Ricoh releases GR firmware 4.0

Hey Zvonimir, I don't understand the logics... wouldn't the GR with a EVF be more an X100s for half the price?

Also, people buy Ricohs for the handling experience and to a lesser extent the IQ (above all lense and restrained NR), so why not offer that as a MILC with its own lense system (or K-mount)? Pentax could easily extend the compact limited line of K lenses or even develop a third system for an APS-C sensor. Pentax has shown it's potential to produce sth competely from scratch with the Q system.
The recently released DA lenses are compact, and competitively priced (50/1.8 for €130!). A new GXR could simply be a K1-II, which would improve on the K1's fundamental flaws.

Yep. This is what you get when you focus on a large sensor and a fixed focal length lens. Do one thing well...or do many things just average or even poorly.

Kevin: thanks for mentioning that, since I had never heard of another camera having this feature.

Having now looked at some Canon G-series user manuals, I notice this feature is in fact mentioned in the G12 user manual (albeit almost as an afterthought, among such riveting notes as “the standard exposure is calculated according to the metering method chosen”). See page 107.

A similar but different feature is mentioned in the G1 X user manual, on page 130. You seemingly have to press the shutter-button halfway and the * button simultaneously.

But there appears to be no sign of such a feature in the G1 X Mark II user manual. Maybe you and I are the only ones interested!

Which functionality was added by Fuji? That I know of is only bug fix after bug fix.. Things that should have been on FW 1.0

Sorry but faster refresh rate after software update is the ideal definition of bug fix.

You said something about functionality: New functionality is something like the ability to edit raw images in camera, like Ricoh announced. Or if the x100s would not come with the focus split and then they would have added later.

I do not own a Ricoh or a Fuji, Sony guy here, but Ricoh is king in this department and I am just waiting to get a good, used GR.

Fait enough I might pick 1 up as well.
It's a one trick pony but nevertheless a very good one.

I remember when i bought the lumix lx3 panasonic add fw for 2 years, when lx5 come out they forget it for ever, ricoh do the same, when come gr III no more fw for gr II.
One month after Fuji release X-E2 add fw for X-E1, focus peak highlight, edit file name, and auto iso. For me it´s add for you maybe is a bug fix.
Now i hope fuji don´t do the same (Pana, Ricoh), and keep up give us an update for x-e1, intervalometer for example.

I realize this question is a little off topic but.... Given the new firmware updates for the GR since the initial crop of reviews written a year or so ago, how well does the "new" GR fix the complaints about (relatively) poor white balance and jpeg quality?

I am a former GR1 user (still own one) and loved that camera but not dealing with film. I've gone through DSLR and am now using Fuji X-E1 as primary but want to add an even more portable camera. This will replace a Canon S95.

GR size has a lot going for it. Decision, as for many others in this situation, is between X100s and GR. I've read all the initial reviews comparing the two but wonder what the various firmware updates have done to resolve issues.

I prefer not to be forced to shoot RAW otherwise the JPEG and WB issues wouldn't matter. I enjoy the flexibility of switching between RAW and JPEG with the X-E1 (RAW sometimes, JPEG for everyday). Fuji JPEG works well. Has Ricoh JPEG quality and WB improved?

Well, I just found a nearly new GR on Craigslist for $450 which I intend to pick up tomorrow and give it a whirl. I loved the GR1 film version which I stopped using about ten years ago so I'm hoping to rekindle the flame. Still like the Fuji x100s package but with the GR at half the price for used specimen as well as being closer in size to the Canon S95 it will replace, I will give it a try. No doubt an upgrade from the S95. Thanks for your sage advice.

Glad to hear it. The GR1 was/is an excellent film camera. Of course digital is a completely different experience, so maybe the flame will burn with a different color/intensity this go round? Handling is pretty similar, but you may find the new GR to be better in this regard. There is a LOT inside this camera, take your time and start with the basics, learn it slowly. :) Just a thought!

C

OK, quick question: would you pay $450 for a nearly new GR or $650 for a new GR with GV2 instead (plus new warranty and SD)?? I was about to buy the CL camera when I checked Adorama and see that they have an unbelievable deal on the GR plus GV2 plus 32gb SD plus $50 gift certificate for less than$700, shipping included. I hate LCD screens to frame with most of the time so was planning to add an OVF anyway.

Since you like the OVF experience I'd pick #2 option :). I have one on mine as well :)