Newest version of this camera: amzn.to/2Ko4LVd Find the GR or GR II used on eBay: ebay.us/Fiv0EX (AFFILIATE LINKS) Manfrotto mini tripod: amzn.to/3hmJINC
Freedom is the right word for sure! :) Another option is to use the GR for most situations and keep a big camera with a proper telephoto for those rare cases.
Wonderful set of photos. I bought a GRIII and am waiting for it to arrive. It's one of those things that I've always wanted but never really knew existed - being able to take a tiny camera on my travels instead of bulky DSLR will transform the experience. Just point, and shoot.
I never intended to watch this entire video. Your dry humour and excellent photos really dragged me in. I've been debating whether to get a GRIII or a Canon G5x II. After watching this you have swayed me into the GR. Thank you!
I had a GRDIII with me in Istanbul in January 2010 as I traveled for 2 years. No camera but a GR series could have been as amazing for that journey. The only digital cameras I've loved and bonded to like I have several film cameras.
Never had a chance to use one but I remember seeing great reviews and sample pics of the GRDIII. It's the one handed operation that makes it a favorite of mine for travel and street.
@@lensvana They're making somewhat of a comeback with a lot of shooter becoming interested in the older CCD sensor look, and the GR cameras did it arguably the best. But yeah, one-handed op has been one of the GR series hallmarks throughout back into the film era. Love them.
Oh Man, what great video!. Probably the most captivating review of a camera I've seen in a very long time. Great commentary on the photos and it was great how you tied them back to talking about the camera. It also took me back to when I took a year off travelling, except I went in 2008 and the camera I had was a very basic 1/2.3" pipsqueak. Every photo of mine, except in good lighting was rubbish. Thanks for sharing! You've set the bar very high with this video!
Thank you for the kind words, John! You may have had a 1/2.3 sensor but the memories are for life :) And 2008 would have been a great year to travel -- before everything went the way of Instagram. Here's to more great adventures in the future
This is a GR2 though. I also thought it was a GR3, until he addresses the negative features. GR3 has IBIS, which GR2 does not have, as mentioned in the video.
Great representation of the camera. I have a set of very good m43 cameras and lenses, but realized that even though its a light setup, I don‘t want to lug it up mountains while hiking. I used my iPhone more during my recent trip to the Lofoten than the Olympus EM1 II 😞 If I muster the courage to go with a fixed width lens („zooming with your feet“ isn‘t always possible when standing at the edge of a cliff and I worry cropping might reduce image quality too much), this camera appears to be a great option.
Thanks :) In my experience anything larger than jacket pocket sized often gets left behind. I'd definitely go for the (newer) GR III today with the 24 megapixels. I agree "zooming with your feet" is not a valid strategy in many situations - the GR would pair well with a 50 or 85mm equivalent focal length setup...
Owen the GR III , got. IBIS and better low light performance as well so some of the issues are solved even if the dust issue remains. Would use the adapter for NISI filters and a screw on UV filter and that is solved as well
You did a great job, sir! Simple video, simple edit but still soo enjoyable and high quality. Love the way you give viewers so many informations and tips about the camera and also tips about that amazing journey in so few words. My older brother did basically the same thing as you did.. Took pocket camera and traveled the world. He created so many beautiful photos and made lots of even more beautiful memories and I hope that one day I'll do the same thing. This video felt personal to me and was really pleasant to watch, thank you. I like the rest of your videos as well..
Thank you for the kind words Emesko! I was very fortunate to be able to go on such a trip -- I hope you get the chance to go on a long adventure and take great photos along the way. I've met many travelers, and haven't met anyone that regretted taking the journey :)
This is one of the best camera/photo/travel reviews out there! Really clear, to the point, useful and inspiring. Ricoh should be throwing sponsorship money at you haha! . So tempted to get the GR3.......
Thanks, Peter! :) Ricoh seems to be doubling down on street photographers as their target market (for good reason), but the GR just happens to be great for general use too. I'm tempted by the GR3 too but haven't pulled the trigger yet
Awesome photos! Makes me really want this camera but I don’t know about spending that much for a compact camera. I am thinking about getting the GRD and giving that a go! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Just wow! Great pictures and places! Hello to you from Minsk =) I'm starting my journey with used Ricoh GR that also has been in many countries. Hope I will be able to re-visit that places
I loved every second of this video. Just when i thought I’ve seen my favorite shot, another awesome shot comes up 👏. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It was beautiful!
this video is so epic I am not sure what is the appropriate comment that I should add. I am not sure how long the trip was seems like 40 years worth of travel. Good job overall. Best slideshow formate I have seen so far. You technically could do one video per location and it still would be an interesting watch.
Thank you for watching and for the kind words Owen! It was truly a trip of a lifetime (16 months long). I cut out a lot to keep it short and snappy but glad to hear that the format is OK. Will try to create more like this.
This is an incredible video, both in terms of images and narration! Literally one of the best I’ve ever seen on TH-cam. I've owned the GRD and GRII. Both eventually succumbed to dust and stopped working. I moved to Fuji and swore I wouldn’t buy another GR. Your video reminds me of how good and useful the cameras are; there really is nothing else like them. Now I’m asking myself if I can justify spending the money to add a GR to my kit-which is compact but not pocketable-knowing that the camera will probably last two years without dust issues if I’m lucky. (I live in a pretty dusty part of the world.) I almost want to think about it as a kind of annual cost: can I afford $500 a year to always have access to a dust-free GR III?
Thank you for the kind words, Josh! :) The GR is truly one of a kind, but living in a dusty environment would frustrate me to no end! If I do another long adventure like this I would probably experiment with another system (maybe Nikon Z50+16-50 kit lens), but I suspect I would greatly miss the GR ergonomics. There is an oft unspoken benefit to shooting with the Fuji system as well--Fuji bodies are aesthetically pleasing and people respond more positively to them. I believe that in a world where the technical differences between camera systems are less and less prominent, anything that increases the "comfort level" of the subject to the photographer becomes more important. In any case, long live the GR series!
