GRD V - discussion, what may it bring?

[ktwse]

Hi and welcome to the forum, your comment here is one I agree very much on, the GRD survival over camera phones is a concern. Not sure what the answer is but perhaps the cult following will keep the GRD going, its survival is probably mostly about decent sales.

This is spot on.

From a spec POV, the GRD should have been dead in the water around the time of the second generation. The reason Ricoh keeps making them is that there is a small but very loyal group of people who seek something they can't get from other cameras. A very high quality fixed lens, great operation with everything controllable with buttons, wheels and levers rather than menus and touchscreens, and an unobtrusive design.

Camera phones and CSC:s might well eventually kill off the point and shoot compacts, but there will always be room for enthusiast compacts catering to niche markets.

I think two things are especially important to consider: the average user review for the GRD versus any other camera. The scores and positive comments are, simply put, far above what any other camera achieves. Second, the average image from a GRD, which I would suggest is of far higher quality in terms of everything from exposure to composition than those from pretty much any other camera bar high end FF and MF cameras. It's fairly obvious that the people using the camera know what they're doing.

This final point also means that high ISO noise and limited DR will not be as much of a problem. A good photographer knows how to work around such limitations, and as it's not a camera for weddings or sports it doesn't need this.

That said, I believe it will have the same form factor (don't fix what isn't broken) but a larger sensor. Patents filed by Ricoh for 14/2.5 and 19/2.5 lenses suggest it might be as big as an APS-C sensor, but I doubt they'd go that far if it meant having to give up too much on the size / form factor. Given the quality of Sony's new 1" sensor and the compact size of the RX-100, that might be a fair bet for the GRD V.

[michalth]

Czech language readers can view my user experiences with Ricoh GRD IV including some suggestions for improvement in version V here: http://michal.thoma.cz/cs/m/fotak-do-ka ... digital-iv

For English readers my suggestions are:

-Updated sensor (not necessarily larger)
-Status LCD display on top of the body for better work with optical VF
-Improved workabilty with RAW images (speed, displaying, saving options)

[Wouter]

Don't know about the GRD4, but I certainly would prefer a far more scratch resistant LCD screen. The one on my GRD3 was replaced after two years and the replacement is even worse. But I shouldn't be worried. The camera needs to be used, not treasured.

And I am curious if Pentax firmware engineers will contribute too. In my opinion they did a remarkable job on the jpeg engine of their Pentax Q.

[streetshooter]

Wouter, I am ashamed of myself for asking this but I must.... Have you used a screen protector on your cameras? They are an absolute must have for every digital camera, bar none.
I will not drop names or favorites that work the best like the ACMAXX...but suggest you look into the idea.

[Wouter]

When the LCD screen got replaced I tried Acmaxx, but it actually came off. It just didn't want to stick properly. And honestly I don't care Don. I never had a camera with such a screen, but it is fine with me. It is a freakin' tool, not a jewelry.

Even the grip comes loose, especially after holding the camera longer in my hand. I just don't want to sent my camera for repair, cause I have to use it. Even now when I feel a bit uninspired.

[streetshooter]

Wouter, I understand completely. I use the ACMAXX because my camera goes in and out of the pocket or something a lot on my walks. I couldn't care if the paint scratches, flakes etc but...the screen is my direct contact to the 2 dimensional world of the image. I like it to be as close to my print as possible with as little distraction as possible.

As far as uninspired goes. I have no definition for that word in my work. After 50 years, it's never been a word I understood.

You will find your way out of the woods......

[MikePenn]

I stopped using LCD protectors too. Well actually I don't use the LCD.

[thelps]

On the subject of screen protectors I just use the thin film type screen protectors.
I could not find any for the GRD III or IV so I cut up Nintendo DS type one to suit - they are plentiful and cheap because of the shear number of DS's out there.
iPhone 4 protectors would be another good source to cut up.

The trick with installing them is to get them on without a single spec of dust so the bubbles will roll out.
I've found never to turn the side that touches the screen upwards as you install it as instantly the dust settles.

I have one on my IV right now with a a bubble or two, but I would rather suffer the bubble than the peeling.
The loss of IQ integrity of the LCD with these type is low IMO. A little less contrast but not much loss.

I think these film jobbies would take a fair beating before you'd get a scratch to the LCD.
You could always put the remaining film after cutting up to the test with a set of keys or whatever your camera may face.

Each to their own .

It is a freakin' tool, not a jewelry.

I do agree, but the cost a film protector is so minimal compared to the camera.

[Wouter]

Regarding protectors and being nice for my camera I am a very bad person :] I beat it up. And I think using an OVF actually speeded up the peeling, cause your face skin is constantly in contact with the screen.

[Wouter]

As far as uninspired goes. I have no definition for that word in my work. After 50 years, it's never been a word I understood.

You will find your way out of the woods......

I have always been fueled and burned down by doubt. And lack of inspiration or creativity have always been greatest fear. It will come my way though, I guess.