Which APS-C Compact to upgrade to?

[Ong]

So I've had the GRD3 for a good year and a bit now, and loving it, although at times I do feel like it's starting to show it's age in some respects and was thinking of upgrading to a APS-C Compact.

Right now my list includes
Ricoh GR
Fuji X100/X100s
and the Sigma DP*M or wait for the DP*Q because of that delicious Foveon sensor (Either the DP1 for the 28mm FOV or DP2 for the almost 50 FOV)

Somewhat lost with so many choices, especially since the announcement of the DP*Q which has made Sigma's DP*M's prices awfully tempting and competitive with the GR. And the fuji, well I don't need to say much about the X series since everyone else has said it.

So... any suggestions on which path to take?

 

[btgc]

Choose focal length and it should look clearer. If you list X100 and DP's other than DP1 then probably 28mm FOV isn't on what you hang on (or you are ready to use convertor on x100).

 

[f16sunshine]

As a long time x100 user I could not choose any other.
As well I prefer the 35mm FOV over 28mm FOV eliminating the Nikon A or Ricoh GR.
The DP's make beautiful images but are far to quirky.
For me a simple camera needs to be simple to use the Fuji is that.

 

[Gary Sandhu]

You'll love the GR (coming from the GRD3).

 

[GaryLH]

I have all three camera types (gr, x100, dp1 & 2 Merrill's). I would say if only camera, then choose based on preferred focal length and how u plan to use the camera the most. here is the way I use them....

GR
- pocketable everyday carry
- good street
- pretty fast af in good light, bad in very low, snap focus when no time to wait for af lock
- gw3 adds 21mm fov
- already pretty sharp at f2.8
- at best between f4 to 5.6
- good to have ovf when it is way to bright out there

X100
- great around camera
- ovf lets u c the subject move into the picture similar to rf cameras
- dead quiet shutter
- flash synch at all shutter speeds
- slightly slower af then gr in good light, but actually does slightly better in low light
-- x100s maybe faster then gr (don't own this camera)
- wcl and new tcl adapter give this camera versatility (28 and 50 fov)
- one stop faster at f2
- pretty close at f2.8 vs gr.

DP 1 and 2 Merrill
- landscape, still life, when the shot says pull in the micro detail
- my default monochrome camera (sd1m is my color camera)
- af speed slight less then x100
- 50-56mb raw files --> 88.6 tiff16 ones --> need to use spp for raw developer
- jpg are crap
- high iso good to around
-- 400 for color - ok up to 800
-- 800 for monochrome - ok up to 4000 (past 1600, need to play w/ color channels)
- color resolution is superb
- monochrome and color tonal quality is the best
- good to have ovf

Sigma Quattro
- different foveon design
- one stop better high iso then Merrill series
- faster Af
- jury will be out out this camera until we start getting enough people playing w/ it

Bottom line
- street get the gr
- general good all around get the x100s
- fine detail landscape and still life get the sigma

Gary

 

[Bob Michaels]

I differ from many here in the attention to sensor size. But I am not that interested in specs or internet talk, only how my prints look.

My now old Panasonic GF-1 made great prints. I only bought a Fuji X100 because my original compact got stolen and I got a deal on the X100. Now I use an X Pro 1 because I really like the 28mm equivalent focal length and was offered a deal on that camera. They all make equally great prints. BTW, all of these bought used.

So buy the APC-C sensor camera that makes you feel the best. Maybe the one your favorite website rates the best. None will limit your ability to make great photos.

 

[Monochrom]

Sigma merrills!!! can´t loose!

 

[jsrockit]

So buy the APC-C sensor camera that makes you feel the best.

Exactly. These cameras are all so close in IQ that it really just comes down to personal preference on FOV and what feels right.

 

[cidereye]

I differ from many here in the attention to sensor size. But I am not that interested in specs or internet talk, only how my prints look.

My now old Panasonic GF-1 made great prints. I only bought a Fuji X100 because my original compact got stolen and I got a deal on the X100. Now I use an X Pro 1 because I really like the 28mm equivalent focal length and was offered a deal on that camera. They all make equally great prints. BTW, all of these bought used.

So buy the APC-C sensor camera that makes you feel the best. Maybe the one your favorite website rates the best. None will limit your ability to make great photos.

The best advice anyone could give really.

Don't buy by specs, buy by need.

 

[nongfuspring]

If you love your GRD3 then the best option is probably the GR. I used to shoot GRD/GX100, and while the image quality wasn't the best the handling was far better than any small camera I have ever used, every digital camera has been a little disappointing since. I'm eventually planning to pick a GR sometime when I can afford one.

 

[Ong]

So...

In the end I may or may not have been pushed to bite the bullet and bought a barely used DP1M for about $400 so we'll see how that goes while keeping the GRD3.
Worst case I'd just resell if it I wasn't into it, best case the GRD3 goes (or maybe stays as well... I really need to stop the GAS, I have enough cameras... but that's another story 😀 )

Thanks all

 

[GaryLH]

A dp1m for 400 even used is a good deal.

Enjoy.. Check out the hints thread about the dp cameras.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134149

Gary

 

[Addy101]

Buy whatever makes you smile 😀

I could make that list longer (Nikon A, Sony and Fuji systemcameras) but it doesn't matter. If you get the chance, try to handle them and get the one you like.