This is a beautiful video and narrative. Thank you!! I bought the gr this spring, a barely used copy. I’m falling in love with it (if you can with a camera) and it’s only gotten 3-mile radius neighborhood use, since that’s as far as I’ve been in the last few months. This small camera seems great at helping us to see the world, no matter how near or far we go.
Love the pictures. I'm taking mine to Scotland and London soon. As it is new to me, I need to get out where I live and get used to it before overseas travel. The museum prohibitions on large cameras was a good reminder. The Scottish breakfast are going to kill my weight loss gains ;) And finally thanks for no silly music playing in the background of this video. The "lecture" style was well worth the time!
It seems to me the GR III would answer most of your stated needs re focus speed, IBIS, high ISO noise, not to speak of its 24 MP sensor and superior processor. Dust is still an issue, though, in spite of sensor vibrator for dust removal.
Yep, just looking at the Ricoh GR III specs it seems perfect. But the dust issue is super annoying, tempted to bring a small MILC with a compact prime next time (and some sensor swabs...)
@@lensvana interested to know what kind of setups you'd consider? Lumix 14mm f/2.5 on a GX9 or Sony 20mm f/2.8 on a A6XXX body would still be fairly pocketable. Fuji's 18mm f/2 is not pocketable but still compact (and the 27mm f/2.8 is pretty much pocketable, but much tighter).
@@MrJed_s Hard to choose because any of those would be excellent setups for travel! GX9 + Lumix 14mm would definitely get the job done. I'd probably prefer Fuji to Sony now because of the psychological factor -- Fuji cameras look very "cool" and retro and I think people respond much more positively to that these days. Even FF mirrorless aren't that big these days -- the dream setup would be a Nikon Z6 with the upcoming 28mm pancake, or even a Sony A7 III with Samyang 24mm 2.8 (with 50mm in the daypack)
@@lensvana The dust issue is now solved according to Ricoh, since the GRIII can clean off the dust through an ultrasonic shake. It works through the IBIS motor in the GRIII. Of course no one knows yet if the GRIII can keep out the dust forever but its nice to have the new feature.
@@gibson4ever28 Yea it's awesome that IBIS can play a dual role like this. Previously people were using the "put compact camera on top of a washing machine" method and hope that the dust falls off :D
Nice video. I have the original 2013 edition. Managed to get my hands on a GR III. I can't get over all the sounds that thing makes when you move it around. Sounds like it's broken but I know it's the IBIS. I'll stick with my 16 megapixels and built-in flash.
Excellent presentation, I enjoyed looking at the photos and they are very good. Pity the dust problem which apparently also affects GR III. I have the GR which broke when I accidentally dropped it. If it weren't for the dust problem I would have bought the GRIII. Thank you.
Thank you Beng! Sorry to hear about your GR. I think the GR III was also priced a bit high -- there are so many choices at that price point. I wish they had kept the same size as the GR but added more sealing / weather resistance instead
Fantastic set of images. Looks like you had a ball. I really want a GR but the dust issue is the deal breaker. If they ever make it full sealed it’s a winner. Even if it’s a slight bit bigger
A camera the size of the GRiii with a zoom to 75mm would be perfect. I want to start printing photos too for wall pictures around my house, and smaller posters/canvas prints. Good to know the regular GR handles printing well, because the GRiii should handle it even better. Still debating on the sony rx100 or this.
GRIII-sized with a 28-75 would be a dream :) It's a tough call between those two cameras but in the end the ergonomics of the GR won out for me. But you can make great prints with either! RX100 if you want to do video, too.
If you want photos, Ricoh. Videos, Sony. I've had both, and since I'm mainly using cameras for photography, Ricoh is sooooooo much better than the Sony, and it's nowhere near close
@@srtrades Haven't had a chance to try GR3, from reviews it looks like a great improvement but I feel they priced it just a bit too high. I've been enjoying shooting with a Nikon Z5 lately
My Ricoh GR has been my main travel camera since January 2015. I've always babied it though. Can't believe yours survived your trip. Some great photos there. While watching your travelogue I kept thinking what were the dates? Did you get all these trips done before March this year? If you did, great timing!
Thanks for the kind words! Between the two of us the trip actually happened back in 2016 :) I just only recently decided to make a video about it. Took over a year off to travel and have no regrets now that the entire global travel situation has changed. I'm also amazed the camera survived it all. Kudos to Ricoh!
Thank you so much for you excellent video. Love Japan. Been there in an out for about 5 years. Used many Pentax camaras (I am an amateur). Ricoh has been to earn a place in my belt, if I cannot take anythig else. For travel? It has to do with taste maybe? I have the Pentax Q-s1 system wich is wonderful. But, if I were to choose the lightest system with the most spectrum coverage, easy to use, I woul take my Ricoh GR ii and my Leica C-Lux for the extreme tele and image stabilization. The Ricoh GRii has proven to be a WONDEFUL camera for all ocassions. And as you mentioned, unnoticed (stealth).
Thank you for your kind words Juan! GR + C-Lux, great combo indeed :) And Japan is truly a photographer's paradise, hard to go wrong with any camera there. Once you get spoiled by the excellent ergonomics of the GR, it's hard to go back...
Really enjoyed this! I travelled a bit with the Fuji X70 (was considering the GRII but couldn't find one locally). I've since sold that for an ILC but trying to pick the "perfect" combo of lenses for a trip is a bit maddening. There's something to be said about restricting yourself to a single focal length (especially a versatile one line 28mm!)
True words right there Jed! Thanks for watching :) I know a lot of folks prefer 35mm, but I was glad to have the 28mm for dense urban centers like Hong Kong and Tokyo. I could see myself doing well with a 24mm 1.8 + 50mm fAnything combo with ILCs
You make a compelling case for a desirable camera even with some undesirable character flaws (dust, low light focusing, and even battery life which you didnt touch on) and post some great images. Thank you and well done!
Thanks for watching! Re: battery life, I didn't even have a spare battery, just traveled with one and recharged every evening. Never ran out but I have a habit of not leaving the LCD on too long. Ultimately the compactness and optical quality make this one a winner
@@lensvana I have a Sony RX100VA….same battery issue, extras are a must. I love that little Sony, but that Ricoh GR…has some “X” factor to it that is very intriguing.
