their RX100 line. Sony, please give us a digital Contax T3!
Ricoh is the only company that actually made a serious pocketable compact. Nothing compaired to what we used to have in the film days. Cameras like Contax T2 & T3, Nikon Ti etc has never returned in digital form, until Ricoh did it. They should have called it Phoenix instead...
I’m gladthat you pointed out that snap focus is a little harder due to it’s 40mm lens. I didn’t think of that, and I don’t think I saw anyone pointing it out. I own a GR III and I love it just the way it is. The only complain I have is that I trusted the sensor cleaner and as a snap shooter, I kept it in my pocket, but now I have a few visible dust spot on the sensor. I’m not a trigger happy shooter unless I shoot sports, so my battery last me all day for the most part. Thanks for the review.
@@masaoseki7687 I just bought the gr iii x, (it should arrive in a few days) maybe I wait before I use this camera until I have a "Ricoh Lens Adapter GA-2 ", and a uv filter. sadly I don`t see a cheaper (metal) jjc version of this now.
@@JudgingKitty I saw on one review video in Japanese that when you put GA-2, it will crop to to 50mm equivalent. Make sure you put tape on the connector.
@@masaoseki7687 I think I need to read more about the adapter, are you sure about the crop? I know 1 street photographer ( I forgot his name sadly) who always uses that adapter for adittional grip and dust protection. I think you are wrong.- no hate. edit: it`s the youtube channel "DozierGraphic".
My GRIII is my favorite camera to use due to it's 'fun factor', and I do love the 40mm focal length but I doubt I'll pop for another thousand bucks to get it. Your review was spot on.
+1 on the snaperture setting in the snap focus settings. Not sure how it would work but I guess it would be good to be able to set different /optimum apertures for different distances, e.g. f8 for 1m, f5.6 for 2.5m and f4 or f2.8 for 5/10m.
I love 40mm. I am the audience for this camera. Looking at pricing though (in Australia at least), there’s only $50 between the GRIII & the X100V. Holy cow.
@@weisserth Ok. There’s a premium for size. But where is the discount for all the features of the X100V that the GR is missing? The smaller size is not worth $500.
Can’t wait to get mine. Pairs well with the 3 and they provide a unique experience in today’s camera experience that is not for all but really works for me.
Good review. I have the GR II and III. I'll wait for the IV. I like the 40mm equiv. focal length but not on a fixed-lens camera. You can crop in, you can't crop out. I'd like to see a slighty bigger GR IV that offers weather-sealing, a tilt-up screen for waist-level shooting, and maybe an attachable EVF or a pop-up OVF. I can live with the battery life.
Hi, I enjoyed your review! I was the first to review a UA-cam channel in Korea, and I think gr3x is a very attractive camera. Thank you for the information!
Great info, great critique plus some amusing (small) barbs with his Cam/Dir; all in good fun. By the end I knew the good and bad points of the camera; how compact and desirable it can be, but no updating of the viewing screen, (which seems very cheap of them, esply as no EVF). But I know enuf to decide if I mite want one and how it compares with the Fuiji X100v, which I guess is it’s main competitor. / Thkz.
The Fuji falls about in the middle, focal length wise, and is a bit larger and more expensive. Comes down to if you want something completely pocketable, or if you want the hybrid viewfinder or not, imo. They both seem like great cameras.
@@ziginox Have held the Fuiji x100v and seems just a bit heavy to have with me all the time …. But poss/ probly a bit/much better camera …. but if u don’t have it with you …). Thanks.
As I see it the only thing this camera has going for it is the size so it fits in a pocket. I find this very appealing, however I get the impression you can’t take it out in the rain or dusty places ( including pockets), you cant see the screen in bright sun light and it won’t focus all that well at night? It sound like a huge compromise with a hi price tag.
I've configured my GRII to go into manual focusing mode after clicking the "Macro" button on the joystick. The actual focusing was done with the +/- button. I think this approach fits GR's philosophy - still perfectly usable with just one hand.
In my streetphoto-kit I have Ricoh GR III (28mm), Fuji X100V and Sony RX1RII, despite the weaknesses that Chris pointed, The Ricoh GRIII is still the best knife in my shelf, according to streetphotography. I'm ending up choosing this camera in my pocket 95% of the time, because of size, weight and ease of use, when I'm shooting on streets. 40mm is not my favourite, så I still prefer my incredible RX1RII with 35mm f2 Zeiss lens, if I need longer focal length
How does the RX1RII stand today? I'm thinking about buying one of the cameras in your kit for street photography but still struggling to make a choice. Thanks :)
@@yimingwu2538 RX1RII is still my favourite, if I’d choose only one camera. It’s 42 mp backlighted sensor in my opinion still one of the best available in the market. I would not hesitate buying one. 😊
@@UfukSahinDenmark Thanks again, the RX1 amazed me when I first saw it in-store, the only concerns I have with it are the AF ability in darker environments and the lack of stabilization. Dunno if they are a problem for you.
