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Fuji X-100 and Ricoh GR

After using the Ricoh GR and Fujifilm X-100 intensenly, I would like to share some thoughts and experience here. Please note, that this is not a review or comparison. It´s based on daily use, not on technical specifications.

Ricoh GR

Ricoh GR | 1/500 | f/8 | ISO 200 | RAW

As I wrote in previews posts, the Ricoh GR to me is the best camera for the streets. It´s small and inconspicuous and can be controlled by one hand. IQ is remarkable. In my daily use I find the Ricoh GR is not the best option If you want to shoot JPEG and dont want to post-process your files. I tried all kinds of settings, but most of the time I ended up with the RAW. Because of a shifted Auto-WB, colors are too cool and not the best choice for skin tones. Ricoh underexposes most of the time. I find the Ricoh is a black and white beast. Shooting in RAW, the 16 MP sensor without low pass filter combined with a very sharp lens creates images comparable to a full frame camera. Crisp and sharp even when viewed at 100% in LR. DNG RAW format is a pleasure and if using filmsimulation software like VSCO or Replichrome, you can create wonderful moods.

Fuji X-100

The last FW update (2.01.) made the Fuji X-100 a complete new camera as you can read in many forums. JPGs are impressive. The filmsimulations and it´s rendering differ from the X-E2 files. I don´t like the term "film-look", but I think this discription gives a better image of how X-100 files could look like. They are not as detailed as the Ricoh and seem to have less "deph". RAW are great too and when apply sharpness in LR 4.4, the result is awesome. What I also like about Fujifilm X is that the camera sees what my eyes sees. This is stunning.

To me, the Fuji X-100 needs some kind of more attention to use than the Ricoh GR. Because the Ricoh is smaller, you can easily slip it into your pants pocket, while the X-100 stays on your neck. Also Ricoh´s Full Press Snap for high-speed sequential shooting at the set distance when pressing the shutter button all the way down at once is an advantage for streetphotographers. By selecting the focal distance beforehand (1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m, 2.5 m, 5 m, infinity), shooting can be completed without activating AF, for snapping away.

Conclusion

I want to underline again, that comparing these two cameras is pointless. They are totally different in use. I am not referring to the obvious stuff like control buttons, ergonomics nor pixelpeeping, 28mm versus 35mm, 12MP versus 16MP. But more the way how you end up performing your art. The way how you capture the moment will be influenced. With this in mind, neither camera will make you a better photographer, but it can help you to develop your style and reveal the way you see the world through the lens.

Ricoh GR Gallery

Fujifilm X-100 Gallery

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