@@Gogogordy1 I'm a big fan of the RX100 series, used the original RX100 Mark I for traveling before switching to the GR (and never looked back). With that said, hybrid shooters (photo + video) would certainly be better off with a RX100 (the VA must be quite a machine)
Thank you! I don't do anything special, no presets or filters, I generally adjust the exposure a bit and lift the shadows to bring back some detail in the darker areas. And I add a tiny bit of saturation to particular colors if they are important. But every image is different so it depends. I always do automatic lens corrections and Chromatic Abberation (CA) reduction though. With GR lens the files are much sharper than many other cameras so sharpening is rarely necessary
This is a great video. I enjoyed the images but your commentary was also nice. I really enjoy my Fujifilm X-T20 but, in some occasions, I still find it relatively bulky. Since it seems there wont be a successor to the X70 by Fujifilm, I might jump to pick this camera up.
Gracias José! X-T20 is quite a nice camera! But you're right, there's a difference between "compact" and "pocketable." I think you'll be satisfied with GR as long as you're OK with 28mm :)
@@lensvana That is my only concern at the moment. The only lens I own is a 50 mm equivalent (35mm f2). I do enjoy shooting with the main camera on my phone, which is essentially a 28 mm lens. Fuji's option for a 28 mm equivalent is too expensive to just try, so the Ricoh might solve my problems. Thanks for the reply!
Just picked up the GR iii....24mp, ibis, simple menu system, even has composite mode and multiple exposure. I'll probably never get rid of this camera, even though I'll still carry a bigger camera 'just in case'. I loved your narration, and your explanations. Nicely done.....and thank you. Did I mention the anti dust feature ?
After my shutter gave up on my GRI, I made the leap to GRIII and it's better in pretty much everything - the only thing that miss from the GRI is the slightly bigger size (didn't expect to say that) and the more robust feeling. I always feel I have to baby griii (I think it's the bigger LCD which already has a scratch on it), whereas gri / ii is built like a tank. Second thing to mention is the battery life which is considerably lower, but I can always just charge it from a power bank and with USB C it's much faster. Third, focus speed in low light is still crap. Would I get the GR III for double / tripple the price of GRII again? Yes, because you can't put a price on your memories. However if you're on a budget, GR I/II is more than capable and still outperforms every phone just for the ergonomics. I also own a Leica Q and the GR is still with me most of the time. With GR I can caputre much more personal photos. And the style of shooting is drastically different for each, with Leica (or any viewfinder) camera the way you look at things is just different compared to hip / lcd / blind shooting. Source: I've been on the road for the past year and half :)
@@mKoBeats Thank you for sharing your experiences Martin! GR and Leica Q is quite a powerful combo. I have noticed that I'm much slower / more meticulous with viewfinder shooting. Ultimately "back of LCD" shooting is more like phone shooting, so I don't spend as much time on each shot as usual. I really liked the size / build of GR 1. One of the things that threw me off from upgrading to the Ricoh GR III (aside from price) was the remove of the rocker +/- switch on the right side but I'm not going to knock it till I try it. Never used the flash while traveling so I won't miss that. Safe travels!
This was an amazing video and one of the finest I have seen concerning the GRii. The pacing was just right and you have pleasant voice with clear narration. Engaging content too --esp the pros & cons of what you caught vs what might have been lost fiddling around (as I have!) with lenses. I'm hoping to snag a used GRii from Craigslist and I was worried about whether it would be enough for my overseas travel. Thanks to this video I no longer have those worries! You won a new subscriber today :) Be Well!
Thank you for the kind words, Will! I know the used GRs have been in short supply lately - here's hoping you get a good one for your adventures :)
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Just wonderfull 😘 it could have been great to have get the A/S/ISO on each photo but never mind...I'm waiting for my GR3 today 🤞🤞 Ciaooo anf thank you for your work. JF
question; why 1:1 instead of 3:2 aspect ratio? Also I heard someone say that the lens in the gr3 is widescreen which warps faces if pictures are taken vertically.
I was taking a lot of pics at 1:1 because I was just excited about trying out different aspect ratios -- no legitimate reason really (my latest video describes this bad habit). All I know is that it's a wide lens (28mm equivalent) so if you take pictures up close to people there's gonna be some distortion. But as long as you step back it should be just fine for environmental portraits
Hi, i have the ricoh GR III limited edition, it has the image stabilization and the ergonomics it is not so good so i added one accessory to improve the grip: www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/products/gr-3/spec/index.html I think the 24 megapixel is good to have crop and for landscape photography, instead for street photography is not necessary. I think that the main issue is the viewfinder, it is not always needed but it is better to have. In my limited edition i have one included with two batteries, so i am very happy with it.
Thank you for sharing, Marco! Yes it seems a backup battery is key for the III. I also prefer to have a viewfinder if possible, especially on sunny days
Can I ask how you did it, I am at the moment at a crossroad in life. I am almost finishing uni and really am not looking forward to just working for 40 years straight with three weeks of vacation every year to "enjoy" my retirement afterwards with my body crumbling underneath its own weight. Did you work hard for a few years for money and then resigned to take this trip? Or did your work actually allow you to take a year off? Or is it some other way like remote working which made this possible? sorry for the long question, I'm just seeing something that I'd really like to do in my life but I can't imagine the "how" part of the story.
First of all, congrats on almost finishing your university education! A long trip is something I've always wanted to do and felt it was the right time after working for some time. I resigned from my job and just went for it. I don't advise such a long break for everyone - in many fields it can be a big black mark on your resume/CV (I was working in tech, so it was less of an issue). It was on my mind for at least a year before quitting. Part of my preparation included saving up some air miles from business trips that I was going on anyway during my job -- so when I quit i had >300k miles and a lot of my long flights were free or close to free. I would say you either do this kind of thing as a "gap year" early on, or do it after you've worked for some time and have accumulated some "experience capital" -- so it's easier to go back into the job market later. I've met plenty of people living like this full time--the ones that survive 5+ years are almost always remote software developers (also met video editors, freelancer writers/translators, etc.) It doesn't have to be a year, either. What you can do is when switching jobs, ask the new employer to delay the start date by 1-2 months and take a long "sabbatical' like that. That would be a nice compromise and you can do it regularly. Overall, I recommend seriously considering the tech industry--not just for the more lax approach to long sabbaticals, but for the fact that your skills will be more mobile in general and less affected by local markets.