I´m thinking about getting the RX1RII or the IIIx to complete my GRII and Leica M9 (50mm) too. I have narrowed it down to quality vs. pocketability. Still hesitant...
Great Review; excellent run thru of the positives & negatives, now with a 40mm lens. Sounds interesting, and the size looks absolutely fantastic. But I like to look thru a viewer …. But I will hold one next 58me I’m in a (well stocked) camera shop. //. Always very watchable and informative, thks Chris.
I’m glad these cameras exist for those who want them, but I’m certainly not the target market. I am not a back screen shooter at all and if I am ever using the screen, it’s to take waist level photos…which this can’t even do. LOL
I'm an Olympus Pen-F user, and I've been thinking of doing more video stuff - I have the lenses, so getting something from another system, Canon, Sony or otherwise, is just not appealing if I already have the glass. I've been debating between the E-M1 Mk. III and the Panasonic GH5 II.... and it's a hard pick. But I've been hearing that the E-M1 Mk. III keeps splitting videos into 2 minute clips in the memory card... and that's a deal breaker. Idk if this was just user error on the part of the reviewer (Camera Conspiracies), or what, but my Pen-F doesn't have this issue (but it maxes out at 1080p recording, and only having 8 bit video too is a bit of a let down... plus no mic input). Unlimited record times on the GH5 II and live streaming are great features, as is 10 bit 4:2:2 recording at 4k 30p... But that damn autofocus, and if combined with Olympus lenses, that could be even worse! 🙃
Great but that is around 500g body only. The Ricoh is approx half the weight and trouser pocketable. Edit: oh, the video was shot with that camera, my bad!
The E-M1 II is very close for a lot less money. The improvements from the E-M1 Mark II to the E-M1 Mark III were not all that significant. - Starry AF - ProRes RAW out to Atomos Ninja V (which is less exciting than you might think due to the image quality penalties) - 1080p at 120 fps instead of just 60 - A slightly better pre-amp, but it's still not great - Slight improvements to video data rates Basically, this video could have been shot on an E-M1 II, and it would look identical or nearly identical.
@M Tech I keep my grii in my jeans pocket. If it gets dusty I'll pay to have it cleaned. So far so good. Much cheaper than upgrading to an iphone every year, and nicer pictures. I never really shoot street photography, mine is used for family shots. Can't beat the tiny ttl and even manual (no ettl pre-flash blinking in subjects, no lag) flash and the aps-c sensor. The lens is so sharp, I don't hesitate to use 47mm equiv crop wide open up to around 1250 iso, and it upscales beautifully if needed because of the near perfect lens and no aa filter; worth every penny.
The GR is a superb, affordable street camera but I prefer the Q, for the ease of use, full frame and viewfinder. 28 versus 40? Each to their own, but with full frame 28 you can crop or be bold and move closer.
I had a GRII in the past and loved the form factor, the ergonomics and the image quality. The focal length was just not for me. I also had some issues with dust. I had to send the camera to a repair center for a sensor cleaning....an expensive pain in the neck for a camera that wasn't cheap...I've heard that the GRIII didn't totally solve that problem. Sure, this 40mm is really...I mean REALLY...tempting. But at 1000€, durability, build quality and dust protection are a big concern. I think I'll pass.
I had a GRII, missed the EVF and was hoping for a hot shoe mount too. I also didn’t like the 28mm eq. lens… so that 35mm eq. one is tempting because I really liked this camera. I took it with me more often than my x100 that I like a lot.
Having one of these on loan right now, I wish there were more custom button assignment options and the digital level was bigger, like on Fuji or Panasonic. Otherwise, surprisingly great in the hand for how tiny it is!
Why should it bother any owner? He didn't imply that any potential owner might not have the money. It's a fact of life that some people and companies have more money than others. Heck, some of the best luxury brands make the biggest losses [thinking Aston Martin and Jaguar LandRover off the top of my head]
It is pretty accurate, considering the time it took to stop the GRs being dust magnets. I don't think it was due to ill will, just lack of funds. I love my GR, but a bigger battery would be lovely,! If they could sell it at a more friendly price I'd be very interested!
The battery life is the trade off you get for the pocketable form factor and a LOT of energy demanding tech in that small size. I have that with my RX1Rii, but I always carry 5 batteries around charged up in my "man bag", and they are cheap to buy, easy and light to carry, quick and easy to change, so not too much of a pain in practise. As a battery approaches the "red line", I promote a charged battery to my jacket/ jeans pocket ready to deploy as fast as possible. I actually really fancy a GR3, but the wider one. Not yet pulled the trigger mind!
