Ricoh GR IIIX? Nope!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ค. 2024
- I recently borrowed my friend @mattisulanto's Ricoh GR IIIX for some street shooting adventures in Malacca, and I share my thoughts on this widely acclaimed street photography machine. Does the Ricoh GR IIIX live up to its hype?
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0:00 Intro
0:22 Disclaimers
1:15 Why GR IIIX So Popular?
2:16 Images Reel 1
2:47 What I Like
5:44 Images Reel 2
6:15 My Dislikes
8:48 Unreliable AF
10:12 Snapfocus
10:42 Images Reel 3
11:09 Conclusion/END
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Special thanks to Matti Sulanto for lending me the GR IIIX. Here is his latest video about dust on sensor issue: th-cam.com/video/C8LhvXMlUq4/w-d-xo.html
Hi again Robin. This video helped me a lot. I was this close to ordering a GRIIIx.
Since you have a lot of experience with the XF10, which camera do you think has the more reliable AF?
Finally a real review on this device: dust, stabilization, AF are real problems for street photography in all weathers.
Yeah to me these are real issues!
Such a detailed review Robin ! Keep it up the awesome work 👍🏻
Thanks Ivani!
Great review & great energy :) Thanks for sharing!
Just reviewed this piece of kit on my website, awesome that you made a video about it too! Keep up the great work :D
Awesome!
Love your reviews Robin, can't wait for your next camera review.
Thanks! More to come for sure
I'm thinking to own a Ricoh GR III myself but those issues you've mentioned really makes me think again. Btw, a very informative video Robin. Keep it up!
Thanks Hisham, I share what I can! Keep that shutter clicking
Was just in Melaka, Robin! Very fun to see your vision for some of the same spots I took photos. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the review. This is what reviews should look like.
Thanks Jan, that is too kind of you!
What is your facourite compact camera for street at the moment if you could choose one to replace your phone (less artefacts/artificial processing)?
Wow! Robin & GRIIIx - this is the video I was wating for a long time! Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this camera. I've got an eye on both GRIII cameras for a long time and your video perhaps helped me to resist the temptation of getting one 😃 I'll stick with my Olympus cameras - After a couple of years of using both E-M 10 Mk. III @ E-M 1 Mk. III I'm still quite amazed how capable they are. Anyway - I'm looking forward to your next photo adventures 😉
Cheers from the Czech Republic🙋♂
Try to carry it in your pocket 😉
Hello Robin. Would yo say that the Ricoh GR3 X has better image quality than an Olympus camera despite AF issues you encountered using it .?
Great review! Literally all the negatives are things I value a lot. Dust not withstanding, that poor instant focus is a deal breaker for me. Thanks for posting. Saved me a lot of grief!
I'm completely with you Robin, I had the GR3x for nearly 1 year and sold it because of focus issues, mainly in lowlight where I like to shoot, and also with the inferior face recognition for my family shots.
Thanks Guenter for sharing your thoughts. We expect the AF to catch up to industry standards. Hope they improve in their next iteration of GR
great review, however I don’t agree with your opinion on image stabilisation,actually for me is this was impressive ,I took sharp photos at ss 1/30 handheld with 1 hand.
Thanks. If I can shoot hand-held at 5 seconds confidently with an old E-M1 Mark II, I'd expect this new-ish Ricoh to be able to do at least 1/10s. Unfortunately it failed miserably.
1/30s is nothing, I can shoot WITHOUT image stabilization with 1/30 shutter speed.
Brilliant video!
Thanks Brendan!
Robin. I bought this camera, and I completely agree with your complaints. The AF misses too frequently especially with my 3 year old daughter, and the auto WB is not great indoors.
Hello from New Jersey! I just want to thank you for being honest and kind in your videos. I have a Canon r10, but I got a Lumix G7 because of your work with micro 4/3. If you're ever in the area, I would love to get you some coffee.
Thanks, appreciate that Manuel!
Excelent video as always Robin👑. How is the AF versus Lumix LX10?
The LX10 is miles ahead, no comparison in AF capabilities.