@@lensvana Thanks for the congratulations and the very long and in depth response! I am very fortunate to graduate in embedded systems(masters), with a background in computer science(bachelor), so it's looking up for me! I am a bit worried that bigger (and also older) companies like HP, Cannon and other more embedded system focused companies could be less inclined to allow such sabbaticals as those companies are more hierarchal like in the olden days, but still just working there and acquiring experience (and money) until something like a resignation certainly feels like it is within the realm of possibility, especially taking into account the experience for the CV/resume. I don't think I'll have any way to get airmiles however as I haven't found any job in the region which includes travelling as I live in the Netherlands and all companies here are just branches where people are sent out to and not headquarters where people are send out from, but I guess I'll make up for it by just skipping the Americas. PS. I forgot to mention, your video was so good, it sold me on the GR, thanks for that also!
@@sdziscool Awesome, thanks for watching :) I think you're well positioned to succeed with that degree going forward! I also wasted a lot of money when I was younger (spending on random things like fancy clothing and gadgets), if I had invested that in safe index funds I would have had 2-3x the money. So I say get a good job (brand name company is great for your resume then you don't need a resume after that it's all recruiters on LinkedIn), save a good portion of your income, keep costs down, invest in broad market ETFs, and you'll be well positioned for long trips! If you don't have good air miles programs in your area then cash back credit cards are better anyway. Those giant companies may be traditional, but the benefit is they are generous with salary and stock options. I would switch companies every 1-2 years early in career for the biggest salary jumps and starting bonuses too. Anyway, hope you take some great pics with the GR !
I didn't keep all the RAW files but I have put up a sample of my photos in a Dropbox folder here: www.dropbox.com/sh/v0tlkq3c0fstg2d/AAA3fROOYpDiUW48rcO18HUsa?dl=0
Newest version of this camera: amzn.to/2Ko4LVd
Find the GR or GR II used on eBay: ebay.us/Fiv0EX (AFFILIATE LINKS)
Manfrotto mini tripod: amzn.to/3hmJINC
Wonderful memories. Beautiful pictures. I just switched to GR3 and looking forward to bring this baby to Japan.
Thank you! Perfect camera for Japan - safe travels!
It's good for all, only not for sport and tele photos. Quality is outstanding
Best GR video I’ve ever seen, and maybe the most inspiring photography videos I’ve ever seen. 🙏
Thank you for the kind words! :) Check out "Sean Tucker", great photography TH-cam channel
A great advert for the Ricoh. You really need to get out and about more though!
LOL 😂
Thinking of selling all my big camera kit and just using the GR3 after 2 years of use, freedom you get with this camera is amazing.
Freedom is the right word for sure! :) Another option is to use the GR for most situations and keep a big camera with a proper telephoto for those rare cases.
@@lensvana Exactly, mainly Astro and underground photography, cool vid mate
Wow! You've shown that camera a LIFE!
Great video! Super relaxing vibe when watching. I could watch you narrate your travel photos for hours. (Recent GR III owner and loving it so far).
Thanks for the kind words!! I'm new to this whole video thing. Hope you put that GR III through its paces!
Yess indeed relaxing vibe👌
Thank you for such a gorgeous and thorough review of so many types of images.
Thank you for the kind words :)
4:44 is beautiful, the story you told made me appreciate the photo even more also
Thanks Ryan! Lucky shot there. It's true -- even one line / caption can make a simple photo more interesting
Really, really good. Thank you for not putting music over it.
Thank you for the kind words, Steve!
Really great images ! and the narration too. Thank you for the video
Thanks, Tony!
I'm from Taiwan! Your videos are rich in content! Keep the good word!
非常感謝！:)
Wonderful set of photos. I bought a GRIII and am waiting for it to arrive. It's one of those things that I've always wanted but never really knew existed - being able to take a tiny camera on my travels instead of bulky DSLR will transform the experience. Just point, and shoot.
Thank you! It really is a liberating feeling - even more so than using a smartphone. Pure photography. Congrats on the GR III :)
I never intended to watch this entire video. Your dry humour and excellent photos really dragged me in. I've been debating whether to get a GRIII or a Canon G5x II. After watching this you have swayed me into the GR. Thank you!
Thanks for watching - hope the GR serves you well!
Another great review that made me appreciate my GR III even more!
I had a GRDIII with me in Istanbul in January 2010 as I traveled for 2 years.
No camera but a GR series could have been as amazing for that journey.
The only digital cameras I've loved and bonded to like I have several film cameras.
Never had a chance to use one but I remember seeing great reviews and sample pics of the GRDIII. It's the one handed operation that makes it a favorite of mine for travel and street.
@@lensvana They're making somewhat of a comeback with a lot of shooter becoming interested in the older CCD sensor look, and the GR cameras did it arguably the best. But yeah, one-handed op has been one of the GR series hallmarks throughout back into the film era. Love them.
Oh Man, what great video!. Probably the most captivating review of a camera I've seen in a very long time. Great commentary on the photos and it was great how you tied them back to talking about the camera. It also took me back to when I took a year off travelling, except I went in 2008 and the camera I had was a very basic 1/2.3" pipsqueak. Every photo of mine, except in good lighting was rubbish. Thanks for sharing! You've set the bar very high with this video!
Thank you for the kind words, John! You may have had a 1/2.3 sensor but the memories are for life :) And 2008 would have been a great year to travel -- before everything went the way of Instagram. Here's to more great adventures in the future
This video is the only GR3 video that I have watched repeatedly. Good job!