I get this camera. It's a bit of a hard sell to the missus, what with my other gear and the quite capable phones, but I'm buying it. Several reasons: -super easy to always carry - my usual camera feels like a big hassle, there's always a bunch of decisions to be made, unless I have something very specific I want to capture, what of the gear comes with, the small bag or the large bag, and I can't leave anything in the car, for obvious reasons. Sports game? -simplicity of use - you have one focal length, you don't have to decide what you want, you know the angle, use your feet, you know what you are able to shoot and so when you recognize a good shot, you take it -no swivel might actually be good - one less thing to be able to adjust, again, you know the limitations and when you accept them, it's an advantage -it was designed so that the photographer focuses on the subject, not on the buttons and swivels and rings and switches and everything else on the gear -minimal, if any, post processing -40mm might be perfect focal length if you can only have one Battery life and battery indicators are inconvenient, but that just means you must have at least one more battery with you at all times, preferably 4 in total.
I was looking into the gr3 couple years ago. Decided to go with Fuji cause I like the more ”manual look”. I mean all adjustments have their own button and I don't need to scroll menus. And I chose xt-20 over the x100f so that I could change the body and keep the lenses when that time comes. I use it with the 27mm lens. So this review peaked my interest but there was less about the lens I expected. Great review but I'll stick to Fuji.
I would LOVE to have this camera as a fun and portable relaxed supplement to my Leica M10 - but I am not sure, I would be able to live with the low battery life and the lack of a viewfinder.......... not at that pricepoint ! Which is a shame, because I think they finally nailed the focal length for a do-it-all street/leisure/travel camera !
I love street photography, but after doing full page prints from my iPhone I can’t get over how good they look. I don’t see how getting a Ricoh would improve my photography, especially with things like dynamic range
@@ToriZealot it is. I printed a photo book of my iphone and a nikon dslr with a pretty decent lens. Other than the bokeh on the 50mm 1.8 lens, I could see no advantage of the dlst on full page a4 prints. Maybe really putting your nose to the page, you can see some difference in the details, but in many things the iphone photos look better.
I think they should make a version with EVF and no back screen. Would be annoying in some situations, but the battery life would be much better, and it would be much more like shooting a film camera (for better or worse). But yeah the hot shoe mounted one is probably a better idea anway
@@balboa0621 I think the ricoh gr iiix lens is noticeable sharper than the xf 27mm f2.8 wr. (from what I`ve heard) but your xe-3 is way more flexible, has usable video, better battery life and maybe less dust problems? (I don`t own any of these cameras but I bought the gr iii x, and I think I buy a uv filter plus adapter to save the camera from dust.
Hi Chris and Jordan, do you think it will be a good family camera for taking pictures for kids? (Heard that autofocus is not impressive but would like to know your thoughts about its ability to shoot portraits/family photos instead of street photography/landscape)
Honestly, probably not. As you mentioned the AF isn't great overall, and in low light really struggles. However if you were mostly doing conventional posed family shots it would be fine. Also if you want to capture more of the feeling of the moment, the energy, and not necessarily always pin point in focus kind of stuff it would be great. It's also very easy to always have on you which is half the battle. You know what? Maybe it would be fun for family portraits.
You could always just get a GRII if you want amazing battery life. Easily lasts a full day and night of shooting. Must be the stabilisation that drains the battery on the GRIII. Definitely want that 40mm lens though!
It is such a shame Nikon didn't bring out a modern Coolpix A. I believe with where they are now they could bring out a great little camera based on the styling of the L35AF but GR sized. I would want a viewfinder even if that be a little hotshoe on the left hand side you could slide an external viewfinder.
I went out and traded in my beloved XF10 whenever I heard about it... I had been looking at the GRIII back when the XF10 was launched but the at half the price, for a little spec difference, I went for the XF10. Yes, it didn't have the IBIS that the GR had but it did most of what I needed at a fraction of the cost... Both cameras are 28mm equivalent... A bit too wide for me but I did get used to shooting 28. But now, along comes a lens that would suit my needs well, the 40mm which is nearer my X100V’s lens, and nearer my true choice of lens... 50mm. So I have a GRIIIx on pre-order 🤩... And the Fuji is gone 😢 PS. Hasn't the GRIIIx got a newer image processor than the older GR? I'm sure I read it has...
Pocketability in a camera has got to be the most underrated aspect of all specs. I had a GR several years ago and it was worth the price just for the fun factor alone.
I didn't know mini Chris talking about ricoh would be this convincing haha.
Can’t stop watching mini Chris.
That‘s what she says
@@juanquispe3494 that’s f’d
I have GR II and absolutely love it. I tend to use it more than my bigger camera.
Every time I think I don't need a Ricoh GR, I see a review like this that makes me feel like I should at least consider it. I can't put my finger on it, but there's something about this particular line of cameras that seems unique and appealing to me
I would definitely try one out
@M Tech While I can agree with you on the poor battery life (and I was not familiar with the dust problem, so thank you for informing me!), I am not too worried about the lackluster video quality. I honestly feel that Ricoh's seemingly sole focus on photo quality makes the GR line of cameras stand out in the market. Plus, video does eat up a good chunk of battery life
Try looking into the Pentax Q7!
