Ricoh GR - Acclaim everywhere

[chipvn]

The comparison by Ming wasn't done under well controlled condition, I'd say what he did doesn't really do justice to either camera.

A well controlled comparison like the following one is more credible IMO:

Totally agree with you Fengwei!

I just rewrite my opinion here on his comparision:

1. Corner resolution: the test he did with objects are not in the same plane and he focused on the object not in the center of the scene! By doing that he could clever avoid the affect of lens field curvature effect (which the GR does a much better job on control this field curvature from many controlled tests as you listed down above). Actually if there was another object at the center and in the same plane with the off-center object that he captured, the GR should be much sharper there.

2. Correct Exposure: Dynamic Range of the 2 camera should be similar. Then he assume that the 2 camera matrix metering system should have the same result! It is not true cause even with matrix mettering, each company will use different algorithm base on their experience and preference. Therefore, user need to understand its behavior to have desired exposure. To compare 2 different cameras, we need to match the exposure first.

3. RAW color accuracy: he mentioned that Jpeg color of the 2 cameras are all correct and quite similar. Then he brought RAW files of 2 different cameras in to ACR and developed using the same process (while at least, the GR has not had profile in ACR yet) then complained that GR RAW file shift color toward the Red! Without profile in ACR, if he didn't customise the process then he should understand that the result might not be correct and that is the problem with the ACR not the GR!

 

[pinholecam]

Totally agree with you Fengwei!

I just rewrite my opinion here on his comparision:

1. Corner resolution: the test he did with objects are not in the same plane and he focused on the object not in the center of the scene! By doing that he could clever avoid the affect of lens field curvature effect (which the GR does a much better job on control this field curvature from many controlled tests as you listed down above). Actually if there was another object at the center and in the same plane with the off-center object that he captured, the GR should be much sharper there.

2. Correct Exposure: Dynamic Range of the 2 camera should be similar. Then he assume that the 2 camera matrix metering system should have the same result! It is not true cause even with matrix mettering, each company will use different algorithm base on their experience and preference. Therefore, user need to understand its behavior to have desired exposure. To compare 2 different cameras, we need to match the exposure first.

3. RAW color accuracy: he mentioned that Jpeg color of the 2 cameras are all correct and quite similar. Then he brought RAW files of 2 different cameras in to ACR and developed using the same process (while at least, the GR has not had profile in ACR yet) then complained that GR RAW file shift color toward the Red! Without profile in ACR, if he didn't customise the process then he should understand that the result might not be correct and that is the problem with the ACR not the GR!

Too bad the damage is already done.
A blogger like MingThein has very wide viewership and many follow him because he has fast access to new cameras (and Nikon fans)

Comments citing error/flaws/corrections on the tests are sometimes/often unread esp. with fans, who form their conclusions upon the putting up of the write up

 

[detritus]

Too bad the damage is already done.
A blogger like MingThein has very wide viewership and many follow him because he has fast access to new cameras (and Nikon fans)

Comments citing error/flaws/corrections on the tests are sometimes/often unread esp. with fans, who form their conclusions upon the putting up of the write up

pple will believe what they want to believe. its not just bloggers / reviewers that are biased. readers are too and will gravitate towards sources that agree with them :bsmilie:

but so far, reviews on GR is pretty positive. i liked the gxr a12 28mm when i had it. only gripe was that the interface takes some getting used to... to used to the k5 ;p

i'll get one from here even if i have to pay 21% vat. cant wait

 

[aaron80]

Attended the hands-on session by Michael on Friday. This little camera is really a gem! Can't wait for it to be available here.

 

[tomcat]

Will probably be available by next week.
Too bad that it will cost almost as much as the Coolpix A here unlike in the States where it costs US$300 less than the A.

 

[PhilipKr35]

Will probably be available by next week.
Too bad that it will cost almost as much as the Coolpix A here unlike in the States where it costs US$300 less than the A.

Really? Same as Coolpix A U.P. S$1500+?, Nikon giving special price now online. See link but they never say what is Special price or only freebies.
http://www.nikon.com.sg/coolpix-A/?...letter+(May+2013)+-+Nikon+SG&utm_medium=email

If a special bundled price GR+21mm converter+view finder given , it would interest more new Ricohians.