This is a GR2 though. I also thought it was a GR3, until he addresses the negative features. GR3 has IBIS, which GR2 does not have, as mentioned in the video.
Love your composition, you have good eyes. Great job.
Thank you, Francis!
Now, this is a review. 🔥 perfection
Great representation of the camera. I have a set of very good m43 cameras and lenses, but realized that even though its a light setup, I don‘t want to lug it up mountains while hiking. I used my iPhone more during my recent trip to the Lofoten than the Olympus EM1 II 😞 If I muster the courage to go with a fixed width lens („zooming with your feet“ isn‘t always possible when standing at the edge of a cliff and I worry cropping might reduce image quality too much), this camera appears to be a great option.
Thanks :) In my experience anything larger than jacket pocket sized often gets left behind. I'd definitely go for the (newer) GR III today with the 24 megapixels. I agree "zooming with your feet" is not a valid strategy in many situations - the GR would pair well with a 50 or 85mm equivalent focal length setup...
Owen the GR III , got. IBIS and better low light performance as well so some of the issues are solved even if the dust issue remains.
Would use the adapter for NISI filters and a screw on UV filter and that is solved as well
You did a great job, sir! Simple video, simple edit but still soo enjoyable and high quality. Love the way you give viewers so many informations and tips about the camera and also tips about that amazing journey in so few words. My older brother did basically the same thing as you did.. Took pocket camera and traveled the world. He created so many beautiful photos and made lots of even more beautiful memories and I hope that one day I'll do the same thing. This video felt personal to me and was really pleasant to watch, thank you.
I like the rest of your videos as well..
Thank you for the kind words Emesko! I was very fortunate to be able to go on such a trip -- I hope you get the chance to go on a long adventure and take great photos along the way. I've met many travelers, and haven't met anyone that regretted taking the journey :)
This is a good GR travel video
Thanks!
This is one of the best camera/photo/travel reviews out there! Really clear, to the point, useful and inspiring. Ricoh should be throwing sponsorship money at you haha! . So tempted to get the GR3.......
Thanks, Peter! :) Ricoh seems to be doubling down on street photographers as their target market (for good reason), but the GR just happens to be great for general use too. I'm tempted by the GR3 too but haven't pulled the trigger yet
Awesome photos! Makes me really want this camera but I don’t know about spending that much for a compact camera. I am thinking about getting the GRD and giving that a go! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Thank you! I think prices for the GR are absolutely crazy now, I wouldn't pay this much - so I support all alternatives :)
Just wow! Great pictures and places! Hello to you from Minsk =) I'm starting my journey with used Ricoh GR that also has been in many countries. Hope I will be able to re-visit that places
Thank you! I have great memories of Minsk and the people there. Take care of that GR and it will take care of you :)
Gorgeous photos ♥️!! I’m buying this camera.
Really enjoyed your vid - both the review of the GR and your travel exploits. I miss travel.
Thank you! I miss it too--hopefully we defeat this virus by end of 2021
I used mine in cuba and loved it. Small inconspicuous, great files!
Right on Dennis! Glad you got some great shots in Cuba. Every photographer should spend at least a day in Havana :)
Great pictures thanks for sharing them.
Thanks Sean
I loved every second of this video. Just when i thought I’ve seen my favorite shot, another awesome shot comes up 👏. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It was beautiful!
Thank you for watching and for the kind words!! :)
this video is so epic I am not sure what is the appropriate comment that I should add. I am not sure how long the trip was seems like 40 years worth of travel. Good job overall. Best slideshow formate I have seen so far. You technically could do one video per location and it still would be an interesting watch.
Thank you for watching and for the kind words Owen! It was truly a trip of a lifetime (16 months long). I cut out a lot to keep it short and snappy but glad to hear that the format is OK. Will try to create more like this.
This is an incredible video, both in terms of images and narration! Literally one of the best I’ve ever seen on TH-cam.
I've owned the GRD and GRII. Both eventually succumbed to dust and stopped working. I moved to Fuji and swore I wouldn’t buy another GR. Your video reminds me of how good and useful the cameras are; there really is nothing else like them. Now I’m asking myself if I can justify spending the money to add a GR to my kit-which is compact but not pocketable-knowing that the camera will probably last two years without dust issues if I’m lucky. (I live in a pretty dusty part of the world.)
I almost want to think about it as a kind of annual cost: can I afford $500 a year to always have access to a dust-free GR III?
Thank you for the kind words, Josh! :)
The GR is truly one of a kind, but living in a dusty environment would frustrate me to no end! If I do another long adventure like this I would probably experiment with another system (maybe Nikon Z50+16-50 kit lens), but I suspect I would greatly miss the GR ergonomics.
There is an oft unspoken benefit to shooting with the Fuji system as well--Fuji bodies are aesthetically pleasing and people respond more positively to them. I believe that in a world where the technical differences between camera systems are less and less prominent, anything that increases the "comfort level" of the subject to the photographer becomes more important.
In any case, long live the GR series!
a good camera shop can de-dust the GR for around $50-80. Wasn't that an option for you?
This is a beautiful video and narrative. Thank you!!
I bought the gr this spring, a barely used copy. I’m falling in love with it (if you can with a camera) and it’s only gotten 3-mile radius neighborhood use, since that’s as far as I’ve been in the last few months. This small camera seems great at helping us to see the world, no matter how near or far we go.
Thanks! :) There are adventures to be had everywhere - Hope that GR serves you well!
Thanks so much, I really want to see how people use gr3 to shot for landscape photography.
Thanks for watching! GR3 should be excellent for landscapes, lots of resolution for cropping and a very sharp lens as always in the GR line
Love the pictures. I'm taking mine to Scotland and London soon. As it is new to me, I need to get out where I live and get used to it before overseas travel. The museum prohibitions on large cameras was a good reminder. The Scottish breakfast are going to kill my weight loss gains ;) And finally thanks for no silly music playing in the background of this video. The "lecture" style was well worth the time!
Thanks for the kind words, Bill! Hope you get some great shots with the camera - it goes unnoticed in most museums. Don't skip the haggis :)
Great video. I love my GR III and it solves some of your issues with built in IBIS and improved AF.