= D
Appealing?
Not at this price range...
Everyone needs a Ricoh GR , well I wouldn’t be without one 😂
still rocking and loving the GR2 🤘
Great review, but Chris, the camera has 3 custom user setting modes on the dial, making it super easy to make multiple snap focus modes if that's a high-priority for you!
That's a great point, thanks
If you added all of the items Chris complains about (evf, flip out screen, bigger battery, etc) the camera would become heavier, bigger and more expensive. Thank goodness Ricoh doesn't listen to youtube reviewers. Choose the right tool for the job. The griiix is perfect for a unique niche of shooters
I have the x100v and still want this. The Fuji is just big enough to be inconvenient to carry at times.
Still think the original 28mm lens suits the GR series more as a street photography camera. I also think a tilt screen would definitely help with the hip shooting!
Agreed
I got the X and kinda wish I got the 28mm but when I shoot people I definitely am glad I got the 40mm. Definitely a toss up between the 2 but the 28 is definitely more versatile
I shot thousands of rolls with M series Leicas and they didn't even have a screen. Winogrand did it all with a flick of his wrist. We should all aspire to be as swift.
The GRIII is what it is whether you go for the 28mm or 40mm equiv lens. The optical quality of the 28mm is drop dead outstanding (reminds me of the Olympus XA 35/2.8 capsule film camera). The first generation GR after the acquisition of Pentax by Ricoh clearly benefited from Pentax's excellent lens designs and I am sure this 40mm is the same. As a GR shooter since 2013 and owner of the GR and GRIII I have consistently created fantastically sharp and colourful photos with the cameras. In some ways it reminds me a lot of the build and optical quality of a Leica. If you need an EVF, or a zoom lens, or even an interchangeable lens then either of the GRIIIs are not for you. If you want an experience which allows you to concentrate on the scene with the kind of minimal intervention by the camera normally associated with a Leica body, then for a lot, lot less money this is the camera for you - and it is possible to create professional results (which I have) from these amazing photographic tools.
Quite right. It is what it is and there's something very compelling about it even though it isn't what I personally want as a rounded tool. I can see exactly why you love it. The price is only relevant to those that aren't sure they want it or are struggling to afford it. Which probably describes most of us from time to time when purchasing stuff.
When I saw the files from my gr3 I was shocked. I have had Leica and Hasselblad cameras, but the enjoyment I get from this tiny camera I have never experienced before. You have to hand it to the Ricoh design team for they sure do know what a street photographer wants and needs. Can’t wait to get the gr3x !.
The Olympus XA. What a gem that was. That sliding cover!
My XA is pretty soft wide open, I bet the GR is miles better. I love the form factor. Seriously considering this little baby digital camera. One overlooked aspect is how little "effort" is required to take the camera out and snap a pic. With other cameras it's probably in a bag, got a lens cap on it, and you convince yourself "it wasn't worth capturing" thus missing pictures.
@@rockstardonut777 Exactly. I carry mine in my jacket pocket and it is pretty much instant on as soon as I press the power button. The sensor is drop dead fantastic. I like to call it 'maleable' because you can bring out so much in shadows and highlights in post processing raw files.
2:45 "Snapture" can be achieved by using P mode and set the program line to DOF priority
Thanks for this comment. But I can't work out how this could work in practice. I think what he means is if you have 5m set, it works at say, f3.2, at 2.5m f5.6 and f8 for 1m. It would only take a second in av, tav or manual to get a quick shot off in focus, even easier if there were some kind of hold down button to activate snap mode and use the dial to change the distance. It's a bit fiddly atm, as you have to change the snap distance AND the aperture. I don't see how P mode is going to help as sometimes, say at 5m you would prefer f2.8 or f4, you don't always want the maximum aperture and iso...
I love my GRiii, for street photography it is excellent. I enjoy city weekend breaks and I travel light so the GRiii is perfect, it's a camera for spontaneous image grabbing.
I've been watching you guys for over 10 years, now I just click on the video, press like, add to a list and leave. Then I'll watch it someday while doing dishes and thinking about all the cameras I wish I had but can't afford. 😅
Now they've I've watched i have this to compliment: the Ricoh is everything i wish Sony would do with their RX100 line. Sony, please give us a digital Contax T3!
I would love to see the lens tests a bit more zoomed in when comparing, the small crop doesn't really provide that much more information
Ricoh is the only company that actually made a serious pocketable compact. Nothing compaired to what we used to have in the film days. Cameras like Contax T2 & T3, Nikon Ti etc has never returned in digital form, until Ricoh did it. They should have called it Phoenix instead...
