I had been using the Sigma DP2 Merrill and DP3 Merrill almost exclusively as of late. To my eye, the foveon output and the excellent lenses produce some quite elegant images. I do a fair bit of printing at A3, and I've been quite happy with the output. While they're very nice cameras, they are limited in their operational versatility. They're more useful than they're made out to be; it just requires some practice to work to their strengths and to compensate for their weaknesses. However, I felt that I was encountering circumstance often enough when I wanted something smaller and more versatile in lower light that I decided to give the GR a try. I'm familiar with the GRD IV, which I owned for a while and rather liked. Getting the GR to deal with lower light photography helpfully forestalls a more complicated decision about whether to build up a more versatile, weatherised system around the Pentax K-3 or something like it.
So, the GR arrived not too long ago, and I've been very pleased with it. I find it a little easier to handle than the GRD IV. TAv mode is a great idea, especially since I use the camera mostly for B&W photography and the higher ISO pictures convert nicely. I've posted a few photos below.
Since many people compare the GR to the Sigmas, I'll just reiterate something that people in this forum say. They're quite different cameras. The GR has excellent output, but it difficult to describe just how much more there is to work with from a favourably exposed Sigma file. At the same time, I'd describe the GR as effortless to use, and it's very appealing for situations to which the DPxMs aren't well suited. The three cameras I now own have a combined weight of just under 1 kilogram. They share batteries, and they can be kitted out with useful accessories with out much additional weight. I may try the GW-3 eventually, which would add a fourth useful focal length at little weight penalty. I'm looking forward to trying out the trio on some upcoming trips. Based on past experiences with the Sigmas, I think this may turn out to be quite a nice way to have some photographic options at a very light total weight.
A few pictures:
So, the GR arrived not too long ago, and I've been very pleased with it. I find it a little easier to handle than the GRD IV. TAv mode is a great idea, especially since I use the camera mostly for B&W photography and the higher ISO pictures convert nicely. I've posted a few photos below.
Since many people compare the GR to the Sigmas, I'll just reiterate something that people in this forum say. They're quite different cameras. The GR has excellent output, but it difficult to describe just how much more there is to work with from a favourably exposed Sigma file. At the same time, I'd describe the GR as effortless to use, and it's very appealing for situations to which the DPxMs aren't well suited. The three cameras I now own have a combined weight of just under 1 kilogram. They share batteries, and they can be kitted out with useful accessories with out much additional weight. I may try the GW-3 eventually, which would add a fourth useful focal length at little weight penalty. I'm looking forward to trying out the trio on some upcoming trips. Based on past experiences with the Sigmas, I think this may turn out to be quite a nice way to have some photographic options at a very light total weight.
A few pictures:
