GR Digital V to have APS-C sensor

[regularchickens]

The X20 has an OVF and a decent LCD, surprisingly good IQ for such a small camera, plus the lens covers an essential range of focal lengths and a max aperture of f/2, it very much reproduces the essentials of a classic RF kit only with the AF-S, MF, AF-C switch instead of a rangefinder spot. Why wait for this GRD?

APS-C sensor, Ricoh's build quality and interface design, and pocketability. The GR series doesn't substitute for a rangefinder. It does its own thing, and that's what I want.

If anyone considers the lack of VF a dealbreaker, the X20 (and soon the Panny LF1) are there for you.

 

[aizan]

The GRD IV's LCD was one of the best - a Sony RGBW screen : it was surprisingly viewable even in bright sun.
However I do keep the little OVF on the camera as well.

it still has visibility problems, so i wasn't pleasantly surprised or anything.

if ricoh pulled a fuji, now that would be awesome.

 

[jsrockit]

Ok, supposed specs for the new GR:

Here are the latest specifications of the soon to be released new Ricoh Digital GR compact digital camera with a fixed 28mm f/2.8 lens and 16MP APS-C sensor (Google translation):

• The name of the new camera is GR and not GRV.
• 16 MP sensor APS-C size. The same sensor is used in the K-5II DSLR camera.
• New 28mm f/2.8 GR lens without any type of image stabilization.
• AF speed is much faster than the Nikon Coolpix A, slightly inferior to the X100S.
• The new GR will have almost the same size as Ricoh GR1, body size has been scaled up slightly from the GR Digital IV, it is lighter than Coolpix A.
• New Fn button has been added.
• Announcement in late April, release in mid-May.
• Price around $1000.
  
  Read more on PhotoRumors.com: http://photorumors.com/2013/04/12/specifications-of-the-new-ricoh-digital-gr-camera/#ixzz2QHRCaO3k

I'm going to be thankful that it is back to being a proper 2:3 ratio camera instead of that stubby RAW aspect ratio crap in the current GRD cameras ... 😉

 

[FrozenInTime]

if ricoh pulled a fuji, now that would be awesome.

Agreed; a built OVF with the size and clarity of the GV-2 but with the frames and info of the GR1 would be a perfect combination.
Quite happy to lose the flash.

 

[Archiver]

More rumoured specs:

http://photorumors.com/2013/04/13/t...ditional-specifications-available/#more-41340

• The new Ricoh GR will have a new processor called GR Engine 5.
• Very fast and improved AF and start-up time.
• No anti-aliasing (AA) filter.
• High ISO up to 25,600
• 1080P at 30fps HD video recording capabilities with continuous AF (H.264 format).
• Built-in stereo mic.
• The 28mm f/2.8 lens is completely re-designed and will have a 9 blades aperture.
• Ricoh will also offer a wide angle conversion lens (GW-3) with a 21mm focal length.
• The new GR will be compatible with Eye-Fi memory cards.
• The US price will be around $800.
• Announcement is next week. Shipping should start in May, 2013.

Looking good! The GRD III is my favourite compact, and the GXR 28 is a great camera, although larger. If they can make a near GRD size camera like this, it will be the awesomeness.

 

[btgc]

I think with model Ricoh may see me on their radar.

 

[noimmunity]

Those are looking like some really solid specs, guys.

I used to love a GR, a long way back.

Won't be in on this one, but it sure looks good!

 

[Paddy C]

Will be interesting to see how it compares to the Nikon Coolpix A. Both seem similar.

 

[Griffin]

I wonder if they'll make a GXR camera unit version of it.

 

[Archiver]

By the looks of the specs, it should have at least the image quality of the Nikon A, and the superior handling and ergonomics of a Ricoh GRD/GXR. To me, that is huge.

I just have two wishes: that it is as quiet as a current camera like the Fuji X10/100, and that it uses the same battery as the GXR for longer shooting times. The GXR's image quality is super but it is too noisy for silent situations like art gallery shooting, and too slow to turn on and focus. If the GR fixes these issues, I'll love it!

 

[GaryLH]

By the looks of the specs, it should have at least the image quality of the Nikon A, and the superior handling and ergonomics of a Ricoh GRD/GXR. To me, that is huge.

I just have two wishes: that it is as quiet as a current camera like the Fuji X10/100, and that it uses the same battery as the GXR for longer shooting times. The GXR's image quality is super but it is too noisy for silent situations like art gallery shooting, and too slow to turn on and focus. If the GR fixes these issues, I'll love it!

The gxr m module has electronic shutter mode which is very quiet but is susceptible to over head fluorescent lights. The normal shutter is load, but depending on situation u can switch to electronic.


The lensor modules like the a12 28 use leaf shutters so should be as quiet as a x100.

Gary

 

[Archiver]

The gxr m module has electronic shutter mode which is very quiet but is susceptible to over head fluorescent lights. The normal shutter is load, but depending on situation u can switch to electronic.


The lensor modules like the a12 28 use leaf shutters so should be as quiet as a x100.

Gary

I love using the M-module on electronic shutter mode, but the A12 28 is no way as quiet as the X100. It has a very noticeable whirring noise to extend the lens, a gritty screech as it focuses, and a sharp ta-tak as it takes a photo. Not audible on the street, but definitely audible compared with the Fuji X100 in a near-silent room. Fingers crossed that Ricoh has solved this problem, too!

 

[GaryLH]

I agree about autofocus noise. Have u tried snap focus?

Gary

 

[Archiver]

Snap focus is okay, but because of the distance the lens must travel to focus, sometimes it still makes that screeching noise. Other times I use manual focus with the A12 28 and set to hyperfocal myself, but the shutter is still a bit loud for some situations.

I also wish the GXR had a much shorter shot to shot time, and hope that the GR is at the level of other modern cameras like the OM-D or even the X100, which shoots almost as fast as you can push the button over and over. I've lost important shots while waiting for the GXR to write the file to the card.

 

[benlees]

Main thing is the size of the thing. GRD is small and awesome. Any increase in size would kill it for me. If i was concerned about resolution I'd go with the Merrill's.

 

[dogbunny]

The faster start-up time is welcomed. It is one of the few things that annoys me about the GR IV.

 

[regularchickens]

As long as we're wishing, I hope they change out the left/right toggle ADJ switch on the back for a proper dial. I never understood why they used that on the GRD2/3/4.

But the X100 has one, too, doesn't it? Madness!

 

[FrozenInTime]

Main thing is the size of the thing. GRD is small and awesome. Any increase in size would kill it for me.

Certainly today a larger camera would have been no-go for me.
Light weight wind-shell jacket with three rolls of 120 Tri-X in my left pocket, the GRD IV in the right and a Hasselbad with 80mm over my shoulder - great not to need a camera bag.

 

[nightfly]

Specs are sounding better.

$800 US seems about right for a camera like this.

 

[FA Limited]

Specs are sounding better.

$800 US seems about right for a camera like this.

might force a price drop on the Coolpix A as well 😉