Is the Ricoh GXR with A12 units the 'best' travel camera?

[Colin G.]

It's just a thought.

1) 28mm and 50mm covers A LOT. 28mm for street, landscape, etc. 50mm for portraits, general purpose, and has macro capabilities.

2) 12MP is all you really need. (debatable of course, but for anyone not blowing up to extreme sizes, it's more than enough)

3) Small, discreet, and lightweight. Can be packed in a small bag.

4) High ISO performance is really good. 1600 looks quite good, and 3200 seems usable.

5) Sealed modules. No dust. (apparently)

The 50mm had a lot of press about it being slow, but the upcoming 28mm is said to be quite quick. This means that it may be possible for Ricoh to put out a firmware update for the 50mm to improve it's speed.

Thoughts?

 

[bbodine9]

GXR A12 update soon!

GXR A12 update soon!

The update should be released shortly for the 50 mm unit according to the latest info on the Ricoh forum. Looks like the AF problem will be resolved. Ricoh does listen to their customers from what I have seen.

 

[ebino]

It would be common nonsensical to conclude that a decent zoom lens is perfect for traveling because it saves space, the hassle of changing lens in unfavorable conditions not to mention fear of theft and so on that gets multiplied the more gear you have. And plain and simple zooming when you have no other options.

But then again since sensei Moriyama shoots with Ricoh, its gotta be Ricoh even though a typical Ricoh p&s costs twice as much and has half as many features as even some of the crappy p&s cameras.

 

[Frontman]

I looked at the Ricoh when I was shopping for a good compact digital. I ended up passing on it and picking up a Lumix DMC LX5. The LX5 does not have an interchangeable lens system, but it covers the more important focal lengths. As an added benefit, the LX5 powers up nearly instantly, and it focuses quickly (almost instantly). It also offers a higher ISO range.

But the greatest selling point of the Lumix is that it is not made in China like the Ricoh cameras are. I don't dislike China, but I do dislike finding fewer and fewer things in stores which are not made in China.

Interestingly enough, the Chinese tourists who visit Tokyo also refuse to buy " Made in China" goods, particularly cameras

 

[schaki]

It's just a thought.
5) Sealed modules. No dust. (apparently)

The problem with dust may still be there. But hopefully less serious than what it could be for the GRD1 and GX100.
An other user posted some nice samples. One of them an against the light with a lighthouse in the evening. There is a crop further down the page which show two spots of dust in the following thread http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1013&message=36360367

I still think that the GXR makes sense. Especially when the mount-module finally pops out. That's what I try and await.

 

[jsrockit]

I would be comfortable traveling with the Ricoh only...

 

[kshapero]

I think it makes a lot of sense. i don't agree with ebino who I see on other threads as a contrarian. Those on this forum know that a 2 lens kit is perfectly acceptable. And that Ricoh has always catered to a more serious shooter, so if it works for you, go for it and share some photos with us.

 

[Colin G.]

It would be common nonsensical to conclude that a decent zoom lens is perfect for traveling because it saves space, the hassle of changing lens in unfavorable conditions not to mention fear of theft and so on that gets multiplied the more gear you have. And plain and simple zooming when you have no other options.

But then again since sensei Moriyama shoots with Ricoh, its gotta be Ricoh even though a typical Ricoh p&s costs twice as much and has half as many features as even some of the crappy p&s cameras.

I can agree with the 'common nonsensical zoom.' However, personally, and I'm sure many others do fine with a prime or two. I've been using only a 50mm on my ZI for 8 months. Sure, I've probably missed a few shots, but I'm content with what I've made.

Regarding changing lenses in unfavorable conditions, that isn't much of a problem with modules.

Fear of theft is the same with any camera, no?

@Frontman: I did state with the A12 units, which are APS-C. So the comparison is a little apple and oranges. Also made in China is a bit of a fallacy. For example, Apple products are made in China, and people are quite pleased with them. I think it's more about quality control of a particular company and not geographical location.😉

 

[Colin G.]

The problem with dust may still be there. But hopefully less serious than what it could be for the GRD1 and GX100.
An other user posted some nice samples. One of them an against the light with a lighthouse in the evening. There is a crop further down the page which show two spots of dust in the following thread http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1013&message=36360367

I still think that the GXR makes sense. Especially when the mount-module finally pops out. That's what I try and await.

Interesting. I'm sure Ricoh would clean or replace the module as dust-sealed is one of their main selling points of their module system. But, who knows for sure.

 

[Etabeta]

My travel experiences suggest that a small zoom lens (ie 90mm) can be very useful if I don't want to get too close when touchy people are involved... The only "plus" of 50mm lenses (imo, of course) is fastness. But with 1600 ISO at your disposal, do you really need a fast lens?