{"id":11743,"date":"2013-04-18T03:38:21","date_gmt":"2013-04-18T10:38:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=11743"},"modified":"2013-04-18T03:47:02","modified_gmt":"2013-04-18T10:47:02","slug":"street-photography-camera-game-changer-the-ricoh-grd-v","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2013\/04\/18\/street-photography-camera-game-changer-the-ricoh-grd-v\/","title":{"rendered":"Street Photography Camera Game-Changer: The Ricoh GRD V"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The new Ricoh GRD V (or just the “GR”)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are a few cameras that make me excited. The Ricoh GR-series are one of them.<\/p>\n

Ricoh has an almost cult-like following in Japan (and all around the world) for its compact size and versatile functionality. In-fact, Daido Moriyama<\/a> (one of Japan’s most famous photographer) uses the GR-series cameras exclusively (he used to shoot black and white film, and now digital GR’s). Frankly, I haven’t met a single street photographer who doesn’t like the camera.<\/p>\n

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About 3 years ago I tested the prior Ricoh GRD III, and fell in love with the camera. The snap-focus was brilliant (being able to pre-focus and shoot without shutter lag), the 28mm lens, and the ability to slip it in and out of my pocket.<\/p>\n

\"ricoh<\/p>\n

I am a huge fan of compact cameras, as the smaller your camera for street photography is– the more you will carry it around with you. I personally shoot a lot with my film Contax T3, and recently took my Ricoh GR1v to a trip in Korea to shoot black and white (it gives me the ability to push to ISO 1600, whereas the T3 can’t push).<\/p>\n

The Ricoh GRD V<\/a> has just been announced, and I think it is a game-changer with the ASPC-sized sensor <\/strong>(same sized sensor in small DSLR cameras). It will only cost ~$800 USD<\/strong>, which is loads cheaper than the Sony RX-1<\/a> (which I think is an awesome camera but far too expensive at $2800 USD).<\/p>\n

Sure it isn’t a full-frame sensor (Ricoh will probably shove a full-frame sensor in the GRD in the next few years) but it is smaller and more compact than the RX-1. Although the RX-1 is compact, it certainly won’t slip into your pocket as easily as a Ricoh.<\/p>\n

\"ricoh<\/p>\n

I am not trying to advocate G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome<\/a>) here, but if you carry around a bulky DSLR and want a smaller option– I would definitely consider the GRD V. I generally find the most important thing in street photography is to always have a camera with you. And generally the smaller the camera you have, the more you will carry it with you, and the more photos you will end up taking.<\/p>\n

As all the previous generations of the GR’s have been amazing, I’m sure Ricoh will hit a home run with this camera. Of course I haven’t tried out the camera yet (I might try to get a review unit to test out for you guys) but I think it will be epic. So if you are looking for a smaller option in street photography, keep your eyes posted on this camera.\u00c2\u00a0Apparently the camera will be shipping sometime in May<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

>> You can pre-order the Ricoh GRD V on B&H Photo Video\u00c2\u00a0here<\/a>.\u00c2\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Promo Video For Ricoh GRD V<\/h2>\n