For those who had requested me a 12 months in the past what the perfect compact digital camera was, my reply would have been the Fujifilm X100V. I am a giant fan of Fujifilm’s mounted lens compact line, having owned one ever because the authentic X100 was launched in 2010. What captivated me about it 13 years in the past have been the straight-out-of-camera JPGs. The colour rendition of the f/2 Fujinon lens was merely attractive.
Because the years glided by, I upgraded to the X100T, then the X100F, and eventually the X100V. Every new mannequin improved upon the final with a powerful array of latest options. The X100V is undeniably one of the crucial gorgeous compact cameras created by any producer.
Nonetheless, someplace alongside the road, it misplaced its magic for me.
The Affect of Compact 35mm Cameras
Maybe it is as a result of my go-to movie cameras are compact. Cameras just like the Contax T3, the Ricoh R1s, and the Minolta TC-1 are among the many smallest full-frame movie cameras ever produced. Throughout a visit to Sydney in January 2023, the X100V felt like a deadweight in my pocket and round my neck in comparison with these tremendous compact 35mm choices.
Possibly it is also as a result of I delved into the world of Fujifilm movie simulation recipes that everybody raves about. I even created a video on my YouTube channel attempting three of them out. Upon reflection, I do not actually assume any of them look notably “film-like,” and endlessly tinkering with simulation recipes appears like a distraction from truly taking photographs.
It was throughout this journey to Sydney that I met up with a bunch of photographers. As we sat down for espresso on a wet morning at Round Quay, one in every of them positioned a Ricoh GR III on the desk. Instantly, my curiosity was piqued – having an excellent compact digital digital camera that matches in my pocket appeared very interesting.
GR III Diary Version Particular Restricted Equipment
I began researching Ricoh’s compact cameras after I obtained again to Brisbane. I noticed quite a lot of mentions of an upcoming launch: the Ricoh GR III Diary Edition Special Limited Kit. I’ve by no means owned a Ricoh digital digital camera, however having fallen in love with the Ricoh R1/R1s 35mm point and shoot film camera, I turned extra intrigued by the corporate.
Ricoh Pentax plans to launch two new compact 35mm movie cameras in early 2024, although after listening to their updates, I doubt any of them will appear to be my predictions in this article on Fstoppers.
The Diary Version digital camera is a brand new model of the GR III with a distinct shade scheme. As an alternative of the standard black, this digital camera is metallic grey with the addition of silver accents across the lens.
The particular version package shipped with just a few additional goodies:
- A cream-colored canvas case with mocha-colored leather-based accents
- A finger strap in the identical mocha shade
- Redemption of a code to get an engraved sizzling shoe
There have been additionally a few bonus options within the firmware:
- On power-off, a display screen tells you the variety of photos you have shot that day
- A brand new movie simulation – damaging movie – which was later rolled out to different cameras through a firmware replace.
Ricoh solely produced 2,000 Diary Version Particular Restricted Version Kits worldwide, with simply 20 obtainable right here in Australia. Whilst you can’t purchase the package anymore, you should buy the standalone model of the digital camera.
Ricoh Design Philosophy
It wasn’t simply the dimensions of the digital camera or the restricted version package that received me over — the advertising and marketing was slick. Ricoh produced two blog posts describing how the digital camera could possibly be utilized by photographers. Right here’s an excerpt on their considering behind this newest Diary version mannequin:
‘Diary’ has the next that means: the photographer takes snapshots of day by day life with the GR as if holding a diary, and expresses him/herself with these images as if writing an essay. The buildup of photographs of informal day by day scenes turns into a document of delicate actions of the guts in day by day life, a narrative that solely the individual can write.
Possibly you will love this rationalization, possibly you will simply assume it is advertising and marketing spiel. Personally, I feel it is refreshing to learn blogs like this from a digital camera firm that shares its design philosophy with customers, particularly since they’re actively seeking to convey again movie cameras. This strategy appears to be paying off – Ricoh’s newest monetary outcomes look fairly promising.
On-line Speak In regards to the Dairy Version
There was quite a lot of chatter concerning the Diary Version digital camera on-line — some liked it and a few hated it. There have been just a few misspellings of the digital camera’s identify, with many calling it the “dairy” version — little doubt an unintentional autocorrect fail.