 

[tomcat]

Really? Same as Coolpix A U.P. S$1500+?, Nikon giving special price now online. See link but they never say what is Special price or only freebies.
Nikon COOLPIX A

If a special bundled price GR+21mm converter+view finder given , it would interest more new Ricohians.

Coolpix A don't cost $1500. Should be about $1200 or less now.

 

[PhilipKr35]

Coolpix A don't cost $1500. Should be about $1200 or less now.

S$ or US$ ? GR has interesting ergonomics.

 

[tomcat]

S$ or US$ ? GR has interesting ergonomics.

Of course S$ since we are comparing local prices. Each has its plus points so it depends on the respective users' needs and requirements. For example, I need GPS support as I intend to use my gears for travel photography so its advantage to the A as it would accept a GPS module while Ricoh would not. Manual shooters like the Snap Focus function of the GR which is especially useful for low light shooting too as the GR is really slow autofocusing under low light according to reviews. I don't shoot manual so that function is not really attractive to me. And so on... and so on.

 

[fengwei]

It's not out in shops yet, where did you get the price info for GR?

 

[tomcat]

From my favorite dealer.

 

[d3vilZ]

From my favorite dealer.

if that's true, will buying from US a good option? I know someone who is going there in next two weeks. Does pentax/ricoh have international warranty?

 

[deviantdanny]

if that's true, will buying from US a good option? I know someone who is going there in next two weeks. Does pentax/ricoh have international warranty?

GR just launched in Japan today, retailing about 1.3k SGD comes with a host of goodies (bag etc.)

Stumbled upon this thread while attempting to do some research, holding on to a 3 y.o NEX5 now. Thinking if it's going to be worth the shot, or take the leap of faith and go RX1. (not comparing, just to be clear)

 

[MichaelLee]

GR just launched in Japan today, retailing about 1.3k SGD comes with a host of goodies (bag etc.)

Stumbled upon this thread while attempting to do some research, holding on to a 3 y.o NEX5 now. Thinking if it's going to be worth the shot, or take the leap of faith and go RX1. (not comparing, just to be clear)

the only thing i can share with you now, wait for GR to be launched in Singapore. The price will be good here.

 

[Mr Khaw]

yes it will be good here. better than in US or Japan. trust me

 

[Randius]

GR just launched in Japan today, retailing about 1.3k SGD comes with a host of goodies (bag etc.)

Stumbled upon this thread while attempting to do some research, holding on to a 3 y.o NEX5 now. Thinking if it's going to be worth the shot, or take the leap of faith and go RX1. (not comparing, just to be clear)

The goodies are very nice and I like the GR bag and red ring XD

Too bad those are unlikely to be available here...

 

[tomcat]

if that's true, will buying from US a good option? I know someone who is going there in next two weeks. Does pentax/ricoh have international warranty?

It won't be much cheaper buying it directly from the States even if you have a friend going there. It would be selling for US$800 in the States which would work out to about S$1,040 after foreign exchange conversion. At that price, the GR is about US$300 cheaper than the Coolpix A which is selling at a street price of ~ US$1,100 there. The difference between the States and Singapore here is that the Coolpix A is being sold here way below the US price at S$1,200 or less. US tourists who are interested in the Coolpix A should therefore buy it here in Singapore especially as they could get back a rebate of 7% GST for even greater savings.

 

[fengwei]

From my favorite dealer.

Why not just wait for a few days until the camera is really available here before you make such assumption? Since someone already said above that the price is gonna be better than the US (800usd)' I guess the local price difference is gonna be more than 200sgd.

Just one more week to go...

 

[pinholecam]

From my favorite dealer.

yes it will be good here. better than in US or Japan. trust me

Looks like 'the dealer' has already said its going to be good price.
Anyway, ETA to SGP is so near, no harm to wait and see.

 

[deviantdanny]

Haha really guys? So nice the bag that comes with it. Alright thanks for the advice. Any chance it would be about a grand? Tax back and all sets me back at about 1k.