GR Digital V to have APS-C sensor

[GaryLH]

I was very impressed with the brightness of the GR's LCD. Was shooting it side by side with the Samsung NX300 this weekend in bright midday light and had a much easier time seeing the frame on the GR compared to the NX.

I thought I saw a picture/diagram someplace showing the LCD was using the white led similar to the type used by Sony. But I can't remember where I saw it.

Gary

 

[lynnb]

I've been comparing ISO 1600 and 3200 samples with the Coolpix A, X100s and RX1 over on the dpreview comparison tool. The Ricoh output looks like it will make very nice bw film-like pictures at these ISOs - which is where I think will get a fair bit of night street use. There is chroma noise, but looking at it for bw use the Ricoh looks like grainy film, with good edge detail.

 

[dcsang]

Regarding the OVF - I find that I used to use the OVF on the GRD II /III only during "snap" mode when I knew what the distance was and then it was only for framing anyway. 🙂

Cheers
Dave

 

[Archiver]

For about a month or two, I used the Voigtlander 28/35 viewfinder on my GRD III, but I stopped using it because it kept catching on pockets and bags. An external VF does work with the GR cameras due to the green AF confirmation light just below the hotshoe, like on the Sigma DP cams and Leica X cams. Pretty sure that the Nikon A has one there, too.

 

[kai.zorki]

I used an optical vf on my dp2, but the missing center af point mark was driving me nuts! I would have no complaints about the non existing evf, if the ovf would have this (which it will not have).

 

[cam]

I used an optical vf on my dp2, but the missing center af point mark was driving me nuts! I would have no complaints about the non existing evf, if the ovf would have this (which it will not have).

a little gaffers tape in the centre and the problem is solved 😛

 

[GaryLH]

a little gaffers tape in the centre and the problem is solved 😛

U could also change the af target size. The dp2m has small, medium and large setting.. Medium size is the default.

Gary

 

[Murchu]

The point you mentioned about focus is more crucial the bigger the sensor. With the GRD everything will be in focus provided it isn't a super close up/macro. With a bigger sensor having a washed out LCD is more of an issue. My problem with the GRD is that it is so pocketable that having a VF on the top of it defeats the purpose. Oh well, no perfect cameras still.🙂

I take, and agree with your point, but re: the highlighted above, would say in focus, is not the same as optimally sharp.

 

[jpfisher]

I thought I saw a picture/diagram someplace showing the LCD was using the white led similar to the type used by Sony. But I can't remember where I saw it.

Gary

Pentax confirmed that it is a Sony LCD with the white pixels in the initial briefing I had on the GR. I think the Sony branding is something like "White Magic."

 

[jsrockit]

I suspect that the Nikon Coolpix A has deluted the possible pool of people who would be interested in this camera type. But also the timing is not the greatest...right after tax season..

Gary

I doubt it... the Coolpix A has been in stock since day one. Never a stocking issue with that cam and most people think it's priced too high. I think it has everything to do with the fact that it is 1) a Ricoh (not a well known name in the US) and 2) the X100s exists. 28mm prime is harder to sell than 35mm prime.

 

[jsrockit]

Regarding the OVF - I find that I used to use the OVF on the GRD II /III only during "snap" mode when I knew what the distance was and then it was only for framing anyway. 🙂

Ding ding ding... we have a winner here.

 

[Atom]

The LCD is said to be the same as the GRD IV. I have one and I'm very impressed with its usibility in bright light and checking actual focus of images.

 

[benlees]

I take, and agree with your point, but re: the highlighted above, would say in focus, is not the same as optimally sharp.

No. But if that was my only concern I would use a tripod. I'm willing to lose a bit of something for the convenience and ease of using a GR(D). If some shots are not optimally sharp I'm OK with that.

 

[nightfly]

<insert obligatory HCB quote about sharpness being a bourgeois concept here>

 

[jsrockit]

The LCD is said to be the same as the GRD IV. I have one and I'm very impressed with its usibility in bright light and checking actual focus of images.

Are you sure of this?

 

[bwidjaja]

Ovf

Ovf

With the fixed focal length, I would take a good OVF anyday vs. lagging EVF especially if it adds to the size.

The OVF is similar (if it's the "same" as the previous models) to any "normal" OVF (think Voigtlander viewfinders - all they have is framelines; no "centre point" per se).

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Archlich]

Are you sure of this?

Both are listed on the Ricoh website having "3.0" transparent LCD, approx. 1,230K dots", with the GR having an extra " protective cover".

Many sources credit the GRD IV with a WRGB screen - the one with extra dots for displaying white, and user reports are favorable too. But Ricoh didn't list it on their own page.

 

[joshxiv]

I guess I was in the minority in hoping that the successor to the GRD IV would have a smaller 1" sensor and a small built in VF. They probably could've done it at the same size too, with the VF.

While I agree that an external OVF would be less ideal on the GR than on the GRD, due to the larger sensor, I think it'll still work out nicely for street work, set to f/8 and snap to 1.5m.

I use a Voigtlander 21/25 VF on my GRD IV, and I think I prefer it to a 28mm VF. I get to see outside the frame, and it works nicely with the 21mm EFOV adapter too.

The new GW-3 doesn't look much larger than the GW-2, though I can only find one picture of it so far, and it's not a great angle. But if it's anywhere near the size of the GW-2, I think that might seal the deal for me, since it's probably one of the most compact ways to get a 21mm fast-ish EFOV.

 

[shadowfox]

This is good to know as my ovf hasn't left it's pouch since I got it.

Mine as well.
Every time I remember I'd want to use it, I forgot to bring it.

Gosh, people, why can't they put the OVF in a pop-up space !!!???
Who here can't live without that little pop up flash?

Get rid of the flash.

 

[Archiver]

Expected release date in the States is between May 13 and 15. Let the good times roll!