@@robinwong thank you Robin. A reply from a busy man like yourself means the world. You've made my month🎆 🥳
I've owned the GRiiiX for some time now and have been struggling with this exact autofocus issue. I had to smile when I saw your post today and I am glad that I am not the only one who has problems with it. Exactly why I will sell camera again. The rest of the camera is absolutely TOP.
Thanks Michael, yeah the AF is a real bummer, it could have been the perfect street machine!
Thanks Matti!
Matti is awesome
Hi Robin, first time leaving comment here, I really like your “unbiased “ analysis, regardless of any brand or equipments, this is extremely important for those who want to have their money well spent on quality camera equipment. I saw this camera so many times both online and offline, no one seemed to point out its negative sides and I myself questioned to the air: is it really such a perfect little camera? It isn’t a cheap camera though, for that amount….I actually almost want to get one, if not because of its price range 🤣 but everything you mentioned here is a no no for me to be my camera, as I often almost never shoot over iso 800 at night, and micro 4/3 allows me to shoot at extremely low shutter speed with plenty of good details due to its amazing ibis capabilities. If I need to use a tripod for low light photography, I’d rather go get a big camera. Keep up the good work 🙏
Yeah, it is very important to be honest. Nevertheless I can only share what I have found out, I only used the camera for a few days, so it is important to read a few more reviews from other photographers for a balanced view. It is a good camera, I just expected the GR IIIX to have better AF!
I have The gr3x and i have seen other videos say the autofocus is actually better on it than the gr3. I love this camera and i believe the gr4 will solve all the issues
I agree on the Autofocus/ Snapfocus and the IS. I returned a GR III for that reason and I believe at 28mm equiv. it should have been even easier to find fast focus than with 40mm equiv. I found especially with that AF it wasnt something I would want to use, sadly. I really wanted to like this camera
Yes, I want the AF to work so badly! Snap focus does not work for me. Too bad, else this GR could have been the perfect street machine.
Robin, two questions:
1. Did you have a problem seeing the screen to frame your shots under the Malaysian bright sun?
2. How does the GR 3 screen visibility compare to that of the OMD EM-5 III or EM-1 M2?
Thanks
The screen was quite difficult to see under direct sun, but that is a common problem with all other cameras out there.
I find the Olympus' LCD screens to be brighter somehow, and easier to compose with. Nevertheless, in such harsh condition, when using OM-D cameras I'd use the EVF!
E-PL5 with 20mm f1.7 has stabiliser, decent af AND A FLIP SCREEN. Similar focal length and depth of field. $250 vs $1000.
Yeah, I really wish the AF is better on the GR IIIX
I only have the old 16mp grll, but I really think it’s a great camera not only for streets but for a lot of things and so easy to take with you.
Oh dear, you said "not for street"? Careful, the cult following of GR will come and convince you otherwise!
@@robinwong you misunderstood me, I said you can use the camera for a lot more than on the streets. It’s a great street shooting tool I totally agree with that.
.
Yes. The Ricoh GR series always had an autofocus issue, I owned the II and III models. I assume it's much more noticeable with a 40mm equivalent lens
I have some reservation about the dust-proofing of the lensdoor-mechanism in this camera.
Won't it let in dustspecks when you put the camera into yer pocket? (cf. 7:00)
A protective filter could prevent this.
But does the cameralens have a thread to put such a filter on the lens?
The body should not let the dust go in so easily, and the lens is not an excuse. I don't think the dust enters the camera via the front of the lens, but the focusing (moving parts/extending of the lens) part that traps dust and get sucked into the sensor.
If that is true, then whatever you do to protect the camera, dust still gets in.
@@robinwong You say "The body should not let the dust go in so easily, and the lens is not an excuse."
How come Ricoh didn't take enough precaution to prevent sensordust.
[PP is not always possible without leaving traces of processing work.]
