Robin3mj
Established
Apologies in advance for the ramble...
I currently have an OM-D, having upgraded last winter from a Canon G10 (which I've also kept.)
The G10 is my favorite camera I've ever used, in terms of handling and usability, and I've yet to really 'click' with the Olympus- the button layout and tactility (or lack thereof) drive me nuts. It's also just big enough that it's more of a hassle than I'd like to carry on bike rides and hikes with the dog.
The OM-D produces beautiful shots, but given that I shot for 4+ years with a G10 primarily at 28mm, I'm wondering if the new Ricoh might suit me better? One thing that makes me hesitate is the upcoming arrival of our first child, and whether or not the Ricoh will be able to handle fast moving kid photos as well as the Olympus?
I may be overthinking this, but at the end of the day, some part of me thinks that swapping the OM-D for a Ricoh might suit me better. I'd like to hear anyone's thoughts if you have them.
I'm not a serial camera upgrader, having been happy with my G10 for many years, and look at this as more righting a wrong I made in buying the OM-D and setting myself up for the next ___ years of picture taking...
I currently have an OM-D, having upgraded last winter from a Canon G10 (which I've also kept.)
The G10 is my favorite camera I've ever used, in terms of handling and usability, and I've yet to really 'click' with the Olympus- the button layout and tactility (or lack thereof) drive me nuts. It's also just big enough that it's more of a hassle than I'd like to carry on bike rides and hikes with the dog.
The OM-D produces beautiful shots, but given that I shot for 4+ years with a G10 primarily at 28mm, I'm wondering if the new Ricoh might suit me better? One thing that makes me hesitate is the upcoming arrival of our first child, and whether or not the Ricoh will be able to handle fast moving kid photos as well as the Olympus?
I may be overthinking this, but at the end of the day, some part of me thinks that swapping the OM-D for a Ricoh might suit me better. I'd like to hear anyone's thoughts if you have them.
I'm not a serial camera upgrader, having been happy with my G10 for many years, and look at this as more righting a wrong I made in buying the OM-D and setting myself up for the next ___ years of picture taking...
mugent
Well-known
Maybe the Canon G1X would be better? You love the G10, it's the same but better!
I like the Ricohs a lot though, for me 28mm is too limited, but if it suits you...
I'd wait until the child comes along, it'll make it clearer I think...
I like the Ricohs a lot though, for me 28mm is too limited, but if it suits you...
I'd wait until the child comes along, it'll make it clearer I think...
GaryLH
Veteran
The Ricoh button layout may also drive u nuts if the issue is related to how close everything is layer out since the Ricoh is such a small camera. U should fins a camera store where u can play w/ it.
The grd to me looks pretty close to my gxr layout except a bit tighter spacing in some places. For me, it would be ok.
Gary
The grd to me looks pretty close to my gxr layout except a bit tighter spacing in some places. For me, it would be ok.
Gary
rhl-oregon
Cameras Guitars Wonders
Sell the OMD, dust off the G10 for now, but why not look at a 16mp Lumix GX1 on sale for $250 if you have the M43 lenses? Panasonic's small-M43 layout is much easier to use one-handed (and one-brained) than any of the Olympus M43s, and it's fast enough with a 20 1.7 and 45 1.8 to catch most kid activity.
The GR does have Snap Focus (you can set it in metric increments up to 5m, or to infinity, and it does SNAP), and with a 28mm your distances don't have to be critical for kid shots , and most of the GRD shooters I know here are quite happy with what it can do, though I don't know one who uses it as a primary camera, especially for family photos. Plus what you spend on a GR(5) could get you the GX1 + 2 lenses, or a lens and the EVF.
If you want to experience GRD, borrow one of the earlier models if a friend has one ( or buy one of the ~$200 models offered on RFF), so you can get used to its peculiarities, which are no quirkier than another digital, but every maker has its own priorities in the control layout and function. You can always sell a GRD, because it has a growing cult and deserves every cult member.
And of course there are marginally pocketable P/S zooms, like the GXR + P10 (28-300mm) or S10 (24-72) modules at discontinued prices, and the Lumix LX models (which my son uses, and which I'd get over any Olympus or Canon equivalent, because the Panasonic menus/controls are a relief, not a burden).
Good luck!
The GR does have Snap Focus (you can set it in metric increments up to 5m, or to infinity, and it does SNAP), and with a 28mm your distances don't have to be critical for kid shots , and most of the GRD shooters I know here are quite happy with what it can do, though I don't know one who uses it as a primary camera, especially for family photos. Plus what you spend on a GR(5) could get you the GX1 + 2 lenses, or a lens and the EVF.
If you want to experience GRD, borrow one of the earlier models if a friend has one ( or buy one of the ~$200 models offered on RFF), so you can get used to its peculiarities, which are no quirkier than another digital, but every maker has its own priorities in the control layout and function. You can always sell a GRD, because it has a growing cult and deserves every cult member.