Should see the beautiful images that come out of my CCD sensor Canon G12, amazing little compact camera 👍🏻
I’m gladthat you pointed out that snap focus is a little harder due to it’s 40mm lens. I didn’t think of that, and I don’t think I saw anyone pointing it out.
I own a GR III and I love it just the way it is. The only complain I have is that I trusted the sensor cleaner and as a snap shooter, I kept it in my pocket, but now I have a few visible dust spot on the sensor. I’m not a trigger happy shooter unless I shoot sports, so my battery last me all day for the most part.
Thanks for the review.
Dust is a prominent issue in Gr’s I use a filter in front of my gr II whenever i’m in a dusty windy situation just to be safe
I started putting lens cap from JJC on. Luckily the most recognizable dust is on the edge that if I use 35mm crop, it will be cut out.
@@masaoseki7687 I just bought the gr iii x, (it should arrive in a few days) maybe I wait before I use this camera until I have a "Ricoh Lens Adapter GA-2 ", and a uv filter. sadly I don`t see a cheaper (metal) jjc version of this now.
@@JudgingKitty I saw on one review video in Japanese that when you put GA-2, it will crop to to 50mm equivalent. Make sure you put tape on the connector.
@@masaoseki7687 I think I need to read more about the adapter, are you sure about the crop? I know 1 street photographer ( I forgot his name sadly) who always uses that adapter for adittional grip and dust protection. I think you are wrong.- no hate.
edit: it`s the youtube channel "DozierGraphic".
The biggest flex in this video is the EM1s IBIS hahaha
My GRIII is my favorite camera to use due to it's 'fun factor', and I do love the 40mm focal length but I doubt I'll pop for another thousand bucks to get it. Your review was spot on.
Some of the best reviews. Objective, informational and practical
Please please please please do a review of the Nikon 40mm 2.0 I'm dying to see a review on this lens
+1 on the snaperture setting in the snap focus settings. Not sure how it would work but I guess it would be good to be able to set different /optimum apertures for different distances, e.g. f8 for 1m, f5.6 for 2.5m and f4 or f2.8 for 5/10m.
I love 40mm. I am the audience for this camera. Looking at pricing though (in Australia at least), there’s only $50 between the GRIII & the X100V. Holy cow.
You pay for the small size. Can you slide the X100V into the pockets of your jeans?
@@weisserth Ok. There’s a premium for size. But where is the discount for all the features of the X100V that the GR is missing? The smaller size is not worth $500.
Can’t wait to get mine. Pairs well with the 3 and they provide a unique experience in today’s camera experience that is not for all but really works for me.
Shot on Olympus E-M1 Mark III...I LOVE that part!
6:47 This is why I love this channel. Can't stop laughing 😆
Dad jokes
Good review. I have the GR II and III. I'll wait for the IV. I like the 40mm equiv. focal length but not on a fixed-lens camera. You can crop in, you can't crop out. I'd like to see a slighty bigger GR IV that offers weather-sealing, a tilt-up screen for waist-level shooting, and maybe an attachable EVF or a pop-up OVF. I can live with the battery life.
Hi, I enjoyed your review! I was the first to review a UA-cam channel in Korea, and I think gr3x is a very attractive camera. Thank you for the information!
Idk what but something about videos shot on olympus seems really satisfying and full of life, just like fuji….
Olympus understands colour science, I suppose. You can get a really good SOOC image if you set it up right. I understand that the OM-Log sucks though.
Great info, great critique plus some amusing (small) barbs with his Cam/Dir; all in good fun. By the end I knew the good and bad points of the camera; how compact and desirable it can be, but no updating of the viewing screen, (which seems very cheap of them, esply as no EVF). But I know enuf to decide if I mite want one and how it compares with the Fuiji X100v, which I guess is it’s main competitor. / Thkz.
The Fuji falls about in the middle, focal length wise, and is a bit larger and more expensive. Comes down to if you want something completely pocketable, or if you want the hybrid viewfinder or not, imo. They both seem like great cameras.
@@ziginox Have held the Fuiji x100v and seems just a bit heavy to have with me all the time …. But poss/ probly a bit/much better camera …. but if u don’t have it with you …). Thanks.
Very honest review. Congrats.
As I see it the only thing this camera has going for it is the size so it fits in a pocket. I find this very appealing, however I get the impression you can’t take it out in the rain or dusty places ( including pockets), you cant see the screen in bright sun light and it won’t focus all that well at night? It sound like a huge compromise with a hi price tag.
Chris is working hard these days!
Love my GRII, will definitely consider to buy this, as I find the GRII a bit wide. I wonder why they didnt make it 50mm...
Been considering picking one up, but I'm going to wait until the battery life has been improved.
Love this review. And thrilled that Rushmore has made it to Canada :-)
Cool! Thanks for this review!
I've configured my GRII to go into manual focusing mode after clicking the "Macro" button on the joystick. The actual focusing was done with the +/- button. I think this approach fits GR's philosophy - still perfectly usable with just one hand.