Haha! Thanks Robin! Interesting 'review'. I've been toying with the idea a lot, mainly because of the 'snap' feature and the fact that the GR is so small. But I want to see what Ricoh does next because I've got so used to having my Olympus E-M1 mk1 & 2's, and they wipe the floor in terms of autofocus performance compared to the GR, albeit having a bigger body, but the latter I think is what one has to expect from also having weather sealing. But that all said, it's not the downsides you highlight which get to me about Olympus, but their handling and the ability to have a camera ready to take pictures in a heartbeat, something I miss ever since selling my Leica M6 back in the 1990's. I don't find the Olympus' as fast to use, and often miss great shots because there are too many options available. I sometimes think that the GR is really just about having that snap feature, which is missing from almost every other camera available- even though you can simulate 'Snap' on Olympus cameras using the AEL/AFL back button function.
True, what makes the GR IIIX so special is the slim size, easy to carry everywhere with you. The Olympus OM-D is a system camera, and is built for a different purpose. Nevertheless, this should not be an excuse for Ricoh to slack around with their AF! If they can nail the AF reliability, this GR IIIX is indeed the best street camera
The Lumix lx100’s get that same problem. I’ve seen video where a person uses a vacuum and a cut pop bottle to attach in front of lens to correct that issue. However I would only use as a last case option
Yeah I have heard of the issue with LX100 too!
Hi, Robin. Good review. Dust isn't the only substance that can creep into these cameras. I managed to get an eyelash into my GR II. I only had it for 3-4 months and I don't even use it much. As you say, you can fix it in post but why should you have to if your composition and exposure was fine to begin with?
As for the autofocus, my Nikon D50 from 2006 or whenever has better autofocus.
So, I love the *idea* of the GR but... Well. But. The photos are nice but I have issues with this camera and from what I hear, the GR III/IIIx isn't much different.
Hi Robin - You nailed the dislikes. I have a GR3 and have been so disappointed with the IS I sometimes wonder if I need to send it in for service. Maybe I'm just too used to Olympus IBIS. I sold my Sony RX100iii to purchase the Ricoh and I sometimes regret it.
agree with the autofocusing comments... for me it was the shutter lag the drove me crazy... good video... thank you...
Snap focus is the way to go for street photography with the GR line; along with maxing out depth of field. (I typically shoot at f/8.0) Now, if you want to shoot wide open on the street, go for it, but that not only complicates the focus but removes the context of your street shot.
I think you may have got ahold of a GR with faulty ibis. To be sure, the GR cameras are not OM-1s, but my tests show 3 to 4 stops improvement with the ibis on as compared to the ibis off. But I have very shaky hands, so maybe that's why. Maybe you have steadier hands so you don't see much of a difference, but I get a dramatic difference with the GRIII. And come to think of it, I've never noticed a problem with missed focus either, and I've owned most of the GRs over the years. That copy you tested should go in for service.
10:30 I agree with you. I'd like to suggest them that take pictures with Gopro HERO. It's always pan-focus. They can just click click click.
Thanks for the feedback. Im not a ‘spray and pray’ photographer but picked up a tip that I use on my Sony A74 for quick capture shots on the street, and it helps with faster autofocus on the ‘quick-draw’. Just setup a User profile for your most used street settings and turn OFF Face/Eye Detection. Much less hunting for focus. I did this on two of my non-portrait GR3x user settings and don’t miss nearly as many shots, even as the light gives out. Now for the dust issue…
Which one do you choose between the Fuji x100v and the Ricoh gr3?
Greetings from Spain.
Neither. I'd take Olympus OM-D E-M5 or E-M10 series.
@@robinwong Okay, for lightness for travel I think the E-M10 is better, how is the sealing? Thanks for responding.
Hi @@Burning_.! There's no weather sealing in the E-M10 lineup. It's the E-M5 and naturally the E-M1 series , that come with weather sealing 😉
@@vaclavpotucek9060 Okay, thank you so much for taking the trouble to respond. I will then evaluate the em-5 markt iii model. That it is sealed is an important point, especially on snow days or occasional rain. I don't like to wet the equipment, but it's better to be forewarned.
Thank you :)
Cheers
Did you try the different autofocus modes? I have the GR III model (without the X) and setting it to Auto-area AF (Center) did definitely improve the number of shots in focus in the streets.
Trust me. It is bad, no matter what I do.