And of course there are marginally pocketable P/S zooms, like the GXR + P10 (28-300mm) or S10 (24-72) modules at discontinued prices, and the Lumix LX models (which my son uses, and which I'd get over any Olympus or Canon equivalent, because the Panasonic menus/controls are a relief, not a burden).
Good luck!
kbg32
neo-romanticist
I have the OMD, and many Panasonic M4/3 bodies. The OMD is hands down the fastest AF of any camera I have ever used. No shutter lag whatsoever.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Just one comment.
People has been successfully taking beautiful pictures of fast-moving kids since before AF focusing was invented.
Don't rely on the camera, instead rely on your instinct as a parent. It'll be more fun that way.
The camera matters little. If you want the Ricoh GR, go for it but don't over-analyze the situation to justify it. The OM-D is a fine system camera, you can get 28mm equivalent lens for it and the AF is very fast.
One more thing, babies won't be moving fast just yet, it'll take them a year or so to pick up the speed.
People has been successfully taking beautiful pictures of fast-moving kids since before AF focusing was invented.
Don't rely on the camera, instead rely on your instinct as a parent. It'll be more fun that way.
The camera matters little. If you want the Ricoh GR, go for it but don't over-analyze the situation to justify it. The OM-D is a fine system camera, you can get 28mm equivalent lens for it and the AF is very fast.
One more thing, babies won't be moving fast just yet, it'll take them a year or so to pick up the speed.
furbs
Well-known
Babies are quite small, and I have to get very close with a 35mm lens, let alone a 28mm. The OM-D would work great with a little one, AF speed etc, so I would just stick with that. You also might consider trading the OM-D for an Xpro1 and 35mm f/1.4 (50mm equiv.) if the Fujis handle more to your liking. The GX1 already mentioned is a good idea as well.
wintoid
Back to film
You've got some time. Once your baby crawls, AF starts to become slightly more important. Once your baby walks, you have other problems that your camera's AF
user237428934
User deletion pending
I had the G10. Liked the camera but not the image quality. Everything at ISO400 and above was a mess. Last year I bought the Canon G1X and I really love it. Image quality at all ISOs benefit from the larger sensor. And I think the camera is fast enough. The value of this camera deprecates fast. A one year old used one is really cheap.
Robin3mj
Established
Lots of reasoned responses, which is why I like reading these forums. Thanks all.
I found that the Ricoh is available on lens rentals dot com, and just put in for a 4 day rental that will correspond to a weekend trip back to DC (where I used to live). Will see how that goes and go from there.
I found that the Ricoh is available on lens rentals dot com, and just put in for a 4 day rental that will correspond to a weekend trip back to DC (where I used to live). Will see how that goes and go from there.
No, it won't.
ruby.monkey
Veteran
Well, if it's anything like the camera it replaced then yes it will; but you're going to have to rely less on A/F performance and more on the camera's snap focus abilities and good old scale focussing.
For this particular sort of use a GRD4 with its generous depth of field may well be a better bet.
For this particular sort of use a GRD4 with its generous depth of field may well be a better bet.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Wow, I'm amazed at the apparent consensus that *all* baby pictures have to be pin sharp
kbg32
neo-romanticist
Babies don't move that much.
BMacW
Established
I have both cameras.
My suggestion (and this is what I end up doing).
1. Keep the OMD
2. Buy a new Panasonic GX1 for $200+ from Amazon.
3. get a few pancake lenses for m4/3 or the power zoom.
the GX1 while not as pocketable as the GR, will give you a back up m4/3 body and if you are moving fast during a shoot, you don't need to swap lenses, just have the OMD and the GX1.
The GR has crisper files, but isn't really that good at high ISO for an APS-C sensor camera. Also it's dog slow to focus indoor/poor light.
So I went for versatility and sold the GR.
My suggestion (and this is what I end up doing).
1. Keep the OMD
2. Buy a new Panasonic GX1 for $200+ from Amazon.
3. get a few pancake lenses for m4/3 or the power zoom.
the GX1 while not as pocketable as the GR, will give you a back up m4/3 body and if you are moving fast during a shoot, you don't need to swap lenses, just have the OMD and the GX1.
The GR has crisper files, but isn't really that good at high ISO for an APS-C sensor camera. Also it's dog slow to focus indoor/poor light.
So I went for versatility and sold the GR.
Archiver
Veteran
EM-5 + Panasonic 14/2.5 or Olympus 12/2 = problem solved, if you can live with the size.
And I say that as someone who has both the EM-5 and the GR. The GR is not going to give you the same rapid response as the Olympus, and I consider the Oly's face detection to be an incredible boon. You already have the Oly and you seem to like it a lot, so keeping the camera and getting a 24-28mm eq lens for it makes a bit more sense than making a loss and getting an unknown camera.
