Trying to decide on a digital PnS

[agoglanian]

So I'm set on one of three models (I think). The Fuji X10 and the Ricoh GRD III & IV.

I realize the X10 is a very different camera from the GR line given that it has a zoom and a slightly larger sensor. (Though at these small sizes I question how much it will really be an improvement)

What I do place value in is having a small camera that I can keep with me every day that delivers "good enough" image quality. I also want to have a small digital that I can take with me when I go out with just my Hexar AF.

So my question really boils down to:

Is the Fuji X10 truly a noticeably better camera than either Ricoh? (in regards to image quality, I realize the convenience factor of that nice zoom range)

In the case of the GRD, is the IV really that much of an improvement to justify its increased cost?

Regardless of which one I choose I'm looking to buy one second hand so I can save a bit.

 

[Lauffray]

Frankly the zoom on the X10 is a bit of a turnoff as far as I'm concerned, the Ricohs have a very good lens on the other hand
Not sure you'll see much difference between the III and IV, the sensor hasn't changed, but you should get very nice quality images from the III. I had the analog GR1s and they handle very nicely

 

[OlliL]

I really tried to love the X10, as an everyday carry camera, but went back to the GRD.
For me the size was the main factor and that I mostly shoot at 28mm anyway.
The IQ of the Fuji is great though and high-ISO really usable, considering the small sensor.

But as you said in your initial post, they are very different types of animals and none of them is "bad".

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Haven't tried any of the cameras you listed but I use a Canon G12 as my digi point and shoot, it has a 'short' zoom and good quality and shoots movies to boot.

Todd

 

[agoglanian]

I do like 28mm as a focal length personally (not quite as much as 35mm, but I have that length well covered), but it is definitely one I want to learn more about, which means the GRD does greatly appeal to me.

Low light quality is of some importance to me as well, I mean, if I am going out at night with the actual intention of shooting I will go ahead and just bring my 5DmkII with a 35 or 50mm, but more often than not I'm just going out to go out and I would like to have a camera but I don't particularly want to lug my DSLR with me.

Anyways,
I suppose I can't go wrong any which way.

In regards to the GRDs again, is it true that the IV has a weaker AA filter in comparison to the III? I realize they have the same image sensor, but if the IV resolves a bit more detail that would be nice in my book, and I have to admit the Sensor shift stabilization sounds convenient as well.

I appreciate the insight so far, looking forward to hearing more!

 

[OlliL]

Here's ISO800 on the X10:

First outing with the Fuji X10 von oliverleschke auf Flickr

 

[agoglanian]

Thanks Oliver, that looks pretty darn good for 800 on a compact camera (my how far they've come!)

Say I didn't mind the size of the X10, would you lean towards that camera vs the GRD for any other reason?

 

[Leigh Youdale]

Can't comment on other choices but the X10 is my first digital camera and I'm very happy with it. If I wasn't mainly wedded to B&W film photography I'd be using it more, but I'm still very much a film guy. Nevertheless, the X10 is an excellent P&S for my purposes and similar enough in operation and shape to the Leica/Bessa combo I have that it's not really a brain stretch when I grab it to use.

 

[ramosa]

I have had the GRD IV for a few months and like it to supplement my M8 body and lenses. It is very well designed, making its use pretty simple and good for street photography. A 28mm lens is a bit wide for my tastes (I would have preferred a 35mm), but with the camera being so small, it's easier to get really close to people. It's small enough that it can really be a take-everywhere camera. I had pondered the X10, too, but am very glad that I opted for the GRD IV. One of the things I like most about M photography is the simplicity of the camera and the process. For me, an X10 with zoom would just be too much. (I haven't use a zoom lens in years and don't miss it.) Images from the GRD IV are good, but certainly nowhere close to those from an M8 or M9. But it serves its purpose pretty well for me.

 

[Pablito]

If you don't want the zoom, the GRD3 is superb. The 28mm lens has almost no distortion either. Ricoh is a thing apart, beautifully made and great user interface.

 

[Tomas M]

I'vehad my GRD for less than a day and am in love with it. If you can, play around with both and decide which one feels better to you.

 

[kanzlr]

the X10 is a wonderful camera. Two coworkers use it and it produces very good results in a nice body with a good OVF.

For me, it is the GRD due to size, that nice prime, the GV-1 viewfinder, the superb Ricoh handling and the nice RAWs it produces.

 

[Leigh Youdale]

For me, an X10 with zoom would just be too much. (I haven't use a zoom lens in years and don't miss it.) .

If I was of a similar mind I would have the Fuji X100.

 

[jsrockit]

It really comes down to... bigger sensor vs. smaller size. Which do you prefer?

 

[zwarte_kat]

How about...

How about...

Unless you want REALLY pocketable, you could also look at the Ricoh GXR. Bodies 2nd hand are very cheap, and the 28mm APS-C module costs about as much as the GRD 4, but with bigger sensor and more megapixels resulting in nice A3 prints, so your digital files don't have to be less quality than your film shots.
You can also add the 50mm 2,5 module, or one of the zoom modules later (the small sensor ones are super cheap now), and not to forget the M-mount module in case you have M-lenses.

The X100 is also a great camera, but I find the GXR plus desired module bought second hand the best deal now, besides maybe a nex 5n or one of the older Micro 4/3 cameras.

A lot of this GXR stuff is abundant 2nd here in Tokyo, so it can be had for cheap.

 

[agoglanian]

I am actually previously an X100 owner and boy did I love that camera! I had to sell it last year because of a financial speed bump but I would gladly buy another one today if I had the funds.

Alas, I do not think I'd be able to find one yet for $500 or less 😉

What I'm looking for is just something reasonably small (doesn't have to be pocketable, just small enough to carry daily) that I can always have on hand. I no longer have an M mount camera or lenses (someday I'll revisit that world) so the GXR-M wouldn't be too useful presently. With my DSLR kit I have no zoom lenses, only primes, so I am plenty comfortable with a fixed focal length, that being said, the zoom of the X10 is a useful range for me and it's fast enough to still be useful.

I suppose I'm indifferent in this case, but overall image quality is important. I'm impressed what compacts can do today compared to just a few years ago (the last time I ventured down this path), I just want to find the most suitable option.

Unfortunately I won't have any hands on opportunities prior to purchase as all the camera stores are 1hr+ from where I live, and on top of this, none of them carry Ricoh or Fuji products.