I've been toying with the idea to get me a used GRIII, not X, but your dislikes are mine too and this is the reason for me to think about it. Also the high price, even used. Thanks for your video and the great pictures Robin!
Thanks Andreas, yeah the high price is a deterent too! We can get alternatives
I have the GR II and III. I use the filter adapter with a UV filter on both. True, they are no longer pants-pocketable but the dust issue is gone or highly mitigated. I use snap focus almost all of the time and, typically, manual exposure at f/8. Both are excellent cameras.
If pocketability is no longer a must-have, then there are way cheaper solutions for similar size and IQ - without the dust issue.
@@log791 I haven’t seen anything that can match the IQ of the GR line at a comparable price. I do like the Canon M series. I have extensive experience with both.
@@log791 The biggest feature of the GR is the pocketable. Once that's taken away, the GR is a less convincing choice. Hope the GR4 has weather sealing and better autofocus.
Owned GR2 and current GR3 user. Love the camera for an everyday camera, but totally agreed with your dislikes towards this camera. While the image quality is excellent, the machine starts up fast, yet the autofocus feels like a machine from a decade ago.
Same problem with dust in fuji x100 series... how is that possible with fixed lens?
When the lens focuses it moves parts around and sucks in air and dust. The camera is not vacuum sealed because of a fixed lens, in a sens it's even wrse because when the dust is there, it's tough to get it off
Ah I am not aware the X100 had dust problems too
@@robinwong this happened to my friend’s x100t and f and is also mentioned in forums. This is really strange for fixed lens cameras. I also had xt30 and in most Fuji cameras the dust issue is quite common. They don’t have an effective dust cleaning technology. I am searching these issues since my faulty d600. with olympus cameras we never had serious dust issues. And this part is never mentioned by any reviewer.
What about compared to OM tough camera?
Not a proper comparison. One is built for rugged use, but not prioritizing image quality, and the other had an APS-C sized sensor! This is like comparing apples to cats.
Looks interesting, but I prefer Lumix GM1 for this, same small size, but more flexible (M43 mount) as well as FHD video with a very good quality.
I have the GM1, and I love the camera. But it is not as slim and pocketable as the GR IIIX once you attach a lens to it.
Too much for my pockets right now, but one day I'll have a GR or some sort. Until then, I love using my E-PL1
E-PL1 is aweome!
You hit the nail on the head - snap focus should not be an excuse for AF to suck that much. There was a point when I wanted to buy one of these things because of all the rave reviews. Thank You for being one of those people who try to be objective. I'm glad I didn't go down that road. My em5 with a pancake lens takes great photos and is small enough. The Ricoh GrIII seems to be a massive gimmick.
Nice video, Robin, thanks for your work. I own GR III myself, autofocus in low light struggles, I agree. However for the way I shot it's not an issue. I disagree on the stabilisator. I didn't pay much attention to it's operation, but out of curiosity I just made a quick test - five shots without and with stabilisator, same subject same composition, light was low, f/2.8, 1/8, ISO 800. In the result one of the shots without stab was somewhat acceptable, and I was honestly pleasantly surprised when I saw all five shots with stab were perfect.
And regarding the dust, some tips for those who have doubts. Never carry GR in the pocket like this, this is how dust gets inside. Vacuum clean it carefully agitating the dust with a small painting brush at the same time. Do it from time to time. Do not use rubber blower. Be accurate when using the camera and your sensor will be clean. It's a terrific camera, a joy to use.
I was using GR III X, not GR III. I didn't say stabilization on the GR III was bad. But on GR III X, you cant do 1/8 sec. Trust me.
Also, if I want to use a camera bag, I don't need a super slim and small camera.
Then my Olympus OM-D can be a much more powerful weapon. EVF, superior stabilization, swivel screen, 10x faster AF, just to name a few.
What's the point of having a pocketable camera if you are not going to put it in your pocket?
Also, I never had any issues with dust on my other cameras. Why should this Ricoh be forgiven?