The GR does produce wonderful images, although I am not sure it will be suit fast child capture. But if you get it right, the GR will undoubtedly produce images with better sharpness, colour, dynamic range and 'depth' than the EM-5. Skin tones, in particular, I believe are more accurate and creamy than the EM-5, which has a tendency towards orange.
The EM-5 also produces very good video, which is more than adequate for personal photography and non-paid work. The GR video is pretty bad by comparison, with a lot of noisy blotches and jerky movement, despite being 1080p 24.
I love both cameras for different reasons, but ultimately it will be up to what you need the most, and what you are prepared to trade. For me, the EM-5 is a great general purpose and travel camera, but the GR is in my pocket or on my belt every day, and has become a primary camera due to the marvelous image quality.
And I say that as someone who has both the EM-5 and the GR. The GR is not going to give you the same rapid response as the Olympus, and I consider the Oly's face detection to be an incredible boon. You already have the Oly and you seem to like it a lot, so keeping the camera and getting a 24-28mm eq lens for it makes a bit more sense than making a loss and getting an unknown camera.
The GR does produce wonderful images, although I am not sure it will be suit fast child capture. But if you get it right, the GR will undoubtedly produce images with better sharpness, colour, dynamic range and 'depth' than the EM-5. Skin tones, in particular, I believe are more accurate and creamy than the EM-5, which has a tendency towards orange.
The EM-5 also produces very good video, which is more than adequate for personal photography and non-paid work. The GR video is pretty bad by comparison, with a lot of noisy blotches and jerky movement, despite being 1080p 24.
I love both cameras for different reasons, but ultimately it will be up to what you need the most, and what you are prepared to trade. For me, the EM-5 is a great general purpose and travel camera, but the GR is in my pocket or on my belt every day, and has become a primary camera due to the marvelous image quality.
febreeze-showered
Member
As a proud serial camera upgrader/shifter/collector (gear-whore, or whatever you want to call it), I would say stick with your OM-D. I've had the Ricoh GR since the first shipment batch, so I'm past the honeymoon phase. Although I like it a lot for what it is I could never see it as my main camera.
I initially did trick myself into thinking that the GR would take precedent over everything else, and even though it did for a while, using it 24/7 over the past two months quickly made me realize how much it lacks compared to other offerings in the same price-bracket.
Personally, I see the GR as a nice camera to have in addition to a good system camera; but not much more than that. Price aside, if you were to put a gun to my head and make me choose between the OM-D (or even an old raggedy GH1) and the GR, I would go with the m43 camera each and every time.
Why not give the 14mm a try? You can order one from Asia on the cheap. If you don't like it you can easily recuperate all your funds without a hitch.
I initially did trick myself into thinking that the GR would take precedent over everything else, and even though it did for a while, using it 24/7 over the past two months quickly made me realize how much it lacks compared to other offerings in the same price-bracket.
Personally, I see the GR as a nice camera to have in addition to a good system camera; but not much more than that. Price aside, if you were to put a gun to my head and make me choose between the OM-D (or even an old raggedy GH1) and the GR, I would go with the m43 camera each and every time.
Why not give the 14mm a try? You can order one from Asia on the cheap. If you don't like it you can easily recuperate all your funds without a hitch.
sepiareverb
genius and moron
From a party we were at last weekend. I love the GR, having shot with a lot of P&S cameras over the years. The button layout is different than the GRD2 I used for a long time, but is already second nature having had the camera maybe two weeks, and shooting with it for maybe four or five days.
Bigger than the GRD2, smaller than a Contax T2. AF seems quick to me, but I don't usually check that kind of stuff.
Addy101
Well-known
Why did you decide on the OM-D? You surely aren't tied to the EVF as you were using a Canon G10 and the EVF makes the OM-D bulky (and ugly). Consider one of the m4/3 options without EVF, like the Panasonic GX1 or the Olypmus M5. Also consider the Canon G1x. Gee, they're all mentioned before
When you try the Ricoh, make sure you can live with just 28mm. I don't think I could, especially with a little one on the way: lot of photo opportunities, not just of the kid. The kid won't walk anywhere the first period - just be there when your child walks for the first time
Congratulations on your upcoming kid
When you try the Ricoh, make sure you can live with just 28mm. I don't think I could, especially with a little one on the way: lot of photo opportunities, not just of the kid. The kid won't walk anywhere the first period - just be there when your child walks for the first time
Congratulations on your upcoming kid
aleksanderpolo
Established
As someone who now use GR as the main camera I say there are time and places for both of them. The OMD+25/1.4 for example would be able to focus in low light condition that the GR would just hunt for a few seconds. Babies are fine, wait until they turn into toddlers.
On the other hand, there are shots that I would have never gotten with my m4/3 gears because they are not in my pocket with me all the time.
Overall, if you can only have one, I say stay with the OMD but don't bother with lens like the 20/1.7
On the other hand, there are shots that I would have never gotten with my m4/3 gears because they are not in my pocket with me all the time.
Overall, if you can only have one, I say stay with the OMD but don't bother with lens like the 20/1.7