Thanks, Larry!
Awesome video, watched from start to end. The narrative and the photos were really top notch. Subbed and liked.
Thank you for the kind words!
It seems to me the GR III would answer most of your stated needs re focus speed, IBIS, high ISO noise, not to speak of its 24 MP sensor and superior processor. Dust is still an issue, though, in spite of sensor vibrator for dust removal.
Yep, just looking at the Ricoh GR III specs it seems perfect. But the dust issue is super annoying, tempted to bring a small MILC with a compact prime next time (and some sensor swabs...)
@@lensvana interested to know what kind of setups you'd consider? Lumix 14mm f/2.5 on a GX9 or Sony 20mm f/2.8 on a A6XXX body would still be fairly pocketable. Fuji's 18mm f/2 is not pocketable but still compact (and the 27mm f/2.8 is pretty much pocketable, but much tighter).
@@MrJed_s Hard to choose because any of those would be excellent setups for travel! GX9 + Lumix 14mm would definitely get the job done. I'd probably prefer Fuji to Sony now because of the psychological factor -- Fuji cameras look very "cool" and retro and I think people respond much more positively to that these days. Even FF mirrorless aren't that big these days -- the dream setup would be a Nikon Z6 with the upcoming 28mm pancake, or even a Sony A7 III with Samyang 24mm 2.8 (with 50mm in the daypack)
@@lensvana The dust issue is now solved according to Ricoh, since the GRIII can clean off the dust through an ultrasonic shake. It works through the IBIS motor in the GRIII. Of course no one knows yet if the GRIII can keep out the dust forever but its nice to have the new feature.
@@gibson4ever28 Yea it's awesome that IBIS can play a dual role like this. Previously people were using the "put compact camera on top of a washing machine" method and hope that the dust falls off :D
Nice video. I have the original 2013 edition. Managed to get my hands on a GR III. I can't get over all the sounds that thing makes when you move it around. Sounds like it's broken but I know it's the IBIS. I'll stick with my 16 megapixels and built-in flash.
Thanks, yep all of these were taken with the original 2013 version. Never tried the III but the IBIS is tempting for when the light drops a bit.
That sure looked like a very interesting trip! Thanks for the great photo's. The water over the lava rocks blew me away! Amazing for a small camera.
Thanks, Rop!
Excellent presentation, I enjoyed looking at the photos and they are very good. Pity the dust problem which apparently also affects GR III. I have the GR which broke when I accidentally dropped it. If it weren't for the dust problem I would have bought the GRIII. Thank you.
Thank you Beng!
Sorry to hear about your GR. I think the GR III was also priced a bit high -- there are so many choices at that price point. I wish they had kept the same size as the GR but added more sealing / weather resistance instead
Fantastic set of images. Looks like you had a ball. I really want a GR but the dust issue is the deal breaker. If they ever make it full sealed it’s a winner. Even if it’s a slight bit bigger
Thanks, Gary. Yeah the dust issue is really annoying and ultimately affects all fixed lens cameras sooner or later. A sealed GR would be killer!
Fantastic ! Thank you .
What an awesome presentation!
Photos and narration on point man!
Thanks!!
Great video! The images and narration are superb 👍😊
Thank you! :)
A camera the size of the GRiii with a zoom to 75mm would be perfect. I want to start printing photos too for wall pictures around my house, and smaller posters/canvas prints. Good to know the regular GR handles printing well, because the GRiii should handle it even better.
Still debating on the sony rx100 or this.
GRIII-sized with a 28-75 would be a dream :) It's a tough call between those two cameras but in the end the ergonomics of the GR won out for me. But you can make great prints with either! RX100 if you want to do video, too.
If you want photos, Ricoh. Videos, Sony. I've had both, and since I'm mainly using cameras for photography, Ricoh is sooooooo much better than the Sony, and it's nowhere near close
Hey, I stumbled upon this video... have you in any case consider to print a photobook? I wouldn't mind ordering it!
Hey, thanks! I haven't considered something like that, but I will reach out if it happens :)
Great photos and probably even better memories you got from those trips! : ) Also congrats on your ever getting better propeller shots :D
Thanks for the kind words! :D
Excellent photo essay!
Thank you! :)
Would love to see a video by you about Ricoh GR3.
Just sold my a7iii. Wasn't for me.
@@srtrades Haven't had a chance to try GR3, from reviews it looks like a great improvement but I feel they priced it just a bit too high. I've been enjoying shooting with a Nikon Z5 lately
Ricoh should pay you for this video! Very convincing!
Thanks! :) But really cameras are so good these days that it doesn't matter too much as long as you enjoy shooting with it!
@@lensvana I do not agree, give iPhone to a prof photographer, he/she can take a killer photo.
@@rothschildianum it appears you agreed with me
@@lensvana Did you change your posting?
@@rothschildianum My original response to you was edited to add the word "Thanks". You responded an hour after that
My Ricoh GR has been my main travel camera since January 2015. I've always babied it though. Can't believe yours survived your trip. Some great photos there. While watching your travelogue I kept thinking what were the dates? Did you get all these trips done before March this year? If you did, great timing!
Thanks for the kind words! Between the two of us the trip actually happened back in 2016 :) I just only recently decided to make a video about it. Took over a year off to travel and have no regrets now that the entire global travel situation has changed.
I'm also amazed the camera survived it all. Kudos to Ricoh!
Wow enjoyed all the photos. You got a great eye mate
Thanks!
All photos are directly from camera? I mean JPEG without colour grading? All pics are very nice. Best video ever.
Thanks, Pankaj! Nope, all were shot RAW and edited in Lightroom afterwards :)
Great video.
Wonderful experience ...
Thank you so much for you excellent video. Love Japan. Been there in an out for about 5 years. Used many Pentax camaras (I am an amateur). Ricoh has been to earn a place in my belt, if I cannot take anythig else. For travel? It has to do with taste maybe? I have the Pentax Q-s1 system wich is wonderful. But, if I were to choose the lightest system with the most spectrum coverage, easy to use, I woul take my Ricoh GR ii and my Leica C-Lux for the extreme tele and image stabilization. The Ricoh GRii has proven to be a WONDEFUL camera for all ocassions. And as you mentioned, unnoticed (stealth).