In my streetphoto-kit I have Ricoh GR III (28mm), Fuji X100V and Sony RX1RII, despite the weaknesses that Chris pointed, The Ricoh GRIII is still the best knife in my shelf, according to streetphotography. I'm ending up choosing this camera in my pocket 95% of the time, because of size, weight and ease of use, when I'm shooting on streets.
40mm is not my favourite, så I still prefer my incredible RX1RII with 35mm f2 Zeiss lens, if I need longer focal length
How does the RX1RII stand today? I'm thinking about buying one of the cameras in your kit for street photography but still struggling to make a choice. Thanks :)
@@yimingwu2538 RX1RII is still my favourite, if I’d choose only one camera. It’s 42 mp backlighted sensor in my opinion still one of the best available in the market. I would not hesitate buying one. 😊
@@UfukSahinDenmark Thanks again, the RX1 amazed me when I first saw it in-store, the only concerns I have with it are the AF ability in darker environments and the lack of stabilization. Dunno if they are a problem for you.
I´m thinking about getting the RX1RII or the IIIx to complete my GRII and Leica M9 (50mm) too. I have narrowed it down to quality vs. pocketability. Still hesitant...
Great Review; excellent run thru of the positives & negatives, now with a 40mm lens. Sounds interesting, and the size looks absolutely fantastic. But I like to look thru a viewer …. But I will hold one next 58me I’m in a (well stocked) camera shop. //. Always very watchable and informative, thks Chris.
gr iii + gw4 + gr iiix + gt 2 is a pretty complete and compact travel kit. 21mm, 28mm, 40mm, and 75mm which fits in a relatively small bag.
But at that point, why not just buy a ILC and 4 lenses?
Or just grab a sony zv-1 or rx100? All in one PLUS better video
Still have it, still love it ! Great Camera
I’m glad these cameras exist for those who want them, but I’m certainly not the target market. I am not a back screen shooter at all and if I am ever using the screen, it’s to take waist level photos…which this can’t even do. LOL
looking forward to seeing you test the 1.5 TC for this
This video has twisted my arm and forced me to add the Olympus EM1 mkiii to my Amazon cart
I'm an Olympus Pen-F user, and I've been thinking of doing more video stuff - I have the lenses, so getting something from another system, Canon, Sony or otherwise, is just not appealing if I already have the glass. I've been debating between the E-M1 Mk. III and the Panasonic GH5 II.... and it's a hard pick.
But I've been hearing that the E-M1 Mk. III keeps splitting videos into 2 minute clips in the memory card... and that's a deal breaker. Idk if this was just user error on the part of the reviewer (Camera Conspiracies), or what, but my Pen-F doesn't have this issue (but it maxes out at 1080p recording, and only having 8 bit video too is a bit of a let down... plus no mic input).
Unlimited record times on the GH5 II and live streaming are great features, as is 10 bit 4:2:2 recording at 4k 30p... But that damn autofocus, and if combined with Olympus lenses, that could be even worse! 🙃
The video did look pretty on point
Great but that is around 500g body only. The Ricoh is approx half the weight and trouser pocketable. Edit: oh, the video was shot with that camera, my bad!
The E-M1 II is very close for a lot less money. The improvements from the E-M1 Mark II to the E-M1 Mark III were not all that significant.
- Starry AF
- ProRes RAW out to Atomos Ninja V (which is less exciting than you might think due to the image quality penalties)
- 1080p at 120 fps instead of just 60
- A slightly better pre-amp, but it's still not great
- Slight improvements to video data rates
Basically, this video could have been shot on an E-M1 II, and it would look identical or nearly identical.
@M Tech I keep my grii in my jeans pocket. If it gets dusty I'll pay to have it cleaned. So far so good. Much cheaper than upgrading to an iphone every year, and nicer pictures. I never really shoot street photography, mine is used for family shots. Can't beat the tiny ttl and even manual (no ettl pre-flash blinking in subjects, no lag) flash and the aps-c sensor. The lens is so sharp, I don't hesitate to use 47mm equiv crop wide open up to around 1250 iso, and it upscales beautifully if needed because of the near perfect lens and no aa filter; worth every penny.
The GR is a superb, affordable street camera but I prefer the Q, for the ease of use, full frame and viewfinder. 28 versus 40? Each to their own, but with full frame 28 you can crop or be bold and move closer.
Ooh, shooting on the olympus!
With 20/1.4 may be 🤣
Hope you guys (or DPR) manage to review it with the 75mm-e teleconverter. Been wanting something like that for ages.
you can adjust the aperture in snap focus mode by adjusting the dof
Nice the Olympus OM-D E-M1 m3 for principle photography.
