GX100 meets RX100

[blue_quartz]

Hi 2012, 2007 called.

People regard a Particular brand's (*ahem*) LX series for starting the "advanced compact camera" category, and yet at the same time many have forgot about the dark horse in the race - Ricoh.

The GX100 was not the first to offer 10 mega-pixels (that goes to the LX2), but it raised the bar with a hot-shoe and an EVF accessory. Shooting features like snap focus and phase-detection AF rounded off its compact package neatly.

Five years later, the RX100 has risen the bar by doing things big and small at the same time. The relatively big 1"-type 20 mega-pixel sensor is unparalleled in the compact camera category, and at the same time Sony has kept its dimensions as Small as the Closest competitor (*ahem*) for a well-balanced compromise.

It helps that both have similar-sounding model names, and hence we have this friendly comparison to show how they have slight edges over the other.

RX100 (Rex) shows off its larger lens for its larger sensor

GX100 (Gex) shows off its hotshoe and lens cover

With lens control ring and Richard Franiec's custom grip

With front control dial and phase detection window

Larger 3" screen and control dial...

Versus a rocker switch and EVF port

Flickr set

 

[Remko]

I like the comparison and agree with the highlighted features.

How are your experiences in using both *X100s?

Remko

 

[thelps]

Thank you for the comparison, its interesting to see where we have come over time.
I love the photo comparisons as well.

This begs the question of where we will be in another 5 years? GRD VII anyone?

 

[Rog Tallbloke]

The GX has superior ergonomics. Buttons set to the right below the thumb grip on the RX are hard to manipulate while trying to hold the camera steady.

 

[blue_quartz]

To be frank, the GX100 hasn't been my main camera when I got the Nikon D90 in late 2008, so I was trying hard to recall what I liked most about it too. They are things like attaching an Olympus FL-36R flash unit for dabbling in flash photography, using filters (I didn't bring this up) or making use of the snap focus/phase detection AF to drastically reduce the press-to-shot time, a really neat feature from a non-DSLR then. Essentially, it was a really good tool at learning the fun of photography.

Of course, its poor ISO performance came to my mind too, sometimes I was just trying hard to convince myself that it is an "artistic grain" characteristic that not many cameras offer (good ol' Ricoh). I was always careful to stick to ISO 100 or 200. Anything more (and indoors) and I'll have to really decide if I wanted the flow of motion blur or the artistic grain described... And yes, it is possible to go one-handed with the GX100 with its dial+rocker. I will say that the RX100 is a two-handed camera once you go non-auto: you are either turning the lens ring in front, or holding it steady while turning the control dial behind.

The RX100 works its magic the other way round. It trades the little corners cut in one-handed operations - all in the name of a more compact size - for absolute image performance. In fact, when you think about it, this is less of a hardware tinkerer's and more of a software master's camera. It doesn't deliver the hardware "goods", but you can be sure that when you start on your digital workflow, those RAWs and JPEGs are one of the finest you can get out of a compact camera compared to its peers.

 

[Wiener]

Although I still have fond memories of my GX100, it was dated technology way back when the GXR was introduced. Still, it retains potential for those of us who appreciate a challenge! However, the RX100 undoubtedly takes pictures as if from another planet by comparison. On the other hand, it is almost too small (OK, I know that I would give my right arm to get the GXR shrunk down that size) so less of a 'pro' compact than a great take me anytime you like camera? My friend owns one and am really interested to see what he can do with it!
Andy

 

[Rog Tallbloke]

I have to admit I miss my GX200 when I try to fit the GXR in a shirt pocket.
Just got to get used to the Lowepro belt pouch. It does get in the way though.

I would like to get a RX100 as a shirt pocket camera, but it's too much money for now.
I'll just keep reminding myself I made a great choice and using the camera a lot.

 

[Blow-in]

My dream would be a new lensor with the 1 inch sensor and a 28/F1.8 - 85/F4 equivalant zoom packaged no larger than the GXR with the A12/28....that would make me buy in to the GXR.

Richard

 

[busch63]

My dream would be a new lensor with the 1 inch sensor and a 28/F1.8 - 85/F4 equivalant zoom packaged no larger than the GXR with the A12/28....that would make me buy in to the GXR. Richard

Richard, I dream nearly same. I prever A20 24-140/F2,8 and not bigger than the S10.
I expect something new for Photokina or so. Since Ricoh is Sony Sensor Customer and Sony got the 1" Sensor it 's just a question of time something nice will come together.
For any reasons some big dealer sell the "old" GXR gear with big savings from Stock (e.g. GXR +P10 ~ 200-250€)
[I just got my GXR+S10 Kit brandnew for less 400€]
... I believe there is something new coming but usuable for current GXR, too.

 

[blue_quartz]

The RX100 works its magic the other way round. It trades the little corners cut in one-handed operations - all in the name of a more compact size - for absolute image performance. In fact, when you think about it, this is less of a hardware tinkerer's and more of a software master's camera. It doesn't deliver the hardware "goods", but you can be sure that when you start on your digital workflow, those RAWs and JPEGs are one of the finest you can get out of a compact camera compared to its peers.

Ah, trust Ricoh to shatter my expectations from a compact camera with the GR in just nine months after my statement...

As it stands, the RX100 is still a very potent compact with zoom lens, and its video features are things that the GR will probably not match. Under the right conditions, the extra 4 megapixels will give you more room for cropping too on paper (speaking of which, maybe I should do some daylight cropping shots before I find a buyer for the RX100).

The GR delivers with not only just the one-handed operation that I liked from my GX-100 days, but also a faster interface than than the RX100. Start-up and shut-down is faster, which is probably expected as there's less lens movement. Adjusting settings is faster with just one hand on the GR's jog-dial, whereas you definitely need the other hand to hold the RX100 while you work the two rings. Guess this is where the longer GR plays its length to its advantage. Image playback is also slightly faster too, hesitating less than the RX100.

RX100's output is still one of the best from a compact, just that the GR has joined the party and has a slight edge thanks to its larger sensor and lens combination.