Video Mode
Do not expect miracle from GRD3 video mode. This camera is intended for still photography so video mode is very basic, but will be useful for quick snap and web sharing.
Some perceived weaknesses
- It is easy to accidentally press the the up and down button (usually use for zoom)
- Spot focus limited to center of the frame only. It is not moveable like other advanced compacts.
- Manual zoom magnification should be greater and also movable to other part of the frame (not only center).
- A bit slow processing when shooting in RAW files (approx. 2 sec each), although you can shoot 5 frames continuously at 2 fps.
- Double Snap feature does not give you control over exposure or other setting.
- Need tripod to get Double Snap feature to work well.
- No image stabilization. This is understandable because the size of the camera could be larger. Also, the high ISO performance and bright lens will suffice in low light condition.
- No scene modes or face detection. This camera is not aimed for casual / family compacts market.
- Tele converter lens is not available.
- Small image sensor, while closest competitors already move to DSLR quality sensor
Competitors
People that looking for Ricoh GRD3 might also consider:
Sigma DP1 $550
DP1 uses 14.6 megapixel FOVEON sensor (effective 4.6 mp), and 28 mm f/4 lens.
Sigma DP2 $650
DP1 uses 14.6 megapixel FOVEON sensor (effective 4.6 mp), and 40 mm f/2.8 lens. DP2 is slightly improved from DP1 in term of processing and operation speed and interface.
Leica X1 $1995
Leica offers 12 megapixel APS-C sensor and f/2.8 lens equivalent to 35mm.
Check out the detailed comparison on best fixed lens compact camera 2009 post
People might also consider advanced compact zoom lenses such as:
Canon G11 $500
G11 offers 28-140mm f/2.8-4.5 zoom stabilized lens, professional quality body interface and swivel LCD screen.
Canon S90 IS $430
S90 offers 28-105mm f/2-4.9 stabilized zoom lens
Panasonic Lumix LX3 $500
LX3 offers 24mm-60mm f/2-2.8 stabilized zoom lens
All the camera above offers 10 megapixel image resolution, which is believed to be sweet spot for image resolution and noise trade off.
Check out detailed comparison on Best compact camera 2009 post.
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“Spot focus limited to center of the frame only. It is not moveable like other advanced compacts. ”
Very nice review but I have to point out that you can indeed move the AF point freely and even set the exposure point freely on the acreen using the AE/AF option when pressing the Adj. button it’s the last option.
thanks for visiting and your input Cristian, I need to try it