GRD V - discussion, what may it bring?

[thelps]

The GRD IV has been out for a while so I thought it time to perhaps have a gentle discussion on what might be in the GRD V (if there is one?), what we may suggest, like, desire, want and speculate a little on its arrival.
I think it a no brainer that some of the tech thats in the IV will find its way to the V. The focus module likely will be there but what else could be?

My 2 pixels worth..
A wish is for an OVF. My reasoning is that a fixed field of view OVF is easier to make than a zooming one and as the GRD has a single fixed lens what an ideal device to put one in. Remove the inbuilt flash, move the LCD to the right a bit and put some more body to the left with OVF in the left corner. Some space for a few control buttons below. I will add though that if no OVF eventuates I will still likely buy one. I like the GRD that much! So I won't cry over it

A larger sensor, always wanted but if it demands a bigger body then no from me. New sensor tech, slightly bigger may yield an improvement. I think for the series to survive it has to creep up, creeping hopefully will be enough.
All of the above I'd pass on if there was a way to make the camera as compact but with a fixed lens, by this I mean no telescoping lens assmebly movement during power up. Much like an X100 for example. A tall ask but I'll put it out there.

Limited versions? - I think why not, they are fun and if the price is sensible keep making them Ricoh! Just make sure they are available worldwide!

Note that I am easily swayed by a good strong argument...
Ideas.

[Blow-in]

I've pasted-in some of my thoughts that I'd posted in the Dream GXR-M thread edited to 'stand-alone' and with some additions.

I have a GRD (I) and a GRD IV and in may ways I regard the GRD as the more 'pure' design in the sense that it has a much simpler menu system - with far fewer options of course. While an awful lot of good things have been retained in the evolution of the GRD series, I have a feeling that the designers have been forced to check a tick list of features to add market appeal but not necessarily make a better camera.

If I could design my ideal GRD, it would retain the lens and speed of the IV but would have the simpler 'I' menu system and yes, possibly only 'A' & 'M' modes...any 'trickery' would be reserved for post processing.

The concept would be a good quality camera with a simple user interface that allowed 'traditional' adjustments (ie aperture, exposure compensation, white balance etc).

I wonder if we could do away with the LCD? I like to frame pictures with the camera at my eye and so with the GRD use an optical view finder.....if there was a decent electronic view finder, why bother with the LCD? Removing it would throw-up more space for the buttons (despite the digital revolution, my digits, if anything, have got bigger not smaller). It would also allow a redesign so that the EVF was 'in' the camera rather than 'on' it. Thinking a bit more about this I wonder if a smaller LCD that displayed menus and settings but not images could be the way ahead? If it had the histogram and the usual icons (but much BIGGER) you could do a basic set-up using the screen then frame and refine using the EVF.

I agree with Tim that the built-in flash could go to make more space for a view finder. I use the IV with the GH-2 fitted so would also be very happy with a non-moving lens although I'm sure there are many other users who prefer the slimmer camera.


I don't want a 'retro' hardware design but I do want some thing that fits the human hand so a good grip and well placed and sized buttons & dials are what is needed so it would still look like a camera but not necessarily a pastiche of a film design.

Richard

[HawkeyX]

If there was a V, I expect we may see a new sensor - to keep the unit the same size, it would be the same size, but something more up to date. I dont really see any other big changes. Perhaps some more menu options, but I think the IV has as much as most people would need. Physical design wise, I dont feel Ricoh would make any significant changes.

I would love a OVF or EVF, but dont know if there would be enough of a market to remove or reduce the current screen. For the average camera user now days, shooting via the rear screen is pretty mainstream - Im horified by the number of DSLR users I see even shooting from the screen. I dont see it happening, but if I could design the V I'd be happy with a slightly higher profile, slightly smaller rear screen, removed/relocated flash and a OVF/EVF. Even just an EVF and remove the screen altogether would work for me, but I wouldnt think it would be a marketing success.

Otherwise for me,I cant really add anything else I feel needs to go into the GRD - I think they have gradually brought it up to the peak of its design. Its a fairly nieche product in todays camera world. I'd be pressed to feel the need to move on from my IV for a compact unit.

Ah - one more - weatherproof it so I can go out shooting in all manners of weather.

[kzphoto]

The retracting lens design is something I fight over. I hate it because it feels weaker and I believe it let's more dust in. I like it because it keeps the camera more compact, sort of the ethos of the GR brand.

My 2 cents: optical finder like the GR film series, with updated readout. Slightly larger sensor would be great, more Image Stabilization features and maybe a faster lens. Oh and a 40/50mm model so one doesn't have to use an accessory lens.

[ZDP-189]

Let's have wireless connectivity. Blue tooth at least.

[MikePenn]

I would be more than happy with a B&W only version. Couldn't care less about viewfinder, video, lens factor or stabilization.

[andrewteee]

The GRD4 is very good as it is and I'm not ready to start thinking about the next one.

My only wish list item at this point is for a B&W only model, although I doubt any sensor manufacturer is unwilling to produce a B&W sensor in that sensor size. But I'll keep my hopes up. I think a B&W GRD would be killer. Most of my GRD work is B&W anyway.

Were I to let my imagination run wild I'd like to see a 50mm GRD! In B&W

[thelps]

The GRD4 is very good as it is and I'm not ready to start thinking about the next one.

My only wish list item at this point is for a B&W only model, although I doubt any sensor manufacturer is unwilling to produce a B&W sensor in that sensor size. But I'll keep my hopes up. I think a B&W GRD would be killer. Most of my GRD work is B&W anyway.

Were I to let my imagination run wild I'd like to see a 50mm GRD! In B&W

I think a few specialist models would sell well. A lot of people are looking for some new horizons with their image making tools to try and differentiate themselves.
Its a nice ask you have here, and interesting now this Leica M Monochrom is out. There was a rumor that Ricoh was to have some input to the Leica I wonder if any of that rumor proved true?

[andrewteee]

Well, if any camera maker is to explore B&W beyond Leica I'd say it is Ricoh. Let's hope so. Based in what I've seen from the M-MM I'd buy a B&W Ricoh in a heartbeat, and frankly I just might have to buy the M-MM if they don't.

[michalth]

- Update image sensor to match Canon G11/G12 etc. in terms of resolution and noise.
- Full RAW support (no shot-to-shot delay when taking RAW photos, optionally compressed DNG, cumizable embedded previews in DNG (full, half size, none - now only half size), ability to display DNG preview same way as JPEG). Taking photos in RAW should be no different to taking it in JPEG as is normal with DSLR for years.
- Weather sealing.

To counter others:

- Built-in OVF - While it would be nice, it's request for different camera.