Me again, IV versus GR

[aureliaaurita]

In layman's terms please

I know it has a new, all singing, all dancing whopping old sensor...

but what does that actually mean in terms of what you get out the other end?

I apologise for my ignorance in advance. 🙄

I've read steve huff's review

Increased resolution and dynamic range - does this mean shinier pictures? I quite like my old GR's almost film like JPGs.

Better low light performance - as per my other post, might be a clincher, but the IV seems good enough in low light.

More control over depth of field - does the larger sensor mean shallow dof?

2:3 aspect ratio - sorry, lost me.

1080p video

 

[Murchu]

Something that's been on my mind too. With the IV you get a faster lens and vibration reduction, with the V a better sensor which through pushing the iso should probably compensate for the aforemention advantages of the IV.

I think I would like a V, but a IV would probably more than suffice for the snapshots I would primarily use it for. In fact the GXR and 24-72 zoom I have is perfect for that use for me, aside from the size advantage it gives up to the GRD's.

 

[kzphoto]

Another point to consider: the GRD IV has a CCD instead of a CMOS sensor. At base iso, it makes some stunning images.

I think for most people, the sensor size is a large factor in considering whether or not to upgrade. APS-C means bigger file sizes, less DOF, more dynamic range. It's also 2x the price of a used GRD IV.

For me, the shallow DOF, built in ND, and cleaner high-iso files make it worth the upgrade. I am looking for a GR now.

 

[jimmyca1219]

I think IV is good enough for me, and it's half of the price of GR

 

[aureliaaurita]

that's half my feeling jimmy...but then again I don't want to buy an IV only to keep it a year and buy the GR anyway because that'd be silly of me.

Stupid question,

'less dof' with the larger sensor GR but also a 'shallow DOF' ...

does that mean that the IV tends to have everything in focus and with the GR you can 'pick out'....

sorry, layman as I say.

also, what is built in ND?

 

[v_roma]

Less DoF and shallow DoF are the same thing. The GR, at larger apertures, will allow you to isolate the background (i.e., blur it) better than the IV. In fact, it is very difficult to get out of focus background with the IV unless you are focusing at extremely close distances.

Built in ND (Neutral Density) filter can be turned on to allow you to use larger apertures in the GR in brighter conditions. Essentially, it is like using a filter in front of the lens that reduces the light coming in by two stops.

Hope that all makes sense. It is not as obvious a choice as one might think given the difference in sensor sizes, which is a credit to Ricoh and what they have with the IV but, if money was no objection, I think I would go for the GR. You should have considerably better IQ, particularly at higher ISOs.

that's half my feeling jimmy...but then again I don't want to buy an IV only to keep it a year and buy the GR anyway because that'd be silly of me.

Stupid question,

'less dof' with the larger sensor GR but also a 'shallow DOF' ...

does that mean that the IV tends to have everything in focus and with the GR you can 'pick out'....

sorry, layman as I say.

also, what is built in ND?

 

[jsrockit]

Increased resolution and dynamic range - does this mean shinier pictures? I quite like my old GR's almost film like JPGs.

Yes, better noise control too. If you like gritty, you will have to use ISO 3200 on the APSC GR.

Better low light performance - as per my other post, might be a clincher, but the IV seems good enough in low light.

It's a lot better than the IV in this regard.

More control over depth of field - does the larger sensor mean shallow dof?

Yes, but it's still a 18.3mm lens... so you have to be close up to really throw the background out of focus.

2:3 aspect ratio - sorry, lost me.

Like 35mm film. 24x36mm (there are small variations). The IV is 3:4 ratio.

1080p video

HD

 

[kbg32]

The GR is by far the best GRD to date. I have the original GRD and GX100. Loved them both to death. Carried them everywhere no matter what other camera I had with me. Brilliant little beasts. Only problem they were not very well sealed from dust. Need to send both in for cleaning.

i bought a GR a couple of months ago and it goes everywhere. The IQ is fantastic. I love the TAV setting. You can set a shutter speed and lens aperture and the ISO will be set by the camera. A great feature for street shooting.

