RICOH GR
Most cameras reviews are based on a simple though misleading logic to write a review shortly after a new camera is released. While there is some logic to it, it is generally not the best way to go. Why ? Digital cameras have reached a level of maturity and one can say that there are not really bad cameras anymore. However, digital devices often tend to get more and more complex and are loaded with a bounty of features that tend to make them more counterintuitive to operate (at least at first). After all, how can one expect a journalist or a photographer who has been shooting, say, Nikon cameras for most of his life to be really objective and at ease when writing about, say, a Fuji or an Olympus camera that he, or she, had only for a few hours/days to test.
Back in the film days (for those of us who are old enough to remember them), this was a non-issue. Back then, most people would choose their camera system based on cost, lens choices and the availability of given accessories (such as close-up lenses for macro shooters or telephoto options for bird or wildlife shooters). People with smaller hands might have preferred OLYMPUS or PENTAX cameras which already were making a specialty of developing smaller bodies. But all of these factors were easy to grasp for any knowledgeable reviewer. Nowadays, digital cameras are like small computers and often differ more in their interface than the image quality they allow one user to achieve.
For today’s digital photographers, this translates into a simple truth : Reading the user’ s manual is a necessary step even for experienced photographers. And some time spent using the camera is really needed for a serious and unbiased review.
I have been using the Ricoh GR for almost two years since its launch in May 2013. I was already familiar with the Ricoh GR philosophy having used a GRDIII and a GRDIV. I was also very familiar with the Ricoh interface in general having used the now discontinued GXR (and GX100 prior to that).Therefore this “in-depth” review is going to be longer than my other reviews to allow a full understanding of the cameras specifics… [Read more…]
Olympus EM5 markII test on the way
I want to tell my readers that I purchased the new Olympus m4/3rd camera. The Olympus OMD EM5 Mark II (yes it is the full name !) is my third Micro 4/3rd camera. I also own an EM-1 (which is in the repair shop for some “dust on the sensor issue” and a malfunctioning rear dial) as well as the original EM-5.
For me the improved stabilization and the articulated screen were my main reasons to get this new camera but most reviewers are also thrilled by the new high resolution mode. Despite the limitations ( only tripod shots on absolutely still subjects) it is a very innovating feature. So, before the full test, I wanted to share today an example of such subjects at the normal 16Mp and the 40MP mode for you to compare. [Read more…]
TENBA DNA : The best Photo shoulder/messenger bag ever ?
In my years as a photographer, I have met lots of different photographers with different camera systems and different fields of photo expertise. But there is one thing that I have never met and it is a photographer who has only ONE camera bag. when it comes to camera bags, it seems that most photographers have a constant craving for a ” better” or “bigger” bag or more often than not “just one more bag”. It does make sense in many ways. Going on a serious photo hike overseas for several weeks is quite different task than going to cover a wedding, a march for one day. There are so many variants to one what one photographer may need that it cannot be really covered with just one bag.
How much gear do you want to carry ? how much protection against shocks or weather conditions is needed ? What else outside camera gear do you need to store in your bag ?… These are just a few of the important factors when choosing a bag. Obviously, the kind of gear you have will influence the choice of the bag but equally the kind of portage you prefer or is more appropriate to the venue. Let s look in details why this DNA line by Tenba is special: [Read more…]
the best bang for your $ mirrorless lenses ?
As a full-time photographer I am frequently brought to travel by plane. Frequent plane travelers know that nowadays most, if not all, airlines have stricter rules for both the size AND the weight of your carry-on. Most airlines have a maximum weight limit of 8 to 10 kilograms (18 to 22 pounds). If you have a midsize carry-on like a canvas backpack or shoulder bag , the bag itself when empty is probably close to 1 kilogram.When you add your laptop and/or tablet it is easy to see how lightweight equipment is called for. Most tourists probably rely on a small and lightweight point and shoot and/or your smartphone for their picture-tasks. But being serious about his photography generally implies more “serious” gear. No photographer should go on an important trip with only ONE photographic device. You probably need at least 2 or 3 lenses and spare batteries ( remember you cannot check-in batteries on a flight any more). [Read more…]
[updated] LX100 Review Part II
PERFORMANCE & LENS QUALITY
One area where the LX is really impressive is SPEED. First, it has a very speedy AF (at least in single AF, I have not tried CAF yet). The AF speed seems to be very high even in relatively dark situations and with all the benefits of the high accuracy of contrast AF.