Thank you for your kind words Juan!
GR + C-Lux, great combo indeed :) And Japan is truly a photographer's paradise, hard to go wrong with any camera there. Once you get spoiled by the excellent ergonomics of the GR, it's hard to go back...
amazing video thanks for sharing.
This is amazing and very unique take on reviewing Ricoh GR. Great content! GR is really an amazing camera in a small package!
Thank you! :) My favorite camera of all time
Great narration and video !
Really enjoyed this! I travelled a bit with the Fuji X70 (was considering the GRII but couldn't find one locally). I've since sold that for an ILC but trying to pick the "perfect" combo of lenses for a trip is a bit maddening. There's something to be said about restricting yourself to a single focal length (especially a versatile one line 28mm!)
True words right there Jed! Thanks for watching :) I know a lot of folks prefer 35mm, but I was glad to have the 28mm for dense urban centers like Hong Kong and Tokyo. I could see myself doing well with a 24mm 1.8 + 50mm fAnything combo with ILCs
I have the original 16 MP. I got my hands on the GR III. Sounds like something is loose inside with that IBIS.
You make a compelling case for a desirable camera even with some undesirable character flaws (dust, low light focusing, and even battery life which you didnt touch on) and post some great images. Thank you and well done!
Thanks for watching! Re: battery life, I didn't even have a spare battery, just traveled with one and recharged every evening. Never ran out but I have a habit of not leaving the LCD on too long. Ultimately the compactness and optical quality make this one a winner
@@lensvana I have a Sony RX100VA….same battery issue, extras are a must. I love that little Sony, but that Ricoh GR…has some “X” factor to it that is very intriguing.
@@Gogogordy1 I'm a big fan of the RX100 series, used the original RX100 Mark I for traveling before switching to the GR (and never looked back). With that said, hybrid shooters (photo + video) would certainly be better off with a RX100 (the VA must be quite a machine)
@@Gogogordy1 some might even call that the GR IIIX 😂
Your pictures are beautiful , do you use any recipes for your DNG files ?
Thank you! I don't do anything special, no presets or filters, I generally adjust the exposure a bit and lift the shadows to bring back some detail in the darker areas. And I add a tiny bit of saturation to particular colors if they are important. But every image is different so it depends. I always do automatic lens corrections and Chromatic Abberation (CA) reduction though. With GR lens the files are much sharper than many other cameras so sharpening is rarely necessary
This is a great video. I enjoyed the images but your commentary was also nice. I really enjoy my Fujifilm X-T20 but, in some occasions, I still find it relatively bulky. Since it seems there wont be a successor to the X70 by Fujifilm, I might jump to pick this camera up.
Gracias José! X-T20 is quite a nice camera! But you're right, there's a difference between "compact" and "pocketable." I think you'll be satisfied with GR as long as you're OK with 28mm :)
@@lensvana That is my only concern at the moment. The only lens I own is a 50 mm equivalent (35mm f2). I do enjoy shooting with the main camera on my phone, which is essentially a 28 mm lens. Fuji's option for a 28 mm equivalent is too expensive to just try, so the Ricoh might solve my problems. Thanks for the reply!
I love your shots! Great video. 👍
Thank you! :)
Well done!
Just picked up the GR iii....24mp, ibis, simple menu system, even has composite mode and multiple exposure. I'll probably never get rid of this camera, even though I'll still carry a bigger camera 'just in case'. I loved your narration, and your explanations. Nicely done.....and thank you. Did I mention the anti dust feature ?
Thanks for the kind words, Brad! You're gonna get some great shots with the III :D
You sold me. Bought one.
Happy shooting!
@Lensvana nice pics .. is this 16.2 mp , GR II?
Thanks, this is GR I. Same camera but without wifi
@@lensvana so is it 10mP
@@SriramNatarajan25 16.2 mp
Has anyone used the Ricoh GR III for extended travel? Curious to hear your thoughts
I use it for everything. Street, documentary, kids, travel and so on. Best camera ever made. Check instagram.com/landberg
@@rikardlandberg thanks for sharing Rikard, you have a great feed. Amazing camera indeed
Lensvana thanks!
After my shutter gave up on my GRI, I made the leap to GRIII and it's better in pretty much everything - the only thing that miss from the GRI is the slightly bigger size (didn't expect to say that) and the more robust feeling. I always feel I have to baby griii (I think it's the bigger LCD which already has a scratch on it), whereas gri / ii is built like a tank.
Second thing to mention is the battery life which is considerably lower, but I can always just charge it from a power bank and with USB C it's much faster.
Third, focus speed in low light is still crap.
Would I get the GR III for double / tripple the price of GRII again? Yes, because you can't put a price on your memories. However if you're on a budget, GR I/II is more than capable and still outperforms every phone just for the ergonomics.
I also own a Leica Q and the GR is still with me most of the time. With GR I can caputre much more personal photos. And the style of shooting is drastically different for each, with Leica (or any viewfinder) camera the way you look at things is just different compared to hip / lcd / blind shooting.
Source: I've been on the road for the past year and half :)
@@mKoBeats Thank you for sharing your experiences Martin! GR and Leica Q is quite a powerful combo.
I have noticed that I'm much slower / more meticulous with viewfinder shooting. Ultimately "back of LCD" shooting is more like phone shooting, so I don't spend as much time on each shot as usual.
I really liked the size / build of GR 1. One of the things that threw me off from upgrading to the Ricoh GR III (aside from price) was the remove of the rocker +/- switch on the right side but I'm not going to knock it till I try it. Never used the flash while traveling so I won't miss that.
Safe travels!
This was an amazing video and one of the finest I have seen concerning the GRii. The pacing was just right and you have pleasant voice with clear narration. Engaging content too --esp the pros & cons of what you caught vs what might have been lost fiddling around (as I have!) with lenses.
