Ricoh Ricoh GRD IV - What do you want to see?

[Amin]

I've had a GR Digital III on extended loan from Ricoh, and although I haven't had as much time to spend out shooting with it as I would like, I can say that this camera is an amazing "serious compact".

Fans of the Ricoh GRD series, what do you hope for in the GRD III replacement?

 

[Archiver]

I would love the GRD III to have:

- even better dynamic range
- faster startup, focus, shooting and shot-to-shot speed
- much improved video, as good as the Canon S90 at least
- smaller video files, h264 codec
- much better sound quality

Apart from that, the GRD III is as perfect as a small sensor camera can get, IMO. It handles beautifully, feels great in the hand, is light and very discreet, and just makes you want to shoot. I have it hanging around my neck constantly when I'm out, often at the same time as my M9.

 

[Wouter Brandsma]

At the state of current small sensor cameras I consider the GRD3 to be at the pinnacle. The lens can hardly be better, the UI and customuzation leaves probably no real room for improvement. Normally speaking I would say the main improvement could be the sensor. I would prefer a larger sensor for better low light performance and better dymamic range and tonality. But here is also the problem that Ricoh faces. They are already doing so. Later this year they will release the A12 28mm GR lens module for the GXR. And even though Ricoh wants to keep the GRD their top of the line camera I wonder how they plan to do so.

 

[Andrewteee]

All I wish for is, do no harm! I agree with Wouter that the GRD3 is an amazing camera, and my personal all-time favorite. And like Wouter I would like better low-light capabilities and dynamic range, but not at the expense of its performance. It is super compact, super fun and easy to shoot with. It's an effortless camera.

However, I would love to see the GRD line expanded by adding 21 and 40mm versions. I know all about the attachments, but I'd love multiple GRDs much like there are multiple Sigma DP cameras.

 

[Andrewteee]

I've been using the GRD3 a lot lately and one new feature comes to mind - the ability to use the EVF from the GXR.

 

[neilvan]

The only thing that has held me back from getting the GRD III is that it doesn't have an articulated screen. Keep that high-resolution beauty that it currently has and put it on a 'swivel' and I will buy the GRD IV without a doubt!

For whatever reason the majority of my favourite photographs come from a camera with a screen that can move...there are exceptions of course.

 

[Streetshooter]

I'd just like better low light performance.
I sold my 111 and I now know it was a BIG mistake.
It's really the best of the best.

 

[rncgray]

Two Seemingly Trivial Additions

I agree with several contributors that the GRD's are almost perfect small sensor cameras, but I would like to see a couple of extra features which could be provided at no cost in one case and minimal cost in the other.
Could a software option be implemented that didn't retract the lens on power down. I know this would leave the lens in a vulnerable position but I always have the accessory lens barrel and a UV filter attached as this both protects the lens and provides a handy grip if your hands are large. The advantage? much faster power on time for those immediate shots (the lens takes a couple of seconds to extend). This would be a purely software change and would cost nothing (and could be implemented in a firmware update)
And secondly a feature which I don't understand why it is not standard on all cameras - it is on phones - USB battery charging. A separate charger would then not be needed. This change would require a battery management chip on the motherboard but these things are minute and if your phone can do it...

 

[Duane Pandorf]

I agree with Wouter above and would look forward to the same size fixed lens on a bigger sensor. If I need action shots I have a DSLR. But for pocket carry and to have a camera with me all the time this is it.

 

[Andrewteee]

And secondly a feature which I don't understand why it is not standard on all cameras - it is on phones - USB battery charging. A separate charger would then not be needed. This change would require a battery management chip on the motherboard but these things are minute and if your phone can do it...

I'm not a fan of this because I always carry extra batteries and need to charge them separately from the camera. That, and the current GRD3 charger is nice because it does not require a dang power cord. Just plug and play.

Lately, I've been thinking that a 40-50mm GRD would be nice. Or at least bring back the 40mm adapter.

 

[madmaxmedia]

For it not to melt JPEG's. Olympus M 4/3 JPEG NR adjustment range is perfect IMO- it gives the user the choice.

Larger sensor would be hypothetically great, but realistically that's probably not happening without an increase in body size. I don't think there are any 'in between' sensors available anyway, so just go with whatever latest version 1/1.8 is available.

Personally, I wouldn't mind sensor stabilization but understand why they have always ommitted it (wide angle.)

 

[fstop11]

A maximum ISO bump up to 3200 or possibly even 6400 would be nice, as long as they can make it look as good as 1600 in the GRD3. Beyond that and extending dynamic range, nothing else is needed IMHO. I'm at the point now where I feel digital cameras have reached their pinnacle. Sure, they'll continue to get better, but unless I'm making wallpaper size prints, will anyone see a difference between today's top-of-the-line gear and tomorrow's?

 

[Luckypenguin]

I agree with several contributors that the GRD's are almost perfect small sensor cameras, but I would like to see a couple of extra features which could be provided at no cost in one case and minimal cost in the other.
Could a software option be implemented that didn't retract the lens on power down. I know this would leave the lens in a vulnerable position but I always have the accessory lens barrel and a UV filter attached as this both protects the lens and provides a handy grip if your hands are large. The advantage? much faster power on time for those immediate shots (the lens takes a couple of seconds to extend). This would be a purely software change and would cost nothing (and could be implemented in a firmware update)

This is what kills me with compact cameras. I can leave my Canon SLR in it's bag untouched for weeks, powered down (but with the power switch still set to on), and then pick it up, half-press the shutter button and have a fully operational camera in about 0.1sec.

 

[Duane Pandorf]

This is what kills me with compact cameras. I can leave my Canon SLR in it's bag untouched for weeks, powered down (but with the power switch still set to on), and then pick it up, half-press the shutter button and have a fully operational camera in about 0.1sec.

My Nikon too, but then neither the Canon or Nikon body has to extend a lens. I think that's the difference. But look how big your battery is in your SLR, about half the size of the my GRD, just kidding!

 

[Luckypenguin]

Yeah, I suspect the battery from a 50D could power a small town for a week given how long they last so the comparison is not entirely fair, but if a compact camera could go into an indefinite 'sleep' mode with the lens still extended as suggested earlier it would be a very cool feature.