I had a GRII in the past and loved the form factor, the ergonomics and the image quality. The focal length was just not for me. I also had some issues with dust. I had to send the camera to a repair center for a sensor cleaning....an expensive pain in the neck for a camera that wasn't cheap...I've heard that the GRIII didn't totally solve that problem. Sure, this 40mm is really...I mean REALLY...tempting. But at 1000€, durability, build quality and dust protection are a big concern. I think I'll pass.
40mm and monochrome bring out whole different Chris. Just like the F4 and the GM5. Chris this is your camera.
I had a GRII, missed the EVF and was hoping for a hot shoe mount too. I also didn’t like the 28mm eq. lens… so that 35mm eq. one is tempting because I really liked this camera. I took it with me more often than my x100 that I like a lot.
Best street point and shoot available hands down
Having one of these on loan right now, I wish there were more custom button assignment options and the digital level was bigger, like on Fuji or Panasonic. Otherwise, surprisingly great in the hand for how tiny it is!
Another great review!
"They don't have the money"
That hurt even though I don't have a Ricoh, don't know how actual owners would feel 😂
The owners I know don't tend to care about juvenile humour like that.
Why should it bother any owner? He didn't imply that any potential owner might not have the money. It's a fact of life that some people and companies have more money than others. Heck, some of the best luxury brands make the biggest losses [thinking Aston Martin and Jaguar LandRover off the top of my head]
Chill guys, it wasn't a literal question. A little bit silly humor is the tone of this channel and the comment section.
It is pretty accurate, considering the time it took to stop the GRs being dust magnets. I don't think it was due to ill will, just lack of funds. I love my GR, but a bigger battery would be lovely,! If they could sell it at a more friendly price I'd be very interested!
The battery life is the trade off you get for the pocketable form factor and a LOT of energy demanding tech in that small size. I have that with my RX1Rii, but I always carry 5 batteries around charged up in my "man bag", and they are cheap to buy, easy and light to carry, quick and easy to change, so not too much of a pain in practise. As a battery approaches the "red line", I promote a charged battery to my jacket/ jeans pocket ready to deploy as fast as possible. I actually really fancy a GR3, but the wider one. Not yet pulled the trigger mind!
I get this camera. It's a bit of a hard sell to the missus, what with my other gear and the quite capable phones, but I'm buying it.
Several reasons:
-super easy to always carry - my usual camera feels like a big hassle, there's always a bunch of decisions to be made, unless I have something very specific I want to capture, what of the gear comes with, the small bag or the large bag, and I can't leave anything in the car, for obvious reasons. Sports game?
-simplicity of use - you have one focal length, you don't have to decide what you want, you know the angle, use your feet, you know what you are able to shoot and so when you recognize a good shot, you take it
-no swivel might actually be good - one less thing to be able to adjust, again, you know the limitations and when you accept them, it's an advantage
-it was designed so that the photographer focuses on the subject, not on the buttons and swivels and rings and switches and everything else on the gear
-minimal, if any, post processing
-40mm might be perfect focal length if you can only have one
Battery life and battery indicators are inconvenient, but that just means you must have at least one more battery with you at all times, preferably 4 in total.
Will it be a better choose to choose the iiiX for portraits?
I still use the Nikon Coolpix A, when the Ricoh GR IV comes out with weather sealing it's an instant pre-order.
plus vote for the Snaperture !
Aha. This is what I have been wishing for, a companion for my GR2. Ideally it should have had a 75mm equivalent but this gets me close enough :-)
That dangling piece of hair over Chris' forehead successfully grabbed my attention throughout the video 😅
Very well made. That Olympus ok camera you shot the video on is pretty decent. But well it's Jordan's magic so that will do it for almost any camera.
I would prefer an EVF. Not sure about this Ricoh, but most LCD screens are difficult to see in bright sunlight.
That snaperture bit was hilarious XD
06:34: I NEED that Rushmore poster!
So you have the Olympus 20mm/1.4 testing now? 😱
They need to solve the sensor dust issue first.
Indeed it kills my interest in the camera
Ability to set a minimum shutter speed along with the snaperture could be handy as well!
I‘m still heartbroken for selling my grii some years ago. „Best camera is the one that’s with you“-Factor is unbeatable
4:00 OMG! You missed Forrest Gump behind you walking to tell histories LOL.
I was looking into the gr3 couple years ago. Decided to go with Fuji cause I like the more ”manual look”. I mean all adjustments have their own button and I don't need to scroll menus. And I chose xt-20 over the x100f so that I could change the body and keep the lenses when that time comes. I use it with the 27mm lens. So this review peaked my interest but there was less about the lens I expected. Great review but I'll stick to Fuji.
Did the same and just ordered the XT-5
I would LOVE to have this camera as a fun and portable relaxed supplement to my Leica M10 - but I am not sure, I would be able to live with the low battery life and the lack of a viewfinder.......... not at that pricepoint ! Which is a shame, because I think they finally nailed the focal length for a do-it-all street/leisure/travel camera !