I'm hoping to snag a used GRii from Craigslist and I was worried about whether it would be enough for my overseas travel. Thanks to this video I no longer have those worries!
You won a new subscriber today :)
Be Well!
Thank you for the kind words, Will! I know the used GRs have been in short supply lately - here's hoping you get a good one for your adventures :)
Just wonderfull 😘 it could have been great to have get the A/S/ISO on each photo but never mind...I'm waiting for my GR3 today 🤞🤞 Ciaooo anf thank you for your work. JF
question; why 1:1 instead of 3:2 aspect ratio? Also I heard someone say that the lens in the gr3 is widescreen which warps faces if pictures are taken vertically.
I was taking a lot of pics at 1:1 because I was just excited about trying out different aspect ratios -- no legitimate reason really (my latest video describes this bad habit).
All I know is that it's a wide lens (28mm equivalent) so if you take pictures up close to people there's gonna be some distortion. But as long as you step back it should be just fine for environmental portraits
Great images 🙌🏽 was this the original Ricoh gr 1?
Yep the Ricoh GR Mark I (the first one with the APS-C sensor). Thanks! :)
Great video and a great camera!
Great pics. Why your pics are so sharp?
Thanks! GR lens is very sharp and I shoot f/4 or f/5.6 a lot
Fantastic share. Ty
Great job!
Thanks!
Berlin is also Bauhaus and architecture!
Really good Man!!
Thanks!
excellent!
Kerouac lives!
Hah! :) I should get started on my book...
Bonitas fotos. Hechas en JPEG o RAW ?
¡Gracias! Siempre RAW :)
Hi, i have the ricoh GR III limited edition, it has the image stabilization and the ergonomics it is not so good so i added one accessory to improve the grip:
www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/products/gr-3/spec/index.html
I think the 24 megapixel is good to have crop and for landscape photography, instead for street photography is not necessary.
I think that the main issue is the viewfinder, it is not always needed but it is better to have. In my limited edition i have one included with two batteries, so i am very happy with it.
Thank you for sharing, Marco! Yes it seems a backup battery is key for the III. I also prefer to have a viewfinder if possible, especially on sunny days
Can I ask how you did it, I am at the moment at a crossroad in life. I am almost finishing uni and really am not looking forward to just working for 40 years straight with three weeks of vacation every year to "enjoy" my retirement afterwards with my body crumbling underneath its own weight. Did you work hard for a few years for money and then resigned to take this trip? Or did your work actually allow you to take a year off? Or is it some other way like remote working which made this possible?
sorry for the long question, I'm just seeing something that I'd really like to do in my life but I can't imagine the "how" part of the story.
First of all, congrats on almost finishing your university education!
A long trip is something I've always wanted to do and felt it was the right time after working for some time. I resigned from my job and just went for it. I don't advise such a long break for everyone - in many fields it can be a big black mark on your resume/CV (I was working in tech, so it was less of an issue). It was on my mind for at least a year before quitting. Part of my preparation included saving up some air miles from business trips that I was going on anyway during my job -- so when I quit i had >300k miles and a lot of my long flights were free or close to free.
I would say you either do this kind of thing as a "gap year" early on, or do it after you've worked for some time and have accumulated some "experience capital" -- so it's easier to go back into the job market later. I've met plenty of people living like this full time--the ones that survive 5+ years are almost always remote software developers (also met video editors, freelancer writers/translators, etc.)
It doesn't have to be a year, either. What you can do is when switching jobs, ask the new employer to delay the start date by 1-2 months and take a long "sabbatical' like that. That would be a nice compromise and you can do it regularly.
Overall, I recommend seriously considering the tech industry--not just for the more lax approach to long sabbaticals, but for the fact that your skills will be more mobile in general and less affected by local markets.
@@lensvana Thanks for the congratulations and the very long and in depth response!
I am very fortunate to graduate in embedded systems(masters), with a background in computer science(bachelor), so it's looking up for me! I am a bit worried that bigger (and also older) companies like HP, Cannon and other more embedded system focused companies could be less inclined to allow such sabbaticals as those companies are more hierarchal like in the olden days, but still just working there and acquiring experience (and money) until something like a resignation certainly feels like it is within the realm of possibility, especially taking into account the experience for the CV/resume. I don't think I'll have any way to get airmiles however as I haven't found any job in the region which includes travelling as I live in the Netherlands and all companies here are just branches where people are sent out to and not headquarters where people are send out from, but I guess I'll make up for it by just skipping the Americas.
PS. I forgot to mention, your video was so good, it sold me on the GR, thanks for that also!
@@sdziscool Awesome, thanks for watching :)
I think you're well positioned to succeed with that degree going forward! I also wasted a lot of money when I was younger (spending on random things like fancy clothing and gadgets), if I had invested that in safe index funds I would have had 2-3x the money. So I say get a good job (brand name company is great for your resume then you don't need a resume after that it's all recruiters on LinkedIn), save a good portion of your income, keep costs down, invest in broad market ETFs, and you'll be well positioned for long trips! If you don't have good air miles programs in your area then cash back credit cards are better anyway. Those giant companies may be traditional, but the benefit is they are generous with salary and stock options. I would switch companies every 1-2 years early in career for the biggest salary jumps and starting bonuses too.
Anyway, hope you take some great pics with the GR !
Me: I wonder if the GR is good for stuff other than street photography?
This video: Abso-fucking-lutely!
13:45 Decepticon
What’s shutter count on your GR if it’s still alive?
~14,000
Can you give a link to the original photos?
I didn't keep all the RAW files but I have put up a sample of my photos in a Dropbox folder here: www.dropbox.com/sh/v0tlkq3c0fstg2d/AAA3fROOYpDiUW48rcO18HUsa?dl=0
this video has some comedy in it 😭
Did you shot in Jpeg or Raw?
Always RAW then edited in Photoshop and exported in JPG for web etc.
shoulda used a black background
Grii or iii? I have the GR ii
Used the GR I in this video, haven't tried the III yet!
GR is ready, my head told me ready, my wallet told me stop that crazy thoughts.
Was the comment about 'Constantinople' really necessary.