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
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