@@robinwong I believe the point of having a pocketable camera that you don't put into your pocket is similar to the point of using micro 43 vs full frame. The pocketball camera that you don't put in your pocket is substantially smaller and lighter than most other cameras including micro 43 interchangeable lens cameras. Additionally, the pocketable Ricoh gives nothing away to much larger micro 43 and APS-C cameras in terms of image quality, dynamic range etc. The same cannot be said when comparing smaller micro 43 with larger full frame or APS-C systems
I don't think it is the same at all. Using Micro Four Thirds, with small lenses, such as Olympus 45mm F1.8 and 75mm F1.8 for most of my professional jobs (shooting people, events) cannot be replicated with a full frame system. A 85mm or 135mm, or 70-200mm lens will cost 3-5 times more, and weighs more than 3x! And look at the size of those things.
And your example is totally out of context.
The argument for GR IIIX as a street camera is being pocketable.
Once it is no longer pocketable, it loses the main selling point.
For a street camera, I'd want better stabilization, better AF, and swivel screen for low angle shots, which the Ricoh lacks.
@@robinwong Thanks for heads up on GR IIIx poor stabilization, I wouldn’t have thought about that.
I do not carry the camera in the pocket, but rather use a small belt camera pouch. Lowepro Tahoe CS 20 - matches the GR size very well, quite slim, it’s basically an outside pocket, not even close to any camera bag.
if you bring five spare batteries, then yes. the perfect GR is GR II. normal battery, pop up flash, normal screen adjustment when in flash mode, etc.
I only had one battery and it lasted me all day. I don't machine gun at everything though. These days I have become more selective of what I shoot.
I really like using my Lumix GX80 with Olympus 9mm f8.0 bodycap lens. Very compact and great fun. It is, of course, fishy, but that is part of the fun. Rather surprisingly, to me, it actually works very well with panoramic auto-stitching on Lumix cameras. It also works with the in-body image stabilisation as long as the focal length is entered manually in the camera menu.
The Lumix 14mm may be another consideration :) Keep on having fun!
@@lorenschwiderski
I should mention that these combinations come at nearly half the price of a Ricoh with the added bonus of far better autofocus, interchangeable lenses, in-body stabilisation, easy access to clean the sensor which anyway has ultra-efficient auto cleaning systems on both Lumix and Olympus bodies. Plus tilting viewfinder and electronic viewfinder.
The bodycap lens is such a fun lens to use! I have misplaced mine (yikes) and I should look for one to make a content here.
@@robinwong
Yes, please do. It is ideally suited to smaller cameras and for occasional use with art filters, making use of its fishiness.
Loved this camera but the lousy AF made me sell it. Instant buy if GR IV has better AF (accuracy & speed). Nice to have: better battery life and flip screen.
To me the Olympus EP7 with like a fix lens like 17mm or 25mm is on the same level. Also ibis, fast focus etc.
I use old school Nikon d5500, it never misses a moment.
I understand the problem with AF, but AF is not the best way to use a Ricoh GR, you should work with the snap focus. Of course it may be easier with the 28mm esuivalent version as you have more depth of field for the same aperture...
Yeah but others manufacturers like Sony can do a great job using the normal focus in many situations on street photography, But the GRIII just have a bad AF and many people instead of admit it just use snapfocus to cover this fair, which is wrong. 1000 bucks is not cheap and in this range of price I would at least expect the AF to catch up to industry standards.
Thanks for the review Robin! I hope ricoh is listening! Make or upgrade this camera because i really like the size and APSC size ...so im im not buying this! Thank you!
Thank you. You saved me $1, 000 USD.
No worries, glad I can help
Thanks for this video. Poor autofocus is indeed a deal breaker :( Walking 20km in a day, wow!
Yeah I expected the AF to be better!
On se calme ! perso j'ai eu le RICOH GR III et l'autofocus fonctionnait très bien .....
EP-3 + Panny 14mmf2,5 is my equivalent setup @
But, the Panasonic 14mm gives 28mm perspective. GR IIIX has a 40mm equivalent lens.
Ic. I m outdated on GRiii spec i tot it was 28mm. I have the panny 20mm too.😅😀😉
Most likely, if the lens isn’t sealed, the simple motion of extending can draw a momentary vacuum, sucking in air, and subsequently dust, from the outside.