Both manner, this new digital camera was “moo-sic” to my ears. (Buckle up, there are just a few extra cow puns.) I’ve quite a lot of cameras, and I have been attempting to “skinny the herd,” however who can resist a “dairy” version digital camera? I managed to purchase the final one obtainable in Australia.
“Dairy” version is just not such a nasty description, the colours of this digital camera remind me of a stunning creamy cappuccino or flat white. The comparisons do not finish there: detractors have accused Ricoh of “milking the cow for all it is price” by bringing out new editions of present cameras. However why would not they if the demand is clearly there?
I, for one, assume it is an “udderly” beautiful-looking product and see these particular version cameras as a constructive factor for 2 causes:
- Photographers love particular version cameras.
- The extra money Ricoh makes, the extra they are going to be inspired to launch new cameras – each digital and movie.
Variations Between the Fujifilm X100V and the Ricoh GR III
In my subsequent article, I am going to overview the GR III and offer you a rundown of the specs and what the digital camera is prefer to shoot with. For now, I’ll describe seven variations between the X100V and the GR III.
1. The GR III Has No Viewfinder
This was a mindshift for me. The one digital camera I usually use that does not have a viewfinder is my iPhone. There are some similarities with the iPhone and the GR III: you’ll be able to hold each in your pocket and whip them out to take a photograph fairly rapidly.
With each, you may also do stealthier capturing. Folks do not appear to take as a lot discover of you with a smaller digital camera, particularly while you’re not elevating it to your eye to look by way of the viewfinder.
After all, you’ll be able to shoot simply utilizing the display screen with the X100V, however I need to admit, I hardly ever do.
2) Subject of View
The X100V has a 35mm equal lens in full body phrases, whereas the GR III is extra 28mm. For road and journey I want the broader view, however for those who like an extended lens, Ricoh additionally makes the GR IIIx, which has a 40mm equal lens.
3) GR III is Tremendous Gentle and Tremendous Compact
The GR III weighs round half of what the X100V weighs and has a a lot smaller footprint. It will not be fairly as compact as a few of Ricoh’s movie cameras, but it surely’s not far off. Being tremendous mild and tremendous compact means this really is a candidate in your on a regular basis carry.
4) Ricoh’s Smartphone App Works Nicely
One difficulty many Fujifilm homeowners have complained about for years is the Fujifilm smartphone app. The Ricoh smartphone app is a breeze as compared. Inside 60 seconds of first utilizing it, I used to be transferring photos from the digital camera to my iPhone.
5) GR III has Shake Discount
This may be essential for you, or it won’t. For those who like taking photos with slower shutter speeds, this could possibly be a game-changer for you.
6) GR III has No Flash
The GR III has no flash. This is not a giant deal for me as I hardly ever use the inbuilt flash on the X100V. The GR III does have a hotshoe although, so seize a suitable flash and also you’re set. Take a look at my review of the Godox Lux Junior here on Fstoppers.
7) GR III Movie Simulations
At first look, that is no competitors. Fujifilm cameras have a roll name of well-known movie simulations like Acros, Provia and Velvia. Ricoh’s movie sims have generic names, however they’re good. I really like the colours of the Optimistic Movie sim, and the Damaging Movie sim is nice for portraits.
Ultimate Ideas
So, regardless of switching from one digital camera to the opposite, I don’t assume the GR III is healthier than the X100V or vice versa. They’re each extraordinarily succesful cameras. Whether or not you favor one or the opposite will rely upon what you shoot and the way you shoot.
Regardless of the ridiculous costs the X100V goes for now, I’ve resisted the temptation to promote mine, as I do nonetheless adore it. For now, I’m having fun with exploring the world by way of the GR III – particularly as I have been touring extra this 12 months and love having it in my pocket as I stroll by way of cities. Having an excellent compact digital digital camera with a wonderful lens and delightful colours fits me very nicely in the mean time.
Ensure you look out for Half Two of this sequence coming quickly: a overview of the Ricoh GR III Diary Version digital camera with a number of road and journey photographs from Japan.