Here is a link to some work with the APS-C CMOS GR - https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Ricoh+GR&ss=2&ct=6&mt=all&w=99734516@N00&adv=1

 

[aureliaaurita]

thank you (I've just worked out what IQ means too, bit slow on the up take)

I do like gritty I do...but I probably shouldn't.

Yes, better noise control too. If you like gritty, you will have to use ISO 3200 on the APSC GR.



It's a lot better than the IV in this regard.



Yes, but it's still a 18.3mm lens... so you have to be close up to really throw the background out of focus.



Like 35mm film. 24x36mm (there are small variations). The IV is 3:4 ratio.

HD

 

[Lauffray]

Do you still have yours John ? Do you prefer the GR to the Fuji X system ? (lens interchangeability aside)

 

[aureliaaurita]

funny you should say that

I've been watching a gx200 on ebay but have heard it's basically unusable in low light which put me right off.

The GR is by far the best GRD to date. I have the original GRD and GX100. Loved them both to death. Carried them everywhere no matter what other camera I had with me. Brilliant little beasts. Only problem they were not very well sealed from dust. Need to send both in for cleaning.

i bought a GR a couple of months ago and it goes everywhere. The IQ is fantastic. I love the TAV setting. You can set a shutter speed and lens aperture and the ISO will be set by the camera. A great feature for street shooting.

Here is a link to some work with the APS-C CMOS GR - https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Ricoh+GR&ss=2&ct=6&mt=all&w=99734516@N00&adv=1

 

[aureliaaurita]

Had a GRD 1 ...great camera.
Bought a new GRD 4 and sent it back after three months...just didn`t like the files.
Bought a GR V and ,whilst its a great camera and the extended ISO range is very useful , I miss the simplicity of the GRD 1

the GRD is the first one isn't it? that's the one I had about six years ago?

and the GRD 4... that's the IV, which is actually six in Roman numerals isn't it?

 

[stompyq]

No experience with the previous generations but I do have the current one (the GRD V) and love it. Buy it. You won't regret it.

 

[aureliaaurita]

I am sure I would, but I'm wondering if I would £360 more than a IV love it 😉

 

[shadowfox]

Ricoh GR is a big step in the right direction.

But my ultimate GR is full-frame and sports a built in viewfinder (instead of the useless flash).

I still believe it will materialize one day.

 

[stompyq]

I am sure I would, but I'm wondering if I would £360 more than a IV love it 😉

In my mind your essentially paying for the extra benefits of the APSC sensor. Namley greater dynamic range and better high ISO capabilities. The DOF advantage (or disadvantage) is a little over blown. It's still a 18mm lens with a 28mm FOV in the GRD V. You'll get plenty of DOF. Personally I have a hard time blurring out the background even a little bit unless I'am in macro mode. In normal street shooting situations everything's in focus. Oh and the usefulness of VR is a little overrated too. VR is not going to stop subject motion. Aside from the price I don't see a lot of advantages for the older GRD series cameras (unless you like gritty images).

 

[aureliaaurita]

hhhmmm I think I may put in a cheeky offer on a GRIV in that case, what's cheeky? £200? (that's errr about $320)

 

[jsrockit]

Do you still have yours John ? Do you prefer the GR to the Fuji X system ? (lens interchangeability aside)

No, not at all Jerome. I feel the Fujis are a step above the other APSC mirrorless cameras on the market ergonomically and IQ wise. However, they are not pocketable in the same way as the GR.

Honestly... I feel the Sony RX100 II is better for my P&S needs (despite the ergonomics and dial placement). I do still have the Ricoh, but if I needed to sell something, I have a feeling it would be first to go and the Sony would stay.

 

[aureliaaurita]

arg, so I've purchased an IV. I just couldn't justify the money for the GR, maybe next year. Anyway, looking forward to receiving it. Thanks for all your help boys and girls...or is it just boys? I think so.

 

[kdemas]

arg, so I've purchased an IV. I just couldn't justify the money for the GR, maybe next year. Anyway, looking forward to receiving it. Thanks for all your help boys and girls...or is it just boys? I think so.

You'll enjoy the IV, excellent camera.