Cost very reasonable vs. Leica
I love street photography, but after doing full page prints from my iPhone I can’t get over how good they look. I don’t see how getting a Ricoh would improve my photography, especially with things like dynamic range
Isn’t iPhone just 12MP?
@@ToriZealot it is. I printed a photo book of my iphone and a nikon dslr with a pretty decent lens. Other than the bokeh on the 50mm 1.8 lens, I could see no advantage of the dlst on full page a4 prints. Maybe really putting your nose to the page, you can see some difference in the details, but in many things the iphone photos look better.
@@Tharrel great of you are happy
Hi Chris, your shoulder bag looks very fancy. Which manufactorer is it from?
Following
I think they should make a version with EVF and no back screen. Would be annoying in some situations, but the battery life would be much better, and it would be much more like shooting a film camera (for better or worse). But yeah the hot shoe mounted one is probably a better idea anway
Honestly, I'm more interested to how it compares to the xe4 and 27 2.8
This fits in your (jacket) pocket, the Fuji doesn’t, unless you’re massive of course
@@quangpham4372 got that. I have an xe3 and the 27mm so I'm familiar with the size but I've never owned a Ricoh.
@@balboa0621 I think the ricoh gr iiix lens is noticeable sharper than the xf 27mm f2.8 wr. (from what I`ve heard) but your xe-3 is way more flexible, has usable video, better battery life and maybe less dust problems? (I don`t own any of these cameras but I bought the gr iii x, and I think I buy a uv filter plus adapter to save the camera from dust.
Hi Chris. Regarding your 'snaperture' comments, have you experimented with the new DOF priority setting? I believe this only works in P mode however.
Hi Chris and Jordan, do you think it will be a good family camera for taking pictures for kids? (Heard that autofocus is not impressive but would like to know your thoughts about its ability to shoot portraits/family photos instead of street photography/landscape)
Honestly, probably not. As you mentioned the AF isn't great overall, and in low light really struggles. However if you were mostly doing conventional posed family shots it would be fine. Also if you want to capture more of the feeling of the moment, the energy, and not necessarily always pin point in focus kind of stuff it would be great. It's also very easy to always have on you which is half the battle. You know what? Maybe it would be fun for family portraits.
@@niccollsvideo thanks!
You could always just get a GRII if you want amazing battery life. Easily lasts a full day and night of shooting. Must be the stabilisation that drains the battery on the GRIII. Definitely want that 40mm lens though!
Just got this one as my first expensive and new camera, they better not release a successor in the next 2 years
I had the detachable evf for my gx1 (shown in example) and I ended up selling it. Hardly used it because I wanted the camera to remain small
Great camera. Directly salivating flow from the updated model. Too bad it's very expensive.
Whats the point of aps-c sensor if you are limited by f2.8 aperture lens? I would always choose m43 with swappable lens over this Ricoh.
What bag is Chris carrying?
It is such a shame Nikon didn't bring out a modern Coolpix A. I believe with where they are now they could bring out a great little camera based on the styling of the L35AF but GR sized. I would want a viewfinder even if that be a little hotshoe on the left hand side you could slide an external viewfinder.
Glad I still have my Fuji X70. If they'd release an updated version of that...
I went out and traded in my beloved XF10 whenever I heard about it... I had been looking at the GRIII back when the XF10 was launched but the at half the price, for a little spec difference, I went for the XF10.
Yes, it didn't have the IBIS that the GR had but it did most of what I needed at a fraction of the cost... Both cameras are 28mm equivalent... A bit too wide for me but I did get used to shooting 28.
But now, along comes a lens that would suit my needs well, the 40mm which is nearer my X100V’s lens, and nearer my true choice of lens... 50mm.
So I have a GRIIIx on pre-order 🤩... And the Fuji is gone 😢
PS. Hasn't the GRIIIx got a newer image processor than the older GR? I'm sure I read it has...
Chris, you look younger when you hold the GRiiix :)
I better get one for each hand!
got mine for a week already，the only pain is the autofocus in low light, it just hunts alot... sometimes cant focus
Yah, the struggle in low-light is real.
Where did you find it for sale?
In low light snap focus should help... Or at least I hope so as I've ordered one...
@@alondusk33 im in China, the ricoh china official site released the camera 2 weeks ago.
@@macjim it could help, but the apeature and shooting distance also goes smaller and longer since the lens is 40mm now.
Besides the X100V, you could also get an X-E4 with the 27mm f/2.8. But that lens is sold out everywhere here…
Can you tell me please the brand of your crossbody bag? Thank you for the great review. Now I am subscribed to your channel 😊
I tried the Fuji but Ricoh way more fun
great review
Jordan is genius starting from 6.48
Any dust invading the lens issue? I loved my earlier model!
Dear Ricoh: don’t listen to any of Chris’ complaints, we like the GR the way it is. P.S. thanks for the 40mm. Love it.
I knew it!
When is the gr3x Street edition