And I like my bokeh too. So fast autofocus is a must.
I’d like to see a small compact utilize a FF sensor, perhaps a similar sensor to the A7SIII. Even with an F2.8 lens (a 30mm focal length would work well), such a camera would be a pocketable, low light monster, ideal for taking into concerts, clubs, and other places and events where lighting is often poor, and professional kit is discouraged (or forbidden).
I looked into this dust on the sensor problem, but it seems it may not be down to a vacuum effect (so many GR users go out of their way to prevent dust, but the problem still persists), rather the type of glue used around the sensor which over time deteriorates and so bits of the glue end up on the sensor. I worry though about taking this camera FF as it may end up with the camera not only increasing in size, but also in price. The GR is already too close to the £1000 as it is, and lacks many of the features found on cheaper cameras from Olympus and Panasonic.
Yeah I WANT MY BOKEH!
Sony did come up with the RX1, though it was not a small camera. I don't think we can make a truly small camera with full frame, the smallest possible I think is the Sony A7c, which still is quite large if you compare to smaller micro four thirds or even the GR camera itself.
100% right
IDK but you can get a OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark IV with 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 lens for $800 or a Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III 12-45mm F4.0 PRO Lens for $1400 so why spend over $1000 for so much less capability! I understand its much smaller than the two Olympus' I mention but the EM10 or EM5 are not very big either, especially if you use a non Pro lens. I don't see the value with the RICOH considering the lack luster performance and price.
I think it really is the size -- the Ricoh fits in normal pant, shirt, or jacket pocket pretty easily.
👏👏👏😍🙏
Cheers
Good review Robin. No EVF or flippy screen is a deal breaker for me.
Yeah EVF is indeed useful if shooting outdoor under the sun
The dust is not on the sensor, it's captured when the leaf closes and is on the front element.
All what you not like, the problems i have not by the Ricoh GR III 28 mm. And what you forget; the Batterie is to small. You need ever a 2. or 3. one.
dude, the only good thing about this camera is that it fits into your pocket.
Malacca boleh!!
Malacca is awesome
Dust on sensor - deal breaker!
Yeah, it should not have happened
Dust on the sensor is the ONLY reason why I don’t own a GR III. Can’t believe Ricoh refuses to solve this problem.
Of course, I get dust on the sensor with my interchangeable lens cameras. I just take the lens off and use a blower. If there was some way to get at the sensor and clean it myself, I would be more likely to buy a GR. I don't know if that's possible, though.
I was very concerned about dust on sensor when I was considering GR III as well. But it appeared not an issue at all unless you put it in your pocket. It was painful to watch Robin putting the camera in the pocket, dust will get inside for sure. Always carry GR in clean camera case and vacuum clean it with a small brush from time to time. You'll be safe and happy.
I got the GRIII with IIIX and have yet to get sensor dust on them. I’m also hard on my gear so maybe I’m lucky?
I own A LOT of cameras, including the GRIII and GRIIIx. Both are excellent cameras - but far from perfect. Last summer I photographed the Gay Pride parade in downtown Seattle, it was a blistering hot day, temperatures up to 32 Celsius (hot for Seattle), the sun was battering the streets with no shade, lots of direct sun light. The GRIIIx worked for about half an hour before it shut down due to overheating in those conditions with the direct sun hitting it. Robin, I wonder how that worked out for you in Malaysia.
3:05 Robin, while the GR series is portable, it is specifically NOT designed to be pocketable!! The camera has no dust sealing whatsoever, no sensor cleaning whatsoever, so you REALLY want to protect it from dust particles getting into the housing and onto the sensor. NEVER put it into your pockets unprotected. Dust can enter through the front lens (even when closed) and even through the read dial. This is verified. The GR cameras should always be stored in a clean, dedicated pouch before putting it into a pants, pockets, bags etc.
7:55 IBIS - it's OK, not as good as any of the Olympus cameras, I would compare it to IBIS in my older E5 DSLR in terms of stops compensated. Nothing to write home about.
8:55 Auto-Focus - the GR series is not meant to be used in auto-focus in snappy, fast moving situations, the camera series is specifically built around zone focusing with the snap focus mode. BTW, you might just be using it wrong, Robin based on your description of pressing down the shutter button. Snap focus will override auto-focus if you just press the shutter button through too fast and go to whatever target distance is set for snap focus, which might be why in your examples it shows the foreground subject blurred and the background sharp. You probably unintentionally triggered snap focus where you assume auto-focus missed. If you don't want snap focus to intervene, try to disable it entirely in the settings (not even sure that's possible). My guess is the snap focus distance was set to infinity or something large and you triggered snap focus instead of auto-focus. Contrary to your expectations, this camera is not set up for the same method as other brands, it's designed to be used with zone focusing like a Leica rangefinder for snappy street shooting. That said, the GRIIIx is a bit of a weird GR, since zone focus works really well for 18mm focal length on APSC and less so for 26mm on APSC where DoF is really shallow for the same apertures and target distances. You have to stop down more or work with more zones and knowing your distances, changing them on the fly. f2.8 is not what you shoot this camera on the street with, using zone focus. You're better off with a Micro Four Thirds body with a fast prime in that case.
It defeats the purpose of having a GR if I can't put it in my pocket. If I were to bring a camera bag out, I'd rather work with my Olympus OM-D cameras. I can list 20 things the OM-D is better than GR. And the OM-D is not even that big (E-M5), but just not pocketable.
Before Micro Four Thirds, my main workhorse was the E-5. Trust me, the IS is better than the GR, as a camera I have used for years and years I know that E-5 inside out. The GR feels like not having IS at all.
If I have triggered snap focus, don't you think the images should be in focus? They (subjects) are after all, 2-3 meters or more away from me. The fact that they are not in focus, and also the F number was at F2.8, means it was not snap focus at all.
If I used the same technique with Panasonic, Canon, Sony, Olympus, Nikon, Fuji and Pentax cameras and they all give me high hit rate, I'd think that the Ricoh is the problem if it keeps missing shots.
Trust me the AF is not bad, it is just not as good as I expect it to be, considering the asking price, and now we have so many other modern cameras out there that can outperform GR IIIX by a far margin.
I'd be more forgiving if the GR IIIX was not so highly regarded as a "street camera".
@@robinwong Whether or not something is in focus depends how you configured snap focus. First, you need to set your target distance in snap focus setting. If that target distance is set too far away, your f2.8 shots with foreground subjects will all be out of focus as in your examples. And at f2.8 at distances like 2-3 meters, DoF is really thin with the GRIIIx, so you have a very tiny zone, at 2.5 meters you only get ~50cm each direction in focus. For zone focus with snap focus you need to use apertures in between f4/f5.6 up to f11, the smaller the aperture, the more zones you need to use, so depending on what you think your subject distance is going to be, you have to change the snap focus distance in between shots. It's doable, but not practical.
And yes, I agree with you, any of the Micro Four Thirds cameras suits your style of shooting better. Personally, the Pen F with one of the manual focus clutches is the best of both worlds. You get very fast autofocus, on the Pen F you can even drag the focus point on the back screen where you want it while you look through the viewfinder and you can use zone focusing using the distance scale on the 12mm or 17mm for example. The 20mm f1.7 or the 17mm f1.8 both render comparable bokeh wide open to the GRIIIx. If you put the 20mm f1.7 on a E-PM2, you get something almost as small as the GR much more suited to auto-focus shooting style.
m43 users can never be satisfied with Image stabilization in other systems.
Doesn't inspirate at all. For this money I'll have setup with Olympus, much more comfortable, universal and reliable. Pure marketing.
You missed out that it looks bloody awful.
I bought one and regret it. It is overrated, overpriced and almost useless.
Robin you are too good. And i admire your honesty. Never scare to say what you think. I have seen many reviews, but nobody never dare to say what you said about Ricoh g111x. Thank you Robin. 12:16 12:16
These cameras are EXTREMELY expensive all things considered. $1000, this